Proprietors Oleg and Svetlana Aristarkhov have enjoyed great success and attention for their fine wines since opening on the Naramata Bench in 2012. With formidable winemaker Jacq Kemp in the cellar, they have quickly achieved recognition and accolades for their repertoire of wines. Recently the Riesling and Pinot Noir brought home a double win in the Best in the Medium Red Wine category and Best Light White Wine in Vancouver Magazine’s 2015 Wine Awards. A great achievement in a competition that includes international labels and a stellar line up of wine judges.
When they first opened, Oleg commented that “our goal here is to produce small lot, high quality wines”, and this they have done. Last year, Vancouver’s high-end Hawksworth Restaurant added both their Moraine Riesling and Pinot Noir to their significant wine list with the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria now includes their Viognier on the ‘by-the-glass’ list.
The Aristarkhov’s moved to wine country from Alberta with a philosophy “that wine offers one of life’s most simple, enjoyable and accessible pleasures” and they are indeed living their dream. The name Moraine, which is a glacially formed rocky landscape, was chosen to recognize and celebrate the distinct land formation of the Naramata Bench that has provided their unique terroir.
A family business at heart, the vineyards were named for their two daughters, Anastasia and Sophia and together produce a beautiful range of varietals as well as the very popular and affordable Cliffhanger White and Cliffhanger Red blends as well as an icewine.
~ Jennifer Schell