Anthony Gismondi: Why Pinot Noir is one of B.C.’s most important fine-wine success stories

A growing list of B.C. Pinot Noir producers that you can depend on when you are searching for Pinot labels to buy would include: 1 Mill Road, Blue Grouse, Blue Mountain, CedarCreek, Code Wines, Foxtrot, Garnett Valley Ranch, Haywire, Lightning Rock, Martin’s Lane, Meyer Family Vineyards, O’Rourke Family Estate, Quails’ Gate, Roche, Solvero, SpearHead, Tantalus, and Unsworth Vineyards.

I also think more is coming from Fort Berens Lunessence, Lakeboat, Liquidity, Modesta, Stoneboat, and Tightrope, and with the arrival of winemaker Chris Carson, ex-Meyer Vineyards, at Howling Bluff, you can add them to the list.

These producers have earned their place because the wine is good but, more importantly, they represent diverse terroirs and styles, not a single house style. There is nothing cheap about Pinot Noir, and anything under $25 is probably not worth buying. I think the $25-$35 range in B.C. is a fair place to start, and after that, prices can go over $100.

In the global context, I now believe our best bottles can generally compete with most global Pinot Noirs at the same price point, under $125-$150 a bottle. Once measured against Burgundy, it is increasingly judged on its own merits — and so far, it is proving its worth.

$62 | 92/100

UPC: 778913801419

The 2025 vintage marks the return of Okanagan fruit and is an outstanding year in the north. A warm growing season without heat spikes yielded high-quality fruit with concentration, ripeness and balance. This ideal combination allows winemaker Andrés Gálvez Pizarro to continue to refine CedarCreek’s style, reducing acidity and enhancing mid-palate weight and richness for a delightful Pinot Noir. Pizarro’s approach appeals to consumers who favour the softer, silkier characteristics of Pinot Noir, and it is reflected in the 2025 edition.

$49 | 91/100

UPC: 626990141358

The ’22 The Waltz has come home to the Naramata Bench under the watchful eye of winemaker Jacq Kemp, who has quietly been restoring the vineyards and the wines at Foxtrot. Look for a medium ruby red colour and an expressive, plummy, floral Pinot Noir with a brush of toasted oak that spills across the palate with elegance and style. Perfectly balanced, with great weight and drinkability, this harmonious wine is a delight to sip now. Perfect for restaurants.

$36.99 | 89/100

UPC: 626990442660

Okanagan Falls lies just two to three kilometres north of McIntyre Bluff, long thought to be the imaginary dividing line between the warmer southern Okanagan vineyards and the cooler northern sites. This estate version is a plummy red-fruit affair with a bit of spice and a silky, easy-sipping style that slides down easily. It is fresh and approachable, with solid Pinot purity and a touch of elegance. Ready to drink, and reflective of the purity and elegance that Pinot Noir can achieve in Okanagan Falls.

UPC: 627987248401

This young Summerland Pinot Noir comes from the Garnet Valley and Kozuki Family vineyards. It displays a dark cherry hue with subtle notes of blackberry and raspberry, complemented by vibrant acidity. The flavour is an intriguing mix of savoury cherry and a spicy blend of soy, balsamic, ginger, and dried desert herbs, underscored by a balanced, silky texture through the finish. Rich and powerful enough to pair with larger dishes like duck, mushroom risotto, or cedar plank salmon.