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Experience
The Outlook and Garnet Valley Ranch
Around the world, with climate change in mind, grape growers are looking at unconventional hills and mountains as the future sites for ultra-premium cool climate wine. Our quest was for land where we could mindfully develop vineyards with nature, wildlife, and the future of the site top of mind. We sought a place with no immediate neighbours to influence our organic farming plan. This was a tall order, as decades earlier, the Okanagan Valley had been carved into small ten-acre parcels for homesteading.
Hidden on the backroads of Summerland, BC, this rare place was discovered in 2012 in a lucky twist of fate. A chance visit left us breathless at the endless possibilities. From that first day, we made a commitment to a land stewardship program that would see the vast majority of the 320-acre site left in its natural state. And we have done just that. Today, Garnet Valley Ranch is a certified organic site, home to vineyards, field crops, a lavender farm, a bustling beehive and a small winery and The Outlook visitor center.
The property is open by appointment only, Wednesday to Saturday – May 17th to October 12th. Visitors
are encouraged to book well in advance as daily numbers are limited, in order
to preserve the impact on the ranch.
Explore & Taste
Hop onboard the electric people mover for a tour around the property to visit iconic viewpoints. Return to The Outlook for a seated, curated wine tasting of six wines from the Garnet Valley Ranch and Free Form portfolios. Explore each wine as you take in the wild, spectacular natural setting, that’s perfectly balanced with farming enterprise.
Picnic & Hike or Bike
Take an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Garnet Valley Ranch, where nature’s wonders await at every turn. Placed within the heart of this spectacular wilderness lies an expanse of untouched habitat, beckoning adventurers to explore.
Your adventure begins with a 90 min hike on marked routes through the diverse terrain where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of flora and fauna that call this valley home. Journey at your own pace encountering vineyards, the native aspen grove, wildlife pond, fragrant lavender field, and organic vegetable farm. For those seeking to explore further afield, bring your off road or e-bike and branch out. The team will give you a few options.
Choose your favourite spot and settle in for a curated selection of cheeses, meats, fruit and crackers – paired with wine – as you take a moment to reflect on the stunning vistas that surround you, before returning to The Outlook to conclude your adventure with a seated portfolio tasting, including a selection of exquisite wines crafted from grapes grown on the ranch.
Whoa, Pony!
Embark on an exhilarating horseback riding adventure and channel your favourite Yellowstone character for a day, while exploring the untamed beauty of Garnet Valley Ranch.
The spirit of the Wild West comes alive amidst breathtaking landscapes and rugged terrain. Saddle up and prepare for a fun journey like no other! Your guide will take it at the pace you are comfortable with – beginner or experienced.
Your adventure begins as you mount your trusty steed and set out to explore the vast expanse of the ranch’s land guided by experts from Wildhorse Mountain Ranch. Helmets provided. Safety first!
As your ride draws to a close, return to The Outlook and indulge in a well-deserved seated portfolio tasting. Savour a selection of six exquisite wines crafted from the Garnet Valley Ranch and Free Form portfolios.
Afterward, relax on the patio and toast the memories made amidst the beauty of Garnet Valley.
What to expect
There’s no turning the clock back on progress, hence our focus since 2012 has been to “take it slowly” and under develop. At Garnet Valley Ranch, wildlife is respected, and we’ve come to terms with sharing the site with bears, deer, coyotes, and the odd elusive cougar. A heron and osprey are regular visitors to the pond, and over 75 species of birds have been identified as part of an site inventory of wildlife.
Gravel roads, wildlife corridors and small but thoughtful buildings have been added to the site to support our organic farming and winemaking activities. We re-established a pond that had been diverted and turned grazing hayfields back into native habitat to protect a stream. Crop biodiversity is important to support bees and other beneficial insect. We have dedicated land to food production as we know the long-term benefit of local products to the community. And we grow the best carrots you will ever taste.
In addition to learning about organic viticulture, the role of biodiversity, and land stewardship, you can tour lavender fields managed by Oasis Lavender Cooperative, and acres of field crops farmed by Thomas Tumbach and his team at LocalMotive. LocalMotive supplies local restaurants, fruit stands and offers home delivery of organic products in the Okanagan. End your farm tour back at The Outlook with a tasting of wines made exclusively from Garnet Valley Ranch and enjoy a complimentary charcuterie board.