Winemaker Will Hardman is part of the fourth generation to farm the family’s Naramata property. In 2003, it was his father, Bryan Hardman, who made the decision to transition from growing apples to cultivating grapes. Initially selling fruit to wineries while focusing on in-demand varieties, Will’s growing interest in the wine industry shifted the course, leading the family to embrace winemaking. Their 19-acre estate now produces exceptional wines, with their top five scoring highest in the National Wine Awards of Canada among wineries producing 10,000 cases or fewer, earning them the title of Best Performing Small Winery in 2023.
Gamay requires careful crop management to achieve optimal ripeness. The Hardman Vineyard, situated on a southwest-facing slope overlooking the lake, benefits from sunlight reflected off the water, ensuring even ripening of the grapes. To maintain balance and maximize fruit quality, the vines are heavily thinned, reducing the crop load and allowing the fruit to reach full ripeness.
Tasting Note
The grapes were destemmed and cold-soaked for 6 days before undergoing a 9-day fermentation. The wine was then pressed into older barrels, where it aged for 8 months. On the palate, flavors of juicy blackberry, cherry, and cracked pepper are cut with a slice of VA on the palate, tightening and shortening the palate to a puckering finish. Tannins are lightly sticky, hugging this along to the end.
Food Pairing
Grilled mushroom burgers.