Under the visionary leadership of founders Bob and Senka Tennant, Terravista Vineyards broke new ground in the late 2000s by pioneering the cultivation of Albariño in British Columbia. As trailblazers, they became the first Canadian winery to commercially release this distinctive Spanish variety. Originally from the Rías Baixas region in Galicia, Spain, Albariño is known for its bright acidity, vibrant stone fruit and floral notes, and a subtle saline, mineral character. Since 2021, all fruit for this wine club-exclusive wine has been sourced from Terravista’s Lone Hand Ranch estate, with a small lot coming from the newly planted Naramata Outlook Vineyard, marking the first harvest from this site near the winery.
This Albariño doesn’t just nod to its Spanish roots—it challenges them head-on. Far from a novelty, this wine stakes a bold claim for the grape’s future in the Okanagan Valley. Now in its 10th vintage, Terravista’s Albariño thrives in BC’s terroir, where the warm, dry climate and mineral-rich soils of the Naramata Bench offer a slightly warmer growing environment than the coastal conditions of Rías Baixas. The result is a wine that’s crisp and vibrant, bursting with electric yellow fruits—think citrus zest and green apple—while maintaining a mineral edge that’s unmistakably Naramata Bench.
Tasting Note
True to the variety, this Albariño is semi-aromatic, showcasing notes of white flowers, peach skin, and a refreshing touch of salinity. A subtle effervescence adds liveliness to the palate, while its crisp acidity and linear texture create a clean, precise profile. At 13.8% ABV, it maintains balance and energy, with a well-defined finish and impressive length.
Food Pairing
The citrus salinity acts as a squeeze of lemon on your fish dish. As an alternative, pair this wine with a creamy asparagus risotto as we head into the spring.