JoieFarm Winery: Replanting a Legacy
A View of Central Okanagan Through Estate Vineyards
One of B.C.’s most beloved wineries has experienced its share of ups and downs over the past five years since new owner Alistair Veen took over in 2021. But, after JoieFarmWinery lost their entire crop in 2024 to a devastating cold snap, they saw it as a golden opportunity to focus on showcasing the very best wine they can craft from their scenic vineyards on the Naramata Bench in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia.
“Our path forced us to do a strategy check and say, ‘Where is Joie in 10-20 years? Where do we want to go?’”, explains winemaker Richard Charnock. “We wanted to simplify our portfolio and focus on less, and dive deep into the less. So, we took a very aggressive path on replanting, especially with one of our oldest vineyards, Smethhurst. We took 9 varieties down to 3 varieties, but within that there are 6 clones of Pinot Noir, 3 clones of Sauvignon Blanc, and 3 clones of Cabernet Franc. We basically did that across all of our properties.”
“2030 is the year. 2030 is the launch date to when we have access to all of our individual terroirs.”
JoieFarm has a clear focus to eventually craft all of their wines from their own grapes that are grown on over 100 acres of VQA soil. “We have five core vineyards that are located all the way from Summerland down to Oliver, so the wines will be a snapshot of the centre of the Okanagan,” says Charnock. “2030 is the year. 2030 is the launch date to when we have access to all of our individual terroirs.”
Soil Mapping and Sustainability Measures
Before deciding on what to replant, JoieFarm winery invested in deep soil mapping using tech systems for their 12-acre Smethurst vineyard. This was a game changer as it allowed the winery to proceed with planting exactly the varieties and clones that would be most successful for each plot. This kind of soil mapping is so specific, it even allows the vineyard management team enough information to plant rows to be facing the most optimal direction.
“We used a consultant from Vintality to help us find calcareous soil, find water, and figure out what kind of grapes will grow best using electromagnetic soil mapping. We changed the entire structure of that vineyard: the row aspect, the drainage. We knew that we could grow great Pinot there but this helped us establish what clones we should use and where they would best be suited,” explains Veen.
Joie references this soil mapping to optimize the use of their soil moisture probes and watering systems within the vineyard to ensure water conservation is a top priority for each specific block.
“By using soil probes and remote-controlled valves we are able to target where water is needed and so we use less and less of it all the time. We are even putting a flow meter on the winery itself to determine our own water usage. Water usage is the main focus, along with covercrops. Covercrops are beneficial to soil health and bring nitrogen, but it also attracts beneficial insects into the vineyard.” Veen continues, “We work closely with Sustainable B.C. and we aim to be a leader in that department. We want to make sure the wines don’t need fixing once they’re in the winery, so that they can essentially be made in the vineyard. Our goal is to communicate our desert, lake moderated terroir that makes the Okanagan so special, and give our customers a glimpse of that within the glass.”
Did you know?
JoieFarm Winery has their own gourmet hot dog lounge! It’s dog-friendly too. Try the winemaker’s favourite pairing: The Classic BallPark with Chardonnay.
JoieFarm Noble Blend: The Flagship Wine That Stands the Test of Time
Noble Blend is an aromatic, bright white wine blend that has remained JoieFarm Winery’s flagship bottle for over two decades now. While the blend itself has changed from vintage to vintage, the two main varieties of Riesling and Gewurztraminer have always remained the backbone of the wine. The sugar content of the wine also ebbs and flows with the vintage and consumer demand. Stylistically, Charnock leans towards a dryer style of winemaking, but he listens closely to the preferences of Joie’s customer base.
“We owe the industry and we owe our customers consistency. A lot of the vines we planted in our own vineyard was to stabilize the production of Noble Blend within our own acreage,” says Charnock, “and we also have to react to the vintage. We want everyone to be able to drink this wine, to pair with everything and go with every moment.”
“What carries Noble Blend is that it’s around 80% of the blend is made with Riesling and Gew at the core. There will potentially be Auxerrois or Pinot Blanc blended in to it over the years. We’ve planted both, so, we aren’t looking to change the blend but just stabilize the blend that’s been successful in B.C. for twenty years,” Veen explains. “A lot of B.C. wine consumers, their first interaction with B.C. wine was with Noble Blend. I think Noble Blend was my first B.C wine as a 20 year old!” He continues, “Protecting the brand is really important to us. When we bought in 2021, we thought, we have the ball here on the 1-yard line and all we have to do is not fumble it. So, don’t screw up Noble Blend, and we will be just fine.”
Joie Farm A Noble Blend 2025
This vintage of the classic B.C. blend from JoieFarm consists of primarily Riesling and Gewurztraminer, with a pinch of Ehrenfelser, Oraniensteiner and Pinot Gris. White peach, pear and rhubarb aromas introduce a dry, zippy palate that offers vivid lime and grapefruit notes on a bed of piquant, mineral mouthfeel, and a hint of almond on a long finish. Pair with roasted root veggies or rich, chicken dishes, or garden salad. LCBO Vintages #454793, $34.95
Joie Farm “En Famille” Pinot Noir 2022
This Pinot Noir is sourced from two vineyards in the sub-appellations of Okanagan Falls and Naramata Bench. The wine receives a gentle 9-month elevage in French oak that allows for a clear perspective of central Okanagan fruit and terroir in the glass. Ensnaring aromas of red cherry, pomegranate, violets and cooked mushroom introduce a silky, light-bodied palate with serious intention. Vivid acidity enhances red fruit and soft cinnamon and nutmeg flavours with a touch of cocoa on a lengthy finish. Well-balanced, satisfying, and highly approachable. LCBO Vintages #49595, $53.95
“It’s not about competition, it’s about community. We all have our part in lifting that message.”
