News from River Stone Founder, Ted Kane
To our valued River Stone community,
River Stone has officially kicked off harvest 2026!
We are happy to say that for the first time in recent years, our 2026 vintage is once again 100% BC grown grapes and the quality is exceptional. While our vineyards continue to recover from the devastating freeze events of 2023 and 2024 (though we expect to be back to 100% production volumes next year), we are thrilled to be sourcing all of our fruit from the Okanagan once more.
We picked our first grapes of the 2026 vintage on Monday, August 27th. The first pick was a small portion of Sauvignon Blanc that is now in tank and undergoing fermentation. Our typical harvest date begins the first week of September, and finishes mid-October, which means we are 1-2 weeks ahead of average years: the earliest harvest in my 23 years of growing grapes. The summer has been hot and dry, which we believe is the reason this harvest is ahead of some other vintages.
Our next white grape pick is scheduled for this week, followed by our red grapes later in September and October. So far, we are very happy with the quality of our grapes coming into the crushpad, and those still ripening on the vine.
Our new vines planted in 2024 and 2025 are looking incredible, with some fruit coming in this year. The grapes planted in 2024 will provide their first crop of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. We estimate a crop between 50% – 85% of what would typically be a full harvest on a mature vine. The 2025 plantings are also looking exceptional and should give their first significant crop next year.
We are all hoping for a beautiful September and October allowing for final maturation of flavours and tannins with a timely harvest, and allowing wine lovers all the pleasures of the Okanagan harvest and festival season.
Thanks for your continuing support of our winery and River Stone Estate wines.
With gratitude,
Ted Kane
Founder and Director of Wine & Vineyard Operations
River Stone Estate Winery
