Grape Varieties
The varieties we have selected for planting consist mainly of French-American hybrids, which ‘naturally’ grow well in our terroir, limiting our need to spray or fertilize with synthetic chemicals. Below are brief descriptions of the each of our varieties as well as the styles of wine they produce:
L’Acadie Blanc: A white Eastern-Canadian hybrid variety grown mostly in Nova Scotia, Canada. Small berries, loose clusters. Excellent disease resistance. Early ripening. Reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc with grassy aromas, gooseberry, grapefruit and honey. Excellent for both still and sparkling production. The most successful variety for our Fraser Valley terroir.
Seyval Blanc: A white French-hybrid variety grown mostly in England, Wales, and the Finger Lakes region in the United States. It shows good disease resistance, produces large clusters, and ripens early (if yields are kept low). High acidity, light body, with restrained, neutral aromas and flavours. Shares some similar characteristics of unoaked Chardonnay. An excellent choice for sparkling wine.
Epicure: A complex white hybrid variety developed by Swiss grape geneticist Valentin Blattner. Cold-hardy with good disease resistance. Mid-season ripening. Medium to high acidity, with aromas of stone fruit, pineapple, honeysuckle, and white pepper.
La Crescent: A white hybrid variety developed in Minnesota and can be found mostly in the eastern United States. Cold-hardy. Moderate disease resistance. Mid-season ripening. Maintains good acidity levels, even at higher brix, making it suitable for off-dry and dessert wine as well as sweet sparkling (think Moscato d’Asti). In the glass, reminiscent of Muscat and Riesling, with notes of apricot, peach, and citrus.
Pinot Gris: Our most commonly known varietal, which is one of only two Vitis vinifera varieties that we have planted. This variety is popularly grown around the globe and produces grapes that are brownish-pink in colour. Mid-season ripening. Excellent choice for rosé (still and sparkling) as well as orange wine.
Dornfelder: Our other Vitis vinifera variety that originates from Germany. Early to mid-season ripening. Large clusters, thick skinned large grapes. Good disease resistance. It produces wines that are deep purple with rich and bold flavours. Excellent choice for a red “Lambrusco-style” sparkling wine.
Creekside Vineyard Stats
Size: 2.5 acres
Grape Varieties: Seyval Blanc, Pinot Gris, L’Acadie Blanc, Epicure
Soil Type: Historic river bed, sandy loam
Year Planted: 2012
Vines Per Acre: 1,376
Row Orientation: East-West
Whispering Horse Vineyard Stats
Size: 5 .5 acres
Grape Varieties: L’Acadie Blanc, Dornfelder, La Crescent, Pinot Gris, Seyval
Soil Type: Sandy Loam
Year Planted: 2016-2020
Vines Per Acre: 1,376
Row Orientation: North-South
