| Description of the Vineyard | History of the Vineyard |
Description of the Vineyard
Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery is nestled in the northern tip of a pocket desert in the southern Okanagan Valley in beautiful British Columbia. The prominent feature of the original 10-hectare (24-acre) property is an east-west ridge bisecting the vineyard, providing southern and northern facing slopes.
The name of the vineyard is inspired by the ridge and by the noble grape varieties being grown.
The southern slopes, with greater exposure to the sun, are ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varieties, which were initially planted in 1986. In 2001, Pinot Noir was also planted.
The northern slopes are planted with white varieties – Pinot Gris and Chardonnay – which thrive on the slightly cooler side of the ridge.
A 4-hectare (10 acre) property adjoining Noble Ridge - "Noble Ridge North" - was purchased in July 2006 bringing the total acreage to 14-hectares (35 acres). 3 acres were planted to Chardonnay and 3 acres were planted to Merlot in 2000. One acre of Cabernet Sauvignon was planted in 2005.
The soils of the southern Okanagan Valley are glacial till: rocky sandy soils mixed with gravel and bands of clay. This soil mix causes the vines to work hard for nutrients and water, and results in smaller berries with intense flavours.
Noble Ridge's latitude parallels that of the Champagne, although the region receives less than twelve inches of
rainfall a year. In fact, Noble Ridge lies at the northernmost tip of the only classified desert
area in Canada. Restricted irrigation is used to control the growth and vigour of the vines.Average annual sunshine hours: 2050
Average temperature: Winter 0° C Summer 29° C
Average rainfall: 300 mm per year
The vineyard is also home to a range of rare animals and plants, due to its unique geography and environment.
The native plants range from Ponderosa pines to cactus, from rare desert lilies to yucca plants.
Vineyard workers must be wary of black widow spiders and rattlesnakes.
