Arrowleaf's First Icewine Harvest

Freezing Temperatures in the Okanagan Brings an Early Start to BC’s Icewine Harvest
November 27, 2015 | Wines of British Columbia Media Release

“After last vintage’s second-earliest start on record, winemakers and viticulturists in BC are collectively rejoicing at the early arrival of freezing temperatures this week with the first day of Icewine harvest in the Okanagan starting on Wednesday, November 25 and continuing into the early morning hours on November 26. Harvested at minus 8°Celsius or below, the wine made from these frozen grapes must reach quality standards including 35 brix of sugar to be called true Icewine.

Arrowleaf Cellars harvested early this morning in Lake Country, starting at 5 AM at -10°C (14°F) and reaching a high of -9°C (15.8°F) by the time they finished picking at 8:30 AM. Vineyard Manager Joe Zuppiger notes that they brought in 3.5 tons of Vidal at 40 brix which will be pressed and completed today, with another five tons to pick tomorrow. If the temperatures are not cold enough to meet the standards for Icewine tomorrow, the rest of these grapes will be picked and used for their Late Harvest wine – a designation that allows wineries to pick grapes ideal for dessert-style wines without having to adhere to the standards of Icewine. “The grapes are of excellent quality right now,” says Zuppiger. “An added benefit from harvesting Icewine in November is the clean fruit we get with very little damage from birds and wildlife.”