Post #5: Our Property Hunt - Part 1

Jim has been on the hunt for properties for years.  We recently shared some behind the scenes video on Instagram of our property hunt in the Okanagan Valley.

I attended the Jilly Academy Retreat in September, in Kelowna, and we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to take the time to look at a few properties that we were interested in.  We looked at properties in Lake Country, Summerland and Oliver.

This month on the blog we’re sharing the Top 10 things we’re looking for in a property: 

1. Elevation

In general, the higher the elevation, the cooler the temperature and the shorter the growing season.  In climates where heat is abundant like Argentina, you can grow grapes at a much higher elevation than in Canada.  Currently in BC, the vineyard with the highest elevation is 700 metres above sea level.

2. Water

If you are not a part of an irrigation district (which supplies water to your property) then you will need a well - or maybe two - on your property.  And these wells will need to produce a certain number of gallons per day. 

3. Soil

We could write a whole blog post on soil.  But you might be bored so we won’t.  Soil impacts the quality of the wine and needs to have a number of characteristics in order to grow quality grapes.  Examples include the composition of the soil and how well the soil drains.

4. Cost

Until we win the lottery, we have a fixed budget we need to work within.  Our budget has to include the cost of the property, a home, tasting room, production facility, equipment and planting grapes if it isn’t already planted.

5. Location

We are looking for a property where it will be easy for people to visit us.  We look at things like how close it is to other wineries, major roads and cities.  We also consider the aesthetics of the property – the view the property will have, and if visitors will enjoy their time spent there. 

Can you guess the next 5 things we look for in a property?  Stay tuned for Part 2 of our blog post next month!