Pioneering Stag’s Hollow Celebrates 30 Years

Stag’s Hollow was only the third winery in what would become the Okanagan Falls sub-GI, where it has introduced exciting grapes like Albariño and Dolcetto.

When Stag’s Hollow founders Larry Gerelus and Linda Preugger opened their winery in 1995, it was only the third to be established in and around Okanagan Falls. Now the area is home to some 20 successful wineries. In the years since, this small but important enclave, in almost the very centre of the Okanagan—known as “The Heart of Wine Country™”—has gained a well-earned reputation for some of the valley’s winningest wines, and in 2019, was confirmed as the province’s second sub-GI, after the Golden Mile Bench south of nearby Oliver.

Although the winery has changed hands, it’s still family-owned—and continues to build on the original vision. Sustainability remains a core mantra. As does the desire to innovate and, where possible, push the viticultural boundaries. Stag’s Hollow was among the first in the valley to plant Albariño and has also pioneered Tempranillo, Dolcetto and lesser-known Teroldego, a northern Italian variety that makes a supple and gently spicy red.

In 2021, Stag’s Hollow became certified under Sustainable Winegrowing British Columbia. It was a process that, while challenging (thanks in part to the pandemic), proved ultimately worthwhile, says winemaker Keira LeFranc. “I think it’s a fantastic program and wish more wineries would go after it,” she says. “Certainly, there’s lots of environmental focus—you know, what you’re putting into the earth, and so on—but a lot of it was how sustainable your business is or how you treat your employees.”

Stag’s Hollow winemaker Keira LeFranc is proud to have achieved certification from Sustainable Winegrowing BC.

She adds, “It’s a holistic view of the business, which is kind of cool and not talked about a huge amount.”

Following the devastating freezes of 2022 and 2024, which have had such a severe impact on the industry, “we made the difficult decision to stick with 100-per-cent B.C. fruit,” says Okanagan-raised LeFranc. As far as having wine to sell, the winery has a solid inventory of 2022 whites and reds on hand to carry it through. Overall, “the 2022 vintage was quite big—as much as we could handle. But we’re so grateful for it now,” says the winemaker.

LeFranc notes that Stag’s Hollow has always been “very focused on the B.C. wine brand” but understands well that, at this time, “not every winery is able to do that: a lot of people have had to bring in grapes from the States to keep the lights on and employed,” adding: “We  want all of our neighbours to be successful this year.”

Stag’s Hollow is celebrating 30 years in style, by incorporating original art by local artists on the labels for its  2022 Renaissance Merlot,  which is made with fruit from the oldest vines on the estate. The paintings, by Ron Gladish, Stephanie Perry and Sharon Snow, truly capture the beauty of the winery’s natural surroundings.

In addition, this significant milestone will be marked by a program of exclusive wine dinners, outdoor parties and other tasting events to share the occasion with the local community as well as wine club members and visitors alike.

Here’s to the next 30 years!

The Renaissance “Art Series” three pack is available at the winery and online at stagshollowwinery.com

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY:

Stag’s Hollow Winery
For more info, visit stagshollowwinery.com

Vitis Magazine

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