Updated with current reviews (see end of post), October 25th, 2021.
The Martiniuk family has sold Stoneboat Vineyards to the Voerhoeff Group of Companies (VGC). Under the management of Kyla Richey and Rudy Verhoeff, the current winery team will remain in place. Stoneboat is situated on unique terroir on the western edge of the Black Sage Bench.
“Our family is thrilled to make its entrance into the BC wine industry by taking over from the Martiniuks, a family that has established their name as a top-quality grape grower and producer on the Black Sage Bench,” says Rudy Verhoeff. “Our intention is to continue their outstanding work and expand the brand’s presence in the Okanagan and beyond.”
The Martiniuks established their Vineyards and later Stoneboat winery on the site of a 15-acre orchard purchased in 1979. Much of Stoneboat’s contribution has been behind the scenes. Larry Martiniuk’s skill in the nursery is well known. Over the years he’s become one of the country’s most accomplished vine propagators. Helping many along the way, he grew the first Pinotage cuttings in BC for Lake Breeze. In fact, estimates are he’s grown millions of vines for the industry’s expansion.
Martiniuk also served as director of the BC Grape Growers Association. He chaired the Grape Marketing Board and, was a founding director of the BC Wine Institute. Insiders know him as a key player who helped revitalize the industry after the 1988 grape pull out.
VGC: broadly based and connected
Fort Langley-based VGC has broad interests in the event and hospitality sectors. They include Red Door Events and Trading Post Brewing. In development is a new winery, Valley Commons, with new plantings under way. Follow its progress on Instagram @valleycommons
Both winery and brewery are slated for District Wine Village.
VGC’s other activities range from commercial flooring (Canwest Flooring) and commercial art and design (Hambleton Fine Arts), to artificial turf (Ace Turf) and Avalanche Waste Management.
More information from the release:
The team will apply its vast experience in food service, events, and hospitality to the BC wine industry. Kyla and Rudy complete years of traveling to compete on Team Canada’s women and men’s volleyball teams respectively . They are welcoming the change to one of Canada’s biggest-growing industries.
“We are so excited to enter the wine business at such an exciting time of growth and change,” says Kyla Richey. “All of our neighbours have been so welcoming, and we can’t wait to receive visitors from outside the valley soon.”
Stoneboat Piano Brut NV
An excellent Prosecco-style expression of Pinot Blanc with an energetic stream of fine bubbles and persistent mousse, showing citrus and stone fruit aromas leading to a crisp, well structured palate of apple and lemon zest, buoyed by good acidity, with stony notes through the finish. 90 points
Stoneboat Pinot Gris 2020
Aromas of stone fruit and floral notes, a nicely textured, quite generous palate defined by white peach and pear, with good structure and length, lingering pear and citrus, balanced acidity and a touch of underlying minerality to close. A character Gris in a sometimes homogenous field. 91 pts.
Stoneboat Pinot Noir 2018
Up front vibrant red berries and violet with some dusty hints lead to a light to medium-bodied palate that evolves with strawberry, cherry and cranberry notes brightened by fresh acidity, wrapped in well structured tannins before a gently spicy close. 90 pts.
Stoneboat Pinot Noir Reserve 2017
Forward dark red berries with dried cherry and herbal notes introduce a mouth-filling, medium bodied palate with cherry and fennel, showing more complex earthy and savoury elements that play through the finish. Fruit and acidity are well balanced, with nicely structured tannins. A little time in the glass allows the wine to show its potential. 91 pts
Stoneboat Rock Opera Reserve 2015
From the first, original, 1998 Okanagan planting of Pinotage. Up front dark berry fruit, black cherry and blue plum, a hint of bacon and stony notes. The plush, well-rounded palate is emphasized by blueberry and black cherry, supported by well-integrated tannins. Intensely fruit-driven but focused and balanced with good acidity, before mineral and spice through the lengthy end. Layered, complex, and elegant with alcohol kept in check. An excellent varietal expression from a stellar vintage. Rewards even more with time in the glass. 92 pts.
Stoneboat Rock Opera Reserve 2014
100 percent old vines Pinotage. Forward notes of blue and black berry fruits, vanilla and dark spice on the nose lead to a full-bodied palate with flavours of damson, wild blackberry and mocha, wrapped in chewy but approachable tannins above spicy and edgy, earthy undertones that linger through the finish. Very cellar-worthy, for at least 10 years. 91 pts.
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