Hardman roots run deep


Naramata family has kept ahead of the curve with tree fruits, then grapes and wine. By Susan McIver


D


eep Roots Winery marks the latest in the Hardman family’s accomplishments through four generations of farming on the Naramata Bench.


“We opened on the May long weekend last year and except for two varieties were sold out by Labour Day,” said Bryan Hardman, who owns the business with his wife Deb.


Their son Will is the winemaker and a driving force behind the winery. All of Deep Roots' Merlot was sold by mid-July, Malbec by the first week in August and Rosé by mid-August. The winery’s 2014 list also included Chardonnay, Gamay and Syrah. The Hardmans are adding two new wines to this year’s offerings. Parentage, named in honour of Bryan’s mother, whose birth name was Parent, is 80 per cent Muscat, 15 per cent Riesling and 5 per cent Gewürztraminer.


Frosted Pinot, an icewine, is made entirely of Pinot Gris grapes “We will be increasing production to 1,750 cases from last year’s 900 cases,” Bryan said.


At the 2014 All-Canadian Wine Championship, Deep Roots won silver medals for its Syrah and Malbec and a bronze medal for its Gamay. Bryan attributes the winery’s initial success to location, his overseeing everything from planting to picking and Will’s skill as a wine maker. Deep Roots' location on a loop that includes the Van Westen winery and Elephant Island Orchard Wines helps attract customers.


“This offers tourists a convenient mini-wine tour,” Bryan explained. The spectacular view overlooking vineyards and Okanagan Lake makes a stop at Deep Roots a memorable experience as does the warm welcome extended by various members of the Hardman family who operate the


tasting room.


“We keep a very careful eye on everything from nurturing the vines on our 30 acres to bottling the wine,” Will said.


The Hardmans own 20 acres and manage another 10.


Will and his father hire two skilled fulltime employees from February through November.


Neighbour Kelly Winder has worked for the Hardmans for 20 years. Carolyn Ferrier, who has had extensive previous experience, joined the team three years ago. Four casual labourers whom the women supervise help out at peak times.


“We use only our own grapes and plan to do so as our wine production increases,” Bryan said.


Will’s interest in wine began when


SUSAN MCIVER


Will Hardman, left, and his father Bryan at Deep Roots Winery, which opened last year and has already produced some award-winners.


he returned home a decade ago to help in the vineyard.


After taking a winemaking course at Okanagan College, he participated in crushes in New Zealand and South Africa.


“He came home from South Africa keen to go. I’ve never seen him so excited about anything,” Bryan said. Will subsequently worked with Rob Van Westen and made the Deep Roots 2012 vintage at Van Westen’s winery. The first Hardman arrived on the Naramata Bench in 1921.


“My grandfather, William, was hired by the Atkins family to operate their first tractor. He had been a chauffeur in England,” Bryan said. William eventually became the Atkins' orchard foreman and in the 1930s purchased 20 acres of lakefront that have become the Hardman’s


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