IN THIS ISSUE Fall-Winter 2017


Serving the tree fruit, grape and wine industries of British Columbia, Canada


Published quarterly by OMedia Communications


Publisher and Editor Bryden Winsby bryden@omedia.ca


Horticultural Adviser and Contributing Editor


Peter Waterman peter@omedia.ca


Associate Editor


Judie Steeves judie@omedia.ca Contributors


Susan McIver, Gary Strachan,


Pat Bowen, Cheryl Hampson, Eugene Hogue, Sean Kuchta, Denise Neilsen, Gerry Neilsen, Scott Smith, Kevin Usher, Ray Johnson


Advertising Sales Erin Fichtner


advertising@omedia.ca


Graphic Design Buddy Cole


buddy@locoldesign.com


Canada Post Publications Agreement Number 40841579 Mailing Address


Suite 515, 22-2475 Dobbin Road, West Kelowna, BC, Canada V4T 2E9


Telephone (778) 755-4355 E-mail


info@omedia.ca Website


www.omedia.ca/grower


Contents copyright 2017. Reproduction in whole or in part, by any means, without prior written permission, is strictly prohibited.


PRINTED IN CANADA regulars On The Cover


Howard Soon, Canada’s longest-serving winemaker, has retired after a career that saw him make significant contributions to the development of premium red wines in British Columbia. See page 6.


Judie Steeves Photo


MARKETWATCH FRED STEELE


4 16


WINEMAKER’S BOOKSHELF 25 PRUNINGS


27 British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Winter 2016-17 3 24 TANNINS AND ASTRINGENCY


There’s a “sweet spot” for every vineyard and grape variety, and it typically takes years of trial, error and observation to find it.


15 21


features 13


CLOSURE COMPLAINTS


WILL STILL BE HEARD CEO points to millions in upgrade costs as major reason for shutting down operations in Osoyoos and Penticton.


HAPPY TO DROP ‘CRITIC’ LABEL


Popham pledges to be a strong advocate for farming as B.C.’s latest agriculture minister.


SMALL WINERY WITH BIG REPUTATION


With his decades of experience and innovation, Bill Eggert has contributed to the success of many others in the wine industry.


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