Noble Ridge debuts its 2024 Vilicus wines

Photo: Jim and Leslie D'Andrea (photo courtesy Noble Ridge winery)

Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery in Okanagan Falls marked the recent Earth Day by reiterating its status as the first vineyard and winery in Canada to be biosphere certified. “That means we’ve officially joined a global movement committed to sustainability, community, and long-term positive impact,” the winery writes. “Our Biosphere Certification, granted through the Thompson Okanagan Tourist Association and based on 17 United Nations sustainable development goals, is proof that we’re walking the walk when it comes for our planet, our people and the future.”

Owners Leslie and Jim D’Andrea opened this winery 20 years ago. The actions they have taken over the years to have a sustainable winery include avoiding pesticides and using cover crops instead; irrigating efficiently to reduce water usage; using solar power and geothermal energy in the winery; putting wines in lighter bottles; and doing extensive recycling. Winemaker Benoit Gauthier calculates that vineyard water usage has been reduced by 18% since 2021; and he is not easing up on water conservation. Planting cover crops and placing compost beneath the vines has helped cut down on water usage while also improving soil health.

While all of these “steady, thoughtful changes” were being made (quoting the winery), Noble Ridge – like so many other Okanagan wineries – had to deal with the impact of the hard freeze in January 2024. With no grape production in the 2024 vintage, Noble Ridge sourced grapes in Washington State. The wines are just being released, labelled as Vilicus. The name in inspired by the Latin word Vilicus meaning ‘steward,’ and is meant to symbolize the winery’s stewardship in every sense of the word.

Meanwhile, the estate vineyards are being rejuvenated. “If the 2025 growing season goes smoothy,” Benoit writes, “we are hoping to harvest about 50% of our typical crop this year, with a return to near full production expected by 2026.” Here are notes on the first four wines in the Vilicus series.

Noble Ridge Vilicus Pinot Grigio 2024 ($21 for 630 cases). The grapes were sourced in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The fruit was picked and pressed under Benoit’s supervision, with the must transported to Okanagan Falls for fermentation. The wine is crisp and fresh. Aromas of apple, pear and peach are echoed on the palate. 89.

Noble Ridge Vilicus Pinot Gris/Viognier 2024 ($21 for 630 cases). The fruit is from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, with the Viognier from the Goose Gap AVA. The proportion of each is not broken out in the specifications. However, the Viognier adds a bit of weight and structure to the wine, complementing the floral notes in the aroma and the peachy flavours. 90.

Noble Ridge Vilicus Viognier 2024 ($21 for 190 cases). The fruit is all from the Goose Gap AVA. This is a luscious wine, with aromas and flavours of peach and quince mingled with honey. There is just a hint of residual sweetness offset with good balance. 91.

Noble Ridge Vilicus Rosé 2024 ($21 for 500 cases). The varietal here is Malbec from the Wahluke AVA. The wine has an appealing rose petal hue. It has aromas and flavours of strawberry, raspberry and watermelon. 90.