Small Kelowna Winery’s Commitment to Pinot Noir Results in a Taste of Victory
[Kelowna, British Columbia] In case you missed it, on July 26 some big news was shared that SpearHead Winery has earned the prestigious ‘Winery of the Year’ title at the 2024 WineAlign National Wine Awards where more than 1800 wines from 230 Canadian wineries were judged. Alongside this top honour, SpearHead also won the title of Best Performing Small Winery (for the second time in three years), collecting 12 medals in the competition.
Key achievements include Platinum Medals for the 2022 Club Consensus Pinot Noir, 2022 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir, and 2022 Saddle Block Pinot Noir, as well as a Gold Medal for the 2021 Golden Retreat Pinot Noir.
As Wine Align judge DJ Kearney notes, “they notched unparalleled success in a single category (Pinot Noir) in the history of these awards – winning a total of seven medals for their Pinots including three platinum, one gold, a trio of silvers and a bronze.” This accomplishment highlights the winery’s meticulous attention to detail that results in consistent excellence in viticulture and winemaking. Kearney also notes, “As a judge who’s been part of the WineAlign panel for over two decades, I can confirm two things: SpearHead wines reflect the people behind them who are generous of spirit and rich with experience, and that their success is no accident.”
At the helm is winemaker and general manager Grant Stanley, a dual citizen of Canada and New Zealand, who began his career in Marlborough. After 15 vintages in New Zealand and Oregon, he moved to the Okanagan Valley in 2003 and has been with SpearHead since 2017. Grant is renowned for his Pinot Noir expertise and his collaborative efforts with fellow winemakers and viticulturists.
“Our commitment to staying small and focused on Pinot Noir is paying off,” says Stanley “Many producers I admire worldwide limit their production to concentrate on quality over quantity.”
SpearHead’s team shares a passion for Pinot Noir, crafting a diverse range from single vineyard to single clone expressions. The precisely curated portfolio by Stanley showcases hand-selected barrels that reflect the winery’s dedication to excellence.
A standout wine, the 2022 Club Consensus Pinot Noir, is unique in that it was crafted with input from SpearHead Wine Club members, exemplifying the winery’s community-focused approach.
Bill Knutson, co-owner of SpearHead Winery, notes “Our ambition has been to create a nationally recognized winery for premium wine, especially Pinot Noir. Winning Winery of the Year at the 2024 National Wine Awards is a great honour and affirms our progress. This success,” he continues, “is thanks to our dedicated team, led by Grant Stanley. We are proud to join the ranks of past award winners and are more determined than ever to secure a place on the world stage for Canadian premium wines.”
Anthony Gismondi, renowned wine writer and judge adds, “as a co-founder, judge and now co-chair of “The Nationals,” first held in 2001, I’m not sure we ever imagined a single winery being awarded three Platinum medals in one year, which would crown them No. 1 in the country and because they produce less than 10,000 cases, the Best Performing Small Winery in the country at the same time. SpearHead Winery,” he continues, “under the joint guidance of winemaker Grant Stanley and owners Bill and Marina Knutson and their team of high achievers, are all part of the story and energy that makes SpearHead a beacon of excellence in South East Kelowna. If you are interested in buying some of the country’s prettiest, most drinkable Pinot Noirs, you better hurry.”
This national recognition invites new wine lovers to explore SpearHead’s small-lot, award-winning wines, which are expected to sell out quickly.
Shopping List: 2024 National Wine Awards of Canada – SpearHead Winery Awards
2022 Club Concensus Pinot Noir – Platinum Medal
2022 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir – Platinum Medal
2022 Saddle Block Pinot Noir – Platinum Medal
2021 Golden Retreat Pinot Noir – Gold Medal
2021 Club Concensus Pinot Noir – Silver Medal
2021 Cuvee Pinot Noir – Silver Medal
2022 Braided Hill Pinot Noir – Silver Medal
2022 Clone 95 Chardonnay – Silver Medal
2022 Pinot Gris – Silver Medal
2023 Gamay Rosé – Bronze Medal
2022 Riesling – Bronze Medal
2021 Saddle Block Pinot Noir – Bronze Medal
About SpearHead Winery
SpearHead Winery, located on the benchlands of South East Kelowna in the East Kelowna Slopes Sub-GI, focuses on producing high-quality wines from estate-grown and select Okanagan Valley vineyards. Known for its vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, SpearHead showcases the unique terroir of its vineyards. The winery also produces aromatic whites, including Pinot Gris and Riesling.
The wine shop, nestled in the estate vineyard, features an inviting patio and lawn area for guests to enjoy during warmer months. Seated tastings are led by knowledgeable team members. Visit the SpearHead website for information on special events, promotions, and participation opportunities throughout the year.
