Scout Vineyard
Scout is a multifaceted winery, orchard, and vineyard operation situated in the Similkameen Valley. It was founded in 2018 by two families, Aaron and Carly Godard and Murray and Maggie Fonteyne. For these families, farming comes first, and in their case, that means focusing on soil health and regenerative practices. Being in a semi-arid desert region has its advantages, like reduced mildew pressure, but it’s a double-edged sword. The valley’s alluvial soils can dry easily, especially as heat waves become more regular. The current area of farming focus is maintaining deep-rooted cover crops and balancing the bacterial and fungal cultures of the soil. More roots, fungi, and general biomass in the soil lead to better nutrient transport and water retention. They view healthy soils as the foundation of the health of their grapes, in their case primarily Syrah and Riesling.
When these grapes reach the winery they usually find their home in one of the wineries many Qvevri. These are traditional clay wine-making vessels from Georgia. Their shape and unique influence on the fermentation allow for extended maceration (vintage allowing), or gentle evolution of direct pressed wines. Aside from the occasional and limited use of sulphur, the team works with no additions or heavy-handed technology. This is only made possible by the work on the farm; healthy soils produce healthy grapes which generate healthy ferments.