The Blue Mountain Story

In the fertile and precious Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars reigns high in its ability to make international-calibre wines that are consistent in quality and style from year to year, regardless of the seasonal variables nature deals. Along with exceptional terrain, owners Jane and Ian Mavety credit their success to the integrity of their estate.

To the Mavety family, "estate" means more than the piece of land; it extends to the practice of both viticulture and wine making by the same owner-operators. At Blue Mountain, it also means the use of 100% estate-grown grapes. Following the estate concept to its fullest extent sets Blue Mountain apart from most North American wineries. Indeed, in the burgeoning industry of the Okanagan Valley, Blue Mountain can make the rare claim of more than 30 years of continuous grape production by one family.

In 1971, as Ian completed his Agriculture degree, the Mavetys acquired the land which is now their vineyard. It is a site that has epitomized the wine industry in British Columbia -- the undeniably striking scene of Blue Mountain's vineyard has been cover material for many travel publications. Overlooking Vaseaux Lake, surrounded by protected wilderness area and framed by steep blue mountains, the prized geography of undulating hills and mountain protection was swiftly recognized to offer varying micro-climates. The enormous potential prompted the Mavetys to establish the vineyard.

For 21 years the Mavetys supplied premium grapes to commercial wineries when finally the allure of producing quality wines inspired them to craft their own label in 1991. In that time, they had championed new grape varieties in the region, honed their viticulture skills and developed their wine making techniques. Today, on their 31-hectare estate, they make limited quantities of complex wines from noble varietals including Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay -- the same varietals found in the Champagne, Burgundy and Alsace regions of France. In the vineyard, methods favor low crop yields to concentrate and intensify flavours. While using modern equipment in the winery, wine making is respectful of traditional methods.
(See Our Wine List)

The British Columbia wine industry was just beginning to flourish about the time of Blue Mountain's first vintage ('91). With this first release, the calibre of wine making met with immediate praise and set a new benchmark for premium wines. About the same time, the next generation of Mavetys was becoming active in the family business, graduating from playing in the vineyards to aiding with cultivation and harvest. Today, son Matt, with an Agriculture degree and studies in Viticulture and Oenology, joins Ian and Jane in the family operation. (See People Behind the Passion)

While limited in production, Blue Mountain wines are attainable. To enjoy them in the company of good food, there's a grand list of wine-savvy restaurants in British Columbia and Alberta where they're featured. Wine sales are conducted exclusively through the winery as production levels preclude Blue Mountain from selling in retail wine and liquor stores. (See Obtaining Our Wines)

Exceptional wines will always be the pursuit of Blue Mountain and the Mavety family which is poised to evolve its collective talents for generations to come.