We’ve always been about forging genuine connections, friendships, and true partnerships in this industry. Following the 2024 cold snap, which left the Okanagan without a harvest, we turned to our friends south of the border for fruit for this vintage. Through that journey, we discovered exceptional new allies and partners.
Despite our modest size, we’ve long believed that good wine (and good relationships) can cross any border. Now, we’re officially sharing that belief with our neighbours in Washington State, who welcomed us during a critical time when extreme cold left our BC vineyards struggling.
Last winter, a -28°C cold snap devastated nearly all our estate fruit. Rather than accept defeat, we reached out to Washington State growers who opened their arms, and their vines to us. From this came our Cross Border Collection, made from Washington grapes but crafted with the heart and expertise of our team right here in Summerland, BC. These wines are clearly labeled to be transparent about their origin, reminding everyone that a special community effort helped bring them to life.
Even more exciting? The relationships we formed along the way now allow us to ship our Canadian-grown wines into Washington, and soon, we’ll be sharing them with even more parts of the U.S.A.
In May, our Cross Border Collection, produced with Washington grapes and crafted in here in Summerland, will officially be released in Canada, bringing this story full circle. We can’t wait for our Canadian supporters to also raise a glass to the spirit of unity and resilience that guided us every step of the way.
As we begin to share our wines across the border, we’re also working to develop a USA-focused wine club so our American customers can enjoy even more of our wines, hospitality, and the insider fun that comes with membership.
If you’d like to become part of this future, we’d love your input on what you’d like to see—2, 3, or 4 shipments per year? Pop-up dinners in your area?
Send us a note at info@lightningrockwinery.com.
Every bottle from our Cross Border Collection is a celebration of friendship, creativity, and resilience, proof that even the coldest snap can lead to warm new connections.
We can’t wait to share these wines with you, no matter which side of the border you call home. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for joining us on this exciting cross-border journey!
For any inquiries related to this matter from guests or press, please email Ron at ron@lightningrockwinery.com .
A recent BIV news article highlights how Alberta’s tax increase raises the cost of BC wines sold to consumers in Alberta. Not only does this new system interfere with the promise of easy direct-to-consumer shipping between Alberta and BC, but it also imposes an additional financial burden on producers and wine lovers. In some cases, the combined taxes in Alberta could now exceed what we would face exporting our wines to the United States. This is surprising and disappointing for those who have long championed the idea of buying local.
At Lightning Rock, our aim is to practice minimal intervention and sustainable winemaking. We believe that Canadians should be able to enjoy Canadian wine regardless of which province they call home. That is why our owner, Ron, penned a letter to Premier Danielle Smith asking her to reconsider these punitive new taxes. We remain hopeful that open communication will help maintain fair access to local wines. Wine should bring people together, not keep us apart.
Below is the full text of Ron’s letter, which we have also sent to the Premier.
PDF Version of this letter for Download
Lightning Rock Winery
Summerland, BC
March 24, 2025
The Honourable Danielle Smith
Premier of Alberta
307 Legislature Building
10800 – 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6
Subject: Alberta Wine Tax Hike – A Tax on Canadian Free Trade
Dear Premier Smith,
As a BC winery owner who has long respected Alberta’s leadership in free markets and open trade, I was deeply disappointed by your government’s recent decision to raise the wine markup from $3.91 to $4.11 per litre and impose a new ad valorem tax of up to 15% on the value of wine sold in Alberta.
After more than a year of negotiations between our provinces, January 2025 finally brought a cooperative agreement that allowed direct-to-consumer wine shipping between BC and Alberta. In July 2024, you called that deal a win for Albertans and British Columbians, promising “more market access for businesses, more prosperity for Albertans and British Columbians.” Now, just months later, these gains are being undone by a tax that targets Canadian wine under the guise of fairness.
You built your public leadership on reducing red tape and fighting back against foreign tariffs and Ottawa overreach. On March 5, 2025, you declared your commitment to “break down restrictive provincial trade barriers” and ensure the “unrestricted movement of goods” across Canada. Yet your government’s new wine markup system does the opposite, raising costs on Canadian wine, disproportionately affecting smaller BC producers like us, and placing new obstacles in the way of interprovincial trade.
You have spoken powerfully against the federal carbon tax, calling it “unfair,” and said that tax increases “punish” ordinary Canadians. That same logic applies here. These taxes are layered on top of wine already subject to excise, GST, and shipping fees. The impact is not just on wineries but\ also on Alberta consumers, who now face higher prices and fewer choices.
Even more concerning is that under the new ad valorem system, many of our wines now face a higher effective tax in Alberta than they would if exported to the United States. Under current U.S. policy, Canadian wine is subject to a 25% tariff. Yet with Alberta’s new $4.11 per litre markup and an ad valorem tax of up to 15% on higher-priced bottles, the combined tax burden in Alberta now exceeds 26-28% for many wines. That means Alberta’s tax regime is more punitive than Trump-era tariffs.
The new taxes apply only to wine over $15, sparing cheaper imported wines but heavily affecting BC wines, most of which are in that higher price category. The agreement between the provinces took months to negotiate and was intended as a one-year experiment. Yet only three months in, your government has imposed a tax that makes BC wines significantly more expensive in Alberta than they are in British Columbia.
As a matter of national pride, we need a national market for our wines.
Premier Smith, we urge you to live up to your words and repeal this damaging tax. Let Alberta once again lead the way in dismantling trade barriers, not building them. Let us work together across provincial lines to make Canadian wine more accessible, more affordable, and more celebrated by Canadians from coast to coast.
Sincerely,
Ron Kubek
Owner & CEO, Lightning Rock Winery
Summerland, BC
We share this letter because we believe open dialogue is essential in addressing these policy issues. At Lightning Rock Winery, our core values include community, sustainability, and the joy of bringing people together to enjoy quality wine. We are hopeful that these same values will guide our leaders to revisit and rethink Alberta’s new tax laws.
Until then, we thank everyone who continues to support local wineries. Every bottle you purchase is a direct investment in the families and farms that keep our wine industry vibrant and true to its roots.
We Would Love to Hear from You
Let’s keep the conversation going. Together, we can work toward a vision of Canada that embraces local growers and producers, ensuring that everyone has a chance to enjoy the best of our regions without unnecessary obstacles.
Cheers from all of us at Lightning Rock Winery, and thank you for standing with us as we navigate these changes.
At our small-scale, family-run winery in the heart of Summerland, BC, we believe wine isn’t just about fancy tasting notes. It’s about connection, laughter, and raising a glass in those real-life moments that matter. That’s why we team up with incredible restaurants and local liquor stores throughout the Okanagan and beyond, making sure you can grab a bottle of Lightning Rock whenever the moments calls for it.
So, next time you’re out and about:
Calling all adventurers and wine enthusiasts! Lightning Rock Winery is thrilled to announce our return to the Grand Somm Express, a one-of-a-kind wine experience that pairs a scenic steam train ride through Summerland with the best of Okanagan wine, ciders, craft beer, and spirits. Whether you’re a local or exploring British Columbia’s wine country for the first time, this event is your ticket to discovering the region in the most delicious way.
Extended Experience
This year’s Grand Somm Express adventure is 30 minutes longer, giving you extra time to sip on award-winning Okanagan wines, sample craft delights, and soak in the natural beauty of Summerland—all at a leisurely pace.
Assigned Seating
Relax and enjoy the ride with friends or family—no seat scrambling. This means more time to revel in the nostalgia of a historic steam train and immerse yourself in a true wine experience.
Reception & Dessert
Kick things off with a lively welcome reception featuring local wines, ciders, craft beers, premium spirits, and gourmet appetizers—setting the stage for an afternoon of indulgence. When you return to the station, treat yourself to a dessert reception because every memorable day deserves a sweet finale.
Onboard Tastings & Live Music
Expert sommeliers will guide you through a curated selection of Okanagan wine, local ciders, and premium spirits, while live music adds an upbeat energy to the journey. It’s a moving festival of flavors through the heart of Summerland!
Shop & Explore
Take home your favorite discoveries at the on-site Martin Street Liquor Merchants’ store. Even better, your event ticket includes a Complimentary All-Access Pass to explore participating Bottleneck Drive establishments from June 19 to June 23, 2025—enjoy drop-in tastings at Summerland’s top wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries.
After your train ride, we invite you to keep the celebration going at Lightning Rock Winery for our special dinner event: Where There’s Smoke, There’s Lightning! Once again, we’re partnering with our neighbours at Summerland Smoke Shack to serve up a hearty brisket dinner with all the fixings—tender meat, coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and a dinner roll, followed by a scrumptious fruit crumble dessert with ice cream. A glass of our favorite Lightning Rock selection is included, making it a perfect pairing to round out your Okanagan wine experience.
The Grand Somm Express in Summerland is more than just a train ride—it’s a celebration of Okanagan wine culture, local cuisine, and the welcoming spirit of our community. Between the panoramic views, the guided tastings, the live music, and our post-train dinner, there’s no better way to experience the region’s bounty.
Secure your tickets now and invite your friends for a day (and evening!) you won’t forget. If you have questions or need additional details, please reach out—we’re here to help you plan the perfect Okanagan wine experience. Hop on board, and let’s toast to Summerland’s Grand Somm Express together!
Valentine’s Day is all about spending quality time with the people you love, and sometimes that means less time in the kitchen and more time chatting over a glass of rosé. Our co-owner, Tracy, has shared two quick, fuss-free dessert recipes that are perfect for a romantic evening—or any sweet occasion. Whip them up, pour your favorite rosé, and focus on what truly matters: good company, heartfelt conversation, and delicious treats. Enjoy!
Looking for the perfect pairing? Our Valentine’s Rosé Pack includes four delicious Rosé’s to keep your glasses full of flavour. Discover Valentine’s Wines…
We hope you enjoy these sweet treats with loved ones—friends, family, or that special someone. Just pour a glass of your favorite Lightning Rock rosé, savor each bite, and remember that the best part of any celebration is the time spent together. Cheers!
Canadians across various industries—forestry, manufacturing, agriculture, and more—have witnessed firsthand how a single piece of legislation or a new tariff can upend business plans and threaten livelihoods. It’s frustrating to see hard-working people caught in the middle of international disputes, forced to deal with sudden policy shifts that are often beyond their control. While it’s necessary to address and adapt to these external pressures, we must not let them overshadow a problem that lies entirely within our own borders: the needless interprovincial restrictions that prevent Canadian wine from being sold freely across our provinces.
Each province in Canada has its own set of regulations and markups that make it nearly impossible for Canadian wineries to sell directly to consumers or retailers outside of their home province.
This system makes little sense in a country that prides itself on international free trade agreements but restricts its own domestic market. Why are we allowing provinces to block Canadian wine from flowing freely when we claim to be a united country?
If we truly want to strengthen the Canadian wine industry and provide consumers with greater choice, we must eliminate these provincial restrictions. The benefits of doing so are clear:
The Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in the Comeau case missed an opportunity to reaffirm true free trade within our country. However, provincial governments still have the power to come together and create a framework that allows Canadian wine to flow freely, just as beer and spirits do in some cases.
While the hardships from U.S. tariffs are understandably top of mind for many, focusing exclusively on external conflicts does a disservice to our own producers and consumers. The real challenge to our industry isn’t just at the U.S. border—it’s also the roadblocks we’ve built between provinces.
I have lobbied the governments of Alberta, BC, and Ontario on this issue, speaking to both the government and the official opposition, yet we still have nothing. The real issue lies with the liquor control boards—BCLDB, AGLC, LCBO, and SAQ—who operate like provincial fiefdoms, prioritizing excessive tax markups while protecting their own producers. If governments insist on collecting more than just sales tax on made-in-Canada wine, we could at least use Alberta’s model—but we need to act quickly.
As the holiday season approaches, Summerland transforms into a twinkling wonderland, and we at Lightning Rock Winery are thrilled to be part of the annual Light Up the Vines event once again! This magical celebration brings together wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries across Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive for enchanting evenings filled with festive lights, delightful sips, and holiday cheer.
While our tasting room is usually closed for the season, we’re opening our doors for four special nights:
4 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, November 30th
Friday, December 6th & Saturday, December 7th
What to Expect at Lightning Rock:
✨ Exclusive Light Up Tastings
3-wine flight (choose sparkling, white, rosé, or red) – $10
5 oz glass of any open wine – $10
✨ Twinkling Lights Everywhere
✨ Fire Tables and Outdoor Heaters
✨ Complimentary Hot Apple Cider (non-alcoholic)
✨ Special Holiday Deals
📅 Date: Friday, November 29, 2024
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Downtown Summerland
A Tradition 37 Years in the Making
The Festival of Lights began 37 years ago, envisioned by four passionate Summerland businessmen: Jerry Hallquist, Art Sewell, Allan Fabbi, and Bruce Hallquist. Their goal was to showcase the vibrant businesses of downtown Summerland. To bring this vision to life, they initiated a community-wide effort to light up the town:
The inaugural festival was a resounding success, drawing an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 attendees. It was the only event of its kind in the Okanagan at the time and has since become a premier holiday tradition, thriving over the past 37 years and captivating both locals and visitors alike.
Festival Highlights
✨ Light Displays: Marvel at the spectacular lighting that transforms the town into a glittering spectacle.
✨ Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances that add to the festive atmosphere.
✨ Food Vendors: Savor delicious treats from local vendors.
✨ Holiday Shopping: Explore unique gifts from local artisans and businesses.
✨ Beverage Tent: Don’t miss the Light Up Summerland Beverage Tent presented in partnership with Visit Summerland at Henry & Wharton, featuring local wines, ciders, beers, spirits, and of course Lightning Rock Winery!
✨ Fireworks Display: Cap off the evening with a spectacular fireworks show presented by the Summerland Credit Union.
After enjoying the downtown festivities, continue the fun by exploring the Light Up the Vines event along Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive. Join us and other local producers for enchanting evenings filled with festive lights, special tastings, and holiday cheer.
Event Dates
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday, November 30th
Friday, December 6th & Saturday, December 7th
Participating Members Include
Wineries:
Haywire Winery
Summergate Winery
Dirty Laundry Vineyard
Garnet Valley Ranch
Heavens Gate Winery
Lightning Rock Winery
Lunessence Winery
Sage Hills Estate Winery
Solvero Wines
Pamplemousse Jus
Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery
Vows and Vines Vineyard
Cideries:
Millionaires’ Row Cider Co.
Dominion Cider Co.
Nomad Cider
Summerland Heritage Cider
Distilleries:
Alchemist Distiller*
Controlled Entropy Distilling
Breweries:
Detonate Brewing Company
To make the most of your Light Up the Vines experience, here are some tips:
Create Your Own Tour
Map Out Your Stops: With so many fantastic venues participating, plan ahead to visit your top choices. Consider grouping nearby locations to maximize your time.
Reserve Tastings
While many places welcome walk-ins (including us!), reservations can help ensure you have a spot, especially during peak times.
Transportation
Drive Safely: If you plan to drive, designate a sober driver to ensure everyone’s safety.
Shuttle Services
Check out local shuttle services or consider booking the Light Up the Vines Special Offer with the Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa, which includes door-to-door shuttle service to select tasting rooms.
Stay Overnight
Accommodation Offers: Extend your stay and enjoy more of what Summerland has to offer. The Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa is offering exclusive rates for the event.
Dress Warmly
The evenings can be chilly. Wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely be moving between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Embrace the Festivities with Family & Friends
Many venues are family-friendly (including us!), so feel free to bring the kids along for some holiday fun.
As the vines shed their autumn leaves, we take a moment to reflect on a year that has brought Lightning Rock Winery both countless challenges but also reasons to celebrate. We would like to take a moment to reflect on the later. From critical acclaim from top critics to a collection of Gold and Platinum medals, our team’s dedication to authentic winemaking and land stewardship has been rewarded with remarkable recognition.
Below we’ve highlighted a few of our proud acclaims on wines we can’t wait to share with you.
2023 Harrington House Vineyard Chenin Blanc Pét-Nat
This year’s 2023 Chenin Blanc Pét-Nat from Harrington House Vineyard emerged as an unexpected favorite, not only for wine critic Anthony Gismondi, who awarded it 90 Points, but also at the prestigious Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition, where it took home a Gold medal. Gismondi’s review was glowing, praising the wine for its fragrant aromas of pear, melon, and honeysuckle, balanced by refreshing acidity and minerality—an impressive endorsement from a notoriously discerning palate in the world of Pet-Nats.
The journey from grape to glass involved whole-cluster pressing, concrete egg fermentation, and a gentle, six-month rest on lees, culminating in a March 2024 disgorging. We recommend pairing it with soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert, making it the perfect companion for warm evenings. Only 98 cases were made, and only a few remain!
2021 Elysia Vineyard Blanc de Noirs
Our Blanc de Noirs from Elysia Vineyard has had a remarkable year, winning Gold at the Wine Align Canada Awards and then going on to achieve Platinum at the Great Northwest Platinum Awards. Crafted in a Brut Nature style from Pinot Noir grapes, this traditional-method sparkling wine received 90 Points from Gismondi, who noted its citrus, green apple, alpine strawberry, and saline finish.
Aged in neutral French oak puncheons before spending another twelve months in bottle, this Blanc de Noirs is a wine of depth and complexity. We love pairing it with duck-fat fries for a truly decadent experience.
2023 Tony’s Vineyard Riesling
A standout in our portfolio, the 2023 Riesling from Tony’s Vineyard has been a revelation, earning both a Gold at the Great Northwest Wine Competition and Platinum at the Great Northwest Platinum Awards. This Riesling is a love letter to Summerland Valley terroir, exuding aromas of green apple, underripe peach, and lemon peel, with a crisp palate of pear and tangy grapefruit.
Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, followed by six months in stainless steel and a touch of neutral oak, gives this wine its depth and vibrancy. It pairs beautifully with spicy dishes, like chicken and waffles, for a lively interplay of flavors.
2022 Canyonview Chardonnay
Our 2022 Canyonview Vineyard Chardonnay shined this year, achieving 91 Points from Treve Ring. Planted in 2003 on the precipice of Trout Creek Canyon, the Canyonview Vineyard has embraced organic farming from day one. This south-facing vineyard features sandy soils dotted with river stones, producing spectacular Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
The unique terroir imparts delicate notes of green apple, pear, and citrus to the Chardonnay, along with lively acidity and hints of tropical fruits like pineapple and papaya.
This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with dishes like roasted quail stuffed with wild mushrooms and served with creamy polenta, offering an unforgettable culinary experience that reflects the purity and elegance of its origin. It’s a true tribute to the vineyard’s meticulous care and the distinct character of the Trout Creek Canyon terroir.
2023 Alvail Vineyard Cab Franc Rosé
A beautiful addition to our portfolio, the 2023 Alvail Vineyard Cabernet Franc Rosé earned 90 Points from Treve Ring. With aromas of wild strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of spice, this pale pink rosé is bright yet creamy, making it ideal for pairing with salmon or a light vinaigrette salad.
Crafted with two-thirds whole-cluster pressing and aged on lees for six months, this rosé is bottled unfined and unfiltered, highlighting its natural elegance.
2022 Canyonview Vineyard Pinot Noir
Finally, the Canyonview Vineyard Pinot Noir from 2022 rounds out this year’s highlights with another 90 Points from Treve Ring. Aged in neutral oak and crafted from whole-cluster Pinot Noir, this wine boasts lively notes of raspberry, cherry, and a hint of lavender, with a granitic grip that balances its softer, cushioned palate. This wine pairs beautifully with BBQ pork ribs or grilled salmon, making it a crowd-pleaser with substance and charm.
As 2023 draws to a close, we are grateful for the dedication of our vineyard and winemaking team, whose commitment to organic farming and small-batch production shines through each sip. We look forward to sharing more vintages with you in the future, and we thank our community of supporters and wine lovers for being a part of this journey.
Here’s to another year of exploring, crafting, and celebrating the wines we love.
Easy Chip and Wine Pairings for Your Halloween Night
Halloween is just around the corner, and whether you’re hosting a spooky soirée or enjoying a laid-back evening with friends, we’ve got a stress-free idea to add a little extra flair to your gathering: chip and wine pairings! It’s a fun and easy way to impress your guests without the hassle, and we’ve matched some of our favorite wines with classic chips to elevate your snacking game. Let’s dive in!
2023 Elysia Vineyard Viognier Pet-Nat
2023 Tony’s Vineyard Riesling
If you’re a fan of a little heat, jalapeño chips are where it’s at! Paired with our lively Riesling, the zesty citrus flavors and refreshing acidity provide the perfect counterbalance to the spice. It’s a bright, palate-cleansing combination that’s both bold and refreshing—perfect for a Halloween night snack with a kick.
2022 Waters and Banks Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
Tangy, salty, and oh-so-addictive, dill pickle chips are a crowd favorite. When paired with our herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc, the zesty lime and fresh herbal notes in the wine complement the sharp, briny flavor of the chips, resulting in a pairing that’s both bold and invigorating.
2021 Elysia Vineyard Syrah
For a richer pairing, nothing beats BBQ chips alongside our earthy Syrah. The smoky, savory flavor of the chips enhances the wine’s deep blackberry, violet, and roasted mushroom notes, creating a bold and satisfying combination that’ll be the talk of your gathering.
2019 Canyonview Vineyard Pinot Noir
Sometimes simple is best, and kettle-cooked sea salt chips are the ideal match for the light, bright, and juicy flavors of our Canyonview Pinot Noir. The subtle saltiness of the chips brings out the wine’s red fruit and earthy undertones, making for a pairing that’s both elegant and easygoing.
So there you have it—our top five chip and wine pairings to make your Halloween night a little tastier. These combos are perfect for a stress-free gathering with friends, and they’ll certainly add a fun twist to your celebrations. Grab your favorite chips, pop open a bottle or two, and enjoy a spooktacular evening with these perfect pairings. Happy Halloween!
As we dive into the 2024 harvest season, things look a little different at Lightning Rock Winery. After a hard winter that wiped out 100% of our crop in the Okanagan, we’ve had to get creative and resourceful to make this year’s wines. With no local fruit available, Ron and the team have been sourcing grapes from across the border in Washington. This journey has been filled with early mornings, long drives, and plenty of excitement as we venture into new territory, both geographically and with grape varietals we’ve never worked with before.
The adventure kicked off two weeks ago, with the first day of harvest. Our first pick? Chardonnay from the Dry Lake Vineyard in Manson, Washington, destined to become our beloved Blanc de Blanc. Despite the challenges, the enthusiasm is high, and the promise of great wines from this year’s harvest is already evident.
Ron has taken on an unexpected role this harvest season—wine trucker! Days begin before dawn, with 5:40 a.m. starts to haul bins and bring back the fruit. The first load of Chardonnay came in just under 4 tons, with Ron making the 4-hour trek back home to start the presses for our sparkling Blanc de Blanc. “Never thought part of my retirement would be as a truck driver,” he joked.
The second haul saw another trip to Manson, with a smaller load of Chardonnay, this time for our Pet Nat. A NASCAR-like pit stop at the winery for unloading and reloading bins was followed by a 6-hour drive south to Prosser, Washington, where the next morning, more fruit was ready to load—including some Pinot Noir for a sparkling rosé.
By week two, the road trips continued, this time to Southern Washington for a new grape variety. One of the highlights was working with the team at Coyote Canyon Vineyard to pick counoise grapes. Ron got to experience his first mechanical harvest, where 3.4 tons of fruit were picked in just 25 minutes! As Ron shared, “Beautiful fruit from wonderful vineyards with fantastic people. We feel very blessed to have found Jeff and his team along with the other vineyard partners who stepped in to help us after the cold devastated our vineyards this year.”
This year’s harvest is truly a story of community, resilience, and embracing new opportunities. We’re excited to share these new wines with all of you, and we hope you’ll join us in celebrating the fruits of this extraordinary journey when they’re ready to bottle. Despite the hurdles, we’re confident that this year’s wines will be something special—proof that even in a tough year, there’s always something to look forward to at Lightning Rock.
Stay tuned for more updates from the road, and if you’re curious about what we’re up to next, make sure to follow along on Instagram!