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!