A Daring Move
The Vision
CheckMate Artisanal Winery was born out of a bold vision: that our winemaker, Spencer Kelly, drawing on years of experience in the vineyard, could produce elegant, world class wines in the challenging setting of British Colombia’s Okanagan Valley, known for its long sunny days in a short growing season. Today, the winery once considered a daring move in an unlikely place has set a new standard of excellence.
Geology
The last ice age retreat in the late Pleistocene epoch around 12,000 years ago carved out the land formations of the Okanagan Valley. Glacial erosion and sandy outwash left behind more soil types in this 120-mile area than in the whole of France. Infinite growing possibilities made our task clear: Find the absolute best places in this geologically unique region to grow Chardonnay and Merlot. This ongoing pursuit gives balance and complexity to our New World wines.
Vineyard Blocks
We have revealed the Okanagan Valley’s most exceptional sites through years of meticulous study delving into vineyard rows, micro-blocks, and soil varieties. At these sites, we capture the Valley’s unparalleled, distinctive terroir.
State-of-the-Art Winemaking
Gravity flow design and state-of-the-art equipment allow for gentle handling and optimal aging of our wines. Every allowance has been made to ensure we produce wines to their fullest potential. Old-world, traditional winemaking and new-world technology combine for an innovative, yet time-honoured approach.