Heidi Lorch, a second-generation farmer, has been named 2021 Viticulturist of the Year by the BC Grapegrowers’ Association (BCGA) for cultivating wine grapes that have created award-winning wines.
Lorch operates a 7.5-acre vineyard in Okanagan Falls, producing a number of white grapes, incluing Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris.
Lorch purchased what had been a neglected vineyard in 2019, investing heavily in new irrigation systems and focussing on increasing organic matter in the soil to strengthen the vines. She is a second-generation farmer with 27 years of experience under her belt.
Her hard work paid off with Wild Goose Winery producing award winning wine from her grapes. Lorch sells all of her grapes to the third-generation OK Falls winery. She is also the first independent grower to receive Sustainable Winegrowing BC certification.
“I am in awe of how quickly Heidi turned around this vineyard,” said Nik Kruger, Wild Goose winemaker. “I see her in the vineyard every day, tending to every vine. We will continue to purchase all the fruit she produces for the foreseeable future.”
Formal recognition of Lorch’s achievement took place Tuesday, May 10 at Lorch’s Heidi’s Peak Vineyard in Okanagan Falls with 40 fellow growers in attendance.
“The judges were unanimous, Heidi’s attention to detail stood out in all judging categories,” said John Bayley, president of the BC Grapegrowers’ Association and viticulturist for Blasted Church Vineyards. “They were really impressed with her extensive soil testing and record-keeping and with her long-term vision for her vineyard.”
“We have been growing wine grapes in BC for over 60 years and earning honours, nationally and internationally, for the wines created from BC grapes. Quality wine can only come from quality grapes and we are very grateful to the excellence of grape growers like Heidi.”
Bayley went on to note that the award “recognizes those in our industry who strive to grow the very best wine grapes. These are the people who are responsible for each bunch that comes off the vines during harvest and whose decisions directly guide the daily operations of the vineyard.”
B.C. grape growers nominate their peers for the Viticulturist of the Year honour. A committee of industry professionals evaluates the nominees by visiting their vineyards to look at vineyard management practices, environmental stewardship, innovation and other factors.
The award carries a $2,000 bursary for viticulture education. This year, the winner also receives a series of soil tests from Vintality. This is the third year the honour has been presented.
“Heidi is running an exceptional operation. She is an example of the business-smart farmer, committed to the land that will drive the industry forward,” said Hans Buchler, 2020 award winner and judge for the 2021 award.
Nominations for the 2022 Viticulturist of the Year Award are open until Friday, June 24.
The British Columbia Grape Growers’ Association is a 300 member organization that represents commercial wine grape producers with 4,452 hectares under production.
