Don Urquhart
Times-Chronicle Special Projects Editor
Like the effervescence of fine sparkling wine, words of conviviality, fondness, and respect continue to fizz on social media as family, friends, and wine lovers alike mourn the passing of visionary winemaker George Hanson.
The Seven Stones Estate Winery founder and winemaker was an early pioneer for the industry in the Similkameen Valley and was an ardent supporter of B.C.’s wine industry until his death on February 7, 2021.
It was a leap from telephony to winery that brought Hanson from the northern extremes of the Yukon to the southern reaches of the Similkameen. And it was in Cawston, B.C. where–somewhat improbably 21 years ago–Hanson established what was to become an award-winning winery, noted for many things, not least its wine caves and big, bold reds.
Bill Eggert, owner, and winemaker at Fairview Cellars recalls the early days when he was an instructor at the B.C. Wine Institute. Hanson was getting ready to plant on his new land when he decided it was a good idea to take a course.
The two became good friends, notwithstanding the fact Hanson insisted on sitting at a different desk every lesson to confound Eggert’s strategy of keeping track of names according to desk seating.
Hanson also parlayed some of his telephone company experience (wires and weight loads between service poles and that sort of thing into) his new endeavour. “He completely re-engineered how a vineyard wiring system should be, right down to the strength of wires, etc.,” Eggert says. This flew in the face of standard practices at the time of course.
Many point to this contrarian bent as one of the memorable aspects of his character. Simply establishing a winery in 2000 in that location defied convention, although one other winery predates Seven Stones. Now in seeming vindication, Hanson’s vineyards are surrounded by latter-day enterprises.
Eggert sums it up this way: “It was always about understanding enough about the business to follow a lot of the protocols that were required, but also to have an open mind to try new things that opened up the doors.”
But George’s talents – and charm – clearly extended far further. “One of the things I admire about George is that he was a huge advocate for the BC wine industry,” and the Similkameen, in particular, says Kim Lawton, principle of DogLeg Marketing.
Lawton worked closely with Hanson when he was president of the Similkameen Wineries Association (since rebranded Similkameen Independent Winegrowers).
“Everyone knew about the Okanagan, but the Similkameen was an unknown. And George was one of the first people to really understand the region. There were other people growing grapes, but he really stood up and advocated for the potential of the region.”
This passion and commitment for the region naturally led him to other community-oriented positions, serving on various boards including the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and even into the political fray, with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.
In this political realm Hanson eschewed the self-serving road that some choose, says Eggert. “He was always working for the small guy. It wasn’t some kind of a power trip that a lot of people have when they get into politics because they have an agenda. That wasn’t George.” He was one of the good politicians, says Eggert adding, “he’s going to be sorely missed, he was a good man”.
But his true passion always remained with the grape. Lawton recounts his love of attending wine events showcasing his winery and the region. “He was very sociable, very charismatic. People just flocked to him because he had such a passion about what it was that he was doing and that emanated from him.”
He was always looking to improve and take the winery and vineyard to the next level, she says. “He believed in it, not just for the quality of the wine, but for the experience. George was a master storyteller.”
An essential part of the experience at Seven Stones is the 3,500 square feet of wine caves. Lawton tells of the many wine pairing dinners and events held in that space–including a tasting, tour, and art show with artists in attendance. “That was just one of his ways of showcasing the region and the people… it was the way he shared his love of what he did,” says Lawton. But make no mistake, she add, “George was always about business. Any opportunity to promote the region, to promote the winery, and promote the wine–he would take the opportunity to do it.”
She points to the Seven Stones Facebook page which announced his untimely demise. After a brief statement, the last line reads: “The winery is temporarily closed, but wine is available for purchase online.” Lawton says, “that made me laugh so hard, George wouldn’t have had it any other way!”
Upon hearing the news, her salute to a man she cites as a mentor, saw her uncork a bottle of Seven Stones to raise a glass. “I pulled out a bottle from 2009 that I know he would’ve been really happy about!”
Perhaps across the province and further afield, there were a great many glasses raised in tribute to the man, his wine, and his beloved Similkameen.
