Must, Mark & Magic at Modesta Winery My first introduction to family run Modesta Winery wasn't through a glossy magazine or a high-end restaurant list, but rather a recommendation from a wine gal. I happened to be visiting the bench on a Wednesday without a big plan. Turns out the bustling Wednesday Market in the village of Naramata is a big deal, and I was about to experience it for the first time. It was there I met Mark Morrison and Tanya Tougas, the couple whose passion project is rapidly becoming one of the Naramata Bench’s most inspiring stops. After tasting through their offering, I left with a bottle of their Rama Ridge 2022 Pinot Noir ($35) a remarkable value, and after sharing it with my Kelowna friends, I knew a follow-up visit to their newly established estate was a must (no pun intended). The Modern Vibe Modesta is the next era of the Naramata Bench. Situated high on the east side of the main road, just off McPhee Road, the estate is a designer's dream. Its modern buildings inspire a futuristic vibe - stylish, private, and intimate with dedicated ‘PODs’. This innovative tasting experience, alongside the couple's cosmopolitan personalities, gives the winery contemporary energy. It’s a nice contrast to a region whose modern history began in the early 1980s. You could say, they have definitively captured the new Naramata vibe. By focusing on classic, cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Modesta has tapped into the future of the region. I envision those sleek tasting PODs easily transforming into chic short-term accommodations at some point. I’d be the first to book a night. Meet Wine Lovers Mark & Tanya Modesta is a shared vision of Mark Morrison and Tanya Tougas, who made the life-changing decision to relocate from the BC “wet” coast to the Okanagan, planting their first vines in 2019. While Tanya Tougas embodies the entrepreneurial spirit, using her background in Business Administration and a creative flair to manage the business side and, notably, to shape the welcoming and modern guest experience, Mark Morrison brings a grounding, analytical approach (backed by a B.Sc.) to the vineyard and cellar. His philosophy is one of simplicity and minimal intervention, focusing on detail and patience to allow the true essence of the grape to emerge. They get instant credibility from working with one of the valley’s leading wine mentors Pascal Madevon. Pascal, with his deep French classical training and experience at local estates like Culmina Family Estate Winery and French Door Winery, seems to be shaping these wines with structure and character expected from this premium region of Naramata Bench. Yes they are making their mark (pun intended). Pinot Noir & Chardonnay Plantings The estate sits on a modest, carefully managed 5-acre vineyard plot, with plantings dating back to 2019. The vineyard covers a sloped and terraced terroir high on the bench, granting it the southwest exposure common to the area. This aspect is vital, maximizing afternoon sun exposure while the altitude contributes to the significant diurnal temperature swings needed for great acidity in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The vineyard rests on the classic Naramata Bench profile of glacial lake sediments, typically composed of well-drained silt loam and sandy loam. This soil type, paired with their commitment to organic farming methods, forces the vines to root deeply, contributing to the concentration and mineral character of the fruit. The plantings feature Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. Pinot Noir dominates with four acres with clones 115, 667, 943. Despite the struggles given the winter chills that affected the valley, this vineyard is shaping up. In addition, the plantings of approximately one acre of Chardonnay will soon be joined by the introduction of Marsanne and Roussanne in 2025. Wine Recommendations Modesta's philosophy of low-intervention winemaking results in small-batch wines that deliver. For example:
The Future The Modesta name implies a quiet strength and humility, which is reflected in their deep commitment to the land. The entire operation is founded on sustainable practices and organic farming methods in the vineyard. In the cellar it's minimal intervention, designed to respect the grapes and the process of fermentation. These wines showcase the authentic expression of their specific Naramata Bench roots. The vibe of stewardship and modern appreciation of the bench, and passion seems to be the real flavour that every bottle of Modesta wine offers. If you have not yet had the pleasure, you can visit online or mark your calendar for an April 2026 visit when the tasting room reopens. Until then you can shop online and support local producers who continue to build on the Naramata Bench's world class reputation. Call to Action: Order online, sign up for the newsletter, join the wine club. Don't miss the 2021 Pinot Noir still available! Modesta Winery offers a Blockhead Wine Club with exclusive releases and early access to their limited production wines. You can also find Modesta Winery on Facebook and Instagram. Follow and share with your wine loving friends. Cheers to Modesta and our fabulous local wineries that are doing their part to raise the bar for wine in BC.
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AUTHOR
I'm Good Wine Gal.
I blog about "good wine" and how to find it! Join me on my adventures of finding beautiful wine loving places, people and those special bottles we all get excited about. Archives
December 2025
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Photos from Magnus Reuterdahl, wuestenigel, Fareham Wine