Gold in the Wine Glass: Why Alison Moyes WinsThe 2022 Chardonnay from Solvero Wines earned Double Gold and White Wine of the Year at the 2025 All Canadian Wine Championships. That’s another big win for BC winemaker Alison Moyes whose reputation for award winning BC Chardonnay continues to grow. As Winemaker and General Manager of Solvero Wines in Garnet Valley, Alison is fighting for "good wine" and more.  Meet Alison Moyes, Winemaker & General Manager at Solvero Wines, Summerland, BC, Canada The drive to Solvero Wines takes you along a winding country road, deep into Garnet Valley. It's one of those places where you feel the Okanagan's quieter more mountainous side. Located deep in Summerland's valley region, it's steep, it's remote, and it's stunning. When I arrived on this particular August afternoon, Alison Moyes was waiting. It was just the two of us, a few bottles, and stories that go way beyond the glass. A Winemaker & Scientist with Good Taste Capture the stunning high elevation vineyards at Solvero Wines of Garnet Valley, BC Alison Moyes is a gentle yet powerful voice in the BC wine community. She arrived with a foundation in Microbiology and a thesis on Sensory Science (including gender based research with evidence that women experience greater sensory intensity). If you have not yet listened to the first episode on the Good Wine Gal podcast featuring Alison Moyes, follow the link. After more than a decade in the Okanagan Alison favours Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, here grown on the demanding terrain of Garnet Valley. At 600 meters elevation on steep slopes, every decision matters. High-density planting (3,300 vines per acre for Chardonnay) forces the vines to compete, driving roots deep and concentrating flavors. This very special vineyard was planted by hand-auger, avoiding soil compaction that would compromise these slopes. Call it a massive labor of love. The wines tell the story. Solvero Wine Recommendations Precision of the vineyard blocks at Solvero Wines Solvero's estate vineyards feature Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Inspired by Alison's love of Alsace and Burgundy, she delivers her precise style focusing on typicity, brilliantly. This may not be a great picture, but it shows the detail and focus that has gone into the vineyard. 2023 Pinot Gris ($25)Despite a tough year and small harvest, this 2023 white is a winner. 2023 Pinot Gris is clear and bright in the glass, this wine is floral and fruity on the nose, with a long, mineral textured finish. Lots of structure and energy here. Locally sourced from Kozuki Family and Happy Valley Vineyards fruit. 13.5% abv. $25 at the winery.
Pinot Noir Vertical: Vintages 2021 & 2022 ($35)Tasting estate vintages side by side revealed variation in the best way. You could say something for everyone. The Solvero 2021 Pinot Noir ($35) is the richer expression, a little deeper garnet ruby, with aromas and flavours of berry compote, underbrush, spice notes of subtle oak. At 13.0% ABV, it's generous without being heavy. The Solvero 2022 Pinot Noir ($35)? This is my wine of the tasting. Bright, fresh cherry aromas and flavours this superb, lingering finish that just wouldn't quit. It's 13.0% ABV, balanced elegance. Pinot Noir expresses terroir. This high-altitude Garnet Valley wine shines when stars align.  When Nature Doesn't CooperateThe 2023 and 2024 freeze devastated BC vineyards. After losing a significant portion of the crop Alison and team decided going dark for a vintage wasn't an option. To be viable, small wineries need cash flow and market presence to survive. "Crafted in BC", is the temporary measure offered by the BC provincial government to allow wineries an opportunity to source red and white premium grapes from outside the province and the country. Alison chose Pinot Noir from Oregon's Chehalem Mountains AVA, to vinify in BC to the same exacting standards she applies to everything else she does. Even if you were a top wine judge, you would be challenged to identify the "place" you are tasting in this series. 2024 Aebisher Vineyard Rosé ($25) Solvero Wines 2024 Rosé Aebischer Vineyard is the source of this premium Oregon fruit. Solvero 2024 Rosé "Crafted in BC" was made from Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir, vinified by Alison in BC at the winery, and limited to just 200 cases. If you like elegant, this is for you. It's bone dry, with ample berry and stone fruit aromas and supported by more berry flavours on the finish. Dry, Balanced and elegant. This is "good wine". Women in Wine: LeadershipAlison Moyes is taking her place of leadership in Canadian wine that is drawing attention. Her award-winning styles point to her technical mastery. Her ability to navigate climate disasters while maintaining quality highlights her strategic thinking. Her fight to put Garnet Valley on the map, demonstrates her commitment beyond the cellar to the place that gives her wines their soul. If you haven't visited Solvero, make plans. It's an award-winning winery - new and remote - exactly what you are searching for. Come and taste wines that punch well above their price, and meet a winemaker who embodies everything we celebrate about women leading the charge in Canada - smart, talented and approachable. Cheers to BC's women in wine, and Alison Moyes. It's a love for wine that drives the passion to build something worth fighting for, most especially in uncertain times.  It's time to visit the new winery tasting room and meet a fabulous woman in wine. Wines to Watch: Solvero Wines
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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