We are pleased to announce a long-term collaboration with Olivier Humbrecht MW of Alsace’s Domaine Zind-Humbrecht. Phantom Creek is Olivier’s first and only winery consulting project.
Olivier Humbrecht, France’s first Master of Wine, is the owner and winemaker of Domaine Zind-Humbrecht. The renowned estate has been in his family since 1620, and today is one of the world’s leading Pinot Gris and Riesling producers. Olivier initiated the winery’s transition to organic and biodynamic practices in 1997. He is now the President of Biodyvin, a prestigious biodynamic certifying body based in Europe.
As we expand our portfolio to include Pinot Gris and Riesling, two of British Columbia’s signature grape varieties, Olivier will be instrumental in helping to select and develop vineyard sites that have the potential for excellence.
“Having visited three times already, I know the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys are capable of producing exceptional Pinot Gris and Riesling with great vineyard character”, said Humbrecht. “With the ambition of ownership and the skilled team at Phantom Creek, I am enthusiastic about what we can achieve.”
Working closely with Winemaker Ross Wise, Olivier will have an integral role in Phantom Creek’s white winemaking program. Our state of the art winery, including an Alsatian inspired foudre room, was designed with Olivier’s input.
Olivier will also guide our transition to organic and biodynamic farming practices. Our 67 acres of estate vineyards on the Black Sage Bench, including the historic Phantom Creek and Sundial Vineyards, have been farmed according to organic practices since 2017.
“We believe organic and biodynamic farming will result in the highest quality fruit from our estate vineyards”, said Ross Wise. “As the authority on biodynamic farming, Olivier is an indispensable source of knowledge.”
Our inaugural wines will be released in Spring 2019, coinciding with the opening of the winery.
