History of the Huber Family:

The rich tradition of wine making is continued by the Huber family, whose heritage can be dated back as early as 1167 were the family was already perfecting the art of growing grapes in Austria. As a child Walter had already been fascinated by the rich history of his family and felt a kinship to the wine industry.

In 2006 Walter adopted the historic Huber family wine purity law. It was first implemented by his ancestors in 1856 to offset Napoleons new Grand Cru law for France of 1855. Unfortunately nobody else wanted to adopt to the Huber family wine purity law at the time and until today there is no official law in Europe or North America. Every wine produced since 2006 at our wine estates will apply strictly to our wine purity law of our family. This way it guaranties our customer that our wines are free of chemicals or other none natural additives.

Hainle Winery holds a special place in the wine history of Canada as well. Not only was it Canada's first certified organic winery but it is also the birthplace of Icewine in North America.

In 1972, the owner of the winery, Walter Hainle, had developed a reputation and secured a special place in the wine history books of Canada. By a stroke of genius he turned a disaster into a lucrative miracle. Rather than allow an early frost to obliterate an entire year of grape production. Hainle had recalled his own Germanic tradition of turning frozen grapes into delicious dessert wines.

Despite the icy cold harvesting conditions, he carefully collected the frozen grapes that yielded the sweet nectar essential to the production of Peachland's first 40 litres of Icewine. Of course Hainle had no plans to market this nectar of the gods; he was simply trying to salvage his crop and planned to utilize the Icewine for his own personal enjoyment. Who in Peachland let alone Canada was familiar with Icewine and would purchase it?

But as he sipped on the amber liquid his mind swirled with new ideas. Icewine was a perfect wine for the cold Canadian climate, and a perfect product to market in Canada. Finally in 1978 Walter Hainle released his first 178 bottles of comercial ice wine in Canda. It is estimated that a bottle of this now rare nectar could bring as much as 1.5 million pounds at the London wine auction. The winery still owns 2 original labeled bottles which are stored in a clima controlled bank save near by the winery.

After Walter Hainle's passing his Family kept the winery running for a short time before it was sold to the Huber family. Walter Huber was more than eager to take over the reins of the winery realizing he could bring it to its full potential as an award winning winery.

In 1991 the Huber's had purchased their first Vine Yard in Peachland and by 2002 Walter was proud to take on the responsibility of expanding Hainle Winery to their current level of North American success.

Deep Creek Wine Estate was now marketing most of the wines with the new Deep Creek Wine Estate label, named after their first Vine Yard

The Huber's decided to market most of the wines under the Deep Creek label , while keeping the Hainle name for the Icewine.

A young local winemaker, Jason Parkes, joined the Huber family and soon Deep Creek Wine Estate began winning medals and awards, not just for their Icewine but for their other wines as well especially the Zweigelt varietal marketed under the trendy and popular "Z" label.

Success continues. Demand for Deep Creek Wines now outstrips production. In 2006 we sold over 6.000 cases of wine.

Deep Creek Estate wines can be found at the winery itself and in a few speciallity wine shops and high end restaurants throughout British Columbia and Alberta. Apart from the renowned Icewine; look also for their delicious Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Zweigelt.

As of 2008 the winery will take one more step towards exclusivity. For the first time we will offer next to our awardwinning wines, exlusive wines which can only be tasted by appointment and bought at the winery or by private invitation direct.

Drop by and sample the wines of Deep Creek Estate Wine Estate in the newly renovated and attractively decorated tasting room on Trepanier Bench Road in Peachland. Visitors are welcome year round.

Or call our toll free number: 1-800-767-3109 to reserve a case of your favourite handcrafted wine. Local telephone number is 767-2525

5355, Trepanier Bench Road,
Peachland, BC, V0H 1X2
Tel: 250-767-2525