Okanagan Revisited: Chapter Seven — Painted Rock Estate Winery: Climbing Peak After Peak

As we left Poplar Grove behind and followed the winding road for 20 minutes south to Skaha Bench, I couldn’t help but feel a quiet thrill. More than two years had passed since my first visit to Painted Rock Estate Winery, yet I still recalled the intensity of those 2019 wines—and the commanding presence of its founder, John Skinner. I wondered: what new summits would I climb this time?

In 2022, John toured me around the vineyard and guided me through a tasting of the 2019 vintage inside the tasting hall. He welcomed me with warmth and pride, sharing the story of his life’s second act.

Painted Rock was born of transformation: an apricot orchard reborn as a vineyard, a career in finance giving way to a pursuit of vinous perfection. In John’s words and eyes, I saw the intensity of a perfectionist and the artistry of a dreamer. He spoke of his dedication to details, from berry sorting to barrel selection, from clone choice to canopy management. Nothing was accidental; everything was intentional.

The estate rests on a sunbathed slope above Skaha Lake, where the soil is a dynamic mosaic of topsoil, glacial silt, clay, sand, volcanic ash, and underlying gravels—offering both excellent drainage and a rich spectrum of nutrients. It’s an ideal environment for vines that must struggle, and shine. This interplay of land and light gives Painted Rock wines their signature concentration and finesse.

On this Mother’s Day afternoon, sunlight streamed through the vines. We sat on the patio under a clear Penticton sky, a generous charcuterie board between us. A soft breeze carried the scent of pine and warm stone. With each pour, John let the wine talk, offering only the occasional comment—as if even he preferred to marvel quietly at what the vintage had become.

While we tasted the current releases, John also shared insights into the marketing side of his business. His passionate energy was just as vivid. Painted Rock continues to stand as a proud testament to the singular vision of one man—and the team he built around him.

A House of Single Varietals

Painted Rock’s philosophy centres on single-varietal wines, with each grape given a singular stage, year after year. From fermentation methods to ageing regimens, the same disciplined approach is maintained, allowing the vineyard and vintage to speak most clearly. My impressions from both visits align: the wines are intensely concentrated, layered with poise, and elegantly balanced.

In 2022, I was already in awe. On this return, the wines continued to astonish. Every sip brought a new peak—one surprise after another, each more compelling than the last. Painted Rock is not a plateau; it’s a mountain range. You climb, sip by sip, and just when you think you’ve reached the top, another summit appears, more breathtaking than the last.

Cabernet Franc 2021

Sourced from a single 3.01-acre block, hand-picked and sorted, cold-soaked, and fermented for 21 days. Aged 18 months in 30% new French oak and bottled unfiltered.

Savoury and complex, the bouquet combines Italian herbs, olives, and cooked green peppers with dark berries and a touch of cedar. Smooth tannins support a flavourful blend of red fruits and herbaceous depth, all in harmonious balance.

14.8% abv | 2.1 g/L RS | pH 3.96 | TA 6.2 g/L

Syrah 2021 & 2022

Planted with clones 100 and 99, fermented in small batches, and aged for 18 months in 30% new oak (80% French, 20% American).

2021: Floral notes of violet and black pepper frame a core of ripe blackberry, plum, and dark cherry. Smooth tannins and a whisper of vanilla round out a luxuriously textured wine.

15.6% abv | 2.5 g/L RS | pH 4.01 | TA 6.6 g/L

2022: A cooler vintage reveals lifted acidity, dark plums, cracked pepper, and blackberry leaf, finishing with eucalyptus and violet aromatics, all giving rise to a multi-dimensional enjoyment. Fragrant and elegant, super refined with admirable depth and finesse.

14.9% abv | 2.2 g/L RS | TA 6.5 g/L

Merlot 2020

Harvested from four vineyard blocks, each lot was fermented separately after a four-day cold soak, followed by 21 days on the skins. Aged 18 months in 30% new French oak before blending.

Chocolate, figs, and dark cherries leap from the glass, supported by gentle waves of cloves. The palate is rounded and layered, with opulent red fruits giving way to baking spices and a subtle mandarin peel note. Smooth yet structured.

14.9% abv | 1.9 g/L RS | pH 3.61 | TA 6.3 g/L

Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 & 2022

Identical vinification: small-batch fermentation after cold-soak, 21 days on skins, 18 months in 30% new French oak. Bottled unfiltered.

2021: Dense dark fruit with mocha, cassis, and blackberry leaf. Silky tannins and balancing freshness deliver a powerful yet elegant profile.

14.9% abv | 1.16 g/L RS | pH 3.9 | TA 6.8 g/L

2022: Ripe raspberries and cherries lead the way, followed by nuances of chocolate, cloves, nutmeg, and a graceful whisper of lilac. The mid-palate is generous and complete, where ripe fruit melds seamlessly with firm tannins. Vibrant acidity lends a lifted freshness throughout. A full-bodied wine, balancing structure and fragrance in perfect harmony.

14.5% abv | 2.1 g/L RS | pH 3.81 | TA 6.5 g/L

Final Thoughts

As we left, I glanced back at the vineyard, golden in the late afternoon sun. Painted Rock isn’t just about wine—it’s about vision, grit, and how a place, if stewarded well, can exceed even the most exacting expectations. I came looking for great wines and found a summit of inspiration. A revisit feels like a double dose of that inspiration—proof that the climb is always worth repeating.