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Our Story

PROPRIETORS

Dreams don’t come true, dreams are made true. And so began the journey.

A vision to produce a collection of wines that would appeal to astute wine enthusiasts and the most seasoned professionals. Varietals based on terroir with the ability to influence with barrels. Three properties planted in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot mark estate production while Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc make up the balance of the portfolio. A winery dedicated to the pursuit of excellence. We believe our vision of inspiration and dreams result in wines that deliver, inspired by the same dreams.

OUR NAME

Why Little Engine…. Because each and everyone of us has a Little Engine Story.

We can all relate to a story of overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness.

The children’s fable of the Little Engine personifies will and determination, a winery dedicated to these same pursuits seemed befitting of the same title, and so became Little Engine Wines.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Our philosophy begins in the vineyard. Precise pruning, canopy management, and cluster thinning. We utilize very low crop tonnage producing fruit with intense concentration. Hand selected fruit combined with minimally-invasive wine making techniques allow for our wine’s pure expression. A combination of natural yeasts, gentle maceration, French oak barrels and attention to every detail, results in wines of depth, character, elegance and finish.

OUR HISTORY

Purchased Corbishley Vineyard

2011

Planted Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Purchased Naramata Road Vineyard

2013

This would become part of our Estate Vineyard and Tasting Room. The site was planted entirely to Chardonnay.

First Harvest

2014

Year one of our new vines producing their first fruit

Opened to Visitors

2016

Our original Tasting Room opened its doors and we released our first vintage of wines.

Grew our Estate Vineyard

2017

We purchased the adjoining orchard and planted it to Pinot Noir.

Lieutenant Governor Awards, Platinum Medal

2018

We received the Platinum Medal for our 2016 Silver Pinot Noir

Highest scoring Canadian Chardonnay, Decanter

2019

Our 2016 Gold Chardonnay earned the highest score for Chardonnay from all Canadian entries

Launched Caboose Viticulture

2019

We continue to grow in innovative ways with the introduction of our Caboose Viticulture Team, taking on more opportunities for top level vineyard management on the Naramata Bench and beyond

Highest scoring Canadian Pinot Noir, Decanter

2021

Our 2018 Gold Pinot Noir earned the highest score for Pinot Noir from all Canadian entries bringing home a stunning 95 points

Opened our new Lakeview Patio and Barrel Cellar

2021

Just in time for Canada Day, we celebrated the addition of our new outdoor tasting space with vistas of Okanagan Lake