The Story Behind Summerhill Pyramid Winery
Summerhill Pyramid Winery began with one bold vision: to create the finest sparkling wine in the worldâright in the heart of British Columbiaâs Okanagan Valley. Founded in the late 1980s by Stephen Cipes, a New York real estate developer turned vineyard dreamer, Summerhill is rooted in a deep respect for the land, organic farming, and the mysteries of nature.
Inspired by ancient European cellars and sacred geometry, Cipes built a precision-aligned pyramid on the estateâwhere every bottle is aged. The result? Wines with extraordinary energy, complexity, and soul. Summerhillâs commitment to certified organic practices, paired with its spiritual approach to winemaking, has made it one of Canada's most visited and internationally awarded wineries.
At Summerhill, wine is more than a drinkâitâs a connection to the earth, to each other, and to something greater.
Winemaking at Summerhill Pyramid
Certified Organic and Biodynamic Excellence
Summerhill Pyramid Winery is proud to produce 100% organic wine, holding certifications that affirm their exceptional quality.
- Demeter Biodynamic Certification: Achieved in 2012 for the Kelowna vineyard, demonstrating harmony between agriculture and nature.
- Certified Organic Cellar: Established in 2007, ensuring every step of the winemaking process upholds rigorous organic standards.
These certifications guarantee a pure, authentic wine experience, free from synthetic chemicals and additives, while maintaining the highest level of craftsmanship.
Terroir-Driven Wines from the Okanagan Valley
Summerhillâs wines are celebrated for their distinctive terroir-driven qualities. The organic farming approach enhances the natural flavours of the grapes, delivering rich and complex profiles that are a true testament to the Okanagan Valleyâs unique climate and soil. Whether youâre savouring their sparkling wines, robust reds, or elegant whites, each bottle tells a story of the land it comes from.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Summerhill Pyramid Winery wines different from other organic wines?
Summerhill is certified organic and Demeter Biodynamic, which is a stricter standard than organic on its own. The fruit is Okanagan Valley grown and farmed without synthetic chemicals, and the winery has worked this way since long before it was fashionable.
Why are Summerhill's wines aged in a pyramid?
The winery ages and stores its wine in a four-storey replica of the Great Pyramid, aligned to true north. Summerhill credits the chamber with improving clarity and aroma. You can walk through it on a visit and judge for yourself.
Can I order single bottles of Summerhill Pyramid Winery through My Wine Canada?
Yes. Single bottles are fine and there's no case minimum. Shipping availability depends on your province, which the checkout confirms once you enter your address.
Does Summerhill Pyramid Winery produce sparkling wines?
Yes, and it's what they're best known for. They've made traditional-method bubbles since the late 1980s, with the second fermentation happening in the bottle the same way it does in Champagne. Look for the Cipes name on the label.
Are Summerhill Pyramid Winery wines suitable for vegans?
Yes, all of them. No animal products go into fining here. Whites are fined with bentonite clay and the reds are left unfined, and the vegan certification is stated on the bottle.
How long does delivery take when ordering Summerhill wines from My Wine Canada?
It depends where you are, since the parcel leaves the winery in Kelowna rather than a central warehouse. You get tracking either way. Order from more than one winery and the parcels arrive separately.
