A New Chapter from the Family of Bordertown Vineyards & Estate Winery
Photo credit: After 93 Vineyards & Estate Winery
If you love wine with a story — and a strong sense of place — then After 93 Vineyards & Estate Winery is one of the most exciting names to emerge from British Columbia’s Okanagan wine scene in recent years.
A Legacy Rooted in Family & the Okanagan
The story begins with the Gill family, who came to Canada in 1993 with a vision of cultivating exceptional fruit in the fertile soils of the Okanagan Valley. Over decades of orchard farming and vine growing, the family’s passion evolved into winemaking, culminating in the establishment of Bordertown Vineyards & Estate Winery in Osoyoos in 2015 — now a well-known name among wine lovers exploring the region.
From Bordertown to After 93
After years of success with Bordertown, the Gill family — led by the next generation — looked for ways to expand their expression of Okanagan terroir and reach a broader audience. In 2021, After 93 Vineyards & Estate Winery was created as a fresh complement to Bordertown’s legacy. It carries forward the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship, but with a focus on small-lot wines and a modern perspective on the family’s deep roots in the valley.
Sukhvir Gill, representing the third generation, brings innovation and a customer-centric vision to After 93 — prioritizing world-class winemaking balanced with memorable experiences from vineyard to glass.
The Wines & Terroir
Like its sister winery, After 93 draws on the unique microclimates of the Okanagan — from the hot, sun-soaked vineyards of Osoyoos to cooler sites near West Kelowna and Peachland. These diverse sites allow the winery to craft a range of expressive wines, including elegant Pinot Gris, lively Moscato Frizzante, refreshing Rosé Frizzante, and the newly released Pinot Noir, each reflecting its special place in the valley.
Wines from After 93 combine bright acidity, pure fruit expression, and thoughtful winemaking, appealing to both curious wine newcomers and experienced palates alike.
A Complement to Bordertown’s Roots
While Bordertown remains beloved for its robust and character-driven wines — from rich reds to savory whites — After 93 offers a fresh, contemporary take that expands the Gill family’s footprint in BC’s wine world. It’s both an extension of their heritage and a statement about where BC winemaking is headed next.
These notes offer a thoughtful guide to what’s in the glass, written by Matt Tinney:
After 93 Rosé Frizzante NV
Merlot and Cabernet Franc from their Old Road Vineyard in Osoyoos were whole cluster pressed after 2 hours of skin contact, blending the juice at a ratio of 1:2 Merlot to Cab Franc. After cool stainless steel fermentation, the wine was aged 18 months in stainless before carbonation and bottling. This is pretty unique for the sparkling rosé market, a dusky hibiscus/rosehip orange hue and offering a lot of earthy spice. Poached pear, rhubarb, fresh red berries, herbs, and spiced cranberry defy gravity on a dry, light-bodied palate fresh with acidity. Seems to be destined for holiday pairings.
After 93 2023 Pinot Gris
Fruit from Ogden Rd Vineyard in West Kelowna was whole cluster pressed for this small lot Pinot Gris, fermenting and aging 18 months in stainless steel. Although there is no lactic conversion, the wine has that soft sensation of restrained acidity. The concentrated expression from a single vineyard has amplified the varietal character. Steely and bright on the nose, this has white peach and blossom, bitter melon, musk, white cranberry, and a stony edge. The palate reflects the juicy, plump fruit, musky personality, and round, pomelo acidity. The style leans into Pinot Gris gutsiness, so lean back with Greek chicken, mackerel sushi, or baked brie with a fruit compote.
After 93 2023 Pinot Noir
Also coming from Ogden Rd Vineyard in West Kelowna, these hand harvested grapes are cold soaked for 5 days before stainless steel fermentation. The wine is then aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. In the glass it is a pale garnet, and slightly hazy. This appearance of age aligns with the savoury and oxidative style expressed in the aromas. Fruit components are soft and fuzzy - warm cranberry, stewed strawberry, pomegranate - mingling adeptly with fragrant hibiscus, rosehip, dry leaves, mushroom, gentle baking spices, and a hint of leather. Tannins are soft, and it’s the sapid acidity that allows the myriad flavours to ring on. With appealing complexity and nuance, this is still very approachable and meant for drinking now. Well suited for duck, stuffed portobellos, or roasted root veg.
After 93 2023 Moscato Frizzante
Muscat grapes come from the Osoyoos Estate Vineyard on the west side of Osoyoos Lake. Fermentation and 18 months aging takes place in stainless steel tanks to preserve aromatics. I normally think of Bordertown when I think of BC sparkling Muscat, so it makes sense that this frizzante is part of the launch release for After 93. Perfumed with honeysuckle and orange blossom, pear skin, and yellow plum, the aromas are pure and elegant. While many foreign moscato styles are sweet, this one is dry from beginning to end. Light and sophisticated, the refreshing palate finishes with blossoms and briny lemon. Great as an aperitif at brunch, or with frittatas and fresh fruit thereafter.
Blog post written by: Matt Tinney, Contributor, uncorkBC