Fort Berens Estate Winery: Where Mountain Views Meet Exceptional Wine
The grape-growing region of Lillooet was not spared the devastating cold events of 2022 and 2024. Known for hot, dry summers, moderate winters, and significant diurnal temperature swings, the area is particularly well suited to varietals like Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc.
Thanks to thoughtful vineyard management and the resilience of the vines, the vineyards recovered remarkably well, and 2025 emerged as one of the finest growing seasons on record—a story echoed across much of British Columbia.
The result is a collection of wines that marks a true return to form. Many of the 2025 releases are 100% Lillooet VQA, with no Washington fruit and only minimal sourcing from the Okanagan.
Adding to the significance of this vintage, Fort Berens has achieved certification through Sustainable Winegrowing BC. Covering both vineyard and winery operations, the designation reflects an ongoing commitment to responsible farming and thoughtful stewardship of the land.
Tasting through the lineup, what impressed me most was the consistency. Aromatic intensity, flavour concentration, and freshness carry through every wine, speaking to the quality of the vintage. With healthy yields restored, Fort Berens has also welcomed back a few small-production wines that highlight another side of Lillooet's potential.
Six wines that are more than just new releases
2025 Small Lot Grüner Veltliner
Certified sustainable and Lillooet VQA, the small lot Grüner Veltliner is back and ready to impress. 30% of the grapes were whole-cluster pressed, and the wine was aged 4 months on lees before bottling. Opening with an assortment of cumquat, apple, crunchy radish, clover honey, and crushed rock, the lees contact ushers in aromas of yogurt and sugar cookie. It is soft and juicy on the palate, showcasing Grüner’s precise character - a savoury wine with a fruity façade.
2025 Riesling
Fort Berens’ signature white grape, the Riesling is once again 100% Lillooet VQA and now certified sustainable. Fermentation is stopped with 10g/L residual sugar, with aging 4 months on lees. The most compelling of the whites, this wine wraps up peach, sliced lime, apple, and jasmine in an off-dry and zesty offering, finishing long and strong on apricot syrup and other stone fruit. Plenty to go around at 1900 cases, this one’s drinkable all on its own, or will pair well with roast pork, korean fried chicken, or noodle stir fries.
2025 Pinot Gris
Blending fruit from Lillooet, Lytton, and Oliver, the 2025 Pinot Gris is proudly BC. All grapes were crushed and cold fermented, aging the wine 4 months on the lees. The fruit character is bright and ripe, highlighting apple, pear, grapefruit, melon, and chrysanthemum on the nose and palate. The style is more akin to Pinot Grigio, tart but approachable, and smartly made.
2025 Chardonnay
Sourced from Lillooet (51%), Summerland, and Savona, a portion of the grapes (30%) is whole-cluster pressed, with natural fermentation and aging in French oak for 4 months. The other 70% is crushed and tank fermented, also with 4 months on lees. The aromatic profile is mild but diverse, with lemon curd, apple, earthy spice, flaxseed, and white blossoms. Soft and approachable, there is good flavour concentration once again and the style sits comfortably removed from the ripe-and-oaky vs acid-and-grip dichotomy that turns many away from Chardonnay. Look here for the peace-maker.
2025 Rosé
Lillooet VQA and made from sustainably grown Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2025 Rosé is a pure and polished style. The attractive pale pink reveals grapefruit, red berries, and hibiscus florals, slipping effortlessly onto a vibrant and refreshing palate that stretches out with a little lingering grip. A delicate creaminess softens the frame with grace.
2025 Late Harvest Riesling
Sustainably grown and 100% Lillooet Riesling grapes are harvested for this wine when they’ve begun to raisin on the vine, concentrating flavours and sugars. Aromatics are pronounced, with a profile of mango, apricot, nectarine, and honeysuckle. The high level of sweetness is balanced with sapid acidity, which facilitates a long finish echoing orchards in bloom. A full-bodied wine for sharp cheeses or desserts like apple crumble or crème caramel. Yet another irresistible manner of Lillooet Riesling.
Final thoughts
It's gratifying to see Lillooet back in full voice. The combination of resilient vineyards, sustainable farming, and an exceptional 2025 growing season has yielded wines of clarity, concentration, and balance. More than a successful vintage, these releases are a reminder of what this region is capable of when nature and thoughtful viticulture work together.
Blog post written by: Matt Tinney, Contributor, uncorkBC