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Perched on the Upper Bench above Keremeos, Hugging Tree Winery is a family-run boutique operation where the winemaker’s hands are in every step — from planting the first vines to the final pour in the tasting room. The covered patio overlooks the valley, the wines are crafted in small cases, and every visit feels like exactly what it is: a personal introduction to a winemaker who takes nothing about his craft for granted.

The name tells the story. Hugging Tree was inspired by two entangled trees on the property whose intertwined branches embody the spirit of the winery — connection to the land, the vines, and each other. That connection runs deeper than the name: the first new vineyard was planted with cuttings from the original vines, carrying the old property into every new vintage.

Winemaker Bradley Makepeace approaches the craft with a deliberately analog philosophy — from the old Willmes grape press he covets to the discipline of working alone through each season, keeping case production small enough to give every step his full attention. The result is a range that includes Chardonnay, sparkling Blanc de Blancs, and red wines from Syrah and Cabernet Franc — with the Rockside Vineyard actively expanding the estate’s red wine potential with new plantings. Tasting flights are available in the tasting room, and charcuterie boards can be arranged to accompany them.

The Bespoke Wine Club — a fully customisable wine subscription with free shipping, complimentary tastings for two, and priority access to micro-lot and pre-release wines — is available for those who want to bring the Upper Bench home with them.