C.C. Jentsch Cellars

Like most people you probably assumed that C. C. were Chris’ initials?  Actually, they stand for his middle name, Carl, and his wife`s middle name, Coelho, which means rabbit in Portuguese. Chris’ branding describes his life, or more accurately, the most important part of it- his love and devotion for his wife, Betty. For 30 years, Chris believed that both he and Betty, born in 1963, were the same Chinese Zodiac sign – the Rabbit. One day, a Korean restaurateur explained to him that the Chinese New Year starts in February, and suddenly he realized that he had been a Tiger all along. Chris illustrates all of this in his branding and the names of his wines: ‘The Chase’, and  “The Quest” are all themes coming from the pursuit of, and desire for the one woman I have loved for so many years. And one day I am going to catch her…”

All of our vineyards are located on Class 1 growing sites for viniferia grapes.

The vineyard directly behind the winery, affectionately known as the “Blue Barn” block, has the mighty Testalinden Creek flowing through the center of it. There are 2 foot bridges for crossing and a small picnic area nestled beside the Merlot.

The winery also operates the Eugenio vineyard of Betty Jentsch’s parents on the Black Sage Bench. The unique gravel loam soils with the long warm evenings produce fine vintages of Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc.

Chris & Betty’s home property sweeping along Lake Okanagan, this 4 acre vineyard has perfect south-east exposure and the massive body of water provides a thermal buffering that is second to none in spring and fall growing seasons. This Chardonnay block, planted on heavy clay soils, began producing its first vintage in 2014.

In August 2019 , the Jentsch’s purchased the 10acre bench beside their Chardonnay site in Summerland,  In spring 2020, it was planted with Pinot Noir.

C.C. Jentsch Cellars is a family Estate Winery with three vineyard sites. The Testalinden Creek vineyard is next to the winery, The Eugenio vineyard on the east side of the valley just off Black Sage Road and The Summerland Vineyard just north of the Town of Summerland produces Chardonnay and a 4 acres expansion in 2020 will soon produce Pinot Noir. The Jentsch family has been farming in the Okanagan since 1929.

Winemaker Paula Cooper guides production of the portfolio of award winning premium wines that represent outstanding quality and value at a reasonable price. ($18 – $50)  Chardonnay, Viognier, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are crafted from our estate grown fruit. A popular white blend, red blend and a Blanc de Noir Rose´ are offered.