We Are Celebrating 30 Years of Winemaking Innovation in Okanagan Falls, BC - a remarkable milestone for our small, family-owned winery. From humble beginnings, the vision of founders Larry Gerelus and Linda Pruegger has blossomed into one of the Okanagan’s most innovative wineries, known for a bold approach to grape growing and winemaking. Today, under the ownership of Eric Liu, we continue to honour our roots while embracing a future of sustainable and unique winemaking practices.

A Dream Takes Root
In the mid-90s, Larry and Linda envisioned creating a boutique winery that celebrated the unique terroir of our region. With little more than passion and a shared love of wine, they purchased a modest property, turning their home into a place where friends, family, and wine enthusiasts could gather. The winery soon officially opened in 1995 under a name inspired by a chance fawn encounter in the vineyard and the significant and dramatic kettle hole (the “hollow”) in the centre of the property. At the time our little winery was just the third winery in the Okanagan Falls region. Their journey was driven by a desire to do things differently. While many Okanagan wineries focused on popular varieties like Merlot and Pinot Noir—both of which we still produces to critical acclaim—Larry and Linda sought to push the boundaries of what the region could offer. Their adventurous spirit led them to plant rare and intriguing varietals such as Vidal, Albariño, Dolcetto, Teroldego, and Tempranillo, grapes not traditionally associated with the Okanagan. These wines have since proven to thrive in the area’s microclimate and soils, offering wine lovers an extraordinary tasting experience that’s both familiar and refreshingly new. Their pioneering spirit and commitment to excellence became the foundation of Stag's Hollow.

A New Chapter Begins
In 2019, the winery entered a new chapter when Eric Liu took over as owner. Eric brought with him a fresh perspective and a deep respect for the legacy that Larry and Linda had built while bringing his own vision to the winery. In 2021 he facilitated the building of a brand new state-of-the-art warehouse a few kilometres north of the winery to meet the growing need for storage and office space. A farmer at heart, Eric looks for every opportunity to expand viticulture acreage and in 2023 he acquired the vineyard adjacent to Shuttleworth Creek, called Maple Vineyard, to give the winery more access to Chardonnay and Riesling. Under his stewardship, he has continued to grow the winery while staying true to the values that have always guided us: a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and a love for the land.

Building a Sustainable Future
In 2021, Stag’s Hollow achieved certification from Sustainable Winegrowing British Columbia (only one of six certified wineries!), and achieved Salmon-Safe BC recertification in 2024, a testament to our ongoing efforts to minimize environmental impact. From organic farming practices to water conservation and soil health, our focus is to nurture the land for future generations. Eric and the rest of our team have embraced sustainability not just as a philosophy but as a responsibility, ensuring that the vineyards remain healthy and productive for years to come.

Cultivating Excellence
One of few Okanagan-grown winemakers in the valley, Keira LeFranc assumed the role of Winemaker in 2018 after completing university and working several harvests in New Zealand, marking a pivotal moment in her career. Under her guidance, Stag’s Hollow has flourished, producing a portfolio of award-winning wines that showcase the unique terroir of Okanagan Falls. Keira, along with long-time Vineyard Manager, Vilem Blazek, have always taken the stewardship of the land incredibly seriously. Everything grown for Stag’s Hollow is tended to by-hand by a very small team of incredibly hard-working and passionate people. Their dedication to growing exceptional grapes is the driving force behind every bottle of wine we produce.

Welcoming Community and Connection
Through the Wine Club, members not only gain front of the line access to a vast portfolio of our wines, but also become part of the Stag’s Hollow family. This community is a place for wine lovers to engage, learn, and share their passion for exceptional wines crafted with care and a commitment to sustainability. With Hospitality always top of mind, Wine Shop and Club Manager, Julie Brady, has been integral to cultivating this welcoming environment over the years. She ensures every visitor feels at home and even created a Locals Wine Club to keep the nearby community closely connected to the winery. Club members receive invitations to private events, exclusive tastings, and other celebrations hosted at the winery along with a list of other benefits. For 30 years, wine club members have been at the heart of our story, helping shape the winery’s future and sharing in the excitement of the journey.

Commemorating the Milestone
To commemorate this milestone anniversary, we have reimagined our Renaissance Merlot 2022 label to feature three exclusive ‘Art Series’ labels, each capturing the essence of our beloved Stag’s Hollow estate in Okanagan Falls, BC. The depiction on each label, created by local artists Sharon Snow, Stephanie Perry and Ron Gladish, reflects the natural beauty of our property and the historic hollow where we get our name. Customers can collect all three limited-edition labels honouring our commitment to distinctive quality wines that have defined Stag’s Hollow since 1995. A true testament to our legacy, this Merlot embodies the spirit of the land and the artistry of our cherished community.

A Landmark Achievement Worth Toasting
Stag's Hollow continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, proving that the marriage of innovation, sustainability, and tradition is not only achievable but can lead to extraordinary results. As the winery approaches its 30th anniversary in the spring of 2025, we invite you and wine lovers across Canada to join us in celebrating three decades of hard work, passion, and unwavering commitment to the craft of winemaking. This year, we will be hosting a series of exclusive dinners, outdoor gatherings and tasting events, bringing together our community to toast the past, present, and future of Stag’s Hollow. We promise the next 30 years will be just as exciting as the first!

You're Invited to Stag’s Hollow Winery’s 30th Anniversary Celebration!

Let’s raise a glass to 30 incredible years of winemaking innovation, community connection, and unforgettable moments at Stag’s Hollow!

Join us for a specially curated selection of your favourite wines (plus some gems from our library collection!), beer from Neighbourhood Brewing, gourmet food from our friends at Oliver Eats, dancing with Lewis Cardinal's four piece band, and more. Celebrate this milestone with us in Okanagan Falls.

Don’t miss the party of the summer—RSVP today and be a part of our legacy! Click here for ticket info.

Celebrate three decades of winemaking innovation with Stag’s Hollow's 30th Anniversary Renaissance Merlot 2022. To commemorate this milestone, we are proud to feature three exclusive Art Series labels, each capturing the essence of our beloved Stag’s Hollow estate in Okanagan Falls, BC. The depictions on this label, created by local artists Sharon Snow, Stephanie Perry and Ron Gladish, reflects the natural beauty of our property and the historic hollow where we get our name. Collect all three limited-edition labels honouring our commitment to distinctive quality wines that have defined Stag’s Hollow since 1995. A true testament to our legacy, this Merlot embodies the spirit of the land and the artistry of our cherished community.