Founded in 2018 by four friends, Scout Vineyard is a regenerative wine farm located in the Similkameen Valley near Cawston, British Columbia. From the beginning, the vineyard has focused on thoughtful farming practices that respond to local conditions while producing premium-quality wines.

After experiencing several challenging winters affecting vine health and long-term productivity, Scout Vineyard made the strategic decision to replant a portion of their vineyard. Scout Vineyard removed three acres of existing vines and, with support from the Enhanced Replant Program (ERP), replanted two acres with Chenin Blanc, Gamay, and Trousseau varieties.

The replanting project was designed with both sustainability and efficiency in mind. Scout Vineyard reused all existing trellis infrastructure and irrigation systems, reducing material waste and keeping project costs manageable while maintaining vineyard integrity.

ERP played a critical role in enabling the project to move forward. By providing financial support for replanting costs, the program helped Scout Vineyard invest in climate-resilient grape varieties that are well-aligned with current and future growing conditions in the Similkameen Valley. These varieties are expected to improve vineyard resilience while producing high-quality fruit for wine production.

“Following a few difficult winters, the Enhanced Replant Program has helped offset some of the cost of replanting and rebuilding our vineyard,” said Murray Fonteyne, Co-owner of Scout Vineyard.

Today, the replanted acreage represents a long-term investment in the vineyard’s future. The new plantings support Scout Vineyard’s goal of adapting to climate variability while continuing to farm regeneratively and contribute to the region’s reputation for distinctive, high-quality wines.

This project demonstrates how targeted funding through ERP can support BC wine grape growers in making proactive decisions, strengthening vineyard resilience and ensuring the long-term sustainability of BC’s wine industry.

The Enhanced Replant Program is funded by the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. In June 2025, Scout Vineyard was approved to receive $6,568 in funding from ERP to replant 2 acres of vines. For a full list of approved ERP projects, visit iafbc.ca/erp/approved-projects/.