Introduction to Icewines at Paradise Paradise Ranch Vineyards Introduction Home Paradise Ranch Vineyards has been growing and harvesting icewine grapes almost as long as anyone else in British Columbia and, in fact, we have harvested more icewine grapes over the last twenty years than any other vineyard in British Columbia.
Icewine grapes are difficult to grow and harvest.
The risks of growing icewine grapes are very substantial. Bad weather, weather that is too warm, weather that changes too slowly and weather that doesn't change fast enough are all problematic for icewine grapes and the grape vines they grow from. Leaving grapes hang on the vines well after they would normally be harvested doesn't allow the vines to store extra sugars to help sustain them through the harsh winters. This leaves the vines much more vulnerable to winter damage. The elk, the deer, the raccoons, the coyotes, black and cinnamon bears, and last but not least the occasional grizzly bear all think the icewine grapes are being left on the vine for their winter eating pleasure.