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Rooted in Tradition, Inspired by Discovery

For over 50 years, Gray Monk has been crafting exceptional wines that honour our pioneering spirit and our commitment to excellence.

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Where Heritage Inspires Innovation

Founded in 1972 by George and Trudy Heiss, Gray Monk Estate Winery blends a passion for European winemaking traditions with the unique terroir of Lake Country, BC

The First to Plant Pinot Gris in BC – Shaping a Wine Legacy

As true pioneers, Gray Monk introduced Pinot Gris to British Columbia, laying the foundation for the Okanagan as a world-class winemaking region. Today, we carry this heritage forward, crafting award-winning wines that celebrate the region’s unique character.

Gray monk beginnings

In the early 1970s, George and Trudy Heiss left their hairdressing careers in Edmonton, AB, to plant roots in the Okanagan Valley and pursue a new passion for winemaking. They transformed a former orchard into a vineyard, making history by planting Canada’s first Pinot Gris vines in 1976.

From Orchard to Vineyard

George, originally from Austria, and Trudy, from Germany, met at a hairdressing competition in Edmonton before starting a family and embarking on a bold new chapter. When they purchased the property that would become Gray Monk, it was an orchard. Uninterested in orchard fruit, the Heiss family decided to replace the trees with wine grapes, planting their first vineyard in 1972. Initially, they sold grapes to commercial wineries but grew dissatisfied with how their fruit was being used. This led to a turning point: the decision to make wine themselves.

A Legacy of Firsts

In 1976, the Heiss family imported Pinot Gris, Pinot Auxerrois, and Gewürztraminer rootstock from Alsace, France, pioneering the planting of Pinot Gris in Canada. They named the winery “Gray Monk,” the English translation of the Austrian name for Pinot Gris, blending George’s heritage with the grape’s future significance. Gray Monk’s first vintage, produced in a garage on the property in 1982, yielded just 125 cases. Since then, it has grown to produce over 100,000 cases annually, earning a reputation for its exceptional, fruit-forward white wines and helping shape the Okanagan’s winemaking legacy.

Generations of Commitment

Since its founding, Gray Monk has been deeply rooted in family and community. Pioneers of the BC wine industry, George and Trudy Heiss not only planted Canada’s first Pinot Gris vines but also helped establish the province’s thriving estate winery system, a legacy that continues to shape BC wine today.

A Family Affair

When George and Trudy decided to pursue winemaking, they invited their eldest son, George Jr., to join them. George Jr. studied enology and viticulture at Geisenheim University in Germany, returning in 1984 to become Gray Monk’s winemaker. Over time, all three Heiss sons joined the family operation, cementing Gray Monk as a true family enterprise. From its beginnings in a converted garage to becoming a cornerstone of BC winemaking, the Heiss family’s shared vision made Gray Monk what it is today.

Pioneering a Wine Revolution

In the 1970s, regulations made it nearly impossible for small producers to craft and sell wine from their own grapes. George and Trudy worked tirelessly to change this, uniting with other local growers to establish the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA). Their efforts not only legitimized estate wineries but also set the stage for the growth of BC’s wine industry, which now boasts over 300 wineries.

Passing the Torch

After 35 years of dedication, which included opening a restaurant in 2002 and expanding the winery’s production, George and Trudy retired in 2017, passing Gray Monk to Andrew Peller Limited. This transition ensured that the Heiss family’s legacy would endure. Today, Gray Monk continues to produce award-winning wines that honor its founders’ commitment to quality, community, and innovation.

Winery Experience

Explore our vineyard with tastings, tours, and events that capture the essence of Gray Monk.

Explore the Winery

Our Wines

Discover wines crafted with passion, embodying the unique character of the Okanagan.

Discover Our Wines

MEET THE TEAM

Discover the passionate individuals shaping the heart and soul of Gray Monk.

Get to Know Us

Heritage meets modern craftsmanship

At Gray Monk, we blend Old World traditions with a fresh, modern approach. Under the guidance of the Peller family, we continue to explore new techniques while staying true to the principles that started it all. Our goal? To craft cool-climate wines that capture the essence of Lake Country’s unique terroir and the Okanagan Valley, with quality and integrity in every bottle.

Crafted by Passionate Hands

At Gray Monk, our team is made up of people who love what they do. From caring for the vines to perfecting each vintage, everyone shares a commitment to making wines that reflect our history and the character of Lake Country. Every bottle is a story of passion, tradition, and community.

Meet the Team

Accolades

At Gray Monk Estate Winery, we’re proud to craft wines that not only celebrate the beauty of the Okanagan but have also earned recognition on the world stage.

Gray Monk Estate

Pinot Gris

  • 2023 Silver

    WineAlign

  • 2021 Silver

    Sip Magazine Best of the Northwest

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Gray Monk Odyssey

Merlot

  • 2024 Silver

    WineAlign

  • 2023 Gold

    WineAlign

Gray Monk Odyssey

Chardonnay

  • 2024 Gold

    WineAlign

  • 2024 Silver

    International Wine & Spirit Competition

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Gray Monk Estate

Unwooded Chardonnay

  • 2023 Silver

    WineAlign

  • 2022 Platinum

    Sip Magazine Best of the Northwest

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Odyssey Meritage

  • 2025 Silver

    International Wine & Spirits Competition

Our Awards

From prestigious awards to glowing reviews, our accolades reflect our passion for winemaking and dedication to excellence. Each honour inspires us to continue pushing boundaries while staying true to our roots.

  • Estate Wines

  • Latitude 50 Wines

  • Odyssey Wines

Browse Our Wines

III Port

Intervin International

Silver 2018

Cabernet Sauvignon

WineAlign

Silver 2023

Okanagan Festival – BC Lieutenant Governors Awards

Gold 2021

Intervin International

Gold 2018

Okanagan Festival – BC Lieutenant Governors Awards

Silver 2018

Meritage

Decanter World Wine Awards

Silver 2024

Okanagan Festival – BC Lieutenant Governors Awards

Gold 2023

Best of the Northwest Wine – SIP

Double Gold 2022

WineAlign

Gold 2022

All Canadian Wine Championships

Gold 2021

Okanagan Festival – BC Lieutenant Governors Awards

Silver 2018

Cabernet Franc

Decanter World Wine Awards

Silver 2024

WineAlign

Silver 2021

Merlot

WineAlign

Silver 2024

WineAlign

Gold 2023

Decanter World Wine Awards

Silver 2023

WineAlign

Silver 2022

WineAlign

Silver 2021

Okanagan Festival – BC Lieutenant Governors Awards

Silver 2021

Okanagan Festival – BC Lieutenant Governors Awards

Silver 2020

Okanagan Spring Festival – Best of Varietal Awards

Best of Varietal 2018

Okanagan Spring Festival – Best of Varietal Awards

Gold 2018

Okanagan Festival – BC Lieutenant Governors Awards

Gold 2018

Pinot Noir

WineAlign

Silver 2025

Decanter World Wine Awards

Silver 2024

Chardonnay

WineAlign

Gold 2024

International Wine & Spirit Competition

Silver 2024

Okanagan Festival – BC Lieutenant Governors Awards

Silver 2023

Pinot Gris

GFWC

Trophy 2022

WineAlign

Gold 2022

All Canadian Wine Championships

Silver 2021

Decanter World Wine Awards

Silver 2020

Traditional Brut Sparkling

Alberta Beverage Awards

Best of Class 2024

Decanter World Wine Awards

Silver 2024

Okanagan Festival – BC Lieutenant Governors Awards

Gold 2023

Best of the Northwest Wine – SIP

Double Gold 2022

WineAlign

Silver 2021

Okanagan Festival – BC Lieutenant Governors Awards

Gold 2019

Rosé Brut Sparkling

WineAlign

Gold 2025

International Wine & Spirit Competition

Silver 2024

WineAlign

Gold 2023

Best of the Northwest Wine – SIP

Platinum 2022

WineAlign

Silver 2022

All Canadian Wine Championships

Trophy 2021

All Canadian Wine Championships

Best of Class 2021

All Canadian Wine Championships

Double Gold 2021

Okanagan Festival – BC Lieutenant Governors Awards

Silver 2021

WineAlign

Silver 2021

Okanagan Festival – BC Lieutenant Governors Awards

Silver 2020

Okanagan Festival – BC Lieutenant Governors Awards

Silver 2019

Okanagan Spring Festival – Best of Varietal Awards

Best of Varietal 2018

Okanagan Spring Festival – Best of Varietal Awards

Gold 2018

Northwest Wine Summit

Gold 2018

White Brut Sparkling

Decanter

Silver 2025

International Wine & Spirit Competition

Silver 2024

WineAlign

Silver 2023

Best of the Northwest Wine – SIP

Gold 2022

All Canadian Wine Championships

Silver 2022

International Wine & Spirit Competition

Silver 2021

WineAlign

Silver 2021

Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards

Trophy 2020

Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards

Double Gold 2020

Great Northwest Invitational

Best of Class 2019

Northwest Wine Summit

Best 2018

Northwest Wine Summit

Gold 2018

Intervin International

Silver 2018

Great Northwest Invitational

Silver 2018

WineAlign

Silver 2018

Red

International East Meets West

Silver 2020

Harvest Challenge

Silver 2019

Rosé

Tasters Guild International

Gold 2019

Los Angeles International Wine Competition

Silver 2019

Okanagan Festival – BC Lieutenant Governors Awards

Silver 2019

White

Los Angeles International Wine Competition

Gold 2022

Tasters Guild International

Double Gold 2019

Los Angeles International Wine Competition

Silver 2019

Okanagan Spring Festival – Best of Varietal Awards

Silver 2019

WineAlign

Silver 2019

Unwooded Chardonnay

WineAlign

Silver 2023

Best of the Northwest Wine – SIP

Platinum 2022

International East Meets West

Best of Class 2022

All Canadian Wine Championships

Gold 2022

Los Angeles International Wine Competition

Silver 2022

WineAlign

Silver 2022

Best of the Northwest Wine – SIP

Platinum 2021

Sunset International Wine Competition

Double Gold 2021

All Canadian Wine Championships

Double Gold 2019

Pacific Rim

Gold 2019

Los Angeles International Wine Competition

Silver 2019

Intervin International

Silver 2019

Okanagan Spring Festival – Best of Varietal Awards

Silver 2019

WineAlign

Gold 2018

Best of the Northwest Wine – SIP

Silver 2018

Okanagan Festival – BC Lieutenant Governors Awards

Silver 2018

Okanagan Spring Festival – Best of Varietal Awards

Silver 2018

Ehrenfelser

All Canadian Wine Championships

Silver 2021

Gewurztraminer

Best of the Northwest Wine – SIP

Double Gold 2022

Best of the Northwest Wine – SIP

Double Gold 2019

Kerner

International East Meets West

Gold 2022

Sunset International Wine Competition

Silver 2022

Pinot Auxerrois

International East Meets West

Gold 2022

All Canadian Wine Championships

Silver 2022

International East Meets West

Gold 2020

Great Northwest Invitational

Silver 2019

Great Northwest Invitational

Silver 2018

Pinot Gris

WineAlign

Silver 2023

Los Angeles International Wine Competition

Gold 2022

Best of the Northwest Wine – SIP

Silver 2021

International East Meets West

Best of Selection 2020

International East Meets West

Best of Class 2020

International East Meets West

Double Gold 2020

Great Northwest Invitational

Gold 2019

Intervin International

Gold 2019

Okanagan Spring Festival – Best of Varietal Awards

Silver 2019

Los Angeles International Wine Competition

Silver 2019

Tasters Guild International

Silver 2019

Okanagan Festival – BC Lieutenant Governors Awards

Silver 2018

Northwest Wine Summit

Silver 2018

WineAlign

Silver 2018

Pinot Blanc

Sunset International Wine Competition

Silver 2021

Harvest Challenge

Double Gold 2019

Reflection

Harvest Challenge

Gold 2019

Riesling

International East Meets West

Silver 2022

Sunset International Wine Competition

Silver 2021

International East Meets West

Silver 2020

Tasters Guild International

Gold 2019

Harvest Challenge

Silver 2019

Siegerrebe

Best of the Northwest Wine – SIP

Double Gold 2022

Sunset International Wine Competition

Gold 2021

International East Meets West

Best of Class 2019

Harvest Challenge

Double Gold 2019

Rotberger Rose

Sunset International Wine Competition

Silver 2022

Okanagan Festival – BC Lieutenant Governors Awards

Gold 2019

Pinot Noir

All Canadian Wine Championships

Gold 2022

International East Meets West

Silver 2020

Los Angeles International Wine Competition

Silver 2019

Okanagan Festival – BC Lieutenant Governors Awards

Silver 2019

Pacific Rim

Silver 2019

WineAlign

Gold 2018

Okanagan Festival – BC Lieutenant Governors Awards

Silver 2018

Merlot

All Canadian Wine Championships

Gold 2021

WineAlign

Silver 2019

Great Northwest Invitational

Silver 2019

Cabernet Merlot

International East Meets West

Silver 2022

Sunset International Wine Competition

Silver 2021

Tasters Guild International

Gold 2019

Best of the Northwest Wine – SIP

Judges Pick 2019

Okanagan Festival – BC Lieutenant Governors Awards

Gold 2018

Monk’s Blend

International East Meets West

Silver 2022

Best of the Northwest Wine – SIP

Platinum 2021

Sunset International Wine Competition

Silver 2021

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