A decade ago, Pat and Doug Bell faced skepticism when they announced plans to establish a winery in Prince George, a city located nearly 500 kilometers north of B.C.’s renowned wine region, the Okanagan Valley. The initial reaction to their new venture was mixed, with some questioning the feasibility of the project. However, fast forward to the present day, the Bells recently celebrated a significant milestone – the production of their one millionth bottle of wine. The achievement was commemorated with a small ceremony on the banks of the Nechako River, where the Northern Lights Estate Winery has been in operation for the past ten years.
During the milestone celebration, Jeff Guignard, the president and CEO of Wine Growers British Columbia, commended the winery for its perseverance in establishing itself as the northernmost winery in the province and one of the most northern wineries globally. He acknowledged the Bells’ determination and hard work, emphasizing the uncommon nature of wineries in northern regions.
Northern Lights Estate Winery distinguishes itself by focusing on producing wines using a variety of fruits grown in and around Prince George and across B.C. The winery’s selection includes blends made from fruits such as rhubarb, crab apples, and saskatoon berries, instead of traditional grapes. Notably, it is recognized as the largest fruit winery in the province, with distribution extending to B.C., Alberta, and Yukon, along with several national accolades.
Despite the accolades, Doug Bell remains committed to his vision of creating a space for the community to come together and celebrate special occasions. He expressed his desire for the winery to serve as a source of pride for the northern region, where locals can proudly host events and showcase the unique products crafted in Prince George.
