When you meet Brandon Lawrence, one thing becomes clear right away: wine isn’t just a job, it’s something that grew with him.
As the winemaker at Lunessence Winery in Summerland, Lawrence’s story starts long before his first vintage. He grew up at Greata Ranch, where his dad worked as a vineyard manager.
Back then, wine wasn’t the plan. In fact, he was headed down a completely different path, studying kinesiology with dreams of becoming a physiotherapist. But like many great wine stories, his journey took an unexpected turn.
During university summers, Lawrence returned home to help in the vineyard. Then one harvest season, everything shifted. Stepping into the winery, he discovered something that clicked instantly.
What started as helping out quickly became a passion, and before long, he made the decision to leave physiotherapy behind and fully pursue winemaking. That decision opened the door to a world of discovery.
From working alongside mentors in the Okanagan to completing harvests in New Zealand and Australia, Lawrence built his skills through hands-on experience.
Those early years shaped not only his technical knowledge, but also his philosophy: thoughtful, intentional winemaking that lets the vineyard lead the story.
Today, at Lunessence Winery, that philosophy aligns seamlessly with a deeper focus on a sense of place in every glass. Since opening in 2014, Lunessence has remained committed to crafting wines that reflect the land they come from.
The estate vineyard is organically farmed and certified, with natural wetlands and a thriving ecosystem surrounding the vines. It’s a place where balance matters, and where the environment plays an active role in shaping each vintage.
For Lawrence, that connection is everything. Rather than overworking the wine, his approach is rooted in restraint. The goal is to highlight the fruit, preserve freshness, and create wines that feel expressive of their origin.
His style leans toward elegance and balance, often described as more delicate and refined, even in varietals like Merlot. It’s a style that fits perfectly with the energy of spring.
As BC Wine Month invites people to step into the sunshine and reconnect with local wineries, wines like these, bright, fresh, and vibrant, reflect the season itself.
Crisp whites and expressive rosés begin to emerge, offering a first taste of the new vintage and setting the tone for longer days ahead. Of course, behind every glass is a year-round commitment.
While wine may feel relaxed and effortless from the outside, the reality is far more demanding. Lawrence manages both vineyard and winery, moving through the rhythm of the seasons, from winter pruning to long summer days and the intensity of harvest.
During harvest, decisions happen quickly. Weather, timing, and instinct all come into play. It’s a balance of science and intuition, where no two years are ever the same.
One of his biggest lessons came during the 2023 vintage, his first year fully leading the program. A wine he initially questioned turned into a standout success, earning strong feedback and selling quickly.
It was a reminder that winemaking is as much about trust as it is technique, and that every bottle tells a different story depending on who’s experiencing it.
That idea of discovery is at the heart of Summerland itself. Tucked along the west side of Okanagan Lake, this small but diverse region offers an incredible range of growing conditions.
From lakeside vineyards to higher elevation benches, each site brings something unique. The result is wines with natural freshness, bright acidity, and a clear connection to their surroundings.
It’s also a place defined by community. Here, winemakers share ideas, support one another, and collaborate in a way that feels both genuine and inspiring.
It creates an environment where creativity thrives and where visitors are invited to experience more than just a tasting.
From scenic patios to hidden vineyard spots, Summerland is full of moments waiting to be discovered, making it an ideal spring destination for wine lovers looking to explore closer to home.
At Lunessence, that experience always comes back to the land. Every bottle is a reflection of where it was grown, shaped by the vineyard, the season, and the care behind it. It’s not about chasing trends, but about staying true to place and process.
As BC Wine Month shines a spotlight on regions across the province, stories like Lawrence’s remind us what makes BC wine so compelling.
It’s the spirit of exploration. It’s the connection to the land. And it’s the discovery that your next great wine experience might be closer than you think.
