Gina Fernandes Harfman is the owner and winemaker at Nostalgia Wines, located in Black Sage Bench, Okanagan Valley, Canada. With a background rooted in Portuguese heritage and a family history in the Okanagan, Gina’s winemaking journey started in 2009 when she made her first wine for a family event using grapes from her father Ken Harfman’s vineyard. This experience drew her to Okanagan College to expand her knowledge of winemaking.
In 2010, Gina gained hands-on experience working a vintage at Oliver Twist winery. By 2012, she had purchased the winery and renamed it Nostalgia Wines, marking the beginning of her innovative project that emphasizes design. The vineyard spans 17 acres, complemented by an additional 16 acres of grapes sourced from her father’s vineyard in Osooyos. Most of the wines are crafted on-site, and she offers custom crush services.
The winery faced challenges in 2022 and 2024 when severe freezes significantly impacted production, resulting in losses of 35% and 30%, respectively. To offset the 2024 shortfall, Gina procured 5,000 liters of juice from Washington State, facilitated by Okanagan’s wine icon Mike Bartier, who also manages her vineyard. Interestingly, her father’s vineyard in Osooyos remained unharmed during the freezes.
Nostalgia Wines boasts a direct-to-consumer sales model, with 85% of their sales conducted this way. One of their popular offerings is the pin-up series, which includes six blends and draws inspiration from classic cars, tapping into a niche market.
Recently, Gina installed a new electric frost fan in the vineyard, an eco-friendly upgrade she accessed through a government grant. Below are some highlights of the wines produced at Nostalgia:
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Nostalgia Sauvignon Blanc 2024 Horse Heaven Hills: This wine showcases supple pear and cherry notes, enhanced with grapefruit. Rated 89/100.
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Nostalgia Kerner 2022 Okanagan: Bright, textured, and bursting with sweet pear and citrus, this wine achieves a refreshing finish. Rated 91/100.
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Nostalgia Chardonnay 2022 Okanagan: This vintage from the Family Collection displays oak-infused pear and peach flavors, well-balanced with spicy undertones. Rated 90/100.
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Nostalgia Gamay Rosé 2023 Okanagan: Direct pressed from Osooyos fruit, this wine is juicy and vibrant with citrus and cherry flavors, rated 92/100.
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Nostalgia Rockabilly Red 2022 Okanagan: A Bordeaux-style blend with a touch of Syrah, this wine harmonizes crunchy raspberry and cherry flavors with wood spice. Rated 92/100.
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Nostalgia Meritage 2019 Okanagan: Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is concentrated and fresh, offering a robust berry flavor with a dry finish. Rated 93/100.
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Nostalgia Cherry Baby: A unique blend of 60% cherry and 40% Merlot, crafted through a solera system. It presents a mellow flavor profile with hints of chocolate and spice, rated 90/100.
Visit Nostalgia Wines for more information.