A Legacy That Shaped the Scenic Sip Wine Trail

The Scenic Sip Wine Trail is proud to celebrate the release of Decanting: Our Life in the Vineyard, the Cellar and Beyond — the memoir of George and Trudy Heiss, founders of Gray Monk Estate Winery.

Few stories are as deeply rooted in the fabric of the Okanagan wine industry as theirs. When George and Trudy planted their first vines in Lake Country in the early 1970s, BC wine was still in its infancy. Through perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the region’s potential, they built Gray Monk into the largest estate winery in British Columbia — helping to lay the groundwork for the thriving wine community we experience today.

Told in their own words, Decanting shares their journey from hairdressers turned vintners to industry pioneers. It is a story of family, bold decisions, community leadership, and a lifelong dedication to quality. Their instrumental role in establishing standards such as the VQA helped elevate BC wine to the world stage — shaping not only their own winery, but the entire Okanagan Valley.

Their legacy is deeply ingrained in the Scenic Sip Wine Trail. The spirit of innovation, collaboration, and excellence that defines our trail today reflects the very foundation that George and Trudy helped build. Every vineyard view, every tasting experience, and every glass poured carries forward that pioneering vision.

More than a memoir, Decanting is a meaningful piece of BC history. It makes a thoughtful and lasting gift for wine lovers, collectors, and anyone who appreciates the story behind the bottle.

Decanting: Our Life in the Vineyard, the Cellar and Beyond is available for $32.95. A portion of proceeds supports the BC Hospitality Foundation, continuing the Heiss family’s tradition of giving back to the hospitality community.

You can find copies available for purchase at Gray Monk Winery and Intrigue Wines.

We invite you to discover the story that helped shape the region we are so proud to call home.