After decades of community service and 13 moves, Cristine and Walter Makepeace were ready to put down roots. They were determined to find a special place to call home and nurture their love of land. Having spent much time in the Similkameen Valley over those years, they knew they had found that special place and in 2005 they purchased 60 acres of pristine property. This valley has become home.
It was also time to gather the family and chart this new course together. Their passion was contagious, and it wasn’t long before their 3 adult children Brad, Wes and Jennifer had their hands in the dirt and joined them in developing an award-winning family estate winery. Brad and Walt educated themselves in winemaking and viticulture, Wes in farming and Jenny, Cristine and Tara (Brad’s wife) in the operations. They demonstrate respect for the land by using organic practices, and although the grapes are not certified organic, the vineyards are farmed with same practices as the certified organic orchard. This love and respect for the land aids in crafting authentic wines that express their special terroir In 2019, they decided to focus more heavily on viticulture and moved to a new location in the Similkameen, with the purchase of 2 new properties. These sites, among the hottest in the valley, offer varied micro-terroirs that allow for a broader portfolio of wines that reflect the exceptional terroir. Planting of the new vineyards began immediately.

The name Hugging Tree was inspired by two entangled trees. The trees seemed to embody the spirit of the family and the winery; to be connected – connected to the land, to the vines and to each other. But It’s more than the name that keeps the old and the new properties tied together. The first new vineyard was planted with cuttings from the original vines. And so the story of connection goes deeper, and continues.
Feel connected through and with the Hugging Tree family as they share their abundance. Experience their passion and authenticity through their wines and in the tasting room knowing that the land is respected and protected, the vines cherished and the wines crafted with care.