Little Engine Wines

Steven and Nicole French founded Little Engine Wines after moving to the Okanagan Valley from Calgary, where they had careers in the energy industry. They purchased their first vineyard site in 2011 near Penticton and began planting Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Merlot the following year. The winery name is based on the 1930s children's story about a locomotive that overcomes difficult odds through persistence. The couple produced their first commercial vintage in 2014 using a custom crush facility before completing their own production building on Naramata Road in 2016. Scott Robinson served as the founding winemaker and helped establish the technical direction of the estate before transitioning to the role of Wine Director in 2026.

The winery operates three estate properties on the Naramata Bench, a sub-region characterized by glacial till soils and a temperate climate influenced by Okanagan Lake. Vineyard management focuses on sustainable practices and low yields to produce concentrated fruit with specific varietal character. While Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the primary focus, the estate also cultivates Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc. Winemaking techniques involve small-batch fermentations and a complex oak program that utilizes six different French cooperages. The cellar uses both standard barrels and larger puncheons to refine the oak influence on the finished wine. In April 2026, Andrew Windsor was appointed as the head winemaker, bringing experience from previous roles in British Columbia and international regions like the Northern Rhone and Marlborough.

The portfolio is structured into four distinct quality tiers based on fruit selection and winemaking intensity. The Elevation series offers approachable styles with fresh acidity, while the Silver series is designed for balance and early drinking. The Gold and Platinum series represent the highest quality expressions, featuring estate-grown fruit and extended aging in French oak barrels. Platinum wines are micro-productions selected on a barrel-to-barrel basis for their potential to age. The producer is specifically noted for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which have received high scores at international competitions. Additionally, the winery produces a signature red blend known as Union, which typically combines Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.