Falcons are the best way to control the starlings because they're natural predators," says Erich Jaster, vineyard foreman at Le Vieux Pin (and Lastella), a boutique winery in the South Okanagan now on its fourth vintage.

In Le Vieux Pin's first year, vineyard manager Harold Gaudy tried using cannons, but says the noise pollution weakened the nearby plants. » Read full story

THE INTOXICATING OF TERRY DAVID MULLIGAN  LOOK Magazine 2008
"The wines by Jeff Martin of La Frenz (Penticton) are proud, outspoken, gifted, and the best-kept secret in all of Canada could be Oliver's Le Vieux Pin — a classy winery with world-class wines."

Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada, the most important international wine competition in North America, took place from May 30 to June 5, 2008, at the Hotel Palace Royal. The jurors present at the event emphasized the outstanding quality of the competing products.

In 2008, the organization received 2 131 products from nearly 700 producers and 30 countries.

Vaïla Kalala Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2007 was amongst the wines that received the highest distinction at Sélections Mondiales des Vins. » View results

Northwest Palate Magazine, March/April 2008 Le Vieux Pin (BC) 2006 Vaïla Pinot Noir Rosé Stag Vineyard Okanagan Valley — Highly Recommended — Produced with handcrafted care, this irresistible rosé exhibits richly focused cherry, strawberry, and cinnamon flavors. The huge structure features 14.6% alcohol and soft, mouthcoating acidity. A back-bite of quinine balances the ripe fruit through the long, satisfying finish. A treat with tapas. $25 CDN