KELOWNA–A little u-pick grape farm in Kelowna, known for its delicious varieties, its low prices, and most of all for its friendly owner, is now a part of Okanagan history.
The Grape Patch made its last grape sales of the season on Saturday, and it’s unlikely to reopen to the public next year.
The owner of The Grape Patch, 79-year-old Herbert Teather, died this spring in a farm equipment accident.
He’d purchased the farm in 1972, and with very little knowledge about growing grapes, turned it into a successful enterprise that
lasted over 40 years.
After his death, Teather’s family decided they’d have to pull together, and finish off the season, for
both the loyal customers, and for the family.
“It became for us, some way that we could fulfill his legacy, I guess,” says Teather’s grandson Kalvin Kilgren.
Kilgren says it makes him proud of his family, and proud of all that his grandfather accomplished.
He said he’s also sad to see it all go.
“It’s heartbreaking that it’s our last year. I grew up under those vines, and so to call an end to it, it’s hard”
It’s a loss that will be felt by friends, customers, and a community, that now has one less place to pick and purchase fresh fruits
straight off the farm.
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