It was the late 1800's when fur traders, goldminers and cattlemen traveled through the Okanagan and to Summerland's original townsite, nestled on the shores of the Okanagan Lake. It was also the era of the construction of the national Canadian Pacific Railway through British Columbia. Our story starts with one of the 15,000 Chinese workers who fled the terrible working conditions of the railway construction and eventually found himself on the shores of Summerland - paradise found!

His first business endeavour was a Chinese Laundry that thrived as the sternwheeler boats docked nearby, delivering people and supplies to the growing community. It didn't take long however for this entrepreneur to see there were other needs in town not being met. Hence his business expanded to include a gambling den and brothel on the second floor!! Needless to say Summerland's early settlers and visitors had some of the cleanest garments in the Valley….not to mention the widest grins. Perhaps it is best that we keep this little known part of Summerland history, hush hush.

Dirty Laundry Vineyard is a small family owned winery in Summerland, located high above the original townsite, on a plateau that enjoys an ideal microclimate and excellent sun exposure for growing exceptional grapes. Thanks to the vision of the vineyard's founders, Dirty Laundry Vineyard has some of the oldest vinifera vines in the Okanagan Valley. The winery features a most welcoming and beguiling vine covered patio that overlooks orchards, vineyards, Okanagan Lake as well as the historical Trestle Bridge at Trout Creek Canyon. Visitors often have a chance to see the formidable Kettle Valley Steam Train pass by alongside the vineyard during the tourist season.