Let me introduce myself.
I’m Jessica Johnson. A public servant-turned-homesteader who was always a bohemian at heart.
Several years ago, my husband and I stumbled upon an old home and vineyard in need of some love in Keremeos, British Columbia.
We bought the property on a whim, promptly quit our day jobs, packed up our life in Alberta’s capital city and moved to orchard country.
Once settled, my husband learned to farm and I started up a traditional B&B. Our vineyard didn’t survive two back to back cold winters, so we pivoted in 2025 and began growing peaches, plums and nectarines.
In 2026, my dream job came up in our town and I was lucky enough to get it! With a heavy heart I made the decision to close the B&B so I could focus on my new role as General Manager of the Grist Mill and Gardens. I sure hope past guests will come and say hi at the Mill when they are passing through!
Life is busy busy, but I still get a thrill hustling here and there for a little extra money… running the B&B, writing, selling eggs and growing food and medicine to keep us healthy, all-the-while raising my son and other wild creatures.
Each year, I grow, raise and forage ever-more food and am teaching myself the old ways to preserve it.
From a turret perched on top of my home, I write seasonal recipes and stories that chronicle my connection to the rugged landscape of the Similkameen Valley.
Homestead. Orchard. Home.
At Riverbank Acres we eat seasonally, live slowly and do our best to roll with the ups and downs of life on a farm.
Queens of the homestead
Home grown fruit
