Wineries of the South Okanagan

BURROWING OWL ESTATE WINERY

Jim and Midge Wyse started planting in 1993. With vineyards covering 136 acres, they are very environmentally-friendly. Burrowing Owl has distinguished itself by using safe fertilizers, mulching waste, and relocating endangered rattlesnakes. Naturally, they also go to some lengths in protecting the burrowing owl. You can climb to the top of the bell tower and even ring the bell, listening to its echo through the valley. Their winery has one of the most impressive views in the Okanagan!

Burrowing Owl also has ten amazing guest suites, an outdoor pool with a hottub, boardroom, two lounges and, a favorite with the locals, their Sonora Room Restaurant. Chef Bernard Casavant has relocated here from Whistler, and created an impressive menu. Each selection has been carefully prepared to pair with any of the listed wines. This is local cuisine at its best!

Best bets: Meritage, Cabernet Sauvignon

For more on BURROWING OWL wines, see BURROWING OWL ESTATE WINERY

DESERT HILLS ESTATE WINERY

Jessie and Randy Toor have tenderly cared for their twenty-five acres for the last twenty years. They made the switch from apple orchard to vineyard in 1995. They have received many awards and medals since.

In July of 2007, Desert Hills received the Lieutenant Governor's Award of Excellence for their unbelievable 2004 Syrah Select. Congratulations to them. They are looking forward to another great year!

Best bets: Syrah Select, Mirage, Gamay

For more on DESERT HILLS wines, see DESERT HILLS ESTATE WINERY

GEHRINGER BROTHERS ESTATE WINERY

Beginning in 1985, brothers Walter and Gordon Gehringer have been producing stellar, award-winning Riesling, Auxerrois and Ehrenfelser.
Recently, they have been introducing chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and cabernet sauvignon.

Best bets: Riesling, Curvee Noir, Sauvignon Blanc

HESTER CREEK ESTATE WINERY

The Hester Creek vineyard was originally planted in 1968, making it the oldest vinifera in the Okanagan. Some trebbiano still remains. New owners replanted in 1996, interplanting new rows between the wide, original rows, a tradition of old-growth vineyards. That increased the seventy acre site potential by 80%.

The largest plantings are for Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay, though you would be cheating yourself if you did not try their Merlot, which has won global awards recently. That’s the one with the Mulberry grapes! It is a real show-stopper!

Best bets: Reserve Merlot, Pinot Blanc

For more on HESTER CREEK wines, see HESTER CREEK ESTATE WINERY

INNISKILLIN OKANAGAN VINEYARDS

The Inniskillin vineyard is the oldest estate winery in the South Okanagan, in production since 1979; Inniskillin took over its bounty in 1996. Their secret is the rugged twenty-three acre Dark Horse Vineyard, where the grapes for their award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon have been grown.

Inniskillin is one of the few wineries in the area that is open, year–round. There are daily icewine tours available. Their icewine is also fabulous and has garnered awards!

Best bets: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and a new Chenin Blanc

For more on INNISKILLIN wines, see INNISKILLIN OKANAGAN VINEYARDS

NK'MIP CELLARS

NK’MIP Cellars established the first Aboriginal winery in North America in 1968. It has been a joint venture run by the Osoyoos Indian Band and Vincor. Their premises now boast a four-and-a-half star resort, cultural centre and a traditional salmon BBQ. They provide visitors with a marvelous, once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Randy Picton, NK’MIP’s winemaker and his experienced crew hand-pick their well-tended fruit on 240 hot and sunny acres. Some of the vines are twenty-five years old.

Best bets: Pinot Blanc or any of wines from the Qwam Qwmt series

For more on NK'MIP wines, see NK'MIP CELLARS

QUINTA FERREIRA ESTATE WINERY

John and Maria Ferreira came to this seventeen acre apple orchard in 1979. Gradually, in 1999, they started replacing the orchard with vines. Their success has been well-deserved.

Their son, Michael, is the winemaker and his wines have won gold medals, as well as the Lieutenant Governor's award of excellence. You will always find it a pleasure to be in their company!

Best Bets: Rose, Syrah, Chardonnay

For more on QUINTA FERREIRA wines, see QUINTA FERREIRA ESTATE WINERY

TINHORN CREEK VINEYARDS

“Wines are made in the vineyard, not in the cellar.”

Tinhorn Creek lives by this saying and their winery is centered around their vines. They have 165 acres of premium vinifera vines in the center of the Golden Mile. Tinhorn Creek offers a special self-guided demonstration vineyard tour for visitors. With this beautifully situated winery, you have the total package, from start-to-finish. When you leave their hospitality, you will understand clearly the operations of a top-notch Okanagan winery.

Best bets: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Gris

For more on TINHORN CREEK wines, see TINHORN CREEK VINEYARDS

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