|
This page was changed in May of 2010 into the following regions
Osoyoos Lake Bench ~ The
Golden Mile ~ Black Sage Road ~ Okanagan
Falls ~ Skaha Lake ~ Naramata
Bench
Summerland and Peachland ~ Mount
Boucherie ~ Kelowna and Lake Country~Northern ~ Simillkameen
Valley ~ Kootenays
British Columbia's Okanagan Valley
L-Z
Larch Hills Winery
110 Timms Road,
Salmon Arm, BC V1E 2P8
|
|
Larch Hills Winery is a land-based, family run vineyard
and winery, originally owned by Hans and Hazel Nevrkla. They sold
the winery in 2005 to Jack and Hazel Manse.
All wines are proudly made from 100% British Columbia grapes,
either from the main vineyard just south of Salmon Arm (also the location
of the winery and home), or from contracted vineyards farther
south in the Okanagan Valley. All our wines are made and bottled on
the premises at Salmon Arm. They specialize in cool climate grape growing,
and have varieties that are generally not available in other parts
of BC. Canada's most Northern Winery, featuring the warmth and friendliness
of a real small winery with quality wines. Vintner, Wine Grower Hans
Nevrkla.
This farm Winery opened April 1, 1997
with their signature wine Ortega and a recent release Grandview Bench
The winery sits on top of the hill over looking the entire
valley. It's an amazing picture post card view
Winemaker: Jack Manse
Philosophy:
"We specialize in cool climate grape growing, and have varieties
that are generally not available in other parts of BC. We think this
makes our wines unique."
|
Little Straw Vineyards Winery
2815 Ourtoland Road
Kelowna, BC V1Z 2H7
|
|
Little Straw Vineyards is a family-operated winery which opened
under the name Slamka Cellars in 1996. By 2004, the winery had changed its
name to Little Straw and undertaken plans to build a new facility. Since opening
the new wine shop to the public in the fall of 2006, the winery has experienced
increased sales and production. Their 23 acres of vines include plantings of Seyval
Blanc and Auxerrois.
Wine Shop is open daily for tastings and sales from April 1st to October 31st.
Tours are available if booked in advance.
Winemaker: Peter Slamka
Philosophy: Good wines start in the vineyard.
Signature wines include Old Vines Auxerrois
|
Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
1730 Mission Hill Road
West Kelowna, BC V4T 2E4
|
|
One of the largest and fastest growing wineries in Canada,
the winery was founded in 1980 by Anthony von Mandl. Today it produces
over 200,000 cases of wine, with a world wide reputation. The Winery
was recently rebuilt and features an underground cellar. It sits at
the top of Boucherie Mountain with a magnificent view of the lake.
Mission Hill was named winery of the year in BC by Wine Press Northwest
The winery has numerous vineyards throughout the Okanagan.
Proprietor Anthony von Mandl and winemaker John Simes are very proud that
their 1999 Estate Chardonnay won the only gold medal awarded to a Canadian winery as part of the year's
Chardonnay du Monde competition in France.
The tour guides at Mission Hill tell an interesting story:
In an international wine competition Mission Hill was awarded the GOLD
but when the judges saw that the winner was a Canadian wine they
redid the contest. Guess who won again?
Mission Hill export to the US, Europe, the UK and Asia.
Mission Hill owns the Artisan Wine Company Rigmarole Wines and Wild Horse Canyon Wines, are made by
Artisan
Winemaker: John Simes
Philosophy::
We focus on quality and innovation, inspired by the vision Robert Mondavi brought to the Napa Valley.
Our focus is principally on dry wines, both white and red. Our primary objective is to produce wines that show true
varietal character and have excellent aging potential.
Their signature wine is a Bordeaux inspired blend, called Oculus. It is crafted from
only the highest quality grape clusters from designated blocks that are set aside and nurtured to maturity.
The fruit undergoes extended fermentation and maceration the wine is then aged in new and old French
Barrels for a minimum of 14+ months. A rich and deeply concentrated and powerful artisanal wine. It will
develop additional complexity over three to five years. It is so named Oculus, as it encapsulates the
vision Anthony von Mandl has for Canadian wines.
|
Mt. Boucherie Estate
829 Douglas Road
West Kelowna, BC V1Z 1N9
|
|
Located on the western slope overlooking Okanagan Lake. The Gidda family has grown wine
grapes in the Okanagan since 1968. Vineyard sites now include 80 acres near Cawston in the Similkameen
Valley, 40 acres in Okanagan Falls and 55 acres in the Westbank area.
Winemaking team is made up of Head Winemaker Robert Thielicke and Winemaker David Frederick
|
Painted Rock Estate Winery
400 Smythe Rd.
Penticton, BC V2A 846
|
|
The vineyard, growing about 50,000 vines, has been developed on property
south of Penticton and east of Skaha Lake that old-timers still call Braeside Farms. 60-acre Blackhawk
property is owned by John Skinner. It was decided to plant the primary red components of the classic Bordeaux
blends, including a small planting each of Malbec and Petite Verdot to provide spice for their blend and to
broaden blending options for their winemaker
The winery's initial release is about 750 cases each of Red Icon and Merlot, 800 cases of Syrah, 320 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and (from 2008) 175 cases of Chardonnay. John's target for full production is about 5,000 cases a year.
Consultant Alain Sutre
Winemaker: Gavin Miller
|
Paradise Ranch Wines Corp.
901-525 Seymour Street,
Vancouver, BC V6B 3H7
|
|
Paradise Ranch Wines Corp. is one of the world's few wineries exclusively producing Icewines
and Late Harvest wines. The first vintage was in 1998, when they produced 8 varietals of Icewine using over
300 tons of frozen Icewine grapes from the Paradise Ranch vineyards. This represented approximately 75% of
the entire British Columbia Icewine grape harvest.
Vineyards are located in the Okanagan next to the Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park
The Property covers 620 acres, with over two kilometers of waterfront in the Okanagan Valley,
near Naramata, British Columbia. Paradise Ranch is the most visually stunning and spectacular
property in the Okanagan Valley. The Ranch has a very modern and productive vineyard which
produces the largest amount of Icewine grapes in all of BC and is the largest privately
owned waterfront property on the ninety mile long Lake Okanagan.
Paradise is bordered by over one mile of Okanagan Lake shoreline to the South and West
and by the 25,000 acre Okanagan Mountain Wilderness Provincial Park to the North and East.
Koosi and Frederick Creeks run through the property and are fed by two mountain lakes sitting
high on Okanagan Mountain.
Paradise Ranch has exported wine to over 20 countries and currently offers the following wines: Chardonnay Icewine, Riesling Icewine, Pinot Noir Icewine, Chardonnay/Riesling Late Harvest, Pinot Noir Late Harvest, Merlot Late Harvest.
|
Peller Estates
1125 Richter Street
Kelowna, BC V1Y 2K6
|
|
One hot summer day in 1958, a Hungarian immigrant named Andrew Peller arrived in the Okanagan Valley.
Having owned a series of successful businesses, he was here to finally pursue his dream. He envisioned a
day when Canadians, like Europeans, would come to appreciate premium-quality wines and enjoy sharing them
with family and friends.
Peller Estates has grown to own numerous wineries both in BC and Ontario. In the Okanagan
their winemaker is Kelowna native Stephanie Leinemann winner of the 2002 President's Medal.
Winemaker: Stephanie Leinemann
|
Quails' Gate Vineyard Estate Winery
3303 Boucherie Rd
West Kelowna, BC V1Z 2H3
|
|
Dick Stewart and his son Ben opened Quails' Gate Estate Winery in Kelowna, in 1989.
Their passion was Pinot Noir and the desire to prove red wines could flourish on the south-facing slope of
Mount Boucherie, the soil been a mixture of volcanic rock and clay.
In 1990 they produced 4,000 cases - today they are producing 60,000 cases of fine wine under
the direction of winemaker Ashley Hooper.
In 1997 they rebuilt their winery incorporating modern technology with its heritage theme.
The Wine shop is situated in a carefully restored log cabin which was the original home
of Okanagan Valley pioneers John and Susan Allison who arrived in the area circa 1873.
The shop is open daily from 10am until 5pm and carries a full range of wine related products and
accessories.
Quails' Gate is known as an industry leader in the area of viticulture and places
a huge emphasis on the development of exceptional wines through the research
of new experimental varietal clones and canopy management techniques with high-density plantings.
Since 1996 more than 60 acres have been planted with 75,000 new vines.
The Old Vines Patio Restaurant is now opened year-round under
Executive Chef Judith Knight.
Winemaker: Grant Stanley
Philosophy:
"Through careful management of our vineyard and the use of both old and new world techniques, we aim
to make varietal wines distinctly different to each other with the emphasis on producing
world class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay."
|
Recline Ridge Vineyard and Winery Ltd.
RR1 S12 C16
Tappen, BC V0E 2X0
|
|
Recline Ridge Vineyards extends over five acres and hosts nine different varieties of grapes.
In the spring of 1998, Recline Ridge Vineyards began construction of an expanded winery.
This unique post and beam log building is 3,300 total square feet on three levels and will house
both the winemaking facility and a wine shop and tasting area. The winery overlooks the vineyard
framed by Tappen Mountain and the Tappen and Similkameen Valleys.
The winery is owned and operated by Mike and Sue Smith.
Winemaker: Mike Smith
Philosophy:
Germanic style whites, crisp, fruity not too dry - cool ferment Reds , full body, malolactic, oaked.
|
Rollingdale Winery
2306 Hayman Road,
Kelowna, BC V1Z 1Z5,
|
|
A small farm gate winery located in Lakeview Heights, on Kelowna's Westside. Owned and
operated by Steve and Kirsty Dale. They selected the property for it's proximity to Kelowna, stunning view,
and great site for icewine production. The wineries name comes from the rolling hills and the name Dale.
The winery plans on specializing in Icewines and to become a day resort for visitors and residents of Kelowna.
Signature wines : Pinot Blanc Sweet Tooth Series Icewine and
Pinot Gris Sweet Tooth Series Icewine.
Winemaker: Steve Dale
Philosophy:
Organic grapes taste best! Preserve the fruit.
|
Sandhill Winery
1125 Richter Street
Kelowna, BC V1Y 2K6
|
|
The winery is owned by Peller Estates Ltd. Sandhill makes only single vineyard wines. Each
and every bottle of Sandhill wine comes exclusively from a single vineyard. Each vineyard Sandhill works with
was carefully selected for its distinctive traits - unique properties of soil and climate that consistently
produce wines of exceptional quality and character.
The grapes come from four outstanding Okanagan Valley vineyards - Sandhill Estate,
Phantom Creek, King Family and Osprey Ridge - that are tended with a sensitive touch by grape growers Rob
Goltz, Richard Cleave, Rod King and Don King.
Master Winemaker: Howard Soon
|
Silkscarf
4917 Gartrell Rd.
Summerland, BC
|
|
After a long and successful
career in the high-tech industry Roie Manoff
his wife Ruth and their son Idan decided to follow their
passion and devote their time and efforts to produce excellent
wines. They purchased 8.5 acreas near Summerland and began their dream. The winery
has a panoramic view of the blue Okanagan Lake and the spectacular Giant's
Head Mountain
The wineries name is a special salute to the first pioneer pilots who used to fly in
open cockpits with their 'colorful silk-scarves flowing in the wind'.
The culture of both wine and silk are admired through countless generations. The vibrant
Silk Scarf and its unique texture reflect the Manoff's goals in the art of winemaking - to have a
signature style that is easy to recognize and to enjoy
Signature wines:
Viognier, Riesling-Muscat, Late Harvest Kerner
Winemakers: Roie and Idan Manoff
Philosophy: Our winery is dedicated to making the highest quality wines
of limited production while emphasizing personal relationships with our customers.
|
SLeeping Giant Fruit Winery
6206 Canyon View Road
Summerland, BC V0H 1Z7
|
|
The winery is owned by Summerland Sweets that has been in business
since 1962 . Ted Atkinson been the companies founder. They produce 21 fruit
wines. Thirteen Table wines and eight dessert wines. Winemaker Ron Taylor send
22 years making wines at Andres Winery He left in 1992 to focus on smaller
wineries and developed a reputation as a fruit winemaker.
Winemaker: Ron Taylor
|
St Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery
5225 Lakeshore Rd
Kelowna, BC V1W 4J1
|
|
The St Hubertus and Oak Bay Vineyards where originally planted
in 1928 by J.W. Hughes during a time when good agricultural land was plentiful.
Since 1984, the Gebert Family use sustainable farming practices on their 76
acre vineyard, to produce wines that reflect the terroir of the north
Okanagan valley under the St Hubertus & Oak Bay label. All wines with the
exception of the "bubbly" use screw caps
Winemaker: Homan Haftbaradaran
Philosophy: "The Okanagan has an excellent
and unique micro-climate for growing grapes. We don't have to compete with
other wine regions; we simply have to promote our own distinct wine."
|
Sonoran Estate Winery
5716 Gartrell Road
Summerland, BC
|
|
Sonoran Estate owned by Arjan and Ada Smits, is named after the Sonoran Desert, a wide
stretch of land that runs the length of North America from Mexico thru to British Columbia.
Smits family moved to Canada from their native Holland in 1982.
They spent several years in the florist and greenhouse business in Ontario
prior to moving to the Fraser Valley, where they expanded to include the farming
of hazelnuts. In 1999, they purchased a gorgeous lakefront property just a
couple short kilometres north of the community of Summerland, near Sumac Ridge.
The family tore out the old apple orchards to make room for plantings of the
first of their grapes, soon sending their youngest son Adrian, to winemaking
school. Grapes include Merlot, Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc,
Ehrenfelser, Oraniensteiner, Riesling, Malbec and Syrah.
Signature wines: Oraniensteiner table wine, a fabulous dry white, Riesling,
Gewürztraminer, Desert
Morning (a Riesling/Oraniensteiner blend)
Wine consultant:
Christine Laroux, with some additional assistance from Gary Strachan
Winemaker: Adrian Smits
Philosophy:
We value quality over quantity. It all starts in the vineyards,
where the vines are meticulously maintained.

|
Sumac Ridge Estate Winery
17403 Highway 97
PO Box 307
Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0
|
|
Established in 1979 by Harry McWalters (founder of the BC Wine Institute) and Lloyd Schmidt.
The winery was sold in 2000 to Vincor International. Production runs about 50,000 cases
and is a popular winery to visit. Sumac Ridge Estate Winery was the first Okanagan winery to produce premium
sparkling wines, as well as a Port-style wine, from premium vinifera grapes.
The winery is located on Sumac Ridge which was naturally covered in Sumac bushes.
Prior to establishing the winery there was a golf course called Sumac Ridge, thus the name of the winery.
At the Summerland winery site, Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Noir grapes are grown.
Further south, on a 115-acre vineyard in Oliver (in the south Okanagan) grown are such noble red varieties
as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, in addition to a number of white varieties
such as Sauvignon Blanc
The winery has British Columbia 's only Sparkling wine cave and produced Canada 's first
traditionally made sparkling wine and Canada 's first Sparkling Shiraz. As well as being British Columbia's oldest
operating estate winery, the winery was one of the first to embrace the VQA program, the first to create premium
Canadian sparkling wine, the first to extensively plant classic Bordeaux grape varieties, and the first to launch
Meritage wines. The winery also was the first in Canada to operate a restaurant and promote regional cuisine.
Their award Winning Cellar Door Bistro is open 10 months of the year, March through December
7 days a week for lunch and dinner.
Winemakers: Mark Wendenburg and Jason James
Philosophy: Mark's winemaking philosophy
is to harvest at optimal ripeness for each varietal according to the wine it
is destined for. Mark's style allows the ripeness of each grape to be fully
expressed. Sumac Ridge is dedicated to producing premium wines that celebrate
the essence of the Okanagan Valley.
Signature Wines: Gewürztraminer, Steller's Jay Brut, Meritage red,
Meritage (white), Pinnacle.
Ice Wine: Gewürztraminer
Icewine ~ Pinot Blanc Icewine
|
Summerhill Pyramid Winery
4870 Chute Lake Road
Kelowna BC V1W 4M3
Toll free: 1-800-667-3538
summerhill@summerhill.bc.ca
|
|
This organic winery was opened in 1987. The proprietor is Stephen
Cipes. Their philosophy: "Our vision is to provide the very best frompure
nature for those who appreciate all natural foods and wines."
Summerhill is home of the Pyramid, after 3 years of tests in a small pyramid,
consumer taste proved to the owner that pyramid aged wine was better. A four
story pyramid was built, their award winning wines seem to prove they are right.
Makers of Cipes methode traditionelle sparkling wines;
winner of the Richard Scheer Trophy for Best Canadian
Riesling.
Free wine tasting, includes champagne.
Summerhill is a Certified Organic Vineyard using no herbicides,
pesticides, or chemical fertilizers in the soil. Glacier rock dust is added
to provide trace minerals. Remineralized soils are proving to produce more
flavourful and healthier foods wherever they are used. Summerhill was awarded
a gold medal for their 2006
Peace Chardonnay Icewine at
The 2008 Chardonnay duMonde, one of the largest and most prestigious wine competitions
Winemaker: Eric von Krosigk
Philosophy: Wines made from 100% BC
grown grapes. Sparkling wines are produced with the méthode traditionalprocess
and aged in a replica of the Cheops pyramid.
|
Tantalus Vineyards
1670 Dehart Rd
Kelowna, BC V1W 4N6
info@tantalus.ca
|
|
Located in the hills overlooking Kelowna and Lake Okanagan, Tantalus Vineyards was established in 2004.
Originally known as Pinot Reach Cellars the site was first planted to grapes in 1927 and is one of the oldest
continuously producing vineyards in BC.
Tantalus plans to remain a small lot producer of estate grown premium quality wines with
the eventual addition of a new winery and wine shop. The name Tantalus is derived from Greek mythology -
it is the origin of the word tantalize. Owner of the winery is Eric Savics.
They have 37 acres planted to Riesling, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producing 2000 cases
Signature wines are Riesling, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Wines you must taste are Riesling and Pinot Noir produced from vines planted in 1978. They produce
50 cases annually of Old Vines Riesling Icewine
Winemaker: David Paterson, Jacqueline Kemp
Philosophy: "Passion for what we do. Starting with organic farming practices
through to carefully considered new world wine making techniques. Keep it very focused on a small product
line."

|
The Cellar at the Rise
364 Cordon Lane,
Vernon, BC V1H 1Z9
|
|
Located at the top (north) of the LAke Okanagan The Cellar at the rise is still under construction. The
micro climate of the lake and the high high-elevation vineyard at the Rise,almost 400 metres (1,300 feet)
above the lake will produce high quality grapes. The steep south faces slopes of the vinyards will allow
for plenty of good sunshine
Planting began in 2005 with 2.4 hectares (six acres)of Pinot Noir and Riesling vines in 2008 they added
another five hectares
(12½ acres) with more Pinot Noir and Riesling as well as almost
two hectares (five acres) of Gewürztraminer. Addtitional plantings will include Pinot Gris, Kerner,
and Muscat. Vineyard manager is Jason Ranelli
Tilman Hainle was the Rises first winemaker, he left to open Working Horse Winery. Under Tilman the
winery had 4,600 cases of wine in its inventory in 2008, including Pinot Noir, Merlot, Riesling, and two
vintages of icewine
The project developer is Leona Snider. Her firm, Okanagan Hills Development Corporation,
winemaker:
|
The View
#1-2287 Ward Rd
Kelowna, BC
V1W 4R5
Canada
|
|
Located in south Kelowna withspectacular views of Kelowna and Okanagan Lake.
The vineyards have a northern exposure. The sandy loam soils create their site
specific wines. They have 40 acres of vines planted consisting of Ehrenfelser,
Gewurtztraminer, Riesling, Optima, Pinotage and Baco Noir.
winemaker:Marie-Therese
Duarte
|
Thornhaven Estate Winery
RR #2 S68 C15 6816 Andrew Ave
Summerland BC, VOH 1Z2
|
|
A family owned and operated winery by the Frasers, Dennis and Pam along with son Alex and his wife Shawny.
Selected for the southern slope and location the eight and a half acre site was purchased in 1994. The
Fraser Family planted the first of two sections of vineyard in 1996. The first section consists of two and
a half acres of Pinot Noir, one acre of Chardonnay, and half an acre each of Pinot Meunier and Sauvignon
Blanc. The second section was planted in 1998 comprising of two acres each of Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer.
In the fall of 1999 viticulturist Valerie Tait was added to the team as a vineyard consultant to improve
plant efficiency and fruit quality.
Construction of a 4000 square foot building was started in August 1999 and completed in March 2001, featuring
a panorama of Okanagan Lake, distant mountains, and the many orchards and vineyards of the valley floor.
Here you can relax and enjoy a wine tasting.
Consulting winemaker: Christine Leroux
|
Working Horse Winery
5266 Coldham Road
Peachland, BC V0H 1X2
|
|
Opened in 2008 by experienced winemaker Tilman Hainle who
formerly owned Hainle Winery and his partner Sara Norman. Working Horse Winery
is located where the 1st icewine in North America was made by Tilman
and his father Walter Hainle in 1978. The vineyards and winery are certified
organic and the farm features rare heritage grape varietals nurtured with
traditional farming techniques, including the use of draft horses.
Working Horse Winery is named as a tribute to the spirit of the draft horse especially the
beautiful, rare draft horses called Suffolks, also a tribute to the heritage of both the vines and early
farm settlers.
The winery is part of a diverse farm operation dedicated to: sustainable farming using draft horses, organics
and the preservation of rare vines as well as heritage varietals of fruits and vegetables.
Winemaking at Working Horse continues to honor the organic principles that master winemaker
Tilman Hainle was the first to establish in Canada in 1993. Sustainable winemaking to us means the production
of small lots of premium wines made from the vinifera grown on the farm.
The winery itself is still in the planning stages. There will be a Icewine Interpretation Centre. The
centre will include historic artifacts and information documenting the birth of icewine in North America,
as well as displays that demonstrate how Canadian icewine is.

Winemaker: Tilman Hainle
Philosophy: Tilman makes the WHW wines to bring out the very best qualities
in the grapes based the individuality of the vines and their terroir.
|
8th Generation Vineyard
6807 Highway 97
Summerland, BC V0H 1Z9
|
|
With a passion for winemaking Bernd and Stefanie Schales came to Canada. The Schales family
started in the grape business in 1783 in Germany, Bernd and Stefanie Schales are the 8th generation to work with grapes
While Stefanie pursued a career in architectural design, Bernd carried on with his family's craft, and studied
viticulture, oenology, and business management at the University of Weinsberg. He worked in New Zealand and
South Africa before making the bold decision to move to Canada and the Okanagan Valley to begin their own winery .
They have 15 acres, 11 in Okanagan Falls and 4 in Summerland producing
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Rose', Merlot, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Syrah. The winery received
10 medals in the first year of production
Winemaker: Bernd Schales
Philosophy: Clean, crisp wines which shows the character/ flavours of the grapes. No blends - 100% variety - in a simple and expressive way. Good wine begins in the vineyard where proper attention to the vines produces good wines.
|
Okanagan Valley Wineries A - K
Okanagan North - Shuswap ~ Okanagan
Valley North ~ Okanagan Valley South ~ Naramata
Similkameen Valley ~ Fraser
Valley ~ Vancouver
Island
Looking for a place to stay while touring the wine country, visit our Where
to stay page
|