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Robert Bell's

Wines of Canada

Since 1992

Wineries to Watch for in 2025

Western Canada

A Sunday in August
A Sunday in August

I have done my best to suggest what wineries to watch for regarding their wine production in 2024. You may have some suggestions of your own . Please send me an e-mail if you do. The research for this project is a 365 day a year task. Numerous resources are used in selecting these wineries. Advertise with us.

 

 

A Sunday in August

165 Hedger Road
Salt Spring Island V8K 1C6

The winery is owned by winemaker Mike Shindle with help from his wife Sam Milbrath. Both were born in August! They began their adventure in 2017.

Their grapes are from organic farms in British Columbia’s interior Okanagan and Similkameen Valley’s and on Vancouver Island’s coastal Saanich Peninsula. These are family-run small-scale vineyards that take pride in being stewards of the land.

I just have feeling about this winery so please keep your eye on them.


 

Aasha

600 Naramata Rd.
Penticton, BC V2A 8T7

The owners are Gaurav Puri & Tracy Rook. They have a 2.81 acre micro-vineyard that sits on a south-facing slope overlooking the water and the mountains. They grow Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viognier. 

 

The key here is the winemaker Pascal Madevon. One of Canada's best! They maybe new but keep your eye on them.



Bench 1775 Estate Winery

1751 Naramata Road
Penticton, BC
V2A 8T8

The 7.5-hectare (18.5-acre) vineyard’s remarkable features include a lengthy private beach on Okanagan Lake. Named after the address of the winery.

It would take this entire page to list all the awards and accolades the winery have been present with in the last few years

The philosophy at Bench 1775 is to capture the full expression of the grapes grown in vibrantly healthy and balanced vineyards. 

Best Sparkling wine of the year at the All Canadians


Black Hills Estate Winery

30880 Black Sage Road
Oliver, BC

Black Hills Estate Winery

Never take your eye of this Okanagan winery. Back Hills Estate Winery vineyards have some of the most favourable grape growing conditions in the country, resulting in exceptional terroir. Located on the famed Black Sage Road, 13 kilometres north of Osoyoos, BC and 10 kilometres south of Oliver, BC. 

The winery has a long history of producing amazing wines. This tradition should continue under the new owners Andrew Peller Ltd.

Black Hills was the first winery to plant Carménère in the Okanagan. It remains one of three or four wineries growing this venerable Bordeaux red varietal. 

The winemaker is Ross Wise.

Try the 2022 Bona Fide red blend.


 

Castoro de Oro Estate Winery

404 Highway 97
Oliver BC V0H 1T1

Bruno Kelle and Stella Schmidt  feel in love with the Okanagan back in 2003. They decided to purchase a winery in Oliver, Canada's Wine Capital.

It was the right decision. They have taken the winery to new heights producing some of the best wines in the province.

Small but mighty!


Chaberton Estate Winery

064 216 St.
Langley City, BC V2Z 1R3

Chaberton Estate Winery

 

The pride of the Fraser Valley founded in 1975. Chaberton is the most popular winery in the Fraser Valley. Known for it award winning Bacchus and Siegerrebe.

Their Cabernet Sauvignon was also received a double gold;

Chaberton Estate Winery produces over 50,000 cases of wine a year, made not only from grapes grown in their vineyard but also from grapes grown in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys.

Outstanding producer of Siegerrebe and Bacchus

Barrel Aged Chardonnay   Gold at the All Canadians

Cabernet Sauvignon  Double Gold

The winery did extremely well at SavorNW


 

Similkameen Valley
Similkameen Valley


Checkmate Artisan Winery

4799 Wild Rose Street
Oliver, BC V0H 1T0

Checkmate Artisan Winery

The Golden Mile Winery is owned by Anthony von Mandl. They are known around the world for their Chardonnay.

Anthony von Mandl owner of Mission Hills Winery bought the winery and vineyards of Antelope Ridge ( Original name was Domaine Combret ) because of its success with Chardonnay. Antelope Ridge was the supplier for Mission Hills award winning Chardonnay.

Their 2015 2016 and 2019 Little Pawn Chardonnay award a perfect 100 by noted wine writer John Schreiner.

In addition to Chardonnay, the winery expects to produce organic Merlot. Since winemaker Philip McGahan has a great deal of experience with Pinot Noir they will experiment with that variety.

The original vineyard Dekleva is located beneath Mt Kobau and the Thompson Plateau. The Chardonnay these vines were planted 40+ years ago


Clos du Soleil 

2568 Upper Bench Rd,
Keremeos, BC V0X 1N4

Clos du Soleil Winery

A small artisan winery and vineyard on the South Similkameen Valley Upper Bench. They just keep producing top quality wines. Clos du Soleil recently purchased Whispered Secret Vineyard in the Similkameen Valley, BC, has been granted organic certification

Clos du Soleil farms four vineyards totaling 40 acres, all in the Similkameen Valley and all fully organic. “The quality of our wines is a direct consequence of our organic practices,” Michael Clark, winemaker,believes.

For those of us who review and score wines Clos du Soleil constantly gets scores in the 90's

Capella 2019 received a double Gold from Sip

Watch for their Late Harvest wines.

They are always a winery to watch for!



 

Corcelettes Estate Winery

2582 Upper Bench Rd
Keremeos, BC

Corcelettes was one of the first wineries to realize the potential of the Similkameen Valley They now own 160 acres with 30 planted with mostly Bordeaux varietals Syrah and Pinot Noir

Rated as one of the best performing wineries in Canada.

Watch for their 2019 Merlot and their rosé


D"Angelo Estate Winery

979 Lochore Road,
Penticton BC

Sal D'Angelo.

The winery has a nice little corner on the Naramata Bench. Its not the fancy tasting room kind of place. Its simply a winery that makes exceptional wines.


A dream became a reality 40 years ago for Sal D'Angelo. The accomplished winemaker purchased a 50 acre plot of land in Amherstburg ON back in 1983. The search for land for a vineyard originally began in 1979 as Sal had an ambition to start his own winery. Sal then set his sights on BC and in 2001 when he purchased a plot of land on the Naramata Bench making Sal the first individual grower-vintner to produce wines in both Ontario and British Columbia.

The wines include rare gems like Tempranillo and Montepulciano.

Sette Coppa Appassimento NV award a Gold medal at the all Canadians.

Read More


 

Daydreamer

1305 Smethurst Road
Naramata, BC

Daydreamer is a sustainable, family-run winery based on the beautiful Naramata Bench in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. It is the dream of Rachel and Marcus Ansems, Master of Wine, who have both been involved in the wine industry for over 20 years.

Marcus has won awards for his Syrah, Riesling and Amelia. Ailema been a nice blend of Viognier and Syrah.


 


Dirty Laundry Vineyards

7311 Fiske Street
RR #2, S68, C13
Summerland BC V0H 1Z0

Ron and Cher Watkins purchased the winery in 2005. What followed has been nothing bit success. From a wonderful winery to visit to its award winning wines.

The Watkins sold to Bob Campbell, Hermann Teichtmeister and partnership in 2007. The group expanded, planting about 50,000 vines on several sites in the Summerland area. Expansions begun in 2010, including separate wineries for white and red wines, are designed to grow Dirty Laundry to a production of 20,000 cases. The winery has tripled its tasting room, added a conference and party room, added parking for buses and is building a new patio cantilevered over the vineyard.

Their Sauvignon Blanc   2023 won Double Gold at the All Canadians



 

Fort Berens

1881 Highway 99 North
Lillooet, BC


The cream always rises to the top. In this case, Fort Berens always produces top-notch wines.

The historic town of Lillooet is home to Lillooet's first commercial winery and vineyard. Is Fort Berens Estate Winery the harbinger of BC's newest wine region? The winery is managed by Heleen Pannekoek and Rolf de Bruin.

In the Spring of 2009 they put 20 acres of river bench under vine with 36,000 plants, consisting of six varietals; Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Recently, they planted an additional 18 acre vineyard at their estate, allowing the winery to focus on Lillooet-grown fruit

French Door
French Door

 

French Door

5462 Black Sage Road
Oliver BC


Le vin c’est la vie

When you have a strong winemaking you expect fine wines to be produced. The team at French door is among the best! The team is headed by the much respect Pascal Madevon. Completing the team is winemaker and Viticulturist Brianna Toor.

French Door Estate Winery is a family owned and operated winery and vineyard. Founded in 2019, located on the beautiful Black Sage Bench, South of the town of Oliver.

They are one of the few wineries to be awarded 2023 British Columbia Lieutenant Governor's Award.

 


 

Four Shadows Vineyards and Winery

250 Upper Bench Road S
Penticton, British Columbia

Joka & Wilbert Barren have grown grapes on the Naramata Bench since 2011. In 2017 they decided to start producing their own wines. under the guidance of  Pascal Madevon.

They have come out from the shadows producing some excellent wines

Watch for their Double Gold winner 2023 Dry Riesling and 2023 Merlot



Garnett Ranch

26405 Garnet Valley Road
Summerland BC

The newest adventure of Christine Coletta and Steve Lornie who built Okanagan Crush Pad.

Christine Coletta and Steve Lornie’s impromptu decision to forgo retirement and journey into the wine business. The pair first launched Haywire in 2009 as a tiny virtual wine brand. In 2011a permanent home for Haywire was established on Switchback Vineyard in Summerland with the opening of Okanagan Crush Pad.

The Garnet Ranch is an amazing property. Barbara and I had the honour of been one of the first to visit the Garnet Valley Ranch. Located a little North west of central Summerland.

What we will be watching for is the quality of the wines coming from the Ranch. Matt Dumayne is the Crush Pad head winemaker.

Read More


 

Haywire Wines

16576 Fosbery Rd
Summerland, BC
V0H 1Z6

Matt Dumayne joined Haywire in 2013 taking on role of Chief Winemaker. Matt received his winemaking training in New Zealand and has worked over 30 vintages around the world increasing his knowledge and perfecting his craft. 

Katrina D'Costa, production winemaker spent 12 years in the restaurant industry as a Sous Chef and Front-of-House Management. D’Costa then moved to the wine industry in Naramata Bench for 6 years working as a Tasting Room Manage.

This team will once again produce outstanding wines for 2023.


Hester Creek Estate Winery

13163—326th Avenue(at Road 8)
Oliver, BC V0H 1T0

Hester Creek's vineyard is just south of Oliver on a spectacular piece of Benchland referred to as the Golden Mile. This Benchland is considered to be the best grape-growing area in the Okanagan Valley. The vineyard is planted mainly with Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Trebbiano. Future planting will include Gamay. Hester Creek has 83 acres of agricultural land, of which 75 are under vine. Trebbiano Dry is one of their most noted wines

Although the winery is among the Okanagan's oldest it has a new wine shop and tasting room for visitors to enjoy.

Mark Hopley is among BC's best Winemakers

Watch for their 2023 Viognier and 2022 Platinum award winning GSM blend.


Hillside Estate Winery

1350 Naramata Road
Naramata, BC V2A 8T6

The historical winery will be entering its 41 st year of winemaking in 2025. In 1989 Hillside, together with Lang Vineyards and Wild Goose, lobbied the Provincial Government to bring about the Farmgate Winery Policy that was instrumental in changing the B.C. Wine Industry.

Their notable winemaker Kathy Malone believes that great wines start in the vineyard.

The unoaked Pinot Gris is a Gold Medal winner along with their Chef's White blend.

Hillside is the only BC winery producing Muscat Ottonel, a truly unique and unusual aromatic white wine.

La Frenz Winery
La Frenz Winery


 

Kalala Organic Vineyards


3361 Glenco Road
West Kelowna

Kalala Organic Vineyards

Founder and President Karnail Singh Sidhu left his native India in 1993 with an Electrical Engineering degree and 25 years of experience in agriculture. Upon his arrival in Canada, Karnail moved to the pristine Okanagan Valley and started a family. He learned his trade at Summer Hill Pyramid Winery developing organic techniques. The winery overlooks the lake, opening 5th of July 2008. The vineyards were deemed certified organic in September 2010.

Kalala Organic Estate Winery won top spot in the Chardonnay du Monde competition in 2016 for its 2013 Chardonnay Icewine

In 2020, the B.C. Grape Growers’ Association presented its inaugural Viticulturist of the Year award to Karnail.

 


Kismet Estate Winery

9580 Road 20,
Oliver, BC V0H 1T0

Kismet Winery

Manpreet Dhaliwal has taken over as winemaker at this family run winery. Kismet has risen to one of the more popular Okanagan wineries producing excellent wines.

Named one of the Top 10 Wineries in BC, Top 10 Small Wineries in Canada, and Top 25 Wineries in Canada by the National Wine Awards of Canada! Their wines have also won an impressive total of eight medals – including three gold, two silver, and three bronze! ⁠

Watch for more of the same in 2025.


 

La Frenz Winery

740 Naramata Road
Penticton, BC

 

La Frenz Winery

A Naramata bench family owned winery with a reputation for producing high quality wines.

La Frenz is one of the most awarded wineries in Canada. Thus year along they collected over 20 medals in just two major competitions.

 Best Performing Small Winery Canada 2021 at the National Wine Awards

Always keep your eye on La Frenz!


Lake Breeze Vineyards

930 Sammet Road
Naramata, BC

Lake Breeze Vineyards

Located on the renowned Naramata Bench over looking Lake Okanagan. Lake Breeze was named for the winds that blow across the bluffs year round.

Their 14 acres were planted in 1985 making them some of the oldest vines on the Bench

Garron Elmes is president and winemaker so watch for Lake Breeze in 2025.

 

 

Maverick Estate
Maverick Estate


Mann Farms

790 McKenzie Road, Abbotsford,
BC, Canada, V2S 7N4


Maan Farms has a long and proud history of providing quality local produce to the citizens of Abbotsford, the Fraser Valley and Greater BC. Started in 1977 by Jawahar and Gurbachan (Grandpa and Grandma) Maan with the help of their three children. Maan Farms began by producing cole crops, but soon shifted to growing the delicious strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for which they became famous.

They are the Rodney Dangerfield of the wine industry they just do not get enough respect for all the quality wines they produce.

Their Raspberry Dessert named Best Fruit wine of the Year at the All Canadians.


 

Mayhem Wines

4287 McLean Creek Rd,
Okanagan Falls, BC V0H 1R1

Sister Terry and brother JAK have been involved in each other’s lives for all their life. Why not spill over into business? And this time they dragged their spouses, Andrew Stone and Janice Stevens along with them.  If that’s not a recipe for Mayhem

Meyer and Mayhem are related wineries.

The winemaker is Ajay Chavan who moved over from Checkmate.

Keep an eye out for their Pinot Gris . Ceramic ball vessels used by Mayhem Wines for their Pinot Gris. The Pinot Gris is fermenting in puncheons and ceramic vessels outside to keep the temperature cool. This will improve the creaminess and mid pallet weight, adding complexity in texture and flavour.



Meyer Family Vineyards

4287 McLean Creek Rd,
Okanagan Falls, BC V0H 1R1

Meyer Family Vineyards

Meyer Family Vineyards has been crafting premium wines in the Okanagan Valley since 2006 and in 2010 they opened a tasting room in Okanagan Falls.

The Meyer Family Vineyards they were awarded Gold for their Micro Cuvée Old Main Road Vineyard Chardonnay at Decanter worlds. They also pick up a number of medals at the National Wine Awards.

Their Chardonnay and Meyer 2022 B Field Blend wins Platinum at the All Canadian

Make sure you keep your eye on them in 2025.



Monte Creek Winery

404 Highway 97
Oliver BC

 

Monte CreekWinery

You have to be impressed what what Monte Creek Winery has done since the Sidhus family immigrated from the Punjab in India

Situated on the biodiverse 1,200-acre property just a 10-minute drive outside Kamloops City, Monte Creek Winery offers guests a breath-taking view of 75-acres of vines.

It would take this entire page to list all of the awards they have received in recent years.

Their growth has been a Canadian success story!

 


Nk"mip Cellars

1400 Ranch Creek Rd
Osoyoos BC

The first Indigenous-owned winery in North America, located in Osoyoos. The word Nk’Mip translates in English to “Bottomland” referring to the fact that the winery is situated in the southernmost end of the Osoyoos Indian Reserve

A new winemaker Justin Hall will continue the tradition of fine wines from Nk'Mip. They won six gold at the WineAlign awards.

Double Gold at All Canadians for thinker’Mip Cellars BC          2022     Qwam Qwmt Chardonnay      

Nk’Mip Cellars, BC 2022  White Mer’r’iym  


 

Nostalgia Wines Inc

4900 Black Sage Road ,
Oliver BC. V0H-1T1

Nostalgia Wines Inc

Gina Fernandes Harfman. is a very good winemaker. She is also the owner. She has produced some excellent wines over the years

To my surprise and pleasure they make an outstanding Kerner. You will also be surprised by her Malbec Petit Verdot

Yes, keep your on Nostalgia in 2025



Orofino Vineyards

2152 Barcelo Road
Cawston, British Columbia

 

Orofino a Simikameen winery has a history of producing good wines. Their 20th vintage in 2023 was a break through year for them releasing some very good wines Winning 4 golds and a silver at The Winealign awards.

The winery is owned by John and Virgina Weber. Orofino means fine gold in Spanish.

Recently Orofino purchased the 10.45 acre Passion Pit property at the foot of Orofine Mountain

Name Top Ten Winery at the Nationals.


Poplar Grove Winery

425 Middle Bench Rd
Penticton, BC
V2A 8T6

Poplar Grove Winery

One of Naramata Bench most popular wineries. Founded in 1993, Poplar Grove Winery is one of the original five wineries on the Naramata Bench. Tony and Barb Holler purchased the winery in 2007 with the long-term vision and commitment to building one of the most respected wine growing estates in Canada.

The Legacy, 2019. Okanagan Valley, 750 ml. winner NY world wine competition.

At the 17th annual Decanter World Wine Awards, Poplar Grove Winery was awarded a prestigious gold medal for its signature blend, The Legacy.

 


 

 Privato Vineyards

5505 Westsyde Rd.
Kamloops BC

A true family winery owned by Debbie and John Woodward. John is the winemaker. Their sons Ben is operation Manager Adam is the production Manager and cider maker for Woodward Cider Co.

Their reputations for quality wines just keeps growing every year.

Privato Vineyards - Double gold and more in 2023.


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 West 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.

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.

At the 2024 National they achieved 1 Platinum, 4 Gold, 7 Silver, 3 Bronze


 

Ruby Blues

917 Naramata Road
Penticton BC

Ruby Blues

 

The funkiest, small boutique winery in the South Okanagan's Graham Pierce is headed to the Naramata Bench. Pierce has joined Ruby Blues as full time Head Winemaker.

Graham has an extensive knowledge of the Okanagan wine region in addition to his experience in the winery operations. 

Prudence Mahrer co-owner with her husband Beat knows the Naramata grapes like no one else .

Maverick Estate



Shrugging Doctor Beverage Co.,

483 Berry St,
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3J 1N6

 

Challenging the province of Manitoba. Shrugging Doctor is a proud producer of wine, sangria, cider, spirits, mead, and other alcoholic beverages. With new facilities in 2024 Shrugging Doctor will continue to push the boundaries of what you can do in central Canada.

The door were first open in 2016 by two Winnipeggers; Zach Isaacs and Willows Christopher. These two are not afraid of going outside the box.

Shrugging Doctor Beverage Co, MB best mead at the All Canadians


 

Sunrock Vineyards

7857 Tucelnuit Drive,
Oliver, BC, V0H1T2

Established in 1999, Sunrock is 180 acres in size and is located at the northern tip of the Sonoran desert now known as the Osoyoos Lake Bench. With an ideal south facing gentle slope, Sunrock Vineyards sits on a large sandy terrace.

Dave Carson, the head winemaker and Troy Osborne, its director of viticulture, 

The 2016 Sunrock Shiraz won silver at both Inter Wine awards and Syrah du Monde just to name one wine that has achieve success at International completions.


 

SpearHead Winery

3950 Spiers Rd,
Kelowna, BC V1W 4B3

SpearHead Winery


SpearHead Winery has been awarded THREE Platinum Medals at the 2024 National Wine Awards of Canada!

Located ten miles from Kelowna's city hall the winery sits atop of Spier Road. To reach the tasting room and gallery you must drive through the Orchards and vineyards. The winery opened in 2010 and is owned by Bill and Marina Knutson along with Bruce Hirtle/Vancouver; William Knutson/Vancouver.

There is not enough space here to list all the awards their wines have received.

Named Best Performing small winery at the All Canadian.

Read More


 

Van Westen Vineyards


2800A Aikins Loop
Naramata, BC
V0H 1N0

Robert Van Westen

It is all about the skills of the winemaker Robert Van Westen.

 

His Viognier is among the best produced in the Okanagan.

His red blends are also very popular.

Watch for Van Westen Wines!

Their 2022 Viscous names best White Wine at the All Canadians


Vanessa Vineyards

 

1090 Highway 3,
Cawston, BC V0X 1C3


Vanessa is owned by two Vancouver businessmen: real estate developer Suki Sekhon and retired stock broker John Welson.

They purchased the land in 2006. The vineyard sits on a hillside above Highway 3, south of Cawston. It is almost diagonally across the highway from the Seven Stones Winery. Vanessa Vineyard's grapes are cultivated on 75 acres of sloping, well drained, rocky terrain. The vines grow in rows of rocks, absorbing the day heat and imparting that warmth during the cooler nights.

Vintner Howard Soon is producing award-winning wines here

2014 Meritage – Gold – Intervin International Wine Awards 2018

2017 Meritage – Gold – Top Meritage Bordeaux Style, Top BC Wine Awards, 2023
2014 Meritage – Double Gold – Wine Press Northwest Platinum Competition 2019

2016 Syrah – Silver – BC Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards 2020

And the list goes on!


 

Wild Goose Winery

2145 Sun Vally Way
Okanagan Falls

 


In July of 2021, the Wyse family of Burrowing Owl Vineyards proudly announced their acquisition of the tremendously popular Wild Goose Vineyards & Winery. Wild Goose continues to produce some of BC's best wines. You definitely want to keep an eye on them.

If your a Gewürztraminer  fan   this is your winery.

BC Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards –

 


Cider and Mead

Crossmount Cider Company
Crossmount Cider Company

 

Brickers Cider

6642 Norwest Bay Road
Sechelt BC

The District Municipality of Sechelt is located on the lower Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. Approximately 50 km northwest of Vancouver. Here is where 3 guys Nick, Morgan, Bronson, Russell, and a lady Chris, started their cider house. Anne Bricker was Chris' mother and Morgan, Bronson and Russell's grandmother.

Nick Farrer is the founder and cider master. Russell Moore founder and head cider maker

Their ciders are growing in popularity every year.


 

Chinook Honey Co


Chinook Arch Meadery
Okotoks , Alberta, T0L 1K0

 

Over looking the beautiful foothills close to Calgary you find Alberta's first honey winery owned by Art and Cherie Andrew. The name “Chinook Arch Meadery” was chosen to reflect the unique weather phenomena that occurs in the lee of the Rocky Mountains where our honey is harvested and where the mead is created.    

 Chinook Honey Company started as a beekeeping hobby in 1995   The original 2 hives soon expanded to 6, then 12 and now have blossomed to approximately 280. Art's passion for his bees was contagious, and it didn't take long before his wife Cherie started joined in.   In 2004 they opened their store The Honey House  

In June 2024 Cherry Seduction and Fire 'n Spice both won Double Gold Medals at the All Canadian Wine Championships


 

Crossmount Cider Company

30 Glen Road,
Crossmount, SK

Crossmount is a small village just south of Saskatoon. The Crossmount Cider Company was incorporated in 2014. The first apple tree saplings were planted this same year and the cider press, washers and fermentation tanks were ordered. Three varieties of Crossmount Cider Company’s signature blend were launched in spring of 2016. These were Flatlander Gold, Flatlander Dry and Flatlander Crisp. By summer, a fourth blend, called Citri-Hopped, was added and this was followed by a fifth blend, named Cider & Black, in early 2017.

The  orchard is comprised of 1500 trees with apple varieties bred on the prairies.

They are the largest cidery on the Prairies

 


Festina Lente Estate Winery Ltd.

21113 16th Avenue
Langley BC, V2Z 1K3

An amazing cellar of really good meads!

Located in the beautiful countryside of Langley township ( horse country) near the USA boarder. The meadery is owned by Teresa Townsley and Bill Townsley

As beekeepers and winemakers, it was a natural fit to explore the lost tradition of Mead or Honey Wines. Of course, over the years, tastes change and we have developed a drier and more sophisticated honey wine that can be appreciated for many years. Honey wine is the white wine that ages like a red, so white wine drinkers can now command room in the most refined cellars and enjoy the depth and breadth of ever changing flavours over time.

Read More


 

Meadow Vista Honey Wines

3975 June Springs Rd
Kelowna BC

Meadow Vista Honey Wines

Numerous articles in newspaper and magazines have praised the quality of their meads.

Meadow Vista produces seven different honey wines, two sparkling and four still, all made from BC honey and local fruits. The wine shop also contains a variety of bee-inspired products including beeswax candles, honey and a wellness line.

The first honey wine producer to win Best Winery of The Year at Wine Fest Edmonton and Wine Fest Calgary and again in 2014 as Ostara was the first honey wine to win a Gold Medal at the BC Wine Awards.

Read More


Stolen Harvest Meadery

Grovedale, AB
T0H-1X0

Located in scenic Grovedale, Alberta, Stolen Harvest Meadery is hand carved from the Alberta boreal forest: it is ten acres of a rural oasis. There are hand planted gardens with a wide variety of vegetables and numerous heritage garlics growing. There is a fruit forest as well as a newly planted orchard (2018) with Saskatoons, haskaps, and prairie cherries

They won two medals at The World Mead Challenge and four at at Horde at the Hive in Okotoks.


Wards Hard Cider

2287 Ward Rd
Kelowna, BC
V1W 4R5

 

This is the cider house that made me realize how good cideries can be.

Great Granddad Ward emigrated from England to Canada in the early 1900’s and moved onto our family orchard in 1918. In 1922 Wards Packinghouse was built and became the main packing facility for neighboring Southeast Kelowna orchardists.

In the 1970’s, grandsons Ted and Chris Turton took over ownership and management of the property and continued growing premium pears, cherries and dessert apples as well as vitis vinifera grapes.

Later, under Chris’s lead, an apple belt-press was installed into the old packinghouse and the framework for Wards Cider was laid. In 2006 his daughter Jennifer Turton-Molgat joined the company and became involved in developing the family estate into a winery and cidery.

Awarded best cider at All Canadians

Ve oh Lay

5616 Simpson Road
Summerland, BC

I opened a bottle of Ve Oh Lay Acres Appeachiation 2022 and was blown away by the flavours of this wine.

Ve Oh Lay Acres is an 11 acre farm, kitchen and winery located in Summerland, BC. Owner Laurent co-owner has wine making in his blood. He can trace his families beginning in the wine industry back to 1886 when Brothers Pallade and Simon Violet in Thuir, France develop an apéritif wine known as Byrrh..

Now making Grape wines.

Watch for this new winery!

 

Honourable Mention

50th Parallel Their wines rank high at International award shows

Backyard Vineyard Watch for their Bacchus

Black Sage Vineyards BC - Winemaker Jason James can always be counted on.

Blue Mountain Vineyards BC- For 21 years the Mavetys supplied grapes to wineries before crafting their own label in 1991.

Bee & Thistle Winery They have produced some every good meads.

Burrowing Owl a platinum winner

Coastal Black Winery I hear good things

Crown and Thieves Jason Parkes winemaker.

Da Silva Vineyards and Winery they produce top quality wines

FallenTimber Meadery they just keep on making different meads

Forbidden Fruit Winery, BC - Highly recommended

Frequency unique worth keeping an eye on.

Garry Oaks Vineyard You can almost call them the come back winery of the year.

Horseshoe Found Winery my dark horse selection

Indigenous World Winery Jason Parkes

JoiRyde Winery Owned by two women what more is required.

Kettle Valley Winery  after thirty two vintages lets give the two male owners some respect for their quality wines.

Larch Hills Winery - They did well at SavorNW

Little Farm Winery is the small hands-on operation of Rhys Pender MW and Alishan Driediger.

Moon Curser Vineyards they keep producing quality wines

Northern Lights Estate Winery Ltd., BC  Definitely a winery to keep your eye on!

Red Horse Vineyard The Vibs are good on this up and coming winery.

Robin Ridge Winery Yes keep your eye on them especially their Pinot Noir

Sagewood Winery producing a Kerner and Ortega wines. Two favourites

SeeYa Later Ranch Lets see what winemaker David Saysomsack raised in Abbotsford, BC can do.

Stoneboat Vineyard won Gold at National Awards of Canada

Squeezed Vineyards ,BC Double Gold for their Merlot.

Terravista Vineyards - A reliable winery.

Unsworth Vineyards   owned by an American company what will they do in Canada!

The Unexpected

Yukon Wines from Whitehorse a double Gold winner for their dry Haskap Wine.

Wolf Willows Winery Broderick Saskatchewan -They make a sour Cherry wine. They have a restaurant.

Furh Estate Winery Parkland County, Albert when you have an allergy to hops make Mead.

 


Here are our selections for the best wineries to Watch in 2025. Yes, chances are, we missed your favourite winery. If so let us know!

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Wineries to Watch For - Eastern Canada

2025 Wineries to Watch for

Best Wineries to Visit in 2025

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