HESTER CREEK ESTATE WINERY

Experience true European ambiance at this state-of-the-art Okanagan Valley Winery

Story Courtesy Hester Creek Estate Winery

Made up of seven lakes running north to south, the Okanagan Valley was cut out by glaciers during the last ice age. At the south end of the valley lie the towns of Osoyoos and Oliver which make up the northern tip of the Sonora Desert. The temperatures are extreme, with winter temperatures dipping below zero and summer temperatures reaching 40+ degrees centigrade. These summertime highs make the climate hot and dry, creating the perfect environment for grape growing and wine production.

Nestled in the heart of this region is Hester Creek Estate Winery. The property was first purchased in 1967 by Italian immigrant, Joe Busnardo, who planted the first vines in 1968. In 2004, BC entrepreneur Curt Garland purchased the property and invested state-of-the-art technology into the vineyard and production facility. Inspired by a landscape reminiscent of Tuscany, Garland envisioned his winery as encompassing a true European ambiance, complete with warm hospitality, outstanding wines and fine dining.

Now, in 2023, Curt Garland’s vision is in full bloom thanks to the dedicated staff and loyal guests who have enjoyed all the experiences that Hester Creek has offered over the years. This year, Hester Creek was named Great Northwest Wine Magazine’s British Columbia Winery of the Year for 2023 after winning three platinum medals for their Sémillon, Old Vine Pinot Blanc and 2019 Old Vine Brut.

As Hester Creek has evolved over the years, so has the Okanagan Valley. Each summer, the valley attracts people from all over the world as a destination for wine tasting, fine dining, outdoor activities, and of course, racing up at the Area 27 Motorsports Park. The views from Hester Creek are expansive, taking in rolling vineyards, miles of orchards and the racetrack, which is located just an 11-minute drive from the winery. For those coming to enjoy Area 27, you can plan your day with motorsports in the morning, followed by a tasting at the winery, then dine at Terrafina for lunch or dinner.

The winery itself was built into the mountainside, where the earthen roof keeps the cellar cool and is home to the natural flora of the Okanagan. In front, the winery is home to a remarkable tasting room where Wine Shop Manager, Rachel, hosts guests who feel like they’ve been swept away for an afternoon in Italy as they sip their wine and listen to live music while admiring the 50-year-old vines that adorn the property.

A pergola of intertwining vines frames the restaurant, Terrafina. Meaning, “fine earth,” Terrafina provides fine-dining experiences using fresh local ingredients – many of which come from the garden that Chef Adair Scott planted behind the restaurant in 2020. As the seasons change, so does the menu, with Chef and his team curating dishes that pair beautifully with the variety of wines that Hester Creek has to offer.

At the pinnacle of the estate stands The Villa. The six suites that overlook the valley provide some of the best views in Okanagan wine country. Villa manager, Melissa, and her team are the perfect hosts, welcoming you to your stay with a complimentary bottle of Hester Creek wine to enjoy on your private patio. Wake up to a dazzling dawn as the sun crests over the mountains, enjoy a complimentary Signature Tasting in the winery, then dine at Terrafina during the evening.

The wine is what anchors Hester Creek to its legacy. Roots run deep with old vines that produce quality grapes perfect for making award-winning wines. Over the years, Winemaker, Mark Hopley, has honed his skills in crafting an impressive portfolio of sparkling, white, and red wines using Ganimede fermentation tanks and expanding the barrel program to use predominantly French oak. Mark invites you to join one of the winery ambassadors for an Estate Tour and Tasting to learn more about the history of Hester Creek and how the wines are made. IT