15 minute read
South Okanagan: Oliver & Osoyoos
OKANAGAN VALLEY
Destination BC/Andrew Strain
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SOUTH OKANAGAN: Osoyoos & Oliver
Common varieties grown: Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Average Daily High Temperature (July): 30C Average Hours of Sunshine: 2039 / Average Annual Rainfall: 250 mm Acreage: 5,562 / Soil: Deep sand over bedrock, gravelly loamy sands.
In this short stretch of the province, you will find more than half of the grape acreage in British Columbia. So it should come as no surprise that the local chamber of commerce declared the area as the “Wine Capital of Canada.”
If you are looking for a wine-soaked adventure, then the Oliver-Osoyoos region cannot be missed. Here you’ll find more than 60 wineries and British Columbia’s first official sub-geographical indication (sub-GI), the Golden Mile Bench, recognizing it for its unique climates, soil types and wine styles.
Oliver-Osoyoos is where the majority of the “big reds” are grown – Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot – varieties that need an extended growing season and plenty of sunshine and hot.
And this is Canada’s hot spot - literally. It routinely tops the list as the hottest place in the country during the summer. Average daily highs are in excess of 29 C in July, but temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s are not uncommon.
The most southerly region of the Okanagan is a lush landscape populated by acres upon acres of orchards and vineyards making it a veritable paradise of plenty when it comes to fruit and wine.
Every spring the air is filled with the heady scent of fruit tree blossoms and the rolling terrain is an explosion of colour. Vivid green foliage then covers the panorama and eventually the vines and trees are heavy with the season’s fruits. From July through October, you’ll find roadside stands offering fresh cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, plums and apples. And, of course, year round wineries will offer up their own bottled bounties made from the grapes and selected tree fruits harvested each year.
Left to its own, this fruitful landscape would actually produce very little. The OliverOsoyoos area is in a desert belt – an extension of the Sonoran stretching up from Mexico. Cacti and rattlesnakes are more at home here and there’s an interpretation centre where visitors can experience Canada’s only desert and explore First Nations culture.
Fertile ground for growing grapes and fruit has been made possible by the use of irrigation, which has given new life to the South Okanagan. The area’s extended days of heat and sunshine has made it possible to grow varieties not previously possible north of the U.S. border.
Osoyoos is the southernmost point in the valley and located on the shores of the warmest lake in Canada. It’s a border town with easy access to the U.S. for those who want to make a quick trip stateside.
Despite recent development of luxury hotels and residential communities, Osoyoos has managed to retain its small-town charm offering idyllic respite with all the amenities you might desire at your fingertips. Dining in the area has been elevated in recent years, with a nod toward regional and season cuisine.
Gorgeous beaches and family-friendly options are plentiful in this stunning lakeside community. Awesome hiking and biking trails and backcountry adventures are close at hand.
Covert Farms
Covert Place One Faith at District Wine Village
Secrest Hill Rd
Pipe Dreams Hidden Chapel Pine Hill Rd La Casa Bianca Jackson Triggs Inniskillin
Tucelnuit Dr River Stone
Sqeezed Wines
Red Horses
Tuc el-Nuit Lake
Fairview Oliver Visitor Centre
Sumac St OLIVER
Second Chapter vinAmité
Black Sage Rd Quinta Ferreira Le Vieux Pin
French Door
Tinhorn Creek Intersection Gehringer Brothers Rd 7 Nostalgia Wines Stoneboat Orchard Grove Rd
Gallagher Lake
Winery / Cidery Accommodation
Restaurant
Hester Creek
Cassini Checkmate Culmina
Wild Rose St. Road 13
C.C. Jentsch Rd 16
Rust Wine Co. Masala Bistro Patio, Kismet Castoro de Oro Maverick Gold Hill
Osoyoos Larose
Sonora Desert Miller Rd
Silver Sage Rainmaker Bartier Bros Here’s The Thing Church & State Phantom Creek Black Hills Platinum Bench
Desert Hills Burrowing Owl; Guest House; Sonora Room Spirit Ridge Resort; The Bear, the Fish, the Root and the Berry
148 Ave
La Stella Adega on 45th Nk’ Mip
Moon Curser
Liber Farm
Osoyoos Visitor’s Centre
Blue Sky Bordertown Casa Del Mila Oro Resort
Lakeside Cellars
OSOYOOS
CANADA
Young & Wyse Lariana
USA
INFORMATION SERVICES
OLIVER VISITOR CENTRE
6431 Station Street, Oliver / Phone: 778-439-2363 Toll-free: 1-844-896-3300 / www.winecapitalofcanada.com
OSOYOOS VISITOR’S CENTRE
9912 BC 3, Osoyoos / Phone: (250) 495-5070 visit@destinationosoyoos.com / www.destinationosoyoos.com
PLEASE TOUR RESPONSIBLY ARRANGE FOR A DESIGNATED DRIVER!
culmina.ca
250.498.0789
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A love and appreciation for the craft of making fine wine underscores every detail at Culmina Family Estate Winery and is embedded in all that we do, from the vineyard to the cellar. Culmina Winery is located on the prestigious Golden Mile Bench just south of Oliver BC. We invite guests to come visit, learn about our wines, our history and impressive terroir; all while taking in the amazing views from our winery patio or newly renovated tasting room. As part of Culmina’s commitment to excellence, Winemaker and Vigneron, Jean- Marc Enixon manages the vineyard and cellars with precision and care with our 2021 vintage being the first at Culmina Family Estate to be certified 100% Organic - we believe that creating iconic wines begins with being good stewards of our special terroir.
Visitors to the estate will enjoy a seated, guided tasting of our classically styled wines served in varietal-specific glassware. Reservations can be made online at culmina.ca or by calling 250498-0789. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @culminawinery.
CULMINA FAMILY ESTATE WINERY 4790 Wild Rose St. Oliver, BC V0H1T0 Phone: (250) 498-0789 Email: info@culmina.ca www.culmina.ca
TOURING NOTES
SOUTH OKANAGAN: Osoyoos & Oliver
We recommend that you call ahead or refer to winery websites to ensure that they are open at the time of your visit. Winery information may change throughout the course of the year.
Osoyoos
Adega on 45th Estate Winery 7311 45th Street, Osoyoos Phone: (250) 495-6243 www.adegaon45.com Blue Sky Estate Winery 11621 87th Street, Osoyoos Phone: (250) 495-1777 www.blueskywinery.ca Bordertown Vineyards & Estate Winery 9140 92nd Avenue, Osoyoos Phone: (250) 498-9976 www.bordertownwinery.com Lakeside Cellars 5221 Lakeshore Drive, Osoyoos Phone: (250) 495-5810 www.lakesidecellars.ca Lariana Cellars Estate Winery 8310 - 2nd Avenue, Osoyoos Phone: (250) 498-9259 www.larianacellars.com LaStella 8123 – 148th Avenue, Osoyoos Phone: (250) 495-8180 www.lastella.ca Liber Farm & Winery 14000 Hwy 97, Osoyoos Phone: (250) 495-0143 www.liberfarm.com
MOON CURSER VINEYARDS
3628 Hwy 3 East, Osoyoos Phone: (250) 495-5161 www.mooncurser.com gold@mooncurser.com Moon Curser Vineyards, named Best Performing Small Winery in Canada at the 2019 National Wine Awards, is a family-owned winery located on the East Bench of Osoyoos. It is known for its portfolio of award winning wines crafted from unusual (in Canada) grape varieties like Tempranillo, Tannat and the Italian Arneis, among others. See ad on page 13. Nk’Mip Cellars 1400 Rancher Creek Road, Osoyoos Phone: (250) 495-2985 www.nkmipcellars.com Osoyoos Larose Estate Winery 17808, 103rd Street, Osoyoos Phone: (250) 498-4981 www.osoyooslarose.com Not open to the public Sonora Desert Winery 10238 - 160 Avenue, Osoyoos Phone: (250) 801-3001 www.sonoradesertwinery.ca Young & Wyse Cellection 9503 12th Avenue, Osoyoos Phone: (250) 495-3245 www.youngandwysewine.com Oliver
Bartier Bros. Vineyard & Winery 4821 Ryegrass Road, Oliver Phone: (250) 487-9667 www.bartierbros.com Black Hills Estate Winery 4190 Black Sage Road, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-0666 www.blackhillswinery.com
BURROWING OWL ESTATE WINERY
500 Burrowing Owl Place (off Black Sage Road), Oliver Phone: (250) 498-0620 Toll Free: 1-877-498-0620 www.burrowingowlwine.ca Wine Shop open year round for tastings and sales. Call ahead or check our website for reduced winter hours. See ad on page 15 Cassini Cellars 4828 Hwy 97, Oliver Phone: (250) 485-4370 www.cassini.ca
CASTORO DE ORO ESTATE WINERY
4004 BC-97, Oliver, BC V0H 1T1 www.facebook.com/CastorodeOro/ www.castorodeoro.com Family owned and operated winery. Handcrafting, from grapes to glass, consistently award winning wines from 100% South Okanagan Valley, BC grown grapes since 2006. Winner BEST WINERY “Best of the South Okanagan 2021” Penticton Western News. No appointments necessary. View wine shop hours here: https://g.page/castorodeoro/ See ad on page 2. Checkmate Artisanal Winery 4799 Wild Rose Street, Oliver Phone: (250) 707-2299 www.checkmatewinery.com Church & State Wines 4516 Ryegrass Road, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-2700 www.churchandstatewines.com Covert Farms Family Estate 300 Covert Place, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-9463 www.covertfarms.ca
CULMINA FAMILY ESTATE WINERY
4790 Wild Rose Street, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-0789 Email: info@culmina.ca www.culmina.ca A love and appreciation for the craft of making fine wine underscores every detail at Culmina Family Estate Winery and is embedded in all that we do, from the vineyard to the cellar. See ad on page 11. Desert Hills Estate Winery 4078 Black Sage Road, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-6664 www.deserthills.ca District Wine Village: Eau Vivre Winery; Gneiss Wines; JoiRyde; One Faith Vineyards; Silhouette Cellars; TIME Family of Wines; Upper Case Winery; Valley Commons; Vintners Cove Winery; Winemaker’s Cut 100 Enterprise Way, Oliver www.districtwinevillage.com Fairview Cellars 989 Cellar Road, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-2211 www.fairviewcellars.ca French Door Estate Winery 5462 Black Sage Rd. Oliver Phone: (250) 498-0735 www.frenchdoorwinery.com Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 876 Road 8, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-3537 www.gehringerwines.ca Gold Hill Winery 3502 Fruitvale Way, Oliver Phone: (250) 495-8152 www.goldhillwinery.com Here’s The Thing Vineyards 4740 Black Sage Road, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-9712 www.heresthethingvineyards.com Hester Creek Estate Winery 877 Road 8, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-4435 www.hestercreek.com
Itineraries, Maps & More!
EXPERIENCE THE FINEST OF THE OKANAGAN
Your #1 resource for planning your visit to BC wine country www.winetourhub.com
Best Performing Small Winery in Canada
2019 WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada
Osoyoos, BC | mooncurser.com | tasting room | wine club
Moon Curser Vineyards is a boutique, family-owned winery on the East Bench of Osoyoos, BC, a South Okanagan border town known for its hot summers, lakeside fun and vineyards. The Moon Curser name pays tribute to the gold smuggling history of Osoyoos. The Moon Curser wines, however, break from tradition – the winery’s focus has always been on making premium wines from old-world grape varieties not previously planted in the Okanagan such as Tannat, Dolcetto and Touriga Nacional. These varieties have not historically been a part of the South Okanagan viticulture, but thrive in the distinctive terroir of the Osoyoos East Bench and continue to deliver unique, world class interpretations of these wines. Moon Curser was recognized as #1 Best Performing Small Winery at the 2019 WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada. MOON CURSER VINEYARDS Website: mooncurser.com Twitter: @mooncurser Instagram: @mooncurservineyards Facebook: Moon Curser Vineyards Email: gold@mooncurser.com 3628 Hwy 3 East Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V6 T: 250.495.5161 Tentative 2022 plans: please check website for current info/winter hours. April 28 – October 31, 10 – 5 daily Tastings by appointment, reservations highly recommended.
TOURING NOTES
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Hidden Chapel Winery 482 Pinehill Road, Oliver Phone: (250) 462-7896 www.hiddenchapelwinery.com Inniskillin Okanagan 7857 Tucelnuit Drive, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-4500 www.inniskillin.com Intersection Winery 450 Road 8, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-4054 www.xwine.ca Jackson-Triggs Okanagan 7857 Tucelnuit Drive, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-4500 www.jacksontriggswinery.com
KISMET ESTATE WINERY
316 Road 20, Oliver Phone: (250) 495-4462 www.kismetestatewinery.com Enjoy award-winning wines paired with exotic flavours at the Indian Masala Bistro Patio. Book a stay at the Heritage Guest House with a private vineyard and lake view for the ultimate destination experience. Tasting room is open daily, 10am-6pm, from April-October. Wine tours available by appointment. La Casa Bianca Winery 7249 Hwy 97, Oliver Phone: (250) 689-2790 www.lacasabianca.ca Le Vieux Pin Winery 5496 Black Sage Road, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-8388 www.levieuxpin.ca Maverick Estate Winery 3974 Highway 97, Oliver Phone: (778) 437-3133 www.maverickwine.ca Nostalgia Wines 398 Lupine Lane, Oliver Phone: (250) 485-0227 www.nostalgiawines.ca
ONE FAITH VINEYARDS & WINERY
at District Wine Village 116 - 100 Enterprise Way, Oliver Phone: 1-877-543-6010 Experience the finest wine the Okanagan has to offer. Book your tasting online at www.onefaithvineyards.com Open daily 11 - 5, April through October. See ad on page 12. Phantom Creek Estates 4315 Black Sage Road, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-8367 www.phantomcreekestates.com
PIPE DREAMS VINEYARD AND ESTATE WINERY
168 Sportsmens Bowl Road, Oliver Phone: (604) 832-7150 www.pipedreamswinery.com Pipe Dreams represents the fulfillment of chances taken, and working against the grain to achieve the impossible. This boutique winery is now under new ownership which will bring new varieties and still offer you a taste of unique and rarely grown grapes in the Okanagan, including Kerner, Zweigelt, Gamay and Grüner Veltliner. See ad on page 10. Platinum Bench Estate Winery 4120 Black Sage Road, Oliver, Phone: (250) 535-1165 www.platinumbench.com Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery 6094 Black Sage Road, Oliver, Phone: (250) 498-4756 www.quintaferreira.com Rainmaker Wines 4576 Black Sage Road, Oliver Phone: (250) 880-0882 www.rainmakerwines.com Ramification Cellars 3500 Highway 97, Oliver Phone: (250) 489-4884 www.ramwine.com Red Horses Vineyard 365 Zinfandel Avenue, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-5388 www.redhorsesvineyard.com River Stone Estate Winery 143 Buchanan Drive, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-0043 www.riverstoneestatewinery.ca Road 13 Vineyards 799 Ponderosa Road, Road 13, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-8330 www.Road13Vineyards.com Rust Wine Co. 4444 Golden Mile Road, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-3276 www.rustwine.com Second Chapter Wine Co. 510 Tinhorn Creek Road, Oliver Phone: (250) 485-8424 www.scwines.ca Silver Sage Winery 4852 Ryegrass Road, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-0310 www.silversagewinery.com Squeezed Wines 7229 Tuc-el-Nuit Drive, Oliver Phone: (250) 485-4309 www.squeezedwines.ca Stoneboat Vineyards 356 Orchard Grove Lane, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-2226 www.stoneboatvineyards.com Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 537 Tinhorn Creek Road, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-3743 www.tinhorn.com vinAmité Cellars 5381 Highway 97, Oliver Phone: (250) 498-2234 www.vinamitecellars.com
WHERE TO EAT
THE BEAR, THE FISH, THE ROOT AND THE BERRY
1200 Rancher Creek Road, Osoyoos Phone: (250) 495-4660 www.spiritridge.hyatt.com Savour true to the indigenous inspired cuisine at The Bear, the Fish, the Root and the Berry and, discover for yourself the natural landscapes and delicious food and wine that make Spirit Ridge Resort a true wellness-centered oasis. See ad on page 8.
MASALA BISTRO PATIO AT KISMET ESTATE WINERY
316 Road 20, Oliver Phone: (250) 495-4462 www.kismetestatewinery.com Enjoy award-winning wines paired with exotic flavours at the Indian Masala Bistro Patio. Book a stay at the Heritage Guest House with a private vineyard and lake view for the ultimate destination experience. Tasting room is open daily, 10am-6pm, from April-October. Wine tours available by appointment. Bistro hours of operation, 11am-7pm.
THE SONORA ROOM RESTAURANT AT BURROWING OWL ESTATE WINERY
500 Burrowing Owl Place, Oliver (off Black Sage Road) Phone: (250) 498-0620 x2 Toll Free: 1-877-498-0620 www.burrowingowlwine.ca Open February - December. Fine cuisine paired with award winning wines in a beautiful vineyard setting. See ad on page 15.
WHERE TO STAY
CASA DEL MILA ORO RESORT
5401 Lakeshore Drive, Osoyoos Phone: (250) 495-2373 www.casadelmilaororesort.com orparentals@gmail.com Luxury lake front resort featuring 2 bedroom condos and 3 bedroom townhouses with patios or balconies and private bbqs. Pool, hot tub, private beach, boat moorage, conference room and free WIFI. See ad on page 6.
THE GUEST HOUSE AT BURROWING OWL ESTATE WINERY
500 Burrowing Owl Place, Oliver (off Black Sage Road) Phone: 1-877-498-0620 www.burrowingowlwine.ca Nestled in our 140-acre vineyard, just steps away from the Wine Shop and Sonora Room Restaurant, the Guest House at Burrowing Owl is the perfect place to reconnect, retreat and rejuvenate. See ad on page 15.
SPIRIT RIDGE RESORT
1200 Rancher Creek Road, Osoyoos Phone: (250) 495-5445 www.spiritridge.hyatt.com A true resort getaway in Canada’s only desert. Join us at our all-suite resort, and discover for yourself the natural landscapes and delicious food and wine that make Spirit Ridge Resort a true wellness-centered oasis. See ad on page 8.
Your perfect wine country getaway.
Wine Shop • Restaurant • Guest House
500 Burrowing owl Place, oliver, Bc • 1-877-498-0620 • burrowingowlwine.ca
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery is devoted to crafting premium wines in an environmentally-sustainable manner. Founder Jim Wyse has always had a strong commitment to striving for balance, and this philosophy infuses everything from viticulture to winemaking. In the vineyard, the natural balance is maintained by recruiting bluebirds and bats to help control harmful insects and employing sustainable farming practices; at the winemaking facilities, state-of-theart technology is employed along with traditional winemaking methods. Remarkable for its strikingly beautiful setting as well as its environmental leadership, the winery has held its position as an iconic BC winery since its inception in 1993. Guests are welcomed to the Wine Shop, Sonora Room Restaurant, and Guest House for warm and inviting hospitality where the wine takes centre stage in exceptional food and wine pairings, educational tastings, and culinary experiences. Burrowing Owl’s success has also benefited our feathered friends, as the winery supports conservation work to help the endangered burrowing owl make a comeback in British Columbia. BURROWING OWL ESTATE WINERY 500 Burrowing Owl Place (off Black Sage Road), Oliver Phone: (250) 498-0620 Toll Free: 1-877-498-0620 www.burrowingowlwine.ca
TOURING NOTESNOTE: Reccommend replacing Photo w High Rez Client: Burrowing Owl File: BOEW291_WineTourHB_Ad.indd Wine #1 : _______________________________________________ Size: 5.25” x 4.75” Fonts: Trajan / The Sans __________________________________________________________ Date: 2022_Jan25_Final __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Wine #2 : _______________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Unique Feature of the Winery : _________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Notes : __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________
Logos: HR/vector Res: 300ppi Proofed by: -Wine Tour Handbook Ad 2022 PROOF ONLY
