Okanagan Valley's vinous magic: Black Hills Estate Winery

Sometime ago we sat down with friends at the Okanagan Valley's Black Hills Estate Winery. I still remember that hot summer afternoon when I finally got to taste some long awaited wines. We scheduled a curated wine tasting, which included their iconic Nota Bene. I decided to do a wine tasting here primarily because I had heard so many good things about its Nota Bene wines, and we were not disappointed. 

 Black Hills Estate Winery © Spaswinefood

Black Hills Estate Winery 

Black Hills Estate Winery was founded in 1996, as a joint venture between Peter and Susan McCarrell, and Bob and Senka Tennant. While over the years it changed ownership, today it is part an Ontario-based family run Andrew Peller Limited.

Wine Experience Centre, Black Hills Estate Winery © Spaswinefood

Their Wine Experience Centre, is located on Black Sage Road, 13km north of Osoyoos and 10km south of Oliver. It is nestled within the iconic Double Black Vineyard, with breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Kobau and the South Okanagan. 

Double Black Vineyard © Spaswinefood

In 2011, Black Hills acquired Double Black Vineyard, which is a kilometer south of the original Sharp Rock Vineyard. Both vineyards were originally planted with almost identical clones and rootstock in 1996. The vineyards are located on the Black Sage Bench, which has a microclimate among the hottest, driest and sunniest sites in Canada. The vineyards' terroir has become recognized amongst some of the most exceptional. 

Black Hills Estate Wines

Nota Bene, their signature blend is an age-worthy Bordeaux-style red blend. They produce Bordeaux and Rhone Valley inspired blends such as, Addendum, Per Se, Ipso Facto, Bona Fide, Alibi and Rose, and as well as single variety expressions of Viognier, Chardonnay, Roussanne, Syrah, Tempranillo and Carménère. 

Their first Carménère was released in 2005. It has a following that claims it gets better each vintage. Since the first release of Black Hills Syrah in 2009 this wine has developed a strong fan base. While Nota Bene leads the pack, Black Hills has managed to diversify its wine portfolio so that everyone has a favorite. During our visit we got to taste its Viognier, for instance.

Tasting Black Hills Estate Wines © Spaswinefood

Before our main tasting menu we began with two of their white wines.

Tasty Snacks, Black Hills Estate Winery © Spaswinefood

Amongst the white wines we tasted was a 2021 Viognier.

Black Hills Estate Winery Viognier, Okanagan Valley BC VQA 2021

Black Hills Estate Winery Viognier, Okanagan Valley BC VQA 2021 © Spaswinefood

Black Hills Estate Winery Wine Tasting © Spaswinefood

Next up were five red wines. Amongst the red wines we tasted were 2018 Carménère and 2019 Syrah.

Black Hills Estate Winery Carménère, Okanagan Valley BC VQA 2018 

Black Hills Estate Winery Carménère, Okanagan Valley BC VQA 2018 © Spaswinefood

Black Hills Estate Winery 2018 Carménère & 2019 Syrah, Okanagan Valley BC VQA

2018 Carménère & 2019 Syrah, Okanagan Valley BC VQA © Spaswinefood

We would finish the wine tasting with its Nota Bene wines.

Black Hills Estate Winery © Spaswinefood

We left Black Hills with an appreciation for its wines. Regrettably, their wines are not exported to US. In general we found this to be the case for Okanagan Valley wines. Hence, we have learned to enjoy while there, and bring back a few special ones. 

Black Hills Estate Winery's Wine Experience Centre © Spaswinefood

Where ever our wine travels take us we try to visit to a variety of wineries, ranging from boutique to large scale producers. During our summer visits to the Okanagan Valley we were fortunate to visit Black Hills Estate Winery (Oliver), Gray Monk Estate Winery (one of the 40 wineries within 20-30 minute drive of Kelowna, on Lake Country's Scenic Sip), and Tinhorn Creek Vineyards (Oliver), all three of which are owned by Andrew Peller Ltd.

Our Black Hills visit was part of our exploring the south end of the Okanagan Valley's wine scene. Many of the Kelowna wineries also have vineyards in the Southern Okanagan. The temperature at the south end of the valley is reported to be up to four degrees warmer. This makes it so perfect for grape growing. In fact Oliver, the town at the south end of the Okanagan Valley, calls itself Wine Capital of Canada. 

Okanagan Valley

The Okanagan Valley is where 86% of the British Columbia's vineyard acreage is located. Viticultural regions are defined in British Columbia as areas of Geographic Indication (GI). To be certified as coming from a GI, wines must adhere to VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) standards. There are nine GIs across British Columbia, of which the Okanagan Valley is one. These GIs participate in a Vitners Quality Allicance (VQA), an appellation of origin that is modeled after the European system. An Okanagan VQA certifies a wine is from this region and meets the quality standards. The Okanagan Valley GI has eleven official sub-regions, with each defined by its distinct soil and climate conditions, such as Black Sage Bench. Once you have discovered the Okanagan Valley it will keep calling you back. During our June 2023 visit we concentrated the Southern part of the valley, Summer 2024 we made sure to also visit wineries in/around Kelowna, such Gray Monk Estate Winery ( Kelowna), and Tinhorn Creek Vineyards (Oliver). Southern Okanagan offers the wine traveler some of the very best sipping experiences. In fact, most of the best wines are grow in the South around Oliver and Osoyoos (oh-soy-yoos). For this reason I have focused my efforts primarily around the Oliver to Osoyoos area during my Summers of 2023 and 2024 visits.

Okanagan Valley Wine Country © Spaswinefood

For sure if you are interested in “Vinous Magic” then put the Black Hills Estate Winery, Okanagan Valley on your list. We were not disappointed in their Vinous offerings. Here is some useful travel information to help you plan your wine country getaway to Okanagan wineries. Kelowna, the largest city in the Okanagan Valley is within driving distance from Vancouver (237 miles).  Kelowna’s international airport has direct flights from Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Seattle. I invite you to join me in my wine travels in the Okanagan Valley and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing more on my vine-filled explorations in the Okanagan Valley. 

CHEERS!

Sharon 

Remembering the Okanagan Valley

British Columbia 

© Spaswinefood

Black Hills Estate Winery © Spaswinefood

Time for Vinous Magic, Black Hills Estate Winery © Spaswinefood

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Okanagan Valley's vinous magic: Our sip and dine experiences in the Kelowna area

I loved discovering the Okanagan Valley's most inspiring places to sip and dine. I am always happy to return because I still remember my earlier introduction to Okanagan winery's and winery restaurants. The Okanagan Valley, British Columbia gets thousands of visitors seeking the best in cuisine and wine. My wine travels have taken us to a variety of Okanagan Valley wineries, ranging from boutique to large scale producers. Winery restaurants, like those in the Okanagan, are redefining gastronomy in wine regions around the world. In fact, no visit to the Okanagan Valley visit is complete, without dining at a winery restaurant. Given there are so many award winning wineries and winery restaurants, sipping and dining in the Okanagan Valley is an absolute must do. 

Let the Okanagan Valley's Vinous Magic Begin © Spaswinefood

This article will focus on our sip and dining experiences in the Kelowna area. A future article will highlight the Southern Okanagan. 

Let's sip, sip and dine in the Kelowna Area

There are around 40 wineries within 20-30 minute drive of Kelowna. This area has a number of wine trails to explore, including Sip South East Kelowna, Lake Country's Scenic Sip, Westside Wine Trail, Lakeshore Wine Route, and downtown Kelowna. Amongst the winery restaurants that we have enjoyed sipping and dining included: Old Vines Restaurant (Quails' Gate Estate Winery), Terrace Restaurant (Mission Hill Family Estates), Block One, 50th Parallel Estate, and Grapevine Restaurant ( Gray Monk Estate Winery). 

1. Quails' Gate Estate Winery

When we returned to Kelowna last summer our first stop was Old Vines Restaurant at Quails' Gate Winery.

Quails' Gate © Spaswinefood

Quails' Gate © Spaswinefood

Arriving at Quails' Gate for dinner on a very hot June day.

Quails' Gate Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood

During our weekend visit last June our first stop was for dinner was at Old Vines Restaurant (Quails' Gate Estate Winery). We were so excited to return to Quails' Gate's Old Vines Restaurant. Upon arrival, on that very hot evening, we settled for a table inside. 

Quails' Gate Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Quails' Gate Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Had it not been such a very hot day maybe, we would have preferred a table outside.

Table Waiting, Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Even on that hot day, outside on the patio is where some guests chose to dine.

 Patio, Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood

We began with a wine flight before deciding on which wine to order for dinner.

 Wine Flight, Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood

We ordered some appetizers to begin.

Appetizer, Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Beside a platter we ordered a heirloom tomato platter. This was a great decision.

Heirloom Tomato Plate, Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood

The wine we selected needed decanting.

Quails' Gate Queue, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2019 

Quails' Gate Decanted © Spaswinefood

Quails' Gate Queue, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2019 © Spaswinefood

Quails' Gate Queue, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2019 (back label) © Spaswinefood

Quails' Gate Queue is part of new series of small-batch wines, the Distinction Collection. Like the pattern on a quail’s egg, no two are alike. The Upper Boucherie bench vineyard boasts a unique southern exposure and a series of vineyard blocks on volcanic soils spiked with mineral deposits. The vineyard is one of the few sites in the Kelowna area that ripens merlot, cabernet, and syrah, which appear in the 47/45/8 Queue mix. 

Our main plate choices were so delightful.

Mushroom Plate, Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood

For dessert we chose a cheese plate.

Cheese Plate, Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Later, we did take a walk outside.

Patio Dining, Quails' Gate Restaurant  © Spaswinefood

One June Evening, Quails' Gate Restaurant  © Spaswinefood

Before leaving we took a walk towards the vineyard. It is hard for me not to check out a vineyard whenever I visit a winery.

Quails' Gate Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Lake Views, Quails' Gate Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Taking in the Views, Quails' Gate Vineyard © Spaswinefood

It was great to take in the vineyard and lake views.

A Quails' Gate Pose  © Spaswinefood

After exploring, soon it was time to leave.

Posing at Quails' Gate © Spaswinefood

For sure, this was the perfect spot to begin our most recent sip and dine experiences, in the Okanagan Valley.

2. Block One, 50th Parallel Estate

After looking at winery restaurant options the 50th Parallel Estate's Block One Restaurant sounded appealing for lunch. In Lake Country Curtis Krouzel and Sheri-Lee Turner-Krouzel have created a winery known for elegant cool-climate Pinot Noir and aromatic wines, and their Block One Restaurant offers wood- fired regional cuisine.

Yes, it was another very hot day when we arrived.

50th Parallel Estate © Spaswinefood

After parking we rushed to the restaurant to escape the heat.

Off to 50th Parallel Estate © Spaswinefood

Seeing the wine barrel along the way set the tone for a Block One, 55th Parallel dining experience.

50th Parallel Estate Wine Barrel © Spaswinefood

It was super hot day, and so we were in a rush to get inside.

Off to Lunch, 50th Parallel Estate © Spaswinefood

We decided to begin lunch with a wine flight.

Wine Flight, 50th Parallel Estate © Spaswinefood

After the flight we decided on a wine for lunch.

50th Parallel Estate, Pinot Noir in the Glass © Spaswinefood

50th Parallel Estate, Pinot Noir, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2022 

50th Parallel Estate, Pinot Noir, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2022 © Spaswinefood

Pinot Noir, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2022 (back label) © Spaswinefood

For lunch we chose a number of small plates. one of these plates was a barrata plate.

Burrata Appetizer, 50th Parallel Estate © Spaswinefood

Burrata Appetizer, Block One,  50th Parallel Estate © Spaswinefood

Block One, 50th Parallel Estate © Spaswinefood

We both enjoyed our lunch visit to 50th Parallel restaurant.

Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood

3. Mission Hill Family Estates, Terrace Restaurant

It was at the top of my list to return to Mission Hill Family Estates. Previously, we had visited Mission Hill Family Estates, and were very impressed with the site. I still remember my first visit to this stunning property.

Entrance to Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood

Entering Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood

For me, it was pure excitement to return to Mission Hill!

Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood

Rather than riding I often walk down the driveway to the winery entrance.

Through the Arch, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood

A Closer Look, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood

After we walked through the arch, we arrive at the main patio area.

Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood

We take a closer look at the Terrace Restaurant.

Terrace Restaurant, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood

Gazing towards the tower also brought back memories of our earlier visit.

Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood

Then, we were off to the tasting room.

Entrance to Mission Hill Family Estates Tasting Room © Spaswinefood

Upon arrival in the wine tasting area we were greeted by a friendly server.

Wine Tasting, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood

Soon we sat down for a fabulous wine tasting.

Wine Display, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood

Here we met up with our hostess, and began  the tasting with Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay.

Mission Hill Family Estates, Pinot Blanc 2022 © Spaswinefood

Mission Hill Family Estates, Perpetual Chardonnay 2021 © Spaswinefood

Then we began a side by side tastings of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wines.

Mission Hill Family Estates, Merlot Wines

Mission Hill Family Estates, Merlot Wines © Spaswinefood

Next, their Cabernet Sauvignon wines.

Wine Tasting, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood

Mission Hill Family Estates, Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (left)

Mission Hill Family Estates, Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (on the left) © Spaswinefood

It was great to be back at Mission Hill.

John, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood

This area not only offers wine tasting but many wines are on display for purchase.

Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood

After the wine tasting we return outside.

Taking in the Views, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood

While we did not dine at the Terrace Restaurant during this visit, we have the fondest memories of an earlier visit.

Vignette from Our First Visit to Terrace Restaurant, May 2011

If you are looking to the perfect setting for lunch this is the place! No matter where you sit you will get that picture perfect view.

Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery © Spaswinefood

Terrace Restaurant, Mission Hill Family Estate Winery © Spaswinefood

I can not think of a better place for lunch. Now, as I leave the winery I capture these last few photos.

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery © Spaswinefood

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery © Spaswinefood

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery © Spaswinefood

The Terrace Restaurant is a culinary memory to be savored long after you leave.

4. Gray Monk Estate Winery, Grapevine Restaurant & Patio 

Grapevine Restaurant & Patio at the Gray Monk Estate Winery, was another restaurant we so enjoyed during prior visit.  It was founded by the Heiss Family Gray Monk (now owned and operated by Andrew Peller Limited).Unfortunately, we did not have time to return for a sip and dine experience however, we did manage a quick drive by.

Gray Monk, 2024 © Spaswinefood

Gray Monk, 2024 © Spaswinefood

Gray Monk, 2024 © Spaswinefood

Gray Monk, 2024 © Spaswinefood

Vignette from an  Earlier Visit to Gray Monk, May 2011

One of the first Okanagan Valley winery stop was the Gray Monk Estate Winery and Vineyard 1055 Camp Road, North Kelowna. Gray Monk is British Columbia's oldest estate winery. It has been owned and operated by the Heiss Family since 1972. The winery takes its name from Pinot Gris, which in Austria and Hungary is called " Grauar Mönch" meaning gray monk. The winery introduced the blue-gray colored Pinot Gris grape to Canada. The Heiss's also helped establish British Columbia's VQA designation. British Columbia participates in a Vitners Quality Allicance (VQA), an appellation of origin that is modelled after the European system.  An Okanagan VQA certifies a wine is from this region and meets the quality standards. British Columbia's appellation has four "designated viticultural areas" (DVA's). These DVA's include Okanagan Valley, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island and Similkameen Valley. 

Gray Monk Estate Winery & Grapevine Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Gray Monk Estate Winery & Grapevine Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Gray Monk Estate Winery & Grapevine Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Gray Monk Estate Winery has a beautiful view of the lake and vineyards. Fifty acres of vineyards surround the winery.  

Gray Monk Estate Winery & Grapevine Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Grapevine Restaurant

Gray Monk is home to the award winning Grapevine Restaurant. The culinary team at Grapevine Restaurant is lead by Chef Willi Franz, 2010 Okanagan Chef of the Year. Also, it was just announced that Chef Willi Franz was named Canadian Chef of the Year, by Canadian Culinary Federation of Chefs and Cooks (CCFCC).

Gray Monk Estate Winery & Grapevine Restaurant © Spaswinefood

The food prepared at the Grapevine Restaurant uses ingredients from local farmers and producers.  Spaswinefood visited this award winning winery restaurant for lunch during the Spring Wine Festival when they featured a special wine pairing menu. 

Spaswinefood would  agree with the restaurants description of its food as being simple, fresh, elegant; pleasing to eye and palate. Even on a grey May day the Grapevine Restaurant has a beautiful view to accompany your dining experience. It is easy to see why it was awarded Reader's Choice 2011 Best Patio Dining and Best Restaurant with a View.

Gray Monk Estate Winery & Grapevine Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Gray Monk Estate Winery & Grapevine Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Gray Monk Wines

After a delightful lunch, we visited the tasting room. Gray Monk's wine portfolio has three tiers (Estate, Latitude 50 Series and Odyssey). Gray Monk's wines are 100% VQA. The winemakers are George Heiss, Jr. and Peter Wong. 

Gray Monk Estate Winery and Grapevine Restaurant is well worth a visit. If you are a Pinot Gris (Gruar Mönch) fan then Gray Monk is a must! Also, Chef Willi Franz was named Canadian Chef of the Year, by Canadian Culinary Federation of Chefs and Cooks (CCFCC). Congratulations Chef Franz!

Another on my list from earlier enjoyable visits was Sunset Organic Bistro and Veranda Restaurant (Summerhill Pyramid Winery). 

The vinous magic of the scenic Okanagan Valley is compelling. Once you have discovered this wine region it will keep calling you back. Without a doubt, the vinous magic of the Okanagan Valley was an highlight of our Summer 2023 and 2024 wine travels in British Columbia. If you are looking for an outstanding sip and dine adventure check out the Okanagan Valley's winery restaurants. I invite you to join me in my wine travels in Okanagan Valley and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing more on my vine-filled explorations in the Okanagan Valley. 

CHEERS!

Sharon 

June 2023 & 2024

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia 

© Spaswinefood

Mission Hill Family Estates, June 2024 © Spaswinefood

Quails' Gate Vineyard, May 2011 © Spaswinefood

NOTES: The Okanagan Valley is where 86% of the British Columbia's vineyard acreage is located. Viticultural regions are defined in British Columbia as areas of Geographic Indication (GI). To be certified as coming from a GI, wines must adhere to VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) standards. There are nine GIs across British Columbia. They include Fraser Valley, Gulf Islands, Kootenays, Lillooet, Okanagan Valley, Shuswap, Similkameen Valley, Thompson Valley and Vancouver Island. These GIs participate in a Vitners Quality Allicance (VQA), an appellation of origin that is modeled after the European system. An Okanagan VQA certifies a wine is from this region and meets the quality standards. The Okanagan Valley GI has eleven official sub-regions, with each defined by its distinct soil and climate conditions. They include: Golden Mile Bench, Golden Mile Slopes, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Falls Skaha Bench, East Kelowna Slopes, Lake Country, South Kelowna Slopes, Summerland Bench, Summerland Lakefront and Summerland Valleys. 

Here is some useful travel information to help you plan your wine country getaway to Okanagan wineries. Kelowna, the largest city in the Okanagan Valley is within driving distance from Vancouver (237 miles).  Kelowna’s international airport has direct flights from Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Seattle. 

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