Oliver, British Columbia, is located in the Okanagan Valley wine region in Canada and is known for its high-quality, handcrafted wines and amazing wineries. The area has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the late 1800s, and today, Oliver is home to a thriving wine industry that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Oliver wineries range in size and style, from small, family-owned operations to large, commercial wineries. They produce a wide variety of wines, including white and red wines, as well as specialty and fortified wines. The Oliver wineries are known for their commitment to sustainable winemaking practices and for using locally-sourced grapes to create unique, high-quality wines.
1.1 Bartier Bros. Vineyard & Winery
Location: 4821 Ryegrass Rd, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0, Canada
This great winery was created by two brothers, Don and Michael, who initially followed separate career paths – Don, an accountant, and Michael, a winemaker. Having been raised in the Okanagan Valley, both brothers desire to ensure that the wine they make represents the Valley. And boy, have they succeeded so far!
Their red wines are gorgeous and flavourful. Paired with the beautiful scenery, the experience is truly memorable. Reservations are not needed but highly recommended, and it’s easy to do so directly through their website.
You can choose between the Tasting Bar, the Seated Tasting, or the Seated Tasting with Cheese Pairing, the details of which are on the site. In the latter, you will be provided with cheese for each delicious wine at the tasting, and they are sure to be perfectly paired.
Note: the Bartier Bros. Vineyard and Winery is currently temporarily closed. However, they will reopen in Spring (April 2023).
1.2 Black Hills Estate Winery
Location: 4190 Black Sage Rd, Oliver, BC V0H 1T1, Canada
Black Hills Estate Winery is a true treasure of the area and is situated in the center of the Okanagan Valley. Their unmatched attention to precision in viticulture produces exquisite wines that are difficult to imitate. The vineyard’s exceptional setting on a west-facing slope with desert sand beneath its feet produces a tremendous temperature variance that ensures grapes develop precisely and produce wine with a strong and distinctive flavor profile.
Visitors to Black Hills Estate Winery can try a variety of fine wines and take in the spectacular views of the valley below in the tasting area, which offers a cozy and exclusive atmosphere. The staff is knowledgeable and welcoming, and they are delighted to give their suggestions for meal pairings as well as insights into the winemaking process. Book a wine and food matching event—which is available seasonally—if you want a truly unique experience.
Black Hills Estate Winery works to reduce its carbon footprint while creating the best wines it can, with a focus on sustainable viticulture methods. Definitely try their Bordeaux-style and Rhone varieties.
1.3 Burrowing Owl Estate Winery
Location: 500 Burrowing Owl Pl, Oliver, BC V0H 1T1, Canada
A winery that has perfected the craft of producing wine for more than 20 years is located in the picturesque area of Oliver, Canada. Its Chardonnay and Syrah, which are made in the style of Bordeaux blends, are experiences in and of themselves and have beautiful flavours. This winery stands out for its strong dedication to sustainability and the environment. They use farming techniques like organic and biodynamic farming to maintain a healthy local ecosystem.
They are so committed to protecting the environment that they even named their winery after an endangered burrowing owl that lives in their vines.
This winery is an absolute treat to visit. Everyone can enjoy a variety of experiences in their tasting room. There is something for everyone, regardless of your level of wine expertise. You can discover more about their wines while taking advantage of their warm hospitality, which ranges from casual drop-in tastings to informative tours.
And, they’ve got a restaurant right on the premises called The Sonora Room, so you can enjoy a meal that pairs perfectly with their wines. And, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, why not spend the night in their guesthouse? A winery trip has never sounded so enticing. You can find out more details on their website, of course, and make reservations online here.
1.4 Church & State Wines
Location: 4516 Ryegrass Rd, Oliver, BC V0H 1T1, Canada
Church & State Wines, nestled in the beautiful Okanagan Valley’s Coyote Bowl, has produced premium wines since 2011. Their winery philosophy is centered around “freedom of belief,” which is reflected in their unwavering dedication to producing only the highest quality wines.
With two locations, including one on Vancouver Island, Church & State Wines uses exclusively sourced grapes from their own vineyards to create their range of red and white varietals, sparkling wines, and dessert wines. Visitors to the tasting room at Church & State Wines can enjoy a unique wine-tasting experience that includes a selection of premium wines.
Along with wine tastings, the winery also offers a fantastic selection of food options, including cheese and meat boards, a pizzeria, and food trucks. The winery also hosts exclusive events such as private dinners, picnics in the summers, and other unforgettable experiences.
Visit their website to learn more!
1.5 Covert Farms Family Estate
Location: 300 Covert Pl, Oliver, BC V0H 1T5, Canada
The Covert Farms Family Estate, located near Oliver, British Columbia, is a true gem. This family-run winery, which has been in business for more than four generations, provides a warm ambiance that is ideal for a day of family-friendly activities.
In addition to making some of the best wines in the area, Covert Farms is home to an organic farm and a restaurant that serves mouth-watering farm-to-table cuisine. While adults can enjoy wine tasting and delectable charcuterie platters created from the freshest farm produce, children may take part in the estate’s mini-farm tour and juice sampling.
A private picnic and harvest tour is an option for bigger groups, as is a tour of the farm animals on the estate.
Note: the Covert Farms Family Estate is currently temporarily closed. However, they will reopen on 5th April 2023.
You can check out all the details on their website.
1.6 French Door Estate Winery
Location: 5462 Black Sage Rd, Oliver, BC V0H 1T1, Canada
The French Door Estate Winery is located on the Black Sage Bench in Oliver. You can think of this family-owned winery as an authentic representation of French winemaking history, with a fusion of the New World. They have a very impressive collection of wines. You’ll get decision-paralysis if you’re not careful. And what’s more, they ensure that they follow environmentally friendly agricultural methods, which is amazing!
When you visit, you will get the chance to taste a selection of distinctive wines. The Rosé, my personal favorite, was lovely. Then there’s the crisp whites like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier, as well as robust reds like Malbec, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir. This is just a small part of their collection! Each bottle is, quite honestly, handcrafted to perfection. You can look up the details on their website.
Note: Currently, they are closed for the season, but they will reopen again in the spring of 2023.
Step into the tasting room at French Door Estate Winery and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a cozy French chateau. The staff is friendly, helpful, and really knows their stuff. From the crisp whites to the bold reds, there’s something here for every palate.
1.7 Hester Creek Estate Winery
Location: 877 Rd 8, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0, Canada
Hester Creek Estate Winery is located on the Golden Mile Bench in Oliver, BC, Canada. It was started way back in 1968, so its long history and experience make its wine truly rich with flavor. Their passion for winemaking is very clear from the first sip of their wines, which are truly high-quality. There is no doubt that any wine lover will enjoy the tasting room here. You can savor a wide variety of wines and learn all you want to know about the art of winemaking.
Note: Although they are currently closed, they will reopen on February 10, 2023. Reservations are already open.
The ultimate refuge for wine enthusiasts looking for an opulent getaway is Hester Creek Estate Winery. An amazing experience is created by the Okanagan Valley’s tranquil natural beauty and the charming rusticity of the vineyard. On their outside patio, sip their top-notch wines while admiring the panoramic views of the lovely surroundings.
The vineyard hosts a variety of thrilling events all year long, including private member-only gatherings and open-to-the-public occasions when their acclaimed wines are featured. If you want to make a weekend out of it, their opulent villa suites offer the ideal location for relaxing and recharging in style. Visit Hester Creek Estate Winery’s website for more information on this exquisite destination.
1.8 Kismet Estate Winery
Location: 316 Rd 20, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0, Canada
Kismet Estate Winery is a truly unique experience! Their wines are nothing short of exceptional, each one expertly handcrafted and bursting with unique flavors. And the setting? It’s nestled on a hillside with perfect growing conditions for their grapes, it’s truly picturesque.
You don’t even need a reservation to visit their tasting room, which is a rare and wonderful thing. But the real gem is their Masala Bistro restaurant, which serves up the most divine Indian dishes that just perfectly complement their wines. And with events and festivals happening all year round, there’s always something exciting going on.
It will be pretty hard not to leave with at least one bottle. And the cherry on top? If you do end up purchasing a bottle, they’ll waive the tasting fee. What more could you ask for?
1.9 Le Vieux Pin
Location: 5496 Black Sage Rd, Oliver, BC V0H 1T1, Canada
Le Vieux Pin is a lovely winery that you simply must visit! The estate is named after a majestic pine tree that stands tall and proud amidst the vineyards, and the winery is renowned for producing handcrafted wines of exceptional quality that are a beautiful blend of French and New World styles. The vineyards are blessed with perfect growing conditions, and the winery’s team takes great care to produce only the finest wines.
They specialize in small-batch, premium-quality red and white wines, including Syrah, Viognier, and Petit Verdot, among others. Visitors to Le Vieux Pin can sample a selection of its wines in the tasting room and learn about the winemaking process. They offer a wide range of wine tastings, so make sure to check their website beforehand.
Note: The tasting room will reopen in April. Once open, you will be able to make reservations online, which is highly recommended. Although the wine shop is open, if you want to visit in the off-season, you should make an appointment first.
The winery also offers a full, private guided tour, called the Cellar Chaperone tour, where you will be led through the vineyards, the farming process, and the cellar. For this tour, they request an advance booking of 2 days, and to book one, you must either call or email them.
1.10 Nostalgia Wines (Formerly known as Oliver Twist Estate Winery)
Location: 398 Lupine Ln, Oliver, BC V0H 1T1, Canada
Nostalgia Wines is a female-run winery, owned by Gina Fernandes Harfman and established in 2006. It is known for producing high-quality, handcrafted wines, of the red and white varieties, and in particular, the Kerner variety.
The winery has a focus on producing small-lot, premium wines, with all the materials and work being sourced from their own vineyard and partners. Gina’s philosophy that wine should be about creating connections and memories is reflected throughout the winery.
The wine produced is categorized into three tiers – the Pin-Up Series, Nostalgia Series, and Family Collection. The Pin-Up Series, which combines retro-chic drawings by artist Ralph Burch on the labels, is playful and sensual, comprising Gina’s experimental blends. These have been inspired by Gina’s earlier work of pin-striping and airbrushing vintage cars, hot rods, and motorcycles.
You can experience the wine tasting as a guided Memorable Wine Experience, or a self-guiding Top 3 Flight. You can also choose to enjoy the wines in a picnic setting, complete with their cheese and charcuterie boards, or even pack your own! The outdoor view of the surrounding desert hills, orchards, and vineyards is absolutely beautiful.
1.11 Phantom Creek Estates
Location: 4315 Black Sage Rd, Oliver, BC V0H 1T1, Canada
Phantom Creek Estates was established in 1977 when various grape varieties were planted in the vineyard. It is known for producing high-quality, premium wines using traditional European vines.
The winery specializes in producing small-batch, handcrafted red and white wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, among others. They follow organic and biodynamic farming techniques.
Visitors to Phantom Creek Estates can choose between seating tastings or facility tours. Along with the tasting, you can also enjoy the seasonal food offered, sourced from the farms, and paired perfectly with the win. They also offer various events, ranging from smaller, private tastings, to large group events.
The restaurant at the winery is a must-visit and even offers a private dining experience. In addition, they have partnered with private aviation experts in order to provide luxury travel to their estate from anywhere in the world!
Note: The restaurant is currently closed, but is scheduled to open sometime in February 2023.
1.12 Platinum Bench Estate Winery & Artisan Bread Co.
Location: 4120 Black Sage Rd, Oliver, BC V0H 1T1, Canada
Platinum Bench Estate Winery & Artisan Bread Co. is a winery and bakery located in Oliver, British Columbia, Canada. It is known for producing high-quality, handcrafted wines and artisanal bread, made from locally sourced ingredients, since 2011.
The focus is on consistently growing small, and therefore, high-quality grapes, through careful farming techniques, resulting in premium, flavourful wines. The bakery uses organic, locally sourced ingredients to make its artisanal bread, which is made using traditional baking techniques. Murray, the farmer, and Fiona, the baker, make a great team!
The tasting room at Platinum Bench Estate Winery & Artisan Bread Co. is open to visitors, who can sample a selection of their wines and bread, and learn about the winemaking and baking processes. They offer a range of wine tastings and bread-making classes. Find out more here!
Note: The wine-tasting experience is closed for the season, but you can still purchase their wines through the website.
1.13 Red Horses Vineyard
Location: 365 Zinfandel Ave, Oliver, BC V0H 1T4, Canada
Now run by three generations working together, this vineyard was started when Rod and Pat Fortin purchased the property in 2008. Although the tasting opened only a couple of years ago, the well-balanced and bold flavors of the wines are absolutely spectacular.
While they do take walk-ins if space is available, it is a good idea to make a prior reservation. You can do so through their website online. They are open every day, and the tasting is a 30-minute experience.
The ambiance is soft and serene, the style is distinctly southwestern, and the views around are gorgeous. The passion of the family that owns this winery in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley is clear to see!
1.14 Road 13 Vineyard
Location: 799 Ponderosa Rd, Oliver, BC V0H 1T1, Canada
Road 13 Vineyards is known for producing high-quality, award-winning bold red wines, and old-vine Chenin Blanc. The winery is named after the road that runs by its vineyard, which is one of the most picturesque and scenic routes in the area.
Road 13 Vineyards has a focus on producing handcrafted wines, using traditional winemaking techniques. In order to produce approachable, easy-drinking wines, Barclay Robinson chooses fruits with the ideal blend of brightness and balance. Prior to becoming a winemaker, he worked as a sommelier, which gave him the ideal skill set for continuously producing high-quality wine. Some of the oldest vines in North America are planted here, producing complex, nuanced flavors.
The tasting room at Road 13 Vineyards is open to visitors, who can sample a selection of their wines and learn about the winemaking process. They offer a range of wine tastings, from casual drop-in tastings to more structured, educational experiences. You will need to contact them for a reservation, and you can find all the details on their website.
1.15 Tinhorn Creek Vineyards
Location: 537 Tinhorn Creek Rd, Oliver, BC V0H 1T1, Canada
Along with Bob and Barb Shaunessy, Kenn and Sandra Oldfield established Tinhorn Creek Vineyards in 1993. The pursuit of perfection in winemaking can be seen at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards. One of the best vineyards in the Okanagan Valley, they have a well-deserved reputation thanks to their enthusiastic and enjoyable approach to winemaking. The south-facing slope of the vineyard offers the best conditions for growing a variety of grapes, producing superb wines that have won countless prizes and accolades.
The ecologically friendly winemaking techniques used by the winery demonstrate the winery’s dedication to sustainability. While learning about the winemaking process, visitors can sample some of their award-winning wines and see the results of their effort firsthand. A great companion to the wine-tasting experience is farm-to-table cuisine served at the estate’s Miradoro Restaurant, which uses products that are obtained locally.
For those seeking adventure, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards offers access to the Mount Kobau Range and the Golden Mile Hike. Additionally, their unique Black Glass Blind Tasting challenges guests to identify varietals while enhancing their wine-tasting skills. It’s a fun and exciting way to test your wine knowledge and taste buds!
Note: Although they are open for tastings, the picnic areas and the facility tours are closed for this season, and will reopen in the next.
2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many Oliver wineries are there?
Oliver, British Columbia, is part of the Okanagan Valley wine region in Canada and is home to a large number of wineries. The exact number of Oliver wineries can vary, but as of 2021, there were approximately 40 wineries in the area. It has currently crossed that number.
Q2. What is the cost of wine tastings at Oliver Wineries?
The cost of wine tastings at Oliver Wineries can vary depending on the winery and the type of tasting experience you are interested in. On average, wine tastings at Oliver wineries can range from $5 to $25 or more per person and can cross $50 if you choose tours. It’s best to check with the individual Oliver wineries for their specific tasting fees and policies.
Q3. What are the top Oliver wineries?
Oliver is home to many high-quality wineries, and choosing the top ones can be subjective. However, based on reputation, popularity, and critical acclaim, some of the top Oliver wineries include:
- Black Hills Estate Winery
- Road 13 Vineyards
- Burrowing Owl Estate Winery
- Tinhorn Creek Vineyards
- Bartier Bros. Vineyard & Winery
Q4. What makes Oliver Wineries so famous?
Oliver has a long history of winemaking and a rich cultural heritage. The sustainable and environment-oriented practices followed by the many experienced winemakers, who ensure that they use traditional techniques and locally-sourced ingredients, result in excellent wines. The exceptional terroir of the region provides favorable grape growing conditions, making Oliver Wineries so famous.
Q5. How long does the wine-tasting experience take at Oliver Wineries?
In most Oliver wineries, the wine-tasting experience can take between 20 minutes to 40 minutes in the tasting rooms, and up to an hour or more if you opt for the tours. If you decide to go for picnics or self-guided tours, you can spend even more time there.
3. Closing Notes
It is no coincidence that Oliver is known as the wine capital of Canada. Visitors in the region can visit the Oliver wineries, take wine tours, sample their amazing wines, and learn about the winemaking process from passionate and knowledgeable winemakers. Many of the wineries have tasting rooms and offer a range of wine tastings, from casual drop-in tastings to more structured, educational experiences.
The Oliver and Okanagan Valley region is a great destination for wine lovers and offers a unique and enjoyable wine-tasting experience. The pristine South Okanagan vineyards are perfect for farming delicious and complex grapes. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply looking for a fun and educational day trip, the Oliver wineries are sure to impress. Although, at the very least, you should probably figure out the basics of tannins and tasting notes before you head there.
