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
The vineyards at Black Hills Estate Winery boast some of the best grape-growing conditions in the nation, producing excellent quality wines. The thick desert sand and west-facing slope of the vineyards produce excellent diurnal temperature variance, resulting in hot days that completely ripen the grapes and cool nights that allow acid retention, resulting in strong flavors.
The winery is situated on a hilltop and boasts a stunning view of the valley, making it a popular destination for wine tastings and tours. The winery is committed to producing high-quality wines using careful irrigation techniques and sustainable viticulture practices. They are known for their Bordeaux-style and Rhone varieties.
The tasting room at Black Hills Estate Winery is open to visitors, who can sample a selection of their wines and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding countryside, all while seated near a beautiful pool, taking the experience to a whole new level. They are open year-round, but some experiences are seasonal. You can learn more about them through their website, and check out the Tasting Experience section for visiting details.
1.3 Burrowing Owl Estate Winery
Location: 500 Burrowing Owl Pl, Oliver, BC V0H 1T1, Canada
This winery is a premium winery located in Oliver, British Columbia, Canada. It was established in 1998 and is known for producing high-quality, award-winning wines, particularly its Bordeaux-style blends, Chardonnay, and Syrah. The winery is named after the endangered burrowing owl, which lives in the vineyards and is a symbol of the winery’s commitment to sustainability and the protection of the local ecosystem.
This winery has a focus on sustainable winemaking practices, using organic and biodynamic farming methods to produce its grapes. They source grapes from their own vineyards and other top vineyards in the Oliver and Okanagan Valley regions.
Visitors can pick any of the experiences at the tasting room as they offer a range of wine tastings, from casual drop-in tastings to more structured, educational experiences. They also have a restaurant, The Sonora Room, and a guesthouse, on the property. You can find all the details, and make reservations online here.
1.4 Church & State Wines
Location: 4516 Ryegrass Rd, Oliver, BC V0H 1T1, Canada
Church & State Wines is located at Coyote Bowl in the Oliver and Osoyoos wineries region in the Okanagan Valley and was started in 2011. They also have another location on Vancouver Island, which was the first one.
Their philosophy is “freedom of belief”, and they are dedicated to producing the best quality of wine possible for their customers. In keeping with this, this vineyard has a focus on producing premium wines using grapes sourced entirely from their own vineyard only. They have a range of wines, including red and white varietals, sparkling wines, and dessert wines.
The tasting room at Church & State Wines is open to visitors, who can sample a selection of their wines. They also offer great food, ranging from cheese and meat boards to an onsite pizzeria and food truck. They offer a range of wine tastings and experiences, such as private dinners, picnics in the summers, and other exclusive events.
Visit their website to learn more!
1.5 Covert Farms Family Estate
Location: 300 Covert Pl, Oliver, BC V0H 1T5, Canada
The origins of this Oliver winery date back to 1959, when George Covert first bought the land. Now run by the fourth generation, this family-owned winery is well-known for being family-friendly. In addition to its wine-tasting room, Covert Farms Family Estate also has a restaurant, where visitors can enjoy a meal made with ingredients sourced from the estate’s organic farm.
They offer a mini-farm tour for kids, which includes a juice tasting, and their very own charcuterie board, which will take place alongside the wine tasting. There is also the option of a tour for the kids, where they’ll meet the resident farm animals.
The adults can choose to enjoy a wine tasting, with or without a charcuterie board of cheese, meats, and fresh produce from the farm. The winery also offers private picnics and a harvest tour for the group.
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
French Door Estate Winery is a family-owned and managed winery located on the gorgeous Black Sage Bench in Oliver, BC. It is known for producing high-quality, low-intervention wines using sustainable farming and created in the traditional French style, with modern technology. They produce a range of red and white wines, showcasing the best that the Okanagan Valley has to offer, and their specialty is the Rosé.
Their white varietals include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier, while their reds include Malbec, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir, among others. 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.
French Door Estate Winery has a focus on terroir, sustainability, and passion, and are proud of the small quantity but high-quality yield that they deliver. The tasting room at French Door Estate Winery is open to visitors, who can sample a selection of their wines and learn about the winemaking process. They host various events throughout the year, which include member-only events, and those for everyone.
1.7 Hester Creek Estate Winery
Location: 877 Rd 8, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0, Canada
Located on the Golden Mile Bench, Hester Creek Estate Winery is unique as it is one of the oldest Oliver wineries in South Okanagan Valley, having celebrated 50 years in 2018. They planted their first vines in 1968, and many of the original vines are still thriving, making this winery a great mix between historic vines and modern technology.
The tasting room at Hester Creek Estate Winery 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.
Note: Although currently closed, they will reopen on February 10, 2023. Reservations are already open.
In addition to its wine-tasting room, Hester Creek Estate Winery also has a beautiful outdoor patio, where visitors can enjoy a glass of wine and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. They also host a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, such as concerts, food and wine pairing events, and wine club members-only events.
The winery also offers villa suites for accommodation. Situated on the hill, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding orchards and vineyards. You can check out their official website for all the details.
1.8 Kismet Estate Winery
Location: 316 Rd 20, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0, Canada
Kismet Estate Winery is a premium winery known for producing a range of high-quality, handcrafted wines including red and white varietals, sparkling wines, and dessert wines. The winery is situated on a picturesque hillside, which provides ideal growing conditions for its grapes.
The tasting room at Kismet is open to visitors, and they don’t take reservations for the same, only walk-ins. What sets them apart is their Masala Bistro restaurant, which serves Indian delicacies that pair well with the wines and the scenic beauty of the Black Sage Bench. Reservations for the restaurant are recommended.
They also host a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, such as weddings, food and wine pairing events, and wine club members-only events. It’s a great place to sample some of the area’s finest wines, and they also waive the tasting fee if you purchase a bottle of their wine. Honestly, it’ll be hard not to!
1.9 Le Vieux Pin
Location: 5496 Black Sage Rd, Oliver, BC V0H 1T1, Canada
Le Vieux Pin is a boutique winery named after the lone, majestic pine tree that grows in the middle of the estate. It is known for producing high-quality, handcrafted wines that have a distinctly French essence, along with the New World character. The winery is situated in a beautiful, natural setting, which provides ideal growing conditions for its grapes.
Le Vieux Pin specializes in producing 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 on all days, 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 that have 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
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards was established in 1993 by Kenn and Sandra Oldfield, and Bob and Barb Shaunessy with the goals of cultivating the best grapes, producing outstanding wine, and having fun whenever possible. It is known for producing high-quality, award-winning wines, particularly its Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.
The winery is situated on a south-facing slope, which provides ideal growing conditions for its grapes. Tinhorn Creek Vineyards has a focus on sustainable winemaking practices, using environmentally friendly methods to produce its grapes.
Visitors can sample a selection of their delicious wines and learn about the winemaking process. They also have a restaurant on the estate, called the Miradoro Restaurant, where all the food is locally-sourced. The vineyard is also situated right next to a larger trail for the Golden Mile Hike and is the only access point to the Mount Kobau Range.
A unique wine-tasting experience offered here is that of the Black Glass Blind Tasting, where the wine will be poured into black glasses, and you will need to guess what varietal it is!
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. You can check out other Okanagan wineries to visit here.
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.
