Black Hills Estate Winery stands out when experiencing the best of Osoyoos' wine country. Situated on Black Sage Road, this winery has built a reputation for producing some of the region's finest wines since its establishment in 1996.
A Storied History
Bob and Senkta Tennant and Peter and Susan McCarrell founded Black Hills Estate Winery as a small vineyard with a big vision. This group was drawn to the unique terroir of the Black Sage Bench, believing it had the potential to produce exceptional wines. The early years were challenging, focusing on cultivating their vineyards and perfecting their winemaking techniques.
A key milestone during this period was the launch of Nota Bene in 1999, which quickly became the winery's flagship wine. The planted vineyards in Sharp Rock and Double Black Vineyards on the Black Sage Bench are the driving force behind the famous Nota Bene vintage. Each new vintage of the Nota Bene began selling out faster than the last as it grew to have a cult-like following. In 2006, the vintage sold out in record time, 47 minutes flat.
The Vineyards and Terroir
Black Hills Estate Winery's vineyards span 27 acres on the Black Sage Bench, a region known for its ideal grape-growing conditions. The soil is a mix of sandy loam and gravel, providing excellent drainage and forcing the vines to dig deep for nutrients. This struggle results in grapes with intense flavours and complexity.
The climate is another critical factor. Osoyoos enjoy hot, dry summers and cool evenings, allowing the grapes to ripen fully while maintaining acidity. This combination of soil and climate creates a unique terroir that imparts distinctive characteristics to the wines produced here.
Crafting Quality Wines
The winemaking philosophy at Black Hills Estate Winery centres on quality and sustainability. The winery employs meticulous practices, such as hand-picking and sorting grapes, to ensure only the best fruit is used. This attention to detail continues in the cellar, where traditional techniques are blended with modern technology to produce wines of exceptional quality.
The winery is best known for its Bordeaux varietals, particularly the Nota Bene blend, which includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. This wine is celebrated for its rich, complex flavours and aging potential. Other notable wines include Alibi, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon blend, and a robust Syrah with spicy undertones.
Black Hills Estate Winery has received numerous awards and accolades, including high praise from the Canadian Wine Awards and Decanter World Wine Awards. These honours reflect the winery's commitment to excellence and its status as a leader in the Okanagan wine scene.
The Tasting Room Experience
Visitors to Black Hills Estate Winery are greeted by a modern, welcoming tasting room that offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards. The tasting room provides several options, from standard tastings to private, curated experiences. Each visit is designed to educate and delight, offering guests a chance to learn about the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of each wine. They offer two options for the tasting: the signature five-wine flight, including the famous Nota Bene, and a three-wine flight for an introduction to wines.
One of the standout experiences is the wine and food pairing, where expertly crafted dishes are matched with the winery's best offerings. Educational tours of the vineyard and cellar are also available, providing a deeper understanding of the journey from grape to glass.
The Vineyard Kitchen
The Vineyard Kitchen at Black Hills Winery offers a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and changing seasons to reflect the freshest flavours. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes designed to complement the winery's selection of premium wines.
Their outdoor dining area provides stunning vineyard views, creating a relaxed and scenic dining experience. The Vineyard Kitchen provides a perfect setting for enjoying the best of Okanagan's culinary and wine offerings.
Food and Wine Pairings
The menu includes small plates, salads, and entrees, emphasizing sharing and pairing. Small plates include Scallop Crudo with Hokkaido scallops, coconut, lime, fennel, apple slaw, and honey. Burrata is paired with roasted tomatoes, arugula, basil oil, balsamic reduction, and grilled bread. Other offerings include a Feature Pâté with crostini, various accompaniments, and wine reduction, as well as a Feature Cheese plate with select BC cheese, crostini, multiple accompaniments, and seasonal fruit.
Black Hills Winery offers a Portfolio Pairing that includes six amuse-bouche items paired with a Portfolio Flight of wines, showcasing the first six items on the menu. Each dish complements the winery's premium wines, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Wine Club Members
The Wine Club at Black Hills Winery offers members exclusive benefits and perks. Members enjoy free shipping on three annual club shipments, 15% off all new releases for the first 30 days, and access to exclusive wines and limited releases. Club membership includes a VIP tasting for the member and three guests annually and complimentary tastings at sister wineries like Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Gray Monk Estate Winery, and Sandhill Wines.
Additional perks include discounts on tickets to onsite signature events, partner resorts in Osoyoos, and services from South Okanagan Driving Services and Levia Wellness Spa. Members also get priority bookings at the Black Hills Wine Lodge. Membership is commitment-free, requiring only a dedication to receiving direct shipments three times a year, ensuring you stay connected to the winery and receive your favourite wines effortlessly.
Events and Community Engagement
The winery hosts several annual events, including the exclusive Nota Bene Release Party, which attracts wine enthusiasts from all over. Winemaker dinners and unique tastings are also part of the event lineup, offering exceptional opportunities to engage with the winemaking team and enjoy the latest releases.
Black Hills supports local businesses and charities and actively promotes sustainable farming practices. This dedication to the community and the environment is a core part of the winery's ethos, ensuring that it produces excellent wine and contributes positively to the Okanagan Valley.
Conclusion
Black Hills Estate Winery has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the Okanagan wine region. Its commitment to quality, innovation, and community engagement sets it apart, making it a destination worth visiting. A Black Hills Estate Winery visit promises a memorable experience filled with exceptional wines and warm hospitality.
Plan your visit today to explore the range of wines and discover what makes Black Hills Estate Winery a standout in Canadian winemaking.
