Burrowing Owl Estate Winery in Oliver, BC, is renowned for its exceptional wines and commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. Established in 1993, this winery has made significant strides in winemaking and ecological initiatives, making it a standout destination in the Okanagan Valley.
A Storied Beginning
Jim Wyse founded Burrowing Owl Estate Winery with a vision of sustainable viticulture. Wyse was inspired to create a winery that would harmonize with the environment while producing high-quality wines. The early years were marked by the transformation of the land into a thriving vineyard, overcoming challenges to establish a sustainable and productive agricultural model.
The winery officially opened its doors in 1998. This milestone was a significant achievement, beginning a journey to see Burrowing Owl become one of the Okanagan Valley's most respected wineries. Over the years, the winery has expanded its vineyards and facilities, continually improving its offerings and deepening its commitment to sustainability.
Expanding Horizons
Burrowing Owl's Winery's growth has been marked by the expansion of its vineyard acreage to approximately 140 acres on the Golden Mile Bench. This area is known for its ideal conditions for grape growing, contributing to the distinctive qualities of Burrowing Owl's wines. The winery has also developed guest accommodations, enhancing the visitor experience.
A critical development in Burrowing Owl's history was the opening of the Sonora Room Restaurant, which offers wine and food pairings that highlight the winery's best offerings. This addition has helped the winery attract food and wine enthusiasts from across the region and beyond, cementing its reputation as a destination for fine dining and exceptional wine.
Sonora Room Restaurant
The Sonora Room Restaurant at Burrowing Owl Winery in Oliver, BC, offers a dining experience emphasizing local, organic produce and ingredients from the South Okanagan. The restaurant is located within the winery's vineyards and provides a relaxed setting with top-notch service. The menu is inspired by seasonal and regional cuisine, ensuring fresh and flavourful dishes. The wine list features Burrowing Owl's selections, including some exclusive library wines, enhancing the overall dining experience.
At the Sonora Room Restaurant, they partner with local growers and producers who prioritize organic and sustainable practices. Fester's Organics supplies fresh vegetables, while Upper Bench Creamery provides handcrafted, gluten-free cheeses. Codfather's Seafood Market supports sustainable seafood, and Road 17 Arctic Char offers locally farmed fish. These high-quality ingredients and award-winning Burrowing Owl wines help us create a unique dining experience that supports ethical and environmentally friendly farming practices.
The Vineyards and Terroir
Burrowing Owl's vineyards benefit from a unique terroir located on the Golden Mile Bench. The soil composition, primarily gravelly loam, provides excellent drainage and forces the vines to dig deep for nutrients. This results in grapes with concentrated flavours and complex profiles. The hot, arid climate and significant diurnal temperature variations create perfect conditions for growing Bordeaux varietals and Chardonnay.
These conditions allow Burrowing Owl to produce wines with distinctive character and quality. The winery focuses on varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay, each benefiting from the unique terroir of the Golden Mile Bench. The result is wines that reflect the land they come from, with rich, complex flavours that delight wine enthusiasts.
Crafting Quality Wines
Burrowing Owl's approach to winemaking is centred on quality and sustainability. The winery combines traditional methods and modern technology to ensure every bottle reflects the vineyard's unique characteristics. Each process step is meticulously done, from hand-picking grapes to carefully monitoring fermentation.
The winery's signature wines showcase this commitment to quality. The Merlot is known for its rich, dark fruit flavours and entire body, while the Cabernet Sauvignon offers a bold structure with notes of blackberry and cassis. The Chardonnay is celebrated for its balance and elegant citrus and oak flavours. These wines have earned numerous awards, including accolades from the Canadian Wine Awards and the International Wine and Spirit Competition, highlighting Burrowing Owl's dedication to excellence.
A Unique Visitor Experience
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery visitors are greeted by a Mediterranean-style tasting room that offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards. The tasting room provides various 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.
Semi-Private and Private Tastings
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery offers a variety of semi-private tours and tasting experiences. The Library Tasting, available from April to September on Fridays at 2:00 pm, features older vintages alongside current releases, with a visit to the Wine Library and a guided tasting of six wines. The Food & Wine Experience, from May to September on Wednesdays at 2:00 pm, pairs five wines with bites from the Sonora Room kitchen. The Connoisseur Tasting, available on various days, provides insight into the winery's style with a tasting of five wines. The Vineyard Walk and Tasting explores viticulture and terroir, followed by tasting five wines. The cellar tour and tasting include a winery and cellar tour, which discusses winemaking techniques, followed by a tasting of five wines.
One of the highlights of a visit to Burrowing Owl is the wine and food pairing experience at the Sonora Room Restaurant. Expertly crafted dishes match the winery's best offerings, providing a delightful culinary journey. Educational tours of the vineyard and winery offer a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, from the vineyard to the bottle. These tours provide insight into the care and dedication that go into every bottle of Burrowing Owl wine.
Environmental and Community Initiatives
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery is deeply committed to environmental conservation and community engagement. The winery is named after the endangered burrowing owl, and it has made significant efforts to protect this species. Sustainable vineyard practices like drip irrigation and organic farming are integral to the winery's operations.
In addition to its environmental efforts, Burrowing Owl supports local charities and events and offers education programs focused on sustainable viticulture. This commitment to the community and the environment is a core part of the winery's ethos, reflecting a dedication to producing great wine and positively impacting the world.
Guest Accommodations
For those looking to extend their stay, Burrowing Owl offers luxurious guest accommodations with stunning vineyard views. The guesthouses are designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing stay, with amenities such as a swimming pool, private patios, and complimentary breakfast. Guests can also enjoy personalized wine tours and tastings, making their visit to Burrowing Owl a genuinely immersive experience.
These accommodations offer special packages and personalized experiences, allowing guests to appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of the vineyard fully. The guest accommodations at Burrowing Owl provide the perfect setting.
Conclusion
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery has significantly impacted the Okanagan wine region, which is known for its premium wines and commitment to sustainability. The winery's focus on quality, conservation, and community engagement sets it apart, making it a must-visit destination for wine lovers.
Plan your visit to Burrowing Owl Estate Winery to discover their exceptional wines and experience the dedication and passion behind each bottle. With luxurious accommodations, educational tours, and award-winning wines, Burrowing Owl offers a unique and memorable experience for all who visit.
