District Wine Village in Osoyoos offers a unique experience where visitors can enjoy various artisanal products in one location. This innovative hub combines world-class wines, craft beers, spirits, and gourmet food in a beautifully designed space, making it a must-visit destination.
The Vision and History
District Wine Village was the brainchild of Max Brock and Matt Kenyon, two friends from Okanagan Falls. Inspired by winery clusters in the US, they envisioned a similar model for British Columbia. The concept expanded to include a brewery and a restaurant to celebrate local craftsmanship and community. Although Max Brock passed away before the project was completed, the vision continued under the guidance of industry veteran Michael Daley.
The village was designed with a local community mindset, focusing on artisanal production and craftsmanship. Located at 100 Enterprise Way, Oliver, BC, District Wine Village officially opened its doors, offering a new way to experience the Okanagan Valley's wine culture.
A One-Stop Destination
District Wine Village hosts 11 wineries, a brewery, a distillery, and a restaurant, all within a single location. The village features a multi-purpose theatre with a 610-person capacity, an on-site vineyard, and ample parking, making it an ideal destination for wine enthusiasts and tourists.
The wineries in the village include well-known names such as Nk'Mip Cellars, Winemaker's CUT, and Valley Commons. Each winery has a dedicated production, storage, and tasting space, allowing visitors to explore various wines and other beverages without leaving the village. This setup provides a unique opportunity to sample multiple local wines and learn about each producer's different winemaking techniques.
Unique Features and Events
What sets District Wine Village apart is its commitment to community and sustainability. The village offers a shared crush pad and production services, enabling smaller producers to create high-quality wines efficiently. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and excellence among the producers.
The village is also known for its dynamic event calendar. Visitors can enjoy live music, farmers' markets, and unique wine tastings throughout the year. The arena regularly hosts concerts and performances, adding to the lively atmosphere. These events create a dynamic environment for visitors, making each visit unique and memorable.
Wine Tasting and More
The tasting experience at District Wine Village is designed to be immersive and educational. Knowledgeable staff take visitors through tastings, offering insights into the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of each wine. The central plaza, with its comfortable seating and scenic views, is ideal for socializing and enjoying the diverse offerings.
The District Wine Village was created to create a community of passionate creators and artisans looking to get their breakout to start in winemaking. Through a shared love and drive of winemaking, the eleven wineries came together, some brand new and some seasoned, to create a fun and prosperous community for all to enjoy.
Apricus Cellars
Apricus Cellars, situated in the District Wine Village, is a partnership between indigenous and non-indigenous people, reflecting a commitment to reconciliation and showcasing the region's excellent fruit. They produce various wines, including Pinot Gris and Cabernet Sauvignon blends, emphasizing quality from locally sourced grapes. Visitors can enjoy daily tastings and special events like winemaker's dinners, making Apricus Cellars a unique and engaging destination in the Okanagan wine scene.
Canter Cellars
Canter Cellars is a family-run winery in the District Wine Village, just outside Oliver, B.C. With a history rooted in a shared love of horses, the winery is a collaborative effort by three founding families who draw parallels between the tamed beauty of horses and the art of winemaking. Canter Cellars aims to create an inviting and familiar experience for visitors, encouraging them to feel like part of their extended family. The winery produces various wines, including Rosé, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and various red blends, all crafted with a commitment to quality and shared enjoyment.
Foolish Wine
Foolish Wine stands out at the District Wine Village by offering a playful and unpretentious approach to winemaking. Founded by the Coghill and Main families, who initially moved to the Okanagan to establish Neighbourhood Brewing, the winery embraces its name with a light-hearted and bold philosophy. They focus on terroir-driven wines, producing small lots from their home vineyard in North Naramata and other select sites in the Okanagan Valley. Their tasting room offers a unique experience that showcases the boisterous side of wine, free of pretension. This approach contributes to the diverse community at the District Wine Village, enhancing the overall visitor experience with their distinct, quality wines.
Gneiss Wine
Gneiss Wines is distinguished by its vast roots in South Okanagan, with its team boasting three generations of involvement in the local wine industry. The winery was founded by a group of experienced wine professionals and partners who have been integral to developing the Okanagan Valley's wine landscape. Gneiss Wines joined the District Wine Village to collaborate with other small artisan producers to create unique and innovative small-lot wines. This collaboration enhances the village's reputation as a destination for wine enthusiasts by offering a diverse range of high-quality wines and experiences. Gneiss Wines contributes to the community feel of the town, offering regular wine tastings, cheese pairings, and other interactive events, making it a vital part of the atmosphere at the District Wine Village.
JoiRyde Winery
JoiRyde Winery, founded by Daphne and Stacy, emerged from their shared passion for wine after the pandemic disrupted their careers as spin instructors. Located in the District Wine Village, JoiRyde is known for its inclusive tasting room and diverse range of wines, including the white blend "Tread Lightly" and the robust red blend "The Climb." The winery enhances the village's dynamic atmosphere through events like long table dinners and wine-paired menus, fostering community and making it a premier destination for wine enthusiasts.
Nk'Mip Cellars
Nk'Mip Cellars, North America's first Indigenous-owned winery, is vital to the District Wine Village on Osoyoos Indian Band land. The winery offers a unique tasting experience that pairs Indigenous-inspired cuisine with their award-winning wines, highlighting their rich cultural heritage. Nk'Mip Cellars enhances the village's community-focused, artisanal spirit, giving visitors an authentic connection to the land's history and traditions. This partnership allows Nk'Mip to expand its reach, sharing its exceptional wines and the legacy of the Osoyoos Indian Band with a broader audience.
One Faith Vineyards
One Faith Vineyards is renowned for its commitment to producing exceptional wines in the Okanagan Valley. Founded by Bill Lui in 2010, the winery has gained a reputation for high-quality, Bordeaux-style blends, earning a 95-point rating from wine experts. One Faith's flagship wine, the Grand Vin, exemplifies their dedication to excellence with its limited production and meticulous craftsmanship.
Located at the District Wine Village, One Faith benefits from the support and community of other artisanal producers. This setting allows them to offer personalized tasting experiences and share their passion for winemaking with visitors. The District Wine Village provides the perfect environment for One Faith to connect with loyal customers and introduce their wines to new enthusiasts, furthering their mission of showcasing the unique terroir of the Okanagan Valley.
Silhouette Cellars
Silhouette Cellars, located in the District Wine Village, is unique for its focus on sparkling wines under the BOYD brand and still wines from Therapy Vineyards. The family-owned winery emphasizes the unique terroir of the Naramata Bench, crafting award-winning wines that reflect their estate's distinct characteristics. At the District Wine Village, Silhouette Cellars offers engaging daily tastings and participates in various events, enhancing the village's appeal as a premier wine destination.
TIME Family of Wines
TIME Family of Wines stands out at the District Wine Village by bringing together celebrated BC wine labels such as Chronos, Evolve Cellars, and the McWatters Collection. Founded by wine industry pioneer Harry McWatters, the winery aims to produce high-quality, premium wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Okanagan Valley. Their offerings include a range of rich and complex wines crafted from grapes sourced from the best vineyards in the region.
Valley Commons
Valley Commons, founded by former national volleyball players Kyla Richey and Rudy Verhoeff, is a unique winery at the District Wine Village. It focuses on building community connections through its welcoming tasting room and distinctive wines, such as the 2020 Garden Society red blend and Harvest Table white blend. The winery's ethos, "Where we gather," emphasizes the importance of community and shared experiences, perfectly aligning with the village's values. This makes Valley Commons a valuable contributor to the area's culture and social fabric.
Winemaker's CUT
Winemaker's CUT, located in the District Wine Village, is unique for its combination of traditional winemaking methods and classical music in the vineyard and cellar. Founded by Michal and Martina Mosny, the winery emphasizes sustainable farming, zero pesticides, and low sulphur use. The wines reflect Michal's Slovakian heritage and the unique terroir of the Okanagan Valley. Winemaker's CUT contributes to the District Wine Village by offering a distinctive tasting experience where visitors can enjoy wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Syrah, and Grüner Veltliner, all crafted with a great appreciation for art and harmony.
Craft Beverages and Food
Neighbourhood Brewing
Neighbourhood Brewing Outpost, a lively addition to the District Wine Village, is known for its mission to create world-class craft beer with personality. The brewery serves as both a social hub and an R&D facility, where they experiment with innovative brewing techniques and flavours. Their community-focused approach enhances the overall experience of the Village, making it a go-to spot for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy unique and high-quality beers.
At Neighbourhood Brewing, patrons can expect a variety of core and seasonal beers, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The brewery's commitment to pushing the boundaries of quality and taste is evident in every pint. By fostering a welcoming environment where friends and family can come together, Neighbourhood Brewing significantly contributes to the dynamic and communal atmosphere of the District Wine Village.
Yellow Dog Spirits
Yellow Dog Spirits, located within the District Wine Village, offers a unique and refreshing experience focusing on craft spirits and hard seltzers. Known for producing beverages with zero grams of sugar and minimal carbs, Yellow Dog Spirits caters to the health-conscious crowd without compromising taste. Visitors can enjoy a variety of cocktails and participate in hard seltzer tastings, making it a standout destination within the Village.
Yellow Dog Spirits enhances the District Wine Village by diversifying the beverage offerings available to visitors. This distillery contributes to the Village's community atmosphere, allowing guests to explore innovative and high-quality craft spirits in a social setting. The focus on experimentation and quality aligns with the Village's ethos of celebrating artisanal production and craftsmanship.
Ward's Wine Country Kitchen
Ward's Wine Country Kitchen is the restaurant at the District Wine Village, offering a casual, full-service dining experience. Known for its approachable, fresh, and addictive menu, the restaurant serves various dishes crafted by Red Seal-certified Chef Ian Stilborn. The menu features locally-inspired cuisine designed to cater to "foodie newbies" and discerning palates, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all guests.
Ward's Wine Country Kitchen offers a variety of popular menu items that highlight local and fresh ingredients. Appetizers include blistered shishito peppers, cucumber salad with whipped feta, and charcuterie boards. The main dishes feature the Wardo burger with aged cheddar, a twice-fried chicken bowl, and ahi tuna poke bowl. They also offer creative flatbreads like confit potato with gorgonzola, prawn, pesto with burrata. The menu is designed to cater to various tastes, from casual diners to food enthusiasts, contributing to the dining scene at the District Wine Village.
Ward's Wine Country Kitchen complements the wine village's ethos by providing a selection of signature seasonal cocktails, wines, and craft beers produced by the neighbouring establishments within the town. This integration enhances the communal atmosphere and offers visitors a comprehensive tasting experience, from fine wines to gourmet food.
Community and Sustainability
District Wine Village is built with a strong sense of community and sustainability. The shared resources and collaborative approach among the producers improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Sustainable practices in viticulture and production are integral to the operations, reflecting the village's commitment to preserving the natural beauty and health of the Okanagan region.
The village hosts various community events, such as live music and gatherings, bringing residents and visitors together. These events foster a sense of belonging and support for local artisans and producers, reinforcing the village's role as a community hub.
Conclusion
District Wine Village is more than just a collection of wineries; it's a celebration of local craftsmanship, community, and the art of winemaking. The village offers a unique and enriching experience. From its diverse range of artisanal products to its engaging events and beautiful setting, District Wine Village is a must-visit destination in Osoyoos.
