The Osoyoos and Oliver region in British Columbia is home to some fantastic winery restaurants. These establishments offer a delightful combination of exquisite wines and culinary experiences that are hard to match. Here are four standout wineries with restaurants that you should visit.
Black Hills Estate Winery – The Vineyard Kitchen
Why It's Special: The Vineyard Kitchen at Black Hills Estate Winery offers an alfresco dining experience focusing on fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant's seasonal dishes are designed to complement the winery's bold and expressive wines, like the acclaimed Nota Bene. Dining here means enjoying a relaxed meal in an open-air setting amidst the vineyards, which adds to the overall charm. The menu highlights light appetizers that pair beautifully with the wines, their salmon lettuce wraps, which pair with a chardonnay.
Why Visit: The combination of exceptional wines and farm-to-table cuisine makes Black Hills Estate Winery a must-visit. The casual outdoor dining lets you soak in the vineyard views while enjoying expertly paired food and wine. It's perfect for those who appreciate laid-back yet refined dining experiences in a scenic setting.
Hester Creek Estate Winery – Terrafina at Hester Creek
Why It's Special: Terrafina at Hester Creek provides a Tuscan-inspired dining experience in a historic building. The restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, perfectly paired with Hester Creek's signature wines like Trebbiano and Merlot. The cozy, intimate atmosphere enhances the dining experience, making it a favourite among visitors. Their Ciopinno pairs perfectly with their merlot and is a must-try.
Why Visit: Hester Creek is ideal for those seeking rich history, excellent wines, and Mediterranean flavours. The charming ambiance and thoughtfully crafted dishes make Terrafina a standout. Enjoying a meal here feels like a culinary journey to Italy, all while in the beautiful Okanagan Valley.
Kismet Winery – Manzil
Why It's Special: Manzil at Kismet Winery offers a unique fusion of Indian cuisine with the winery's range of wines. This family-run restaurant provides an array of flavourful dishes that perfectly complement their wines, such as the award-winning Syrah. The rich, aromatic food pairs exceptionally well with the bold and nuanced wines, creating a memorable dining experience. Their wild mushroom Indian risotto is made with seasonal mushrooms and is both rich and decadent.
Why Visit: Kismet Winery's Manzil is a must-visit for a unique twist on wine and food pairings. The fusion of Indian flavours with local wines offers a distinctive culinary adventure. This is perfect for those exploring diverse tastes and enjoying a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards – Miradoro Restaurant
Why It's Special: Miradoro Restaurant at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards is known for its stunning views and innovative, locally sourced cuisine. The restaurant emphasizes sustainable practices and seasonal ingredients, creating dishes that pair beautifully with Tinhorn Creek's wines. The Oldfield Reserve series, for instance, is a perfect match for the menu's robust flavours. The panoramic views of the vineyards and valley enhance the dining experience. Miradoro creates their pizzas using an open-fire oven, which gives them a more authentic flavouring.
Why Visit: Miradoro offers a top-tier dining experience with breathtaking views and exceptional food. The emphasis on sustainability and local ingredients ensures a fresh and flavourful meal. It's an excellent spot for those who appreciate fine dining in a beautiful, serene setting.
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery - The Sonora Room
Why It's Special: The Sonora Room Restaurant at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery offers a distinctive dining experience that combines breathtaking vineyard views with a farm-to-table philosophy. The restaurant emphasizes seasonal ingredients sourced locally, ensuring fresh dishes. The menu features expertly crafted plates that pair perfectly with Burrowing Owl's renowned wines. The open-air patio provides an idyllic setting for enjoying a meal amidst the beautiful Okanagan landscape.
Why Visit: What sets the Sonora Room apart is its commitment to sustainability and community. The restaurant actively supports local farmers and producers, integrating their products into a menu that reflects the region's rich agricultural heritage. Additionally, the culinary team at the Sonora Room is dedicated to reducing waste and utilizing every part of the ingredients, resulting in innovative and sustainable dishes. This ethos enhances the dining experience and reinforces Burrowing Owl's dedication to environmental stewardship.
Nk'Mip Cellars - Patio Restaurant
Why It's Special: The Nk'Mip Cellars Patio Restaurant offers a dining experience that stands out due to its unique combination of Indigenous culture and culinary excellence. As the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America, Nk'Mip Cellars embodies a rich heritage reflected in the restaurant's approach to food and hospitality. The menu highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, presenting dishes celebrating the region's flavours. Guests can enjoy pan-roasted scallops or beef carpaccio; each paired perfectly with Nk'Mip's exceptional wines.
Why Visit: The Nk'Mip Cellars Patio Restaurant's setting and ambiance make it particularly special. Located amidst the stunning Osoyoos landscape, the restaurant offers breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and desert. Diners can sit on the patio, where they can enjoy the natural beauty while enjoying their meal. This unique combination of fine dining and a deep connection to the land creates an unforgettable experience, making it a must-visit for anyone travelling through the Okanagan region.
Conclusion
These Osoyoos and Oliver region wineries offer excellent wineries, and their on-site restaurants provide diverse and delightful culinary experiences. Visit them to enjoy the perfect blend of wine, food, and stunning landscapes.
