Nestled into a sage-and-vineyard-clad hillside, the Black Hills Wine Oasis provided me with an incredibly unique tasting experience from the moment I stepped through the door. I was greeted with a sincere, welcoming feeling, as though the property itself whispered: “It’s wonderful to see you.” While some tasting rooms can feature a crowded stand-up tasting bar, Black Hills offers a relaxed, sit-down, personalized tasting experience. My host directed me to my tasting table, with awe-inspiring views of the valley below. I was gifted with my very own “Wine Evangelist”—a member of the Black Hills team who guided me through my tasting journey of the portfolio of finely crafted, old world style wines. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to take one’s time to savor each wine, to feel completely at home, and engage in conversation about wine, life, and the bounty that surrounds us in the Okanagan. Black Hills Estate Winery is a wine lover’s bliss.
The wines are, simply put, sublime: a luscious, stone fruit and honeysuckle Viognier; an elegant, fruit and mineral balanced, oaked Chardonnay; a demure and sexy Syrah, with dark fruit, cocoa and soft pepper; the divine, classic Bordeaux blend, Nota Bene; and, the knock your flip-flops off Carmenere, which practically begs for grilled meats with its herbaceous, rosemary-and-sage nose with dominant pepper on the palate. These wines—along with the sought-after Alibi (a fabulous Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon blend) and the whimsical Cellar Hand Red—define all that is perfect about South Okanagan wines. Each wine is served in its own particular glass, chosen specifically to let each sing pitch-perfect notes.
Founded in 1996, Black Hills is celebrating 20 years of creating award-winning wines and providing lasting wine country memories. Enjoy their daily lunch service from 12-6pm, 7 days/week. Join the summertime party every Friday from 4-6pm for Sunset Happy Hour, hosted in Black Hills’ poolside cabanas, with wine service and delectable edibles, paired perfectly to chill DJ-spun beats.
Buy tickets now for Black Hills’ Mid Summers Night Dream party on August 13, 2016. The Wine Oasis will be converted into a Miami-inspired vineyard ultra-lounge, with South Beach-inspired tunes by their in-house DJ, a sexy beachwear fashion show, latest wine releases, and delicious BBQ food creations. Tickets are $135.00 (plus tax & grat), include five drink tickets, food, entertainment & shuttle pick up from Osoyoos.
Visitors are always encouraged to become Black Hills Wine Club members – some releases are not available to the public.
With 20 years of bliss already on the books, the next 20 years promise to be heaven!
~ Kris Johnson