Ask any member of the Dhaliwal family if they believe in fate and the answer will be a resounding, “Yes!”
Kismet is a Punjabi word synonymous with destiny and has proven to be a driving force for this family-owned estate winery in Oliver.
Their date with destiny began in 1990 when the Dhaliwal brothers Sukwinder and Balwinder immigrated to Canada along with their wives Bhupinder and Sandeep.
Arriving first, Sukwinder worked a variety of agricultural jobs helping other farms in the area. He soon convinced his brother Balwinder to join him in British Columbia. Working together, the brothers gained insights into the unique terroir of the region and how to manage vineyards. They are responsible for planting half of the grapes on the Black Sage Bench.
While continuing to work for other wineries, they purchased properties of their own and cultivated them on the side. They sold their harvests to award-winning wineries in the area. In 2009, the family produced its first wine, a Cabernet Sauvignon blend. After sharing it with friends and family, their next step was clear.
Premium Grapes
In 2013 they launched their own winery and it wasn’t long before Kismet wines accumulated their own collection of national and international awards.
The family estate now boasts more than 450 acres and is the top premium grape grower in the South Okanagan. With 90 per cent of their grapes still destined for other wineries, they reserve their best grapes for their own wine.
Masala Bistro
Kismet’s evolution continued with the opening of the Masala Bistro in 2016, featuring authentic Indian food. “People are surprised how well our wines pair with Indian food,” operations manager Neelam Dhaliwal said. “The bistro provides guests with a completely unique and memorable tasting experience.”
Virtual Wine Tastings and Real-Life Weddings
Innovation continued in 2020 when Kismet introduced free virtual wine tastings. Guests choose three wines to be delivered and enjoy a guided tasting in the comfort of their homes.
Kismet is also a beautiful, intimate wedding venue. With 2021 regulations, smaller weddings can take place nestled in the vineyard next to the estate’s privately owned Mirror Lake.
Fate Plus Hard Work
“Our family believes this journey has truly been kismet,” Neelam said. “To go from not knowing anything about the industry to becoming one of its leaders, we were destined to be pioneers in this region.”
Kismet is proof that fate combined with a lot of hard work is an unbeatable combination.
Visit kismetestatewinery.com to join their wine club, book a virtual tasting or reserve a table at the Masala Bistro. No reservations are required for the tasting room, which is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. The bistro is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.