The South Okanagan is dotted with exceptional wineries, one of the main staples being Tinhorn Creek. Established in 1993, Tinhorn Creek has made its mark in the region and internationally.
Located on the Golden Mile Bench in Oliver, BC, Tinhorn Creek overlooks the South Okanagan, providing stunning views of the desert-like landscape that makes this region so unique. Visitors can spend an entire day exploring the winery grounds, tasting the award-winning wine, and dining at Miradoro Restaurant.
Wine and a Hike
For those who might want to work up a thirst and an appetite, the winery backs onto the Golden Mile Stamp Mill Trail. The trail is one of the only remaining access points to the Mount Kobau Range and takes hikers to the 100-year-old historic Tinhorn Creek stamp mill ruins.
Once back from your hike, it’s time for wine.
Spring Releases
Tinhorn Creek has been actively releasing wine this spring. They recently deconstructed their Oldfield Reserve 2Bench White and released their first single-varietal Oldfield Reserve Sauvignon Blanc and Oldfield Reserve Viognier.
The winery also recently released their 2020 Pinot Gris, 2020 Gewürztraminer and 2020 Oldfield Reserve Rosé. These crisp, aromatic and fruit-driven wines are all perfect accompaniments to lounging poolside or sipping on a patio.
Crush Club
If you want to be the first to know about new wines, Tinhorn Creek’s Crush Club always gets first access to new releases, as well as many other perks such as complimentary tastings and discounts on all wine, merchandise, tours and experiences. For more information, visit tinhorn.com/club
Whether you’re sipping wine on their weather-proofed outdoor patio or in their picnic area, Tinhorn Creek is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon.
Explore, Sample, Sip and Eat
“We want to provide each guest with a memorable experience,” Tinhorn Creek’s retail and experience manager Mike Johnson said. “We always encourage people to explore the demonstration vineyards and to sample the grapes right off the vine in the later summer months and into the fall.”
Tinhorn Creek offers their wine tastings seven days a week, 11 am to 6 pm.
Following your wine tasting, wander over to Miradoro Restaurant, where you can indulge in award-winning Executive Chef Jeff Van Geest’s Mediterranean-style cuisine. From clams and chorizo steamed in a saffron tomato broth, to open-fire Neapolitan-style pizza, to fresh pasta, your mouth will be watering just by reading the menu.
If you can’t make it to the restaurant, Miradoro has recently released their takeout menu, so you can taste the flavours of the Mediterranean at home.
Celebrate with Miradoro
Two special opportunities to experience Miradoro are their Mother’s Day brunch on May 9 and their 10th-anniversary dinner on May 28. The anniversary dinner will be a six-course meal, with the option of having two wine pairings per course.
Miradoro is dedicated to sourcing local products wherever possible, tying into Tinhorn Creek’s continued leadership in sustainable practices.
Making History
The first carbon-neutral winery in Canada, Tinhorn Creek works hard to respect and preserve the surrounding environment. The winery doesn’t use toxic baits or sprays for pest control, but rather alters habitat to deter pests, for example by removing large rocks or debris. They have also installed bluebird boxes for birds to nest on the property to help with pest control.
Furthermore, the winery committed one million dollars towards replacing all showerhead irrigation with drip irrigation, which resulted in a 70 per cent reduction in water usage.
Tinhorn Creek is also a certified Salmon-Safe farm. This means they manage run-off and reduce pesticides so the waterways in which salmon spawn are safe.
Another area where the winery is leading the way is their switch from corks to Stelvin closures, or screw caps. They were the first winery in Canada to make the transition in 2004.
“Cork is a natural resource and it’s getting scarcer every year. By switching, we’re continuing our path to try and be as sustainable as possible,” Johnson said. “Plus, contrary to public belief, they don’t have any negative impact on taste. Actually, Stelvin closures allow us to have more control in aging.”
Whether you are visiting Tinhorn Creek for a casual afternoon or for a special occasion, you can be assured you will leave feeling more relaxed than when you arrived.
Tinhorn Creek is adhering to all COVID-19 protocols. For more information about the winery, or to book a wine tasting or dinner reservation, please call 1-888-484-6467.