Kismet Winery is a well-known jewel in the South Okanagan, named for a Punjabi word meaning “destiny,” but the family-owned business may well add “karma” to their crest.
With tasting fees set at only $1 each and waived with the purchase of a bottle, all proceeds are donated to the BC Children’s Hospital. “We have been donating there for a while,” Neelam Dhaliwal, Kismet’s operations manager, explained. “It is a charity near and dear to our hearts.”
The family’s story began more than 30 years ago when brothers Sukhi and Balwinder Dhaliwal took fate into their own hands and immigrated to Canada with their wives Bhupinder and Sandeep.
Sukhi worked a variety of agricultural jobs in the Oliver, BC area and could see the great opportunity in the region. He soon convinced his brother to join him.
A Brief History
While simultaneously working for other vineyards, the Dhaliwals were able to acquire large parcels of premium land and soon became the largest suppliers of grapes in the region. Today, the Dhaliwal brothers manage over 400 acres of vineyards and are one of the premier grape growers in the South Okanagan.
It was inevitable that the family would start saving their best harvests to make their own wine. The first bottles were produced in 2009 to great acclaim, and wheels were set in motion.
The tasting room followed in 2013 to showcase their award-winning wines, and the Masala Bistro was added in 2016 to offer authentic Indian food. “People are surprised how well our wines pair with Indian food,” says Neelam. “The bistro has become almost as famous as our wines.”
An outdoor wedding venue has been added to the property and is a hidden gem in the region. Newlyweds-to-be can find more information on the Kismet website or through the several wedding planners that have partnered with the winery.
2021 Release
Summer 2021 brings the release of the highly prized Syrah Reserve, featuring a new family crest label whose symbols represent the Dhaliwals’ journey. Cultivating some of the best property in the South Okanagan for Syrah, Kismet regularly wins Platinum and International Gold for this varietal.
Wine Club
The Kismet wine club is a great way to explore. Two options are available: the Connection Club offers one customizable case per year at 10 per cent off with free shipping, while the Devotion Club offers two cases per year in May and October at a 15 per cent discount. Returning clients often choose the “surprise you” option, where Kismet will select bottles based on past purchases and bottles they think the customer will enjoy exploring. “It is a fun way to expand on your experience,” explains Neelam.
Visit kismetestatewinery.com to join the wine club, book a virtual tasting or reserve a table in the Masala Bistro. The tasting room is walk-in only, open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.