Mission Hill Family Estate

Mission Hill · In 1981, the Okanagan was largely undiscovered as a wine region. It was renowned for the quality of its stonefruit orchards, but not for the quality its vineyards. Founder Anthony von Mandl saw the potential: his vision was of a Napa Valley of Canada, and Mission Hill has been at the forefront of that ever since. 
 The main vineyard estates are Fritzi’s, on the brow of Mt. Boucherie, a dormant volcano in West Kelowna, Naramata Ranch,  next to the Okanagan Lake, Jagged Rock on Black Sage Bench, Oliver, and Border Vista in Osoyoos. Sustainability is a key priority:  Mission Hill farm all of their own grapes and do so organically. Additionally, drip irrigation reduces overall water use by 75%, while integrated pest management allows un-manicured cover crops with a mix of grass, clover, and flowers:  a soft approach to weed control and erosion which also encourages beneficial insects and enriches the soil with nitrogen and other nutrients. 
 Winemaker Taylor Whelan has been at Mission Hill since 2014, combining Old World techniques. with modern technology (such as drones and highly focussed soil sampling) and in the winery using a combination of concrete eggs,  clay amphorae and a  wide variety of oak barrels to provide a range in texture and flavour.
The icon wine of Mission Hill is Oculus: since 1997 it has lit the way for the region: a Bordeaux-style wine and the result of meticulous selection in the vineyard estate with grapes that have been specifically nurtured for the purpose, it is intended to be the ultimate expression of the Okanagan Valley.