Burrowing Owl Estate Winery
Premium Wines. Warm Hospitality. Family Owned Since 1993.
It's All About The Wines
The winery and vineyard lie within one of Canada's most unique ecosystems which includes the northernmost tip of the Sonora Desert. The location (on a southwest-tilting, sandy plateau) near the north end of Osoyoos Lake, is one of the most highly rated grape-growing locations in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys, and for that matter Canada. In 1993, when Jim Wyse began to replant the vineyards which had been carefully selected for their ability to produce world class, premium quality grapes, the winery was not part of his long term vision. Having recognized the potential of this location, Jim was gratified to see wines made with his grapes gaining immediate recognition. Finally, the decision to build Burrowing Owl Estate Winery was confirmed and a winery license was obtained in 1997. Construction began in early1998 and completed just in time for that year's harvest. The site has since been enhanced with a beautiful fine-dining Restaurant and luxurious Guest House.
One of Canada's most unique ecosystems
The varied and deceptively fragile desert ecosystems within the adjoining vineyards continually challenge the environmentally sensitive team at Burrowing Owl. Alternative pest control systems are the standard. More than 100 bluebird boxes and two bat nurseries invite insect-eating guests to stay awhile and dine in the vineyards. Ground nests of meadowlarks are protected by barriers in springtime to prevent farm machinery and vineyard workers from inadvertently destroying them. Snakes are safely relocated. Bears and big horned sheep are discouraged from sharing the harvest but never harmed.
Today, with its dramatic vantage point in the middle of the vineyard, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery is a winemaking facility that combines state-of-the-art technologies with proven, classic winemaking traditions. A gravity-flow system handles ripe grapes delicately, preserving their rich fruit character. Extensive underground cellaring capacity ensures that long term barrel aging is never limited by space.
Vineyards in Oliver, Osoyoos and Keremeos
The winery owns and manages all of the vineyard land growing grapes for the Burrowing Owl wines. The land base consists of 210 acres of producing vineyards distributed between three different locations: Black Sage (the original 145 acre site) which contains an equal amount of red and white grapes, Osoyoos (54 acres on the eastern slopes above Osoyoos Lake, home to Bordeaux varietals and Syrah reds) and Keremeos (11 acres of Sauvignon Blanc in the Similkameen Valley). In total 16 varietals are grown and tended by a qualified and dedicated vineyard team.
Still, it takes special skills to turn these assets into fine wines. Their vineyard managers contribute a wealth of knowledge and experience that is unsurpassed in the valley. Their dedicated team takes special pride in the success of these vineyards. And of course, they work closely with the winemaking team at Burrowing Owl to co-ordinate crop levels, ripeness targets, and the many other parameters necessary to produce only the finest quality wine.
| Address | 100 Burrowing Owl Place RR#1, Site 52, Comp 20 Black Sage Road, Oliver, BC, V0H 1T0 |
|---|---|
| Wine Maker | N/A |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Region | Okanagan Valley |
From this Producer
An intense and aromatic nose of jasmine, honeysuckle, apricot, lemon zest and peach with a subtle, fresh sweet basil note in the background. The palate is medium bodied with crisp refreshing acidity and flavours of stone fruit, pear, blood orange, white pepper, lime and some mango with a long, zesty finish. – Rhys Pender, Master of Wine
An intensely aromatic and fresh Gewürztraminer with a nose of honeysuckle, jasmine and rose petal, lychee and some pear, lime zest, star fruit and passionfruit. Dry and crisp on the palate with lemon and lime zest, rose water, pineapple, honey and subtle mango notes with lots of baking spice and a long finish. Rhys Pender, MW
Intense nose of black and red currant, plum, raspberry, maraschino cherry and floral violet notes with hints of dried sage. The medium-bodied palate is fresh and juicy with crisp acidity and bright red plum, red currant, red cherry and some dried sage and thyme on the long savoury finish.
A vibrant Chardonnay with a fresh nose of crisp green apple, peach, mango, banana and pear with some complex notes of nut, popcorn, butter and caramel. Full-bodied, rich and round textured on the palate with brisk balancing acidity and flavours of grilled peach, nectarine, toffee apple, pie crust, vanilla and marshmallow with a long finish.
Rhys Pender, Master of Wine
Year after year, Merlot is a standout variety in the Okanagan Valley, particularly with Burrowing Owl. Another outstanding wine!
A deep, brooding Syrah with an intense nose of blackberry, black cherry and black plum fruit along with some pastry crust, vanilla and clove and complex notes of burlap, leather, espresso, violet, graphite, black sage and bacon. Dry, full-bodied and rich on the palate with intense black pepper, black fruit, ripe tannins, paprika, roasted red peppers, dark chocolate and grilled rosemary with a long finish and plenty of potential to age.
Rhys Pender, Master of Wine
A fresh, pure and vibrant Cabernet Franc showing currants, plum and blueberry with notes of dried flowers and fresh violet and complex paprika, clove, orange zest, sage and dark chocolate. The palate is dry and quite full for Cabernet Franc with lots of vanilla and toast, crisp juicy acidity and structured tannins for aging with intense cassis, blackberry, blueberry and black cherry flavours that linger on the long finish.
Rhys Pender, Master of Wine
An intense and complex nose of ripe dark fruit with intriguing savoury notes. Cassis, blackberry and ripe black Italian plum mix with gamy, meaty notes, cedar, graphite and some subtle dried rose petal in the background. The full-bodied palate is packed with intense flavour, is firmly structured and built for ageing with ripe tannins and crisp acidity. Powerful cassis, black cherry and some complex pepper, clove, orange zest and dried thyme linger on the long finish.
Rhys Pender, Master of Wine