Our next stop takes us to the south end of the Okanagan Valley, just outside the town of Oliver and about 10 kilometers from the U.S. border. The Burrowing Owl Estate Winery sits on a large property at the edge of the Okanagan Desert. Although it is not really a “true” desert, it is warmer here than the area around Kelowna and has the loose sandy soil that makes for great grapes.
Burrowing Owl has only been here since the early 1990s, but has managed to grow quite quickly into the international attraction that they are today. Their current facilities include the winery, tasting room and restaurant, along with the less standard eleven suite hotel (complete with pool) and viewing tower. These are constructed in a vaguely “Spanish” style and do not look out of place among the vineyards that surround them.
The agricultural practices at Burrowing Owl are chosen with environmental balance in mind, even using local wildlife to help control pest insect populations. While not completely organic, this helps to reduce the amount of chemicals used in the vineyards.
As for their wines, they have a large selection which includes everything from Pinot Gris to Cabernet Franc. Two wines worth particular attention are the always pleasing Pinot Noir and their full bodied and satisfying Chardonnay.
My current collection contains many of Burrowing Owl’s offerings, including several of their Syrahs, a Pinot Noir or two along with some Chardonnay and a Meritage (a Bordeaux-style blend). We will definitely be contemplating some of these in the near future.
Reservations are recommended at the restaurant (lesson learned). Sitting on the outdoor patio on a hot summer day sipping a refreshing white wine accompanied by a delightful spread of tapas has the ability to almost instantly whisk one away to what feels like a European villa. What a treat!
Lunch on the patio was one of my favorite things. The view is amazing. I also can’t wait to stay in one of their fabulous rooms. I heard they are fabulous.