3 wineries in Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country with unreal food offerings
It goes without saying – you’re going to find exceptional wine when you venture into Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country and check out any one of their 39 wineries.
But the eats offered in this region – while they may not be as widely talked about as the incredible blends and varietals – are equally as incredible.
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We guarantee that after visiting this particular stretch of the South Okanagan, which happens to have an enchanting desert-like climate, you’ll leave with a box of wine, a stomach full of incredible fare, and a head full of remarkable stories brought to you by the winery owners and staff who work to make this region so special.
Here are three wineries in Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country that are killing the food game.
Platinum Bench Estate Winery & Artisan Bread Co.
Fresh Plate Platinum Bench Winery’s artisan bread on tasting tray (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
The smell of freshly-baked bread in the morning is really incomparable to other scents, if you ask us foodies.
If you agree, you’ve got to make a trip to Platinum Bench, a winery with a tiny on-site artisan bakery attached to the tasting room.
This small winery first opened their doors in 2012 by proprietors Murray Jones and Fiona Duncan – the former is an experienced farmer, and the latter a talented baker.
The sour dough starter breads are baked daily and paired with the estate grown wines. Varieties include Double Cream Brie and Pear Preserves Epi, Baked Sopressata and Swiss Cheese Epi, and Baked Gorgonzola & Fig Preserve Epi to name a few.
These breads are melt-in-your-mouth good – even the most dedicated anti-carb advocate would drop their celery stick to get a bite of this deliciousness.
Show up at the time they open their doors or run the risk of leaving empty handed. The breads here are gone almost before they touch the display case.
Guests who enjoy wine tastings can enjoy a bread and wine pairing experience, or they can grab loafs, along with a full menu of local cheeses and preserves, and enjoy them at the vineyard or on the road.
Address: 4120 Black Sage Road, Oliver
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery
Wagyu Steak at Sonora Room (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
It may be on the more expensive places to eat in Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country, but man, the food at Sonora Room at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery is definitely worth it.
Burrowing Owl was built by founder Jim Wyse from the ground up, and it’s one of the most visually stunning properties you’ll see in this region (it’s basically the Bachelor Mansion of structures in BC’s wine country) and it’s fine-dining menu is just as epic as its architecture.
Diners here can expect stunning dishes made with locally-farmed ingredients such as Pan-Seared Scallops, Striped Prawns, Wagyu Steak, charcuterie, and a selection of dreamy seasonal appetizers and desserts.
Boasting a list of exclusive Burrowing Owl wines that are no longer available for purchase and plated-to-perfection lunch and dinner dishes, guests at Sonora Room can enjoy their meals while taking in a killer view of the 140-acre South Okanagan vineyard.
Did we mention you can stay in this property’s 11-room guest house and be just a skip, hop, and a jump away from this drool-worthy fare at all times?
Sounds like a plan to us.
Address: 500 Burrowing Owl Place (off Black Sage Road), Oliver
Instagram: @burrowingowlwinery
vinAmité Cellars
vinAmité Cellars’ charcuterie selection. Please note this particular spread is for five people (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
vinAmité Cellars is a perfect example of a winery doing food and wine right, and we urge you to head here and try this spread. But just note, it sets the bar very high for all the charcuteries that will follow.
The meat and cheese spread here includes a variety of dishes like the Local Non-Pasteurized Cheese Plate served with house-made vinAmité Jellies, and unique charcuterie proteins like chicken Paté (foie gras-style), Rillettes, Terrine with cognac, and vinAmité Petit Claret wine Saucisson Sec along with fresh fruit and bread.
The team at vinAmité can have the charcuterie ready for you upon arrival if you call ahead of time, just order for the amount of people in your party (approximately $25 per person) and there will be more than enough to go around.
This boutique winery, which was opened by owners and husband and wife duo Ray and Wendy Coulombe, is a family affair. The pair’s two daughters Catherine (owner, Tasting Room Manager and Assistant Winemaker) and Nathalie (owner) have a heavy hand in all that goes on at vinAmité.
Guests here can enjoy a casual dining experience while taking in the view of the wineries’ vineyards from the sunny patio. Alternatively, they can enjoy the enchanting art by Nathalie which adorns the walls inside the tasting room.
Address: 5381 BC-97, Oliver
Instagram: @vinamitecellars