Mission Hill Family Estate
Kelowna, Canada
In 1981, the Okanagan was primarily recognized for its thriving stone fruit orchards rather than its potential as a wine region. However, a few daring grape growers took the risk of planting vines in uncharted territory. The glacier-formed valley offered an array of soil profiles, long sunny days, and diverse microclimates, presenting a unique opportunity to cultivate wines with a distinct sense of terroir. It was this untapped potential that ignited Mission Hill Family Estate’s vision for the future of Okanagan wine.
Over the years, Mission Hill Family Estate has been honored with numerous accolades, including being recognized as Canada’s only five-time winner of Winery of the Year. They have also received multiple best varietal awards on the international stage, solidifying their position as a leading winery. However, their journey is far from complete.
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The winery’s remarkable journey continued in 1994 when their 1992 Grand Reserve Chardonnay won the prestigious Avery Trophy for ‘Best Chardonnay’ at the International Wine & Spirits Competition. Their pursuit of excellence continued in 2013 when they were awarded the International Trophy for ‘Best Pinot Noir in the World’ at the Decanter World Wine Awards. In 2017, they once again triumphed, this time winning the ‘Best Canadian Red Wine’ category at the same awards. These achievements are a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.
Mission Hill Family Estate’s foundation is built upon a vision for the future of winemaking. They embrace sustainable and organic farming practices, nurturing their vineyards with the utmost care. Through the symbiotic relationship between the land and its inhabitants, they have managed to eliminate the use of pesticides and insecticides, replacing them with natural alternatives such as bees, falcons, and chickens. Cover crops, earthworms, and compost enrich the soil, rendering chemical fertilizers obsolete.
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The winery produces an extensive range of wines, showcasing a variety of grape varietals. Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and the red Bordeaux grapes are skillfully transformed into wines of exceptional depth and character. In exceptional vintages, they also produce ice wines from Riesling and Vidal grapes. By embracing the natural ecosystem of the region, Mission Hill Family Estate ensures the production of high-quality grapes, capturing the essence of the terroir in every bottle.
While rooted in Old World winemaking techniques, Mission Hill Family Estate embraces modern technology to enhance their practices. Drones provide a bird’s-eye view of the vineyards, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of their health. On the ground, lightweight Geier machines enable high-density farming. Through the study of soil science, they strategically plant varietals in the most suitable areas, unraveling the secrets behind the unique flavors and characteristics of their grapes.
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The winemaking team at Mission Hill Family Estate continues to push the boundaries of innovation, combining traditional fermentation and maturation vessels with future trends. From concrete eggs that embody forward-thinking approaches to clay amphorae that pay homage to ancient traditions, their diverse range of oak barrels adds texture and flavor to their wines.
Mission Hill Family Estate’s dedication to craftsmanship and their unwavering commitment to quality have solidified their position as a pioneering force in the Okanagan wine region. With each passing vintage, they continue to redefine what is possible, crafting wines that showcase the true essence of the Okanagan terroir.
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Mission Hill's Wines
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