Another feather in Burrowing Owl’s cap
This month’s cover of Orchard & Vine Magazine features the Wyse family, founders of Burrowing Owl Estate Winery in Oliver. Celebrating its 65th year, the publication has chronicled the evolution of the BC fruit and beverage sector since the establishment of packinghouses in Kelowna during the 1950s.
Recently honoured with the Canadian Wine Industry Award of Distinction, the pioneering wine family shares billing with the magazine’s lead story, “Replanting for Resilience.” While the vines at Burrowing Owl vines high at the upper slopes of the Black Sage Bench were spared as the deep winter frost sank and settle on lower elevations, the family’s story is intertwined with sustainability.
Early innovators and long-time champions for the environment, Jim and his wife Midge, son Chis and daughter Kerri (Wyse-McNolty) have made an enduring mark on the B.C. wine industry.
In 1993, while working on a development project in Vernon, Jim Wyse stumbled upon a neglected vineyard south of Oliver, B.C. This 100-acre property would lay the foundation for what would grow into the esteemed Burrowing Owl Estate.
The idea was simply to grow and sell grapes. The quality of their harvest quickly indicated the potential for a larger venture. With the help of investors, the initial 100 acres grew to be 300 acres.
By 1998, buoyed by the success of their grapes, the decision to establish the winery materialized—a leap of faith that would redefine their lives and the fabric of the B.C. wine industry. And yes, some Black Sage vineyards were sold off to fund the expansion.
The Wyse family lives by a philosophy that blends environmental care with the art of winemaking. Solar panels are strategically placed across the property, including atop the winery and other buildings, to harness the abundant sunlight the region receives, and efforts continue to conserve the burrowing owl, its namesake.
Since opening their doors, tasting fees of $5 per patron have been channelled towards the conservation of the burrowing owls, the winery’s namesake.
The Wyses offer a complete tourism package. With sweeping views of the South Okanagan vineyards, the Sonora Room Restaurant provides a serene backdrop to experience the marriage of fine wines and exquisite culinary creations that take center stage. Onsite guest rooms offer an intimate connection to the surrounding landscape.
In the tasting room, the Burrowing Owl portfolio, from the robust Meritage blends to pioneering wine styles, reflects a dedication to quality.
In 2008, inspired by Jim’s appreciation for port-style wines, the winemaking team took on the challenge of creating a wine to complement the desserts in their Sonora Room. This led to the production of their first fortified wine—named Coruja, the Portuguese word for owl — which was aged for three years and released in 2011.
A blend that incorporates vintages from each year since its debut, this Syrah-based Coruja is lauded for striking a perfect balance between sweetness and alcohol. This wine enhances the dining experience without overwhelming the palate.
The estate started producing Chardonnay in 1997, with some of the Chardonnay vines dating back to the 1993 planting. The most current release showcases a balanced oak influence and refreshing acidity and exemplifies their nuanced approach to wine production.
Their Cabernet Franc rosé showcases the family’s adventurous spirit. The “crazy, delicate pink colour” of this rosé diverges from traditional expectations with its complex aroma profile, including hints of cotton candy, strawberry, rhubarb, and a vegetal note characteristic of the Cabernet Franc grape. Its complexity and depth set it apart from more casual, easy-drinking rosé wines, catering instead to those with a keen palate for nuanced flavours.
In 2021, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery marked a significant expansion by acquiring the Okanagan Falls-based Wild Goose Winery, a well-regarded brand with its own storied tradition of excellence.
Last harvest, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery commemorated its 30th anniversary since the vine-yard’s initial planting, marking three decades of remarkable growth and achievement.