3 Indigenous-Owned Wineries and Distilleries in B.C. to Try

Supporting local B.C. makers is such a privilege. Our province is abundant with land that grows ingredients that are envied internationally, and the talented makers who turn all that into award-winning wines and spirits that deserve a place at the table, in every way. Here are three Indigenous-owned wineries and distilleries to sip and support.

Nk’Mip Cellars

North America’s first Indigenous-owned winery, Nk’Mip Cellars, was established back in 2002. This partnership between the Osoyoos Indian Band and Arterra Wines Canada has produced award-winning wines made with grapes grown on native soil nurtured by the sun-soaked Sonoran Desert climate that this part of B.C. is known and loved for. The winery’s store and tasting room, plus patio restaurant, overlook a sweeping vista of dreamy Okanagan abundance and is well worth spending time there. Justin Hall, the estate winemaker, is a member of the Osoyoos Indian Band and one of the very first Indigenous winemakers globally. After completing a certification in the viticulture program at Okanagan University College, he further honed his craft with stints at Australian and New Zealand wineries. You can taste his passion for winemaking in every sip of these thoughtfully created wines. Be sure to try the Dreamcatcher, a lovely white blend that captures the sunny Okanagan in a glass.

Sharpe Distillery

Located in Cawston, the Indigenous-owned Sharpe Distillery has an interesting backstory. Grandpa Jack Sharpe was a well-known bootlegger back in the days of prohibition and was considered a legend in the community. Fast forward to 2023 (and three generations later), and the Sharpe Distillery was born. Owned and operated by head distiller Tracy Sharpe, her husband CEJ Mussell and sister Amy Jo Sharpe, the distillery and bar sit in the seat of the glorious and green Similkameen Valley. With its farmland vibe, Sharpe serves up unpretentious cocktails made by mixologist and barkeep Amy Jo, showcasing the craft spirits this distillery does so well, including botanical gins, vodkas and unaged rye whisky. There’s always something new to watch for, including fun events and gatherings that keep the community spirit that Grandpa Jack established alive.

Niche Wine Co.

Niche Wine Co. in West Kelowna is Indigenous owned and operated by Joanna Schlosser and her husband, James Schlosser. They produce small-batch wines right where they live among their vineyards. Having built themselves a pod-style home atop the hill that Niche is perched on, they knew they were onto something when visitors commented on the gorgeous setting. The next plan? To build guest pods called the Outside Inn that can be booked for a stay. The results are what I’d describe as rustic luxury with a view that simply commands settling into that comfy chair with a glass of Niche Wine Co.’s exceptional pinot noir. If you’re a fan of Eugene Levy’s show, The Reluctant Traveller, you’ll have witnessed him in a similar stay and likely sighed with envy. Now, just check yourself into the Outside Inn and consider yourself in-the-know when it comes to alternative spots to lay your weary head after all that Okanagan wine tasting. Be sure and hang out at Niche’s outdoor bar railing at the tasting room to take in the views while you sample your way through the winery’s lineup, including a pinot gris, the Small Wonder Rosé and sauvignon blanc.