Hester Creek Estate Winery

Hester Creek Estate Winery was established in the fall of 1996 following the purchase from an Italian gentleman, Joe Busnardo operating the facility as Divino Winery, and whose most enduring legacy was that some thirty-six years ago he had the foresight to plant the most desirable varietals for today?s market. The Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Trebbiano vines date back to his start here. These vines are ?own rooted? and are of sufficient age to survive the sometimes harsh Canadian winters, particularly in the desert-like conditions of Oliver with little or no snow to cover and protect the roots from freezing.

The existing building was demolished and a new structure was built to reflect and blend with the atmosphere of the South Okanagan landscape and yet maintain a touch of the Old World. The architect incorporated the original vinifera vines into a beautiful canopy over the newly constructed patio. The patio, now canopied by these beautiful lush green vines is cool and inviting in the hot summer sun and has become an ideal place for many locals and tourists to relax and enjoy a refreshing glass of wine and a picnic lunch. Visitors can enjoy a sweeping view of the surrounding valley and Mt. Baldy in the distance.

In May 2004, Hester Creek was taken over by new owners, thus bringing about an opportunity to recover and restore this Golden Mile favourite. The new owners and management of Hester Creek have embraced the opportunity to take this well-known and respected winery and evolve it into a showcase facility. Our mandate is to produce world-class wines with a new state-of-the-art winery, construction of which is expected to commence in the near future. With this facility in place, Hester Creek will be in a position to offer visitors an unparalleled experience.

Having a long history of producing truly superior wines, Hester Creek?s plans are to continue to plant exclusively in premium vinifera varieties and allow the grapes to mature to their fullest in order to achieve the complex flavours and aromas unique to our vineyard. The soil and the sun and our own commitment to excellence in every step of the winemaking process are the criteria for the production of optimum wines that any server can be truly proud to pour at any occasion. Our vineyards are planted to Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Trebbiano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Semillon and Gamay grape varieties. Our location on the west bench above the valley floor provides us with a unique micro-climate thus protecting the vineyard from severe winter elements.

With new management and an outstanding winemaker, Hester Creek is once again a major force in the Okanagan wine industry. With the exceptional harvest from the 2004 vintage, Hester Creek looks forward to releasing some outstanding wines.

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