Not only is the 72 foot tower architecturally stunning, but it is also functional. The building’s style is taken from a gristmill design. It took 2.5 years to build the current winery building which now dominates the view along Naramata Road. Hillside was the first winery designed by architect Robert MacKenzie back in 1997 he later designed others including Burrowing Owl, Red Rooster, Cedar Creek and Nk’mip. Hillside is well-known for its award-winning wine and delicious Bistro, but many people also come to see the outstanding architecture of the winery and the beautiful landscaping that surrounds it. The new policy allowed small vineyards of five acres or less to not only produce wine but also to sell it directly from their premises. In 1989 Hillside, together with Lang Vineyards and Wild Goose, lobbied the Provincial Government to bring about the Farmgate Winery Policy that was instrumental in changing the B.C. The grapevines thrived in the gravelly soil and warm Okanagan sunshine and Vera’s dream took shape. The last surviving apricot tree from the Riddles’ orchard remains on the bank just below the Kettle Valley Railway (on the northeast side of the building). In 1984 she and Bohumir pulled out the apricot trees and planted 3.5 acres of vineyards. In her mind’s eye she saw the sloping land carpeted by orderly rows of grapes – grapes that she would turn into luscious wines, even though she had no experience at either growing grapes or fermenting them. In 1979, the property was purchased by Bohumir and Vera Klokocka who had recently immigrated to the Okanagan Valley from Czechoslovakia. The cherry trees, which were on the Riddles’ front lawn, were planted in 1926. Their property stretched about 100 yards north to what is now Riddle Road the original farmhouse stood on what is now the site of our tasting room. In the early 1900s this site was owned by the Riddle family who operated an apricot orchard. President/General Manager – Duncan McCowanĭTC & Marketing Manager – Lauren SelfridgeĮxecutive Chef - Evan Robertson About Hillside Winery
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