Tinhorn Creek Vineyards

These are, arguably, two of the best vinifera grape growing areas in the world.

The vineyards of Tinhorn Creek Vineyards are located on two spectacular benches above the South Okanagan Valley. On the west side of the valley is the Golden Mile Bench. On the east side is the Black Sage Bench. These are, arguably, two of the best vinifera grape growing areas in the world. Certainly, both areas are highly sought after growing locations. The wines win top awards in national and international competitions.

Our 46 acres on the Golden Mile Bench include the Tinhorn Creek Vineyard, the Fischer Vineyard and the winery, wine shop and barrel cellar. These vineyards get the first morning sunlight. By late afternoon the sun dips behind the hills. In the cool summer evenings the grapes develop their exquisite flavours.

There are ten varieties of grapes planted in the Fischer and Tinhorn Creek vineyards. The previous owners planted Pinot Noir in 1989, Merlot between 1989 and 1991 and Kerner and Chardonnay in 1990.

The company, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, was established in 1994. The plan was to make 60% red wines and 40% whites. As a result, some changes were made in the Tinhorn and Fischer vineyards. Gewürztraminer was planted in1995 and 1997, more Kerner in 1998 and Pinot Gris in 1999.

Tinhorn Creek also leases the nearby Venables Vineyard. This seven acre vineyard produces Merlot and Gewurztraminer.

Our 104 acre Black Sage property, the Diamondback Vineyard, has 89.5 acres planted with eight varietals. These vines bask in the summer sunlight long into the evening. Grapes on this bench can ripen up to two weeks before the same variety on the west bench.

The Diamondback Vineyard planting began in 1994 with Pinot Gris and Cabernet Franc. More plantings followed including Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. By 1997 the Diamondback Vineyard planting was finished.

In 2001 we began making a second tier of wines, The Oldfield’s Collection. This meant changes in the vineyards. In the Tinhorn and Fischer vineyards we added a small block of Syrah in 2002. In 2005, we added small blocks of Muscat, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. In the Diamondback vineyard, Syrah was added in 2003. Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillon followed in 2005.

In total, the 160 acre Tinhorn Creek estate includes 127 acres planted with thirteen varieties of vinifera grapes producing some of the best wine grapes in the world.

Website: Tinhorn Creek Vineyards