Aboriginal Wineries

Did you know that North America’s first Aboriginal winery is set in British Columbia? Sonoran Desert extends as far north as Osoyoos in the South Okanagan, where the sagebrush and prickly pear cactus-covered hills suggest Arizona or California, and animal species inhabitating the desert include rattlesnakes and big horn sheep.
The the Nk’Mip (pronounced ‘inkameep’) First Nation established North America’s first Aboriginal winery, Nk’Mip Cellars, in 2002. The wines (award-winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Merlot) are produced from a spectacular 300-acre vineyard on a bench above Osoyoos Lake by Winemaker Randy Picton.

Building on the success of Nk’Mip Cellars and the Desert Cultural Centre, the Osoyoos Indian Band further developed Nk’Mip Resort which saw the addition of a stunning golf course, Sonora Dunes; a year-round resort hotel, Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa; and, most recently, the Nk’Mip Conference Centre. Nk’Mip Resort is a beautiful place to stay and play while learning about one of North America’s most fascinating regions culturally, geographically and oeneologically.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
EYE ON THE ARTS, NY — Celia Ipiotis