High above the shimmering waters of Okanagan Lake, the Mission Hill Winery in West Kelowna, British Columbia, offers an unforgettable experience that you won’t soon forget. As the sun dips behind the iconic bell tower and casts a golden glow across the vineyards, the terrace transforms into an enchanting stage for a dining experience that perfectly captures the essence of this wonderful winery.
Mission Hill is the embodiment of Founder Anthony von Mandl’s 1981 dream to transform the Okanagan Valley into a world-class wine destination. Through meticulous attention to terroir and sustainability, it has become a trailblazer in organic and regenerative farming. Bees, falcons, and chickens roam the vineyards, contributing to a holistic ecosystem. The result is not only wines of extraordinary quality but a winery that feels deeply connected to its surroundings.
Senior Winemaker Taylor Whelan, whose journey has spanned from British Columbia to Tasmania, brings a global perspective and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His expertise is evident in every glass poured, each bottle reflecting the unique microclimates and volcanic soils of the Okanagan Valley.
Set amidst the sprawling hills of the vineyards, water, and the rugged Carrot Mountain, the Terrace at Mission Hill blends natural beauty with refined sophistication. The architecture takes your breath away, with a spectacular archway framing a grandiose Bell Tower as it stands watching over the perfectly maintained grounds.
Below, row after row of meticulously tended vines disappear over the horizon as they roll down the hill, towards the lake. As the sun said its farewell for the day, the atmosphere somehow became even more magical—soft conversations, the occasional toll of the bell, and a cooling breeze carrying the scent of food and wine under the long Okanagan summer sun.
A Menu Crafted to Perfection at Mission Hill
Mission Hill’s dinner and wine pairing is a masterpiece of modern Canadian cuisine, each course is thoughtfully curated to honour the region’s flavours and bounty. A charming sommelier guided us through every dish, weaving stories of the vineyard’s organic farming practices and the unique characteristics of each wine.
Our sommelier started us off with the Exhilarat!on Brut Rosé, whose label is inspired by the English Modern Artist, Henry Moore. Made from Pinot Noir grapes, the Brut’s bright acidity balances the melange of raspberries, peach, and watermelon notes, with a crisp finish.
Even the simplest dishes have such attention to detail; the sourdough bread from Sprout Bakery was accompanied by the Terrace cultured cream sitting in a non-alcoholic mead made with preserved honey from the winery’s very own beehives. Next was gently warmed brie with juicy concord grapes (nature’s candy at its finest!), served with walnuts. And then there was the pistachio pork pate wrapped in a brioche crust, along with some pear jam, mustard, and cauliflower relish. We had not even begun the official menu yet!
The exquisite start continued with our first course, Heirloom Tomato & Stonefruit Frugo, which marries the garden’s late-summer treasures with creamy whipped mascarpone, the herbal brightness of Carlos’ lemongrass, and plenty of basil. Paired with the 2023 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, the wine’s tropical notes on the nose and vibrant acidity lifted the flavours of the tomatoes, offering a playful yet sophisticated introduction to the meal.
We then had the halibut, perfectly seared to golden perfection, and accompanied by a delicate late-season squash tempura and a zesty lemon verbena curry. Each bite was a testament to the kitchen’s ability to balance textures and flavours expertly. The plate found its ideal companion in the 2022 Reserve Chardonnay, whose buttery notes and balanced texture complemented the freshness of the fish.
The main dish was the extremely tender and rich, dry-aged McLeod’s Leap Beef Tenderloin, which was enhanced by the complexity of black quince and Wise Earth ginger, alongside charred scallion spaetzle that added an earthy depth. The 2020 Terrace Meritage, a bold red blend, stood up to the dish’s robust flavours, with its dark fruit and spicy undertones creating a harmonious pairing.
A dessert as artful as it was delicious, the Sunrise Apple Tart Tatin showcased the region’s apples in all their glory. The crab apple jam and salted caramel cream added layers of sweet and savoury indulgence, while the 2020 Reserve Pinot Blanc provided a refreshing counterpoint with its bright acidity and stonefruit undertones. The illustration on the label is an original architectural sketch from Tom Kundig when he and Proprietor Anthony von Mandl were designing the winery.
The evening concluded with a flourish: the velvety texture of Beaufort cheese paired with the rich sweetness of Santa Rosa plum jam. Sipping the 2012 Oculus, was an experience unto itself. Mission Hill’s flagship Bordeaux-style blend carried notes of blackcurrant, mocha, and fine tannins and was the absolutely perfect finale to an extraordinary evening.
Mission Hill’s dinner and wine pairing experience is a fine tribute to the land and the wonderful wine produced there. Every course tells a tale of seasons, soil, and skill, drawing guests into the rhythms of the valley. From the garden-fresh produce to the meticulously crafted wines, the evening showcases the best of what the Okanagan Valley has to offer.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious traveller, Mission Hill’s lovely estate invites you to slow down, sip, and savour the moment. Here, under the watchful gaze of the Bell Tower, you’ll find yourself not just dining but dreaming— of the next bite, the next sip, and planning your next visit to this magical corner of Canada.
Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
1730 Mission Hill Road
West Kelowna
BC V4T 2E4
Canada
