Nk’Mip Cellars

Nk’Mip Cellars is unique, lying as it does in the heart of Canada’s only desert. This trailblazing operation is North America’s first Indigenous-owned winery, marrying great winemaking with a deep respect for the land and culture of the Osoyoos Indian Band. That is the beginning of the winery’s story, born in 2002 out of a visionary partnership between the Osoyoos Indian Band and Constellation Brands. In that mission was the beginning of a dream: to produce world-class wines while respecting and bringing recognition to the rich heritage and stewardship of the Syilx people. Today, Nk’Mip Cellars stands tall not only for its recognized and award-winning wine portfolio but for being an industry leader in taking care of the environment-true to the Indigenous lifestyle that makes every sip meaningful to them.

This winery’s vineyards sprawl throughout the sun-kissed terroir of the Okanagan Valley, known for vibrancy in flavors it beholds and breathtaking landscapes. Nk’Mip Cellars craft wines that celebrate each nuance of the natural environment they nest within-from bold, fruit-forward reds anchored by the flagship Qwam Qwmt Merlot to refreshing whites evoking summertime days. From wine tastings in the modern, contemporary tasting room of the winery to enjoying a glass on the patio with breathtaking views of Osoyoos Lake, one can indulge at leisure. For those who would like to make it even more enriching, the winery offers immersive experiences, including guided tours sharing stories from behind the vines and of the Syilx culture, which will make each visit as enlightening as it is fun.

No visit to Nk’Mip Cellars is complete without dining in its on-site restaurant, where great wines blend with locally sourced ingredients. Be it the perfectly grilled salmon paired with a bright Chardonnay or the hearty bison short rib paired with a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, each course is a true celebration of flavors that reflects the winery’s commitment to excellence. It’s beyond food and wine; it’s a cultural hub of events and festivals that draw the community together in revelry of the arts, history, and beauty of the land. Nk’Mip Cellars is not a place, but a story: the story of innovation, tradition, and an unbreakable bond between people and earth.