Canada is home to some of the world’s top wineries, producing award-winning wines that rival those from renowned wine regions like France, Italy, and California. With ideal grape-growing conditions in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, Canadian wineries have gained recognition across the globe for their premium vintages. But when it comes to the most decorated winery in Canada, one name stands above the rest: Mission Hill Family Estate in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.
Mission Hill’s Awards and Accolades
Mission Hill has racked up an astounding number of awards and accolades over the past two decades. Their extensive list of honors includes:
- Winemaker of the Year (5 times)
- Winery of the Year (4 times)
- Best Performing Smaller Winery in Canada (10 times)
- #1 Pinot Noir in the World (Wine & Spirits Magazine)
- Wine of the Year (3 times)
- Top 100 Wineries of the Year (Wine & Spirits Magazine)
Mission Hill has won hundreds of awards for its wines at prestigious international competitions like the Decanter World Wine Awards, International Wine Challenge, and Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. Their iconic Oculus wine has alone earned over 100 gold medals and other honors.
History of Mission Hill
Mission Hill’s roots trace back to 1981 when it was founded by Anthony von Mandl. Amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley, von Mandl had a vision to create world-class wines that could compete globally with Old World regions. The winery was named in recognition of the early French Catholic missionaries who helped establish viticulture in the area over a century ago.
In the 1990s, Mission Hill invested significantly in its vineyards, winemaking technology, and staff expertise. Winemaker John Simes joined in 1992 and implemented precise viticultural practices tailored to the Okanagan Valley. With ideal sun exposure, complex soils, and sustainable practices, the Valley emerged as a premier area for vines.
The winery gained acclaim through the 1990s at competitions like VinExpo. In 2000, an $18 million renovation was completed, transforming Mission Hill into a landmark estate winery. Striking architecture, fine dining, and extensive gardens turned it into a must-visit destination in the Okanagan Valley wine country.
Mission Hill’s Winemaking Philosophy
Mission Hill has secured its status as Canada’s most lauded winery by relentlessly focusing on quality from grape to glass. Their philosophy emphasizes:
- Sustainable viticulture – Using responsible practices in the vineyards to protect the environment and nurture high-quality grapes.
- Gentle handling – Carefully handling grapes and limiting intervention during winemaking to preserve purity of fruit.
- Precision winemaking – Utilizing gravity-flow production, small batch fermentation, and customized maceration.
- Ideal oak regimen – Maturing wines in precisely matched French oak barrels to enhance complexity.
- Legacy of excellence – Building on each vintage to keep improving vineyard and cellar practices.
This uncompromising approach shines through in every bottle, from their age-worthy Meritage blends to vibrant white wines like Riesling.
Key Grape Varietals
Mission Hill sources grapes from over 100 acres of estate vineyards in the Okanagan Valley along with select sites across British Columbia. The main grapes varieties grown and vinified are:
- Pinot Noir – Mission Hill’s Pinot Noir program focuses on clonal selection and identifying the best vineyard sites to maximize quality and complexity. Their top Pinot Noirs regularly earn some of the highest scores in tastings.
- Chardonnay – Grown in ideal sites like their Osoyoos and Naramata Bench vineyards, Mission Hill Chardonnay balances richness and finesse through optimal vine age, clone choices, yield control and winemaking.
- Riesling – Sourced from their estate Mount Boucherie vineyards in West Kelowna, Mission Hill Rieslings express zesty lime-driven aromas balanced by crisp minerality.
- Cabernet Sauvignon – Mainly grown on their two Osoyoos vineyards, Mission Hill Cabernets feature concentrated dark fruit layered with cedar, tobacco and savory notes from seamless oak integration.
- Merlot – Grown in the warmer south Okanagan, Mission Hill Merlot offers plush dark fruit with balancing structure and firm tannins, providing an ideal blending component.
Top Wines and Recent Vintages
Here is an overview of some of Mission Hill’s flagship wines and latest releases:
Oculus
Oculus is Mission Hill’s iconic Bordeaux-inspired blend and flagship wine. First released in 1997, it typically includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The 2013 vintage ($100) combines concentrated blackberry and cassis flavours with savory herbal notes and polished tannins.
Martin’s Lane Vineyards
Acquired by Mission Hill in 2016, Martin’s Lane focuses exclusively on Pinot Noir and Riesling from outstanding Okanagan sites. Their Pinot Noir ($50-80) highlights delicate aromas, silky textures, and terroir-driven complexity.
Perpetua
One of Mission Hill’s single vineyard wines, Perpetua Chardonnay ($40) comes from their estate Naramata Bench vineyard. The 2020 vintage shows ripe stone fruit balanced by brisk acidity and subtle oak spice.
Terroir Collection
This range explores distinct Okanagan Valley vineyards like the mineral-driven Blue Mountain Vineyard Riesling ($22) and bold Pyrenees Vineyard Meritage ($40) blending Cab Sauv, Merlot, Cab Franc, and Malbec.
Reserve
Sourced from the winery’s top sites, the Reserve Sauvignon Blanc ($25) offers passionfruit and grapefruit flavours with a vibrant, juicy profile. Meanwhile, the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($35) features concentrated blackcurrant and cedar notes.
Wine Tour and Tastings
One of the best ways to experience Mission Hill’s wines is to visit their West Kelowna estate. Daily tours and tastings are available, showcasing their terroirs as you sample wines right where they were made. Knowledgeable guides lead small groups through the production facilities, aging cellars, and vineyards. You can tailor your tasting to focus on specific wines like Meritage, Chardonnay, or Pinot Noir. Special vineyard tours and food pairing packages are also available.
Mission Hill Restaurant
In addition to tastings, Mission Hill’s elegant on-site Terrace Restaurant is an ideal venue for lunch or dinner. Their seasonal menus are thoughtfully designed to pair with Mission Hill wines, such as braised lamb shank with their Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of the vineyards and Okanagan Valley landscape. The restaurant is open daily from mid-May through October.
Conclusion
With a legacy spanning over 20 years, Mission Hill Family Estate stands as not just the most lauded winery in Canada, but one of the most respected in the world. Their unwavering dedication to quality viticulture matched with precision winemaking results in wines that consistently earn top international honors. Sourcing grapes from prime Okanagan Valley vineyards, Mission Hill’s full range expresses both regional terroir and world-class sophistication. Their impressive reputation is evident through their mile-long list of awards and accolades – no other Canadian winery comes close in terms of global recognition and praise. For those seeking the pinnacle of Canadian wine, Mission Hill represents the standard bearer.