Tinhorn Creek
Canada's Grand Estates
Proudly sits the winery of Tinhorn Creek, high upon the hills of the south Okanagan Golden Mile. A treasure among Canada's rapidly growing wine Industry. A winery proud of its people, proud of its wines and rightly so. In such a short period of time Tinhorn Creek has establish it self as one of Canadian true Grand Estates.
The adventure began in 1993 when Alberta business men Bob Shaunessy and Kenn Oldfield purchased 80 acres of vineyards near Oliver. Kenn who had been studying University in California at Davis obtaining a Masters in viticulture. This is where Kenn meet his wife Sandra who was studying to be a winemaker. Today Sandra is highly regarded as one of Canada's best winemakers.
Additional acreage was purchased including the site where the winery stands today just south of Oliver on the eastern slope of the valley. Through the property ran a creek called Tinhorn. The land had previously belonged to Tin Horn Creek Quartz mining company, so it was easy to select the wineries name.
The magnificently designed winery open in May of 1996. The winery sits unrivalled along the Golden Mile offering a truly unique wine experience for its visitors. A water fountain and rock garden resembling Tinhorn Creek above embellish the winery entrance. Interior galleries designed for viewing holding tanks and self guided tours that take you through a learning vineyard
A hands-on approach that has long ensured Tinhorn Creek as a standout among other Canadian wineries. It is self -sufficient, the vineyards are carefully planned to produce 60 percent reds. Merlot, Cabernet and Pinot Noir. The whites include Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Gerùrztraminer.
There is a new barrel cellar with a capacity of 1000 barrels. Modern technology keeps the wines at the perfect temperature and humidity 15 degrees C (60 F) and 60% relative humidity . Future plans call for a restaurant to be built along side the barrel cellar.
The learning vineyard located on the back side of the winery and has a breathtaking view of the valley. There are 15 stations along the tour route covering topics ranging from climate, disease and pests, to soil profiles and varietals. Friendly staff is available to enhance your tour by answering any questions you may have.
The property also boasts a amphitheater which hosts numerous events throughout the warmer months. Blue Rodeo and Prairie Oyster will be among this year's lineup. Just picture yourself on a warm summer evening sitting under the stars sipping a superb glass of wine while enjoying lively entertainment.
The Golden Mile Concert Club also utilizes the amphitheater to showcase performers, this yea Shona Le Mottee, Sweetpea Swing Band and the BIG DAWG BAND are featured.
More than anything else it is the recognition of wine lovers which allows Tinhorn Creek to qualify as one of the Grand Estates Wineries of Canada. They have over 250 medals received from competitions all over the world. Tinhorn Creek wines have developed a consistent reputation for excellence, rewarding the talent skills of their Winemaker, Sandra Oldfield one has been with the winery since its very first day.