Ignacio & Laurie

Having finished working, we set off on our drive through the Rockies.

Over the mountains and 230 miles onto the plains of Okenaga we encountered a total change in climate with the temperature up in the 30+ ^oC

Gaining in esteem and popularity the Canadian wine industry is booming in Kelowna.

Mission Hill was our chosen winery to visit

A five-year transformation of the winery has recently been completed under the watchful eye of a dedicated team of international architects, designers and craftsmen who share a vision to create a landmark that will stand the test of time and delight visitors from around the world.

Visitors enter the main winery grounds by passing through a massive set of contemporary, curved arches held together by a single Keystone, which bears the von Mandl family crest.

THE LOGGIA

Latin for outdoor room, the Loggia is a respite for visitors who want to get out of the elements. It blends with the outdoor landscape and provides a number of angled views of the valley and lake below.

The Loggia's board-formed concrete walls rise out of the ground with the grains of the boards still visible. The curved roof, a theme repeated throughout the winery, is made of hand-welded copper sheets.

As you exit the Loggia, a small Piazetta overlooks the private Loggia garden below. You can enjoy full views of an Hungarian Oak tree that stands 45 feet tall and a 17th Century Renaissance fountain.

Standing 12-storeys tall and visible as guests approach the winery, the Bell Tower, with its lightning rod and pelican-inspired weathervane, taken from the von Mandl family crest, entices visitors to enter the grounds. Inside the tower, there are four bronze bells, handcrafted in Annecy, France by the Paccard Bell Foundry.

Overlooking rows of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines and offering a singular view of the lake and valley below;

Underground cellars have been blasted into volcanic rock. With a capacity of about 800 barrels, the climate and humidity controlled environment is dedicated to the protection, fermentation and careful aging of wine.The only source of natural light into the cellar is from an oculus that sits above ground. Oculus is the Latin word for eye. It is also the name of the winery's premium Bordeaux-blend.