Located in the Okanagan Falls area, in the Skaha Bench Sub-GI, Blasted Church Vineyards is known for its unique name, mildly blasphemous branding, and serious commitment to quality winemaking.
The winery’s name is inspired by an event from 1929, when an old church was dismantled with the help from some dynamite. The steeple was destroyed in the blast, but the rest of the church was successfully transported and rebuilt in Okanagan Falls, where it is still in use to this day. This story, along with its quirky labels depicting holy figures in modern-day scenarios, has made Blasted Church a recognizable winery in British Columbia.
Over Two Decades
Blasted Church Vineyards has been a powerhouse in the BC wine industry since 2002. It produces small-lot, handcrafted wines that have garnered widespread acclaim, including ranking #2 in BC and #3 in Canada by WineAlign’s National Wine Awards. Owned by Sean Morrison, who brings extensive corporate experience to the winery’s management team, the winery is overseen daily by Director of Operations Tanya Martin. Winemaker Evan Saunders, who joined the team as a cellar hand in 2014, now spearheads the winery’s production, combining scientific precision with creative flair. Saunders’ background in microbiology and winemaking is evident in his approach to making both classic wines and experimental, small-batch series.
A Bang-Up Portfolio
Blasted Church’s portfolio includes crowd-pleasing blends like Big Bang Theory, a red blend dominated by Merlot and Gamay, and Hatfield’s Fuse, an aromatic white blend featuring Viognier, Orange Muscat, and Chardonnay Musqué, named for Harley Hatfield, who oversaw the dynamite that blasted the original church. The winery has mastered these popular offerings that keep wine lovers coming back, and it also pushes boundaries with the “Small Blessings” series—a collection of small-batch wines crafted with minimal intervention and meticulous care. This series is aimed at true wine aficionados and features complex, layered flavours that stand apart in the BC wine market.
Eco-Conscious Viticulture
Blasted Church’s commitment to sustainability is as strong as its dedication to quality. Winemaker Evan Saunders and vineyard manager Ben King are driven by the practices of regenerative and eco-conscious viticulture. To optimize water use, the team employs low-intervention farming practices and uses drip irrigation with water sourced from Skaha Lake. The winery also makes its own compost, enriched with organic materials from the vineyard and local sources, to maintain soil health and support biodiversity. Sustainable packaging, such as lightweight bottles, further reduces the winery’s carbon footprint.
A Tasting Room to Remember
In addition to winemaking, Blasted Church has made its tasting experiences something special. Visitors enjoy wine tastings with breathtaking views of Skaha Lake, and the winery’s grounds include poolside seating for a relaxed experience. The tasting room and event spaces are popular destinations for locals and tourists alike, offering a perfect balance of beautiful scenery, unique wines, and a bit of cheeky humour.
Blasted Church’s blend of quality and personality makes it a beloved Okanagan winery. Whether you are drawn in by the award-winning wines, the iconic branding, or the stunning vineyard views, a visit to Blasted Church Vineyards promises an unforgettable experience.
Up Next: Haywire Winery
Next in our BC Sips to Support series, Haywire Winery steps into the spotlight with its bold look and modern tasting lounge overlooking Okanagan Lake. Known for their sustainable, low-intervention wines made in concrete tanks, Haywire’s fruit-forward wines capture the essence of the region’s cool-climate varietals.
BC Sips to Support
‘BC Sips to Support’ is an 8-part series celebrating BC producers creating outstanding beverages, each with its own unique story, flavours, and impact on the community. Compiled by Town Hall Brands, a marketing and branding agency with a passion for promoting quality products, this series aims to shine a light on some of the best BC distilleries, wineries, and makers they work with within our region. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning to explore locally crafted beverages, each feature will introduce you to a brand committed to quality, creativity, and connection.
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Author Profile
- ‘BC Sips to Support’, an 8-part series celebrating BC producers creating outstanding beverages, each with its own unique story, flavours, and impact on the community. Compiled by Town Hall Brands, a marketing and branding agency with a passion for promoting quality products, this series aims to shine a light on some of the best BC distilleries, wineries, and makers they work within our region. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning to explore locally crafted beverages, each feature will introduce you to a brand committed to quality, creativity, and connection.
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