A visit to Mission Hill Family Estate begins long before brunch is served. The moment you pass beneath the keystone archway, the estate encourages a quieter rhythm, inviting guests to slow down and take in the vast landscape that frames the Okanagan Valley. With its remarkable architecture, deep-rooted winemaking tradition, and seasonal culinary program, Mission Hill has shaped a distinct identity that blends artistry, agriculture, and cultural depth.
Within this setting, brunch at the Terrace Restaurant becomes the heart of the experience. Under the leadership of Estate Chef Patrick Gayler and Chef de Cuisine Heather Brumwell, the culinary program reflects a profound respect for locality. Ingredients are sourced from Unearthed Farms, Medley Organics, Okanagan Herb Patch, and the estate’s own gardens, forming dishes that echo the philosophies upheld in the vineyards. Brunch feels unhurried, thoughtful, and intimately connected to the land.
Brunch At The Terrace Restaurant
Freshly baked bread arrives warm, accompanied by olive oil and balsamic that prepare the palate for the courses ahead. The first dish, a tower of crispy fried cauliflower, blends panko texture with the aromatics of basil and savoury lentils, brought together by extra virgin olive oil.
Paired with the Mission Hill Family Estate Jagged Rock Chardonnay, the plate takes on brighter dimension, lifted by the wine’s citrus and delicate oak.
The entrée offers a deeper contrast of flavour, centred around a mushroom and fungus red wine reduction. Its tangy richness is balanced by fresh greens, pickled onions, and a roasted grain roll that evokes holiday comfort with barley, berries, and chickpeas. When enjoyed alongside the Mission Hill Family Estate Reserve, the dish reaches its fullest expression, supported by the wine’s depth and structure.
The Boutique: A Curated Exploration
After brunch, guests naturally wander toward The Boutique, a space redefined each year through a creative lens. Instead of functioning as a conventional shop, it unfolds as an exploration of texture, craftsmanship, and narrative. Displays encourage visitors to engage with pieces not only visually, but through the stories they suggest—soft fabric, aged metal, preserved goods, and rare wines all contribute to a layered sense of discovery.
The Boutique’s evolving theme, The High Life – La Belle Vie, expands this experience with a focus on elevated travel heritage. Vintage trunks sourced from maisons such as Louis Vuitton, Goyard, Au Départ, Moynat, Hermes, Harrods, Cartier, and Gucci form the centrepiece of the collection. Their aged hardware, linen-lined interiors, and storied provenance celebrate the artistry of eras when travel was considered an act of elegance. Each piece offers a tactile reminder of journeys taken, and of craftsmanship that endures.
The Chagall Room And The Iconic Oculus Experience
Beyond The Boutique, a set of towering doors opens into the Chagall Room, home to a tapestry crafted by Yvette Cauquil Prince in 1991 and inspired by Marc Chagall’s 1969 painting Animals and Music. Vast in scale and saturated in colour, the work brings a sense of cultural gravitas to the estate, reinforcing Mission Hill’s commitment to art and preservation.
Anchoring the room is a Yamaha Grand Piano once owned by David Foster, signed by more than sixty renowned performers. Acquired during a charity gala supporting children awaiting organ transplants, it stands as both an artistic centrepiece and a symbol of generosity.
The space now hosts the Iconic Oculus Experience, one of the estate’s most exclusive offerings. Beginning in the underground barrel cellar, guests are guided through a tasting of rare vintages, including the esteemed 2020 Oculus. Paired with elevated dishes from the culinary program, the experience weaves together history, wine, and place in a setting unlike any other.
A Final Invitation
As the day transitions into evening, there remains one more stop that requires no reservations. The Barrel and the Bell welcomes guests with handcrafted cocktails inspired by the season. The Orchard & Thyme evokes crisp orchard air, the Crimson & Maple offers warmth through whisky aged in Mission Hill Pinot Noir barrels, and the Negroni Sbagliato finished with Exhilarat!on Brut brings lively sparkle.
Brunch may set the tone for the day, but it is The Barrel and the Bell that invites guests to linger, unwind, and return—making a day at Mission Hill resonate long after the last glass is set down.
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at [email protected].
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