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‘BC Sips & Stories’ The Irreverent Artistry of Blasted Church Vineyards

Towering above the shimmering waters of Skaha Lake in Okanagan Falls, Blasted Church Vineyards has long been one of British Columbia’s most recognizable and beloved wineries. Named after the legendary 1929 origin story, in which controlled dynamite was used to dismantle a historic wooden church in Okanagan Falls so it could be moved to nearby Oliver, the family-owned estate carries a playful personality that sets it apart in the valley. Behind the whimsical branding lies an uncompromising devotion to crafting world-class, premium wines that capture the distinct terroir of the Skaha Bench and South Okanagan.

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Serious Wine Without Taking Itself Too Seriously

To visit Blasted Church is to experience a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere where accessibility meets high-level craft. The winery has built a reputation for being serious about winemaking without taking itself too seriously, making fine wine feel approachable to newcomers and seasoned collectors alike.

At the helm of the cellar is winemaker Evan Saunders, whose journey to the estate began when he joined the “congregation” in 2014. With a degree in microbiology from the University of Victoria and advanced enology training at Brock University, Saunders brings a thoughtful synergy of scientific precision and creative intuition to every harvest. His extensive experience, including honing his craft with Bordeaux-style reds at Osoyoos Larose and working a Pinot Noir harvest at Kosta Browne in Sonoma, gives him a deep mastery over classical techniques. “Winemaking is where science and creativity come together,” Saunders notes. “Every decision we make is about crafting balanced, expressive wines that people genuinely enjoy sharing.”

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Precision Stewardship on the Skaha Bench

The core ethos at Blasted Church revolves around letting the vineyard dictate the narrative. “Great wine starts in the vineyard,” says Saunders. “Our job in the cellar is to guide the fruit and let each vintage express itself.”

This philosophy was tested following recent vineyard challenges across the region, but the cellar approached subsequent vintages with renewed optimism and meticulous care. By combining cold soaks, targeted punch-downs, whole-cluster pressing, and aging across varied vessels, from stainless steel to French, American, and neutral Hungarian oak, the team ensures that every bottle reflects both technical rigour and authentic regional character. “We’re committed to making wines with character that reflect the vineyards they’re grown in and the people who enjoy them,” Saunders emphasizes.

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Featured Wine Recommendations

2020 Cabernet Sauvignon

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The Backstory: Crafted from fruit hand-harvested across the Jose Vineyard on the western edge of Osoyoos and the Inkameep Vineyard on the Oliver East Bench. Each lot underwent five to seven days of cold soaking prior to fermentation, followed by 21 to 28 days on skins. The wine was aged for 16 months in barrels, 85% French, balanced with neutral Hungarian and American oak, blended in tank, and returned to barrel for an additional six months before a light filtration.
Tasting and Profile: A deep ruby pour opening with layered aromatics of cassis, plum, blackberry, blueberry, and a subtle touch of mint chocolate. On the palate, a rich entry of ripe berries, plum, and wild sage carries into a finely textured mid-palate. Well-structured tannins support a persistent, balanced finish defined by mint, cocoa, and dark fruit.
Technical Specs: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot | ABV: 13.9% | 1,395 Cases Produced

2025 Sauvignon Blanc

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The Backstory: Marking a return to full cellars and generous crop loads after regional cold events, the 2025 vintage highlights the classic, vibrant acidity of the Okanagan. Fruit was gathered from three distinct sites: the Skaha Bench estate, Road 1 Vineyard in West Oliver, and Semillon from Aspen Vineyard north of Osoyoos. Fermented and aged in a mix of stainless steel and French oak, it delivers a sophisticated, Bordeaux-inspired profile.
Tasting and Profile: Pours a bright, pale straw. The nose presents a balance of tropical and herbaceous elements, featuring gooseberry, lime, lemon, and pink grapefruit. The palate is crisp and driving, carrying vibrant citrus through to a textural mid-palate and a long, clean, varietally true finish.
Technical Specs: 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Semillon | ABV: 12.9% | RS: 1.6 g/L | 1,154 Cases Produced

Whether planning a tasting trip along the South Okanagan benchlands or searching for an engaging bottle for the next dinner gathering, Blasted Church Vineyards delivers a refreshing blend of personality and technical excellence. Its portfolio shows what happens when scientific expertise meets a passion for joyful hospitality, and opening a bottle offers a wonderful invitation to experience the bright energy, warmth, and expressive fruit that make British Columbia wine so dynamic.

Visit the Blasted Church website HERE and explore!

Author Profile

Helen Siwak, Luxury Lifestyle Observer: 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 and luxury lifestyle niches. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read business magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and is an EIC for Hire. Connect with her here: [email protected].