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BC Sips & Stories: Terroir Driven Excellence: Sandhill Wines

Located in downtown Kelowna, Sandhill Wines has long stood as a cornerstone of British Columbia‘s wine industry. Dedicated to crafting high-quality VQA wines that articulate the distinct microclimates of the region, the winery has earned a reputation for showcasing the true diversity of Okanagan vineyards. By carefully selecting fruit from some of the most respected vineyard sites in British Columbia, Sandhill Wines captures a distinct sense of place in every bottle, an approach that has made the label a reliable reference point for anyone learning to read the valley through its varietals.

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A Philosophy Built on Single Vineyard Identity

What distinguishes Sandhill within the Okanagan Valley is its unwavering commitment to transparent, site-specific viticulture. Rather than blending away the subtle nuances of individual growing locations, Sandhill celebrates them, treating each vineyard as its own story rather than a supporting note in a larger blend. This philosophy is most clearly expressed through the winery’s celebrated Small Lots portfolio, which continues to evolve while honouring the unique soils, topographies, and microclimates of individual plots. Where larger-volume labels are built for consistency across vintages, Small Lots is built for contrast, inviting drinkers to taste how much a single ridge, slope, or bench can change the character of a grape.

As Brand Manager Carmen Santibanez emphasizes, “Our wines are about delivering the best expression of each varietal, thanks to this unique variety provided by different vineyard sites. Every bottle starts with a commitment to quality in the vineyard.” That commitment shows up long before harvest, in decisions about canopy management, irrigation, and picking dates that are made block by block rather than across an entire vineyard. Through meticulous vineyard management and a light touch in the cellar, Sandhill crafts expressive, approachable wines that offer exceptional value while demonstrating the remarkable potential of British Columbia terroir.

That same philosophy extends to the varietals Sandhill chooses to champion. Alongside familiar international grapes, the winery has continued to back home-grown BC varieties developed specifically to withstand the province’s harsher winters, a reminder that terroir here is shaped as much by the breeding program as by the soil.

Recommended Vintages to Discover

Sandhill 2025 Pinot Gris

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Following an early growing season defined by abundant sunshine, warm days, and cool nights, this 100% Pinot Gris was hand-picked at optimal ripeness to preserve its natural vitality. Gently pressed with minimal skin contact and cool-fermented in stainless steel, the wine was aged for two months to maintain its expressive fruit character.

Tasting Notes: Bright and clear in the glass, it opens with clean aromas of white peach, citrus, and gooseberry. The light-bodied palate is lifted by lively acidity, offering flavours of apricot, green apple, and a subtle touch of spice on a smooth, lingering finish.

Sandhill 2025 Sovereign Opal

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A uniquely British Columbian treasure, Sovereign Opal is a hybrid grape variety originally created in the province by crossing Golden Muscat and Maréchal Foch. Engineered to withstand harsh winter conditions, this rare varietal yields a crisp, aromatic white wine found almost nowhere outside the Okanagan. The 2025 vintage was hand-picked in late September, then cool-fermented in stainless steel using specialized yeasts to draw out delicate floral notes.

Tasting Notes: Clear and bright, presenting fresh aromas of peach, pink grapefruit, gooseberry, cut flowers, and a hint of site-specific minerality. Light-bodied, with a harmonious balance of natural sweetness and bright acidity, it delivers expressive flavours of tropical fruit, melon, and gooseberry.

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Sandhill’s portfolio demonstrates how thoughtful viticulture and respect for single vineyard origins can yield wines of both elegance and accessibility. Whether the interest is in exploring unique regional grape varieties found nowhere else in Canada, or simply seeking an authentic taste of Okanagan terroir, these bottles make a welcome and versatile addition to any table.

Author Profile

Folio.YVR x Town Hall Brands: ‘BC Sips & Stories’, an ongoing 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.