Did you know that Nk’Mip Cellars is North America’s first Indigenous-owned winery? An enterprise of the Osoyoos Indian Band, the winery’s core identity is linked to the land, its Syilx heritage, and a mission to express its culture through internationally award-winning wines. The winery’s mission is to express its cultural identity and history in every aspect of its operation and products. The winemaking team, led by Estate Winemaker Justin Hall, aims to represent their love of the land in a way that “preserves the authenticity of the past while offering simple pleasures to the present.”
In 2024, the winery faced a threat when a severe frost decimated approximately 90% of British Columbia’s grape production. Nk’Mip Cellars adapted by sourcing grapes for its 2024 vintage from Washington State, lands that are historically part of the Syilx people’s ancestral territory. As stated by Estate Winemaker Justin Hall, “This vintage is deeply personal to me. Sourcing grapes from Washington State isn’t just about geography, it’s about returning to lands our ancestors once walked, hunted, and gathered upon. Crafting these wines at Nk’Mip Cellars allows us to honour that connection, blending tradition with resilience. Every bottle tells a story of heritage, adaptability, and our unwavering commitment to the land.”
My Wine Tasting Notes
Nk’Mip Cellars Pinot Blanc 2024 – the grapes coming from WA state. This wine has a medium lemon colour. A nice fresh stone fruit nose. Dry, medium-plus body with a smooth, round mouthfeel. Medium acidity. Fresh tropical fruit, pineapple, along with apple flavours. Medium length. 
Nk’Mip Cellars QwAM QwMT Chardonnay 2022 – Bright lemon colour. Medium intensity ripe, rich tropical fruits plus butterscotch on the nose. Dry, medium-minus body with a light, soft mouthfeel. Mostly butterscotch, with lesser amounts of pineapple and oak flavours. Medium acidity. Good quality. 
Nk’Mip Cellars Rosé 2024 – a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Cabernet Franc with the grapes coming from WA state. Two hours of skin contact to give the wine a pale peach colour. Medium body with bright acidity. Light mouthfeel. Fresh strawberry flavour. An easy sipper.
Nk’Mip Cellars QwAM QwMT Pinot Noir 2022 – A nice clear, medium garnet colour. Light red fruits and floral nose. Light body with a round, soft mouthfeel. Fresh red fruits, floral, and nutmeg spice on the palate, along with a touch of red cherries and oak. Medium acidity and soft tannins. Medium-plus length with some bitterness on the finish.
Nk’Mip Cellars QwAM QwMT Syrah 2022 – a deep, garnet colour. Nice ripe berry fruit and meaty nose, plus touches of sweet spices and blueberries. This wine is dry with medium to medium-plus body. Light tannic structure. Ripe, rich berries, blueberries and black cherries flavours, along with touches of sweet spice and floral. Medium acidity and fine, light tannins. Medium to long length. My favourite wine of this tasting.
Nk’Mip Cellars QwAM QwMT Merlot 2022 – A deep, black-garnet colour. Light intensity, ripe black fruit aromas. Medium to medium-plus body with a smooth, and lightly round mouthfeel. Medium acidity and fine tannins. Juicy berry flavours. Medium-plus length.
Nk’Mip Cellars QwAM QwMT Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 – almost opaque black-garnet colour. Light aromas of capsicum and blackberries. Medium-plus body with a smooth mouthfeel. Soft, yet drying tannins and medium acidity Fresh berry fruits and blackberries flavours plus a touch of sweet spices. Medium to medium-plus length. Tasty.
Where Can I Buy These Wines?
These wines can be purchased online via the Nk’Mip Cellars’ website. Other Nk’Mip wines are available at BC Liquor stores (once the strike is over), and at Everything Wine stores.
