Talking With Mark Hopley, Winemaker, at Hester Creek Estate Winery in Oliver

In contrast, the 2024 season was nearly a total loss, with the winery losing 25 of its 88 acres. The current bumper crop is not only a sign of operational resilience but also a major financial recovery.  Adding to this positive momentum, the winery is sourcing premium Merlot from a grower on Road 1 in Oliver. These grapes were previously under contract with another winery, but market shifts have opened the door for Hester Creek to secure fruit that had been out of reach in previous years. This opportunity highlights both the dynamic nature of BC’s grape market and the winery’s strategic focus on quality sourcing.

The challenges of the 2024 crop failure forced Hester Creek to make a difficult but necessary decision to source grapes from outside of British Columbia for the first time in its history, as did many other Okanagan wineries. Their fruit came from Washington State’s Columbia Valley, including renowned AVAs such as Red Mountain, Yakima, White Bluffs, and Ancient Lakes.

To ensure full control over winemaking and retain local jobs, the winery transported the handpicked grapes in  refrigerated trucks. The fruit arrived chilled within five hours of picking, allowing the Hester Creek team to process it at their own facility using their own equipment and staff. This extraordinary logistical effort ensured that even during a time of adversity, the winery maintained its high standards of quality.

Fortunately, the need for out-of-province sourcing was short-lived. With the success of the 2025 harvest, Hester Creek has returned to producing 100% BC VQA wines, reaffirming its commitment to being a true land-based BC winery. Mark described the Washington project as a “stop gap” measure.  It was necessary under the circumstances, but not part of the winery’s long-term identity.

Hester Creek’s barrel program has seen tremendous growth in recent years. What began with only 20 barrels has now expanded to a collection of 750, a reflection of both increased production and a deepened commitment to quality. The winery invests in high-end barrels, including those from Grand Reserve coopers, to refine the texture and aromatic complexity of its wines.

Mark expressed a preference for convection-toasted barrels over the traditional fire-toasted method. Much like a convection oven, this modern technique provides a longer, more even toasting process, which enhances mid-palate volume and contributes appealing vanilla notes.  I had never heard of convection-toasted barrels until now.

Barrel aging, however, is not just about the influence of oak. As Mark explained, the gradual evaporation of water through the staves, the so-called “angel’s share”, concentrates the wine. This natural process intensifies flavour, increases body and alcohol content, and adds greater depth to the final wine.

The Origin Series features small-production flagship wines, covering The Judge and The Garland (a Left Bank-style Bordeaux blend). The Source Collection highlights premium single varietals and blends such as Syrah and Old Vine Cabernet Franc.  Their Storied Series show the distinct terroir and innovative winemaking practices of Hester Creek, with wines such as their Rosé Noir and GSM. The Foundation Collection forms the core of Hester Creek’s introductory offerings and includes wines like Pinot Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Rosé; wines that are widely available in BC Liquor Stores and deliver consistent value.

The Columbia Valley Collection was a short-lived series from the 2024 vintage, made using Washington State grapes during the challenging harvest year. This collection included three white wines, a rosé, and two red wines, and has now almost completely sold out.

Another highlight is the Vineyard 11 Cabernet Sauvignon, named after a vineyard the Australian company president rated an “11” on a scale of 1 to 10, a nod to its exceptional quality. The Pinot Blanc, by contrast, is crafted to be lean and vibrant, with 2–4 grams of natural residual sugar to balance its crisp acidity and preserve varietal purity. The Rosé plays an important commercial role for the winery, with an impressive 8,000 cases produced annually.

I also had a chance to try several tank samples of grapes that were recently crushed and partly fermented.  You could still taste the sweetness of the must and the taste of grape, but then you were also getting the unique flavours produced when these grapes are fully fermented.  I particularly liked the Viognier and Rosé tank samples.  I also was able to try a barrel sample of The Judge 2022.  It was delicious, sorry no detailed notes, but when it is released it will stay with the high quality that you can expect for this wine.  Thank you, Mark, for letting me sample these wines with you.

Hester Creek has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Production has grown from 20,000 cases to nearly 80,000, supported by modern facilities and a strong team culture. The main winery building, completed in 2018, is built into the hillside and designed for both efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

The estate offers visitors a full winery experience, complete with six Tuscan-style villas, the acclaimed Terrafina (meaning fine earth) restaurant, a test kitchen often used for celebrity chef events, and multiple tasting and event spaces that highlight the beauty of the South Okanagan.

The winery’s approach to production is collaborative, winemaking by committee. Team members such as lab manager Marie and others, including Brooke, Paul, and Danica, each take responsibility for particular wines. The winery also places strong emphasis on education and mentorship, running an active intern program that brings in students from UBC, UVic, and Okanagan University for harvest work and research. This commitment to learning and innovation reflects Hester Creek’s belief in nurturing both the next generation of winemakers and the ongoing evolution of the BC wine industry.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit at Hester Creek Estate Winery and tasting the wines.  Mark and his winemaking team produce quality wines at all price points, and I invite you to try some of their wines.  I have reviewed many of their wines in the past.  Here is the link to my reviews of Hester Creek’s wines.  Enjoy.