Burrowing Owl Vineyards

No one in British Columbia knows better than Burrowing Owl founder Jim Wyse that one needs to have long-term thinking in the wine business. Wyse began planting the vineyard in 1993 and the winery released its first vintage in 1997. Ten vintages later, with Burrowing Owl now producing 25,000 cases a year, the shareholders who backed the Wyse family have just had their first dividend! Ironically, this happened just as Wyse was stepping back from active management, promoting son Chris to the winery’s presidency.

It has been a long journey to a dividend because Burrowing Owl, a producer with a cult following, has continually reinvested in both the winery and the vineyards. Today, this is the premier destination winery in the south Okanagan, with a 10-unit luxury inn and an elegant white tablecloth restaurant.

Burrowing Owl limits its production to a disciplined portfolio – only six varietals and a Meritage. The style of the winery’s Chardonnay is understated elegance. The winery never makes fat Chardonnays that interfere with food. This wine shows toasty and white peach aromas. On the palate, the citrus flavours are supported by light toastiness. As the wine warms in the glass, tropical fruit flavours also emerge. With a good structure and a dry finish, this has potential to develop well in the bottle for several more years. 88 points.

Reviewed March 19, 2008 by John Schreiner.