Hillside Winery: One of the Pioneers That Helped Shape BC Wine

If you've explored the Naramata Bench, you've almost certainly heard of Hillside Winery.

It isn't just one of the oldest wineries in the region, it's one of the wineries that helped build British Columbia's modern wine industry.

Today, Hillside Winery is known for its aromatic white wines, elegant reds, and popular bistro overlooking Okanagan Lake.

But behind every bottle is a story of determination, immigration, and a dream that changed BC wine forever.

A Dream That Started with an Apricot Orchard

The story of Hillside Winery begins in 1979 when Bohumir and Vera Klokocka arrived in the Okanagan after leaving Czechoslovakia as refugees.

At the time, the property wasn't a vineyard at all. It was an apricot orchard.

Vera loved wine, despite having no experience growing grapes or making it.

She imagined the hillside covered with vines, and in 1984 that dream became reality when the orchard was replaced with vineyards.

One of the first varieties planted was Muscat Ottonel, a grape that would become closely associated with Hillside for many years.

Helping Change the BC Wine Industry

Hillside Winery's influence extends far beyond its own vineyards.

In 1989, Hillside joined Lang Vineyards and Wild Goose in lobbying the provincial government to introduce the Farmgate Winery Policy.

At the time, small vineyard owners had very limited opportunities to produce and sell their own wine.

The new legislation changed everything, allowing wineries with five acres or less to make wine and sell it directly from their property.

That single change helped create the thriving boutique winery culture visitors enjoy across the Okanagan today.

It's difficult to overstate how important that contribution was to British Columbia's wine industry.

And we are greatly thankful for the people like Vera and Bohumir.

One of Canada's Oldest Gamay Noir Vineyards

Among Hillside Winery's historic vineyards is one of Canada's oldest plantings of Gamay Noir, dating back to 1984.

While many wineries have replanted vineyards following recent winter damage, Hillside's estate escaped much of the devastating cold that affected other parts of the Okanagan in 2024.

Unlike many producers, they didn't need to undertake major replanting, allowing them to continue focusing on the varieties that have defined the winery for decades.

Wines That Let the Fruit Speak

One thing becomes clear when you taste Hillside Winery's wines.

The philosophy is simple: great wine begins in the vineyard.

Rather than manipulating the wine in the cellar, the team aims to preserve freshness, balance, and varietal character through careful vineyard management and minimal intervention.

Their cool-fermented white wines are particularly expressive.

During my visit, one wine stood out immediately.

The Gewürztraminer is outstanding. Intensely aromatic yet beautifully balanced, it delivers everything I look for in this variety without becoming overly heavy or sweet.

I was equally impressed by the unoaked Chardonnay. Fresh, vibrant and driven by fruit rather than oak, it shows just how well Chardonnay can express itself on the Naramata Bench without relying on barrel influence.

The winemaker Kathy Malone wants to go away from the heavy oaked Chards, instead giving wine lovers something light and zesty, and beautifully balanced like her unoaked Chardonnay.

She makes elegant Pinot Gris as well, with so much complexity, that you want to savor every sip, enjoying its lasting finish.

More Than Just a Winery

A visit to Hillside Winery is about more than tasting wine.

The estate has one of the most popular winery restaurants on the Naramata Bench, where locally inspired dishes are designed to showcase the wines.

The focus is on seasonal ingredients, shared plates, and flavours that reflect the Okanagan lifestyle.

The vineyards themselves are equally impressive. Bees, native plants and local wildlife all contribute to a thriving ecosystem as Hillside continues its commitment to sustainable winegrowing.

Why Visit Hillside Winery?

Some wineries are famous because they produce exceptional wines.

Others become landmarks because they helped shape an entire wine region.

Hillside Winery has done both.

Its history is woven into the story of modern BC wine, while its wines continue to prove why the Naramata Bench is one of Canada's premier cool-climate regions.

Whether you're visiting for a tasting, lunch at the bistro, or simply to experience one of the Okanagan's true pioneers, Hillside Winery deserves a place on every wine lover's itinerary.

Hillside Winery Naramata