Mission Hill Family Estate
1981; Four months after acquiring a run-down winery perched atop Boucherie Mountain in the Okanagan Valley, proprietor Anthony von Mandl made an impassioned address to the local Chamber of Commerce on the future he envisioned for the Valley's wines.

1992; Integral to Anthony's vision was his recruitment of innovative winemaker John Simes from Montana Wines Ltd., New Zealand's top winery. John's arrival was considered a major coup for the local wine industry.

1994; John proved his mastery when his first vintage, the 1992 Mission Hill Grand Reserve Chardonnay, won the coveted trophy for "Best Chardonnay Worldwide" at the 25th International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) in London. This IWSC trophy has since been renamed the "Mission Hill Trophy" in recognition of the 1994 winning entry -- our 1992 Grand Reserve Chardonnay.

2000; Not quite two decades after acquisition, Anthony's bold vision has been transformed into reality. Mission Hill Winery has gained a distinguished reputation throughout the international wine community, and brought worldwide attention to the Okanagan Valley. More gold medal achievements in international competitions continue to fuel Anthony's passion and drive to make Mission Hill one of the most-recognized wineries.

Visit their Website at http://www.missionhillwinery.com

Quails' Gate Estate Winery
It was 1989 when, after years of planting and experimenting, Dick Stewart and his son Ben opened Quails' Gate Estate Winery in Kelowna, British Columbia. For the Stewart family, the venture was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue a shared passion for Pinot Noir, and to realize a dream of producing it, and other varieties of wines, with a superior level of quality. At the time, many in the industry weren't convinced that it could be done, especially when it came to red wines. Dick and Ben Stewart set out to prove them wrong.

In the beginning, Quails' Gate employed a handful of people and produced less than 4,000 cases annually. Tony Stewart came on board in 1992 to work along side his brother Ben. Today, Quails' Gate employs more than 30 people. In August of 1998, a new $2 million production facility was officially opened by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, increasing production ability to 60,000 cases and barrel storage ability to 1,500 French oak barriques.

Quails' Gate is known as an industry leader in the area of viticulture. It places a huge emphasis on the development of exceptional wines through the research of new experimental varietal clones and canopy management techniques with high-density plantings. Since 1996 more than 60 acres have been planted with 75,000 new vines.

The product range includes 12 different varieties, from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Old Vines Foch and Chenin Blanc, to specialty items such as Late Harvest Optima and Riesling Icewine. Of all its wines, Quails' Gate is perhaps best known for the superior quality of its Family Reserve Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Along with many of the winery's other products, the Family Reserve wines have garnered numerous national and international awards and accolades -- more than 170 to date.

The wine shop is situated in a carefully restored log cabin, which was the original home of Okanagan Valley pioneers John and Susan Allison, who arrived in the area circa 1873. The shop is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and carries a full range of wine related products and accessories.

Visit their Website at http://www.quailsgate.com