Sandhill Winery and the
Experiences that Linger
he light begins to soften as evening settles over downtown Kelowna, casting a warm, golden glow through the soaring windows of Sandhill Winery. You arrive with friends just as the pace of the day slows, stepping into a space that feels both contemporary and inviting, where polished concrete meets rich wood beams and plush seating invites you to linger a little longer.
A Signature Tasting is placed before you, a curated flight that moves effortlessly from crisp whites to expressive rosé and into structured reds.
Each pour feels intentional, offering a progression that mirrors the rhythm of the evening. Glasses are lifted, comparisons are made, and conversations deepen as each wine reveals its own personality. Bright citrus and green apple notes lead into layered, darker expressions with hints of spice and earth, each sip grounding you more firmly in the moment.
What defines this experience is not only the wine itself, but the atmosphere that surrounds it. Sandhill has created a setting that feels modern, inclusive, and distinctly urban, yet rooted in the agricultural richness of British Columbia.
It is a place where both seasoned wine enthusiasts and curious newcomers feel equally at home, guided through the experience without pretension.
As the tasting unfolds, it becomes clear that this is only one entry point into a broader portfolio of experiences designed to engage, educate, and inspire.
For those seeking a deeper connection, the Portfolio Tasting invites you into the language of terroir. Here, the relationship between land and grape comes into focus, revealing how a single vineyard can shape aroma, flavour, and texture.
Each glass becomes a study in place, from the intensity of sun-drenched sites to the elegance of cooler, more restrained expressions.
The energy shifts again as the evening transitions into Sandhill’s Happy Hour, where the atmosphere becomes more social, more relaxed, yet equally refined.
From 3 pm to close, a wide selection of wines and small bites creates an accessible entry point for those looking to unwind. On Friday evenings, live music adds another layer, filling the space with a vibrant yet understated rhythm that signals the start of the weekend. On Sundays, guests can settle in with oysters, sparkling wine, and live music in a relaxed, social setting.
For those drawn to curated, one-of-a-kind experiences, Sandhill’s Barrel Room events offer a compelling reason to return.
Within the cool, atmospheric space of the working barrel room, guests are guided through immersive tastings that blend education with indulgence.
Among these, the upcoming Italian Meat Master experience stands out as a special, limited offering. This unforgettable evening of wine and charcuterie, guided by Claudio Perazzo, invites guests to discover the art of pairing handcrafted charcuterie with five curated pairings featuring select Small Lots wines, in a two-hour tasting that seamlessly blends education and indulgence.
It is designed as an intimate, one-of-a-kind event that brings together flavour, craftsmanship, and storytelling in a way that feels both elevated and deeply personal.
The Winery, once home to Calona Wines, was established in 1932 and holds the distinction of being BC’s original and oldest continuing winery.
That legacy carries forward into a space that feels entirely current, where history and modern hospitality meet without feeling forced.
As the sun dips below the horizon, the final glasses are poured, and the conversation lingers.
Sandhill is not simply a place to taste wine. It is a destination that understands how to create moments, layering experience upon experience in a way that feels effortless and considered.
Whether you arrive for a single tasting or find yourself returning for events, music, or a spontaneous evening with friends, it becomes clear that this is a space designed not just for wine, but for connection, discovery, and the kind of evenings that stay with you long after they end.