Adega on 45th Estate Winery

Adega on 45th Estate Winery is a family-owned producer on 45th Street in Osoyoos, at the hot, dry southern end of the Okanagan Valley near the United States border. The winery takes its name from adega, the Portuguese word for a wine cellar, a nod to the heritage of the founding Nunes and Farinha families. Their story in the South Okanagan goes back to 1966, when the family began growing tree fruit; they transitioned to premium wine grapes in 2009 and opened the winery in 2011 under founders Maria Nunes and Fred Farinha together with their spouses. Today the estate vineyard overlooking Osoyoos Lake is planted to varieties suited to the desert-like climate, including Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Orange Muscat, and the winery has built its reputation especially on small-batch red wines such as Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

Visiting is refreshingly informal. The tasting room is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with a modest tasting fee that is waived with purchase, and no reservation is required. Guests are encouraged to slow down on the patio with a glass or bottle alongside charcuterie and cheese, taking in views of the vineyard, lake and surrounding mountains; dogs are welcome too. The winery emphasizes artisanal craftsmanship and sustainable farming, and an on-site shop, wine club and online store round out the offering. For travellers basing themselves in Osoyoos for beaches and desert sunshine, Adega on 45th delivers an authentic family-farm winery experience just minutes from town, with three generations of South Okanagan farming behind every pour.