Corcelettes Estate Winery

Corcelettes Estate Winery is a family-owned and operated producer set on 42 acres of the sunny Upper Bench above Keremeos, in British Columbia's Similkameen Valley about 25 minutes south of Penticton. Run by the Baessler family and established in 2013, the winery has built its reputation on terroir-driven wines that capture the valley's intensity, from the flagship Menhir red blend to fresh whites and the Sante sparkling wine. The estate's tagline, passion, precision, purpose, sums up an approach that takes the winemaking seriously while keeping the welcome relaxed, and the wine shop is deliberately described as welcoming and unpretentious.

The setting is a major part of the draw. The main patio offers a fabulous panoramic view across the Similkameen Valley, with its dramatic mountain walls and patchwork of organic farms, and there are few better places in the region to linger over a glass. Wine club members enjoy a separate dedicated patio along with twice-yearly shipments of exclusive wines, discounts and other perks. Visitors who want to extend the stay can book the Sunshot Vineyard Guest House, a ranch-style accommodation tucked into the vines overlooking the valley, just minutes from the wine shop and well positioned for touring the neighbouring wineries along Upper Bench Road. Keremeos itself, famous for its orchards and fruit stands, makes an easy and rewarding stop on the Highway 3 route between the Okanagan and the Cascades, and the Similkameen's compact cluster of producers means a full day of tasting involves very little driving. For travellers seeking the quality of the South Okanagan without the crowds, Corcelettes offers one of the Similkameen's most polished yet personal experiences, with the family's hands evident in everything from vineyard to pour.