Crowsnest Vineyards

Crowsnest Vineyards is a second-generation family winery on Highway 3 near Cawston, in the heart of British Columbia's Similkameen Valley. The Heinecke family purchased the property in 1985, and the next generation took the reins in 2018, bringing fresh direction while keeping the operation firmly rooted in family hands. The wines are made in an approachable, fresh style intended to pair easily with food and good company, which suits a property where eating well is half the point of the visit: Crowsnest is one of the rare BC wineries with its own restaurant, artisan bakery and guesthouse all on site.

The casual vineyard restaurant emphasizes local sourcing, with house-made baked goods and fresh local fruits and vegetables shaping a menu that runs from light appetizers to full meals, and wood-fired pizza nights draw crowds on summer weekends. The stone-oven bakery is a destination in its own right, turning out slow-fermented sourdough breads, croissants, pastries and seasonal treats. Travellers who want to make a night of it can stay at the seven-room guesthouse, a smoke-free inn offering private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and vineyard views, with continental breakfast included, making Crowsnest a genuine base for exploring the Similkameen rather than just a tasting stop. The property often features live music and has the feel of a community gathering place, where local ingredients and a relaxed European-flavoured hospitality come together. Cawston, which styles itself the organic farming capital of Canada, surrounds the winery with orchards and farm stands, and the valley's compact wine route means neighbouring producers are minutes away. For visitors driving Highway 3 between Osoyoos and Princeton, Crowsnest offers one of the Similkameen's most complete experiences: wine, bread, dinner and a bed, all among the vines.