The 2021 publication of the “Best Of The South Okanagan“, published by the Penticton Western News is out and Oliver has done well yet again! We’re not surprised as our beautiful valley is full of passionate business owners.
Thank you to all the businesses that make Oliver, Canada’s Wine Capital, a top place to vacation in Canada each year. We absolutely love what you do! Congratulations to you all!
A special THANK YOU goes out to the featured Oliver Tourism members below for supporting tourism in Oliver!
Black Sage Butcher:
Black Sage Butcher, owned and operated by Matt Leyes and Ravina Johal, won in the Best Place To Buy Meat category!
They sell quality fresh meats including beef, lamb, chicken, free-range, grass-fed, organic, and farmed game. They also make pork, beef, chicken, and lamb sausages in-house in an assortment of flavours.
If you’re looking for something unique, Black Sage Butcher can find it for you! They are also happy to cut any product to your liking.
Visit Black Sage Butcher online to view their product list and to get in touch with any questions!
Fairview Mountain Golf Club:
Fairview Mountain Golf Club won in the Best Golf Course category this year!
The course has been around since 1925 and has been noted by SCOREGolf as one of the best public golf courses in Canada!
It has 200 feet of elevation and majestic vineyard views that meet the semi-arid landscape of ponderosa pine and sage brush. Play on fairways that plunge down valleys and on smooth greens that have the reputation of being the best in the region.
In winter, you can practice your pitching, putting, and driving indoors and even play a full round of golf via the simulator!
Visit Fairview Mountain Golf Club online for more info, rates, and to book a tee time!
Festival of the Grape
The beloved Festival of the Grape was voted a favourite in the Best Event/Festival category this year!
This premiere family-friendly event, presented by Oliver Tourism, happens during Fall Festival Weekend. The festival attracts more than 4,500 attendees annually who come to sample a variety of BC wines, dance to live music, and cheer on the fun and chaotic Grape Stomp Competition.
We are excited to bring you an expanded and even more exciting Fall Festival Weekend next year! More details on dates and ticket sales to come in 2022!
Firehall Brewery:
Firehall Brewery, operated by Sid and Marie-Eve Ruhland, received three firsts this year including Best Brewery, Best Pub, and Best Happy Hour!
It’s a welcoming place to relax with friends and have a beer plus a fun place to listen to live music and take part in their event nights! Events include such fun as Firehall Trivia, Firehall Open Mic Nights, live music concerts, and more!
Firehall Brewery and the “Beer Shop & Social” is a family-friendly social hub which offers a variety of delicious brews and other beverages plus a menu of hot fresh food.
Stop in the next time you’re in town! Firehall Brewery is located in the heart of Oliver at 6077 Main Street (Downstairs).
Flower Fantasty & Gifts:
Flower Fantasty & Gifts, located on Highway 97 in Oliver, won in the categories of Best Gift Store and Best Florist this year!
Flower Fantasty & Gifts not only sells the highest quality floral and gift items in the region, but they also deliver courteous and professional service.
Their experienced designers can create floral arrangements that will complement any occasion and meet your budget and style expectations as well. They also offer daily delivery service to all local funeral homes and hospitals.
Visit them online for more information and to get in touch!
McIntyre Bluff (nʕaylintn):
McIntyre Bluff was nominated as a favourite in the Best Hiking Trail category this year and a stunning hike it is!
First, you’ll meander along quiet forest trails canopied by ponderosa pine and aspen trees. In spring, you’ll be cheered by all the yellow Okanagan sunflowers as you venture higher along this trail. The hike is also characterized by grassy meadows, lovely Rattlesnake Lake, and a stunning view of the Oliver valley from the top.
Learn more about the McIntyre Bluff hike on our website!
Moon Curser Vineyards:
Moon Curser Vineyards was named a favourite in the Best Winery category this year!
Moon Curser focuses on making premium wines from old-world grape varieties not previously planted in the Okanagan such as Tannat, Dolcetto and Touriga Nacional.
It not only has a stunning tasting room and delicious wines, but it also has a creatively fun theme! The name pays tribute to the gold smuggling history of Osoyoos. The story is illustrated on their bottle labeling with fun silouetted characters.
Visit Moon Curser Vineyards online for more information and to get in touch!
Nk’Mip Cellars:
Nk’Mip Cellars was named a favourite in the Best Outdoor Patio and Best Winery categories this year!
Nk’Mip Cellars is the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America, and a beautiful expression of the Indigenous culture. You’ll find works of art, a gift shop, and historical and cultural information inside a bright spacious tasting room.
Sample a flight of four of Nk’Mip Cellars’ award winning wines and learn about the winery from informative and friendly wine ambassadors. Afterward, relax and enjoy a delicious meal on the outdoor patio from where you can enjoy a gorgeous view of Osoyoos!
Visit Nk’Mip Cellars online for more information and to get in touch!
RE/MAX Wine Capital Realty:
RE/MAX Wine Capital Realty, located at 444 School Avenue in Oliver, was named a favourite in the Best Real Estate Agency category this year!
Their experienced and knowledgable real estate agents are a big reason why RE/MAX is recognized as the leading Real Estate company in North America.
Broker/Owners Mathew and Karen Lewis and their team of outstanding agents look forward to serving you and our community.
If you’re looking for Real Estate in our beautiful Wine Capital of Canada, visit RE/MAX Wine Capital Realty online for more information and to get in touch!
Road 9 Audrey’s Breads:
Road 9 Audrey’s Breads, owned and operated by Audrey Enixon, won in the category of Best Bakery!
Road 9 Audrey’s Breads is a small craft micro-bakery that specializes in artisan sourdough and authentic French bakery products made right from scratch! Everything is baked on stone in an electric brick oven. Yum! There is nothing quite like a warm slice of fresh bread served with butter on top!
You can find Road 9 Audrey’s Breads at the Osoyoos Farmer’s Market (check in for upcoming dates) and at Fillosophy Refill Bar in Oliver on Wednesdays.
Congratulations To All Of The Oliver Winners!
Congrats to all who won or were nominated a favourite in the Best Of The South Okanagan competition!
Best Bakery:
- Road 9 Audrey’s Breads (Winner)
- Big Al’s Bakery (Voted A Favourite)
Best Place For Breakfast:
- M & J’s Country Kitchen (Winner)
Best Brewery:
Best Burger:
- M & J’s Country Kitchen (Winner)
Best Campground:
- Gallagher Lake Campground (Voted A Favourite)
Best Place to Buy a Cell Phone:
- The Source (Voted A Favourite)
Best Dessert:
- M & J’s Country Kitchen (Winner)
Best Event or Festival:
Best Family Restaurant:
- M & J’s Country Kitchen (Winner)
Best Florist:
- Flower Fantasty & Gifts (Winner)
- Petit Petale Flower Farm (Voted A Favourite)
Best Food Truck:
- Vagabond Kitchen (Voted A Favourite)
Best Fruit Stand:
- Hillside Orchards U-Pick & Farm Market (Winner)
Gardening Store:
- Sage Brush Nursery Garden Centre (Voted A Favourite)
Best Gift Store:
Best Golf Course:
Best Happy Hour:
Best Hiking Trail:
Best Place To Buy Home Entertainment:
- The Source (Voted A Favourite)
Best Indian Restaurant:
- Masala Bistro at Kismet Winery (Voted A Favourite)
Best Place To Buy Meat:
Best Place To Buy Men’s Clothing:
- Mark’s (Winner)
Best Outdoor Patio:
Best Pet Store:
- Bosley’s by Pet Value (Winner)
Best Place for a Pedicure:
- Rose Glow Esthetics (Voted A Favourite)
Best Pub:
Best Real Estate Agency:
Best Sandwich:
- M & J’s Country Kitchen (Winner)
- Oliver Eats (Voted A Favourite)
Best Spa:
- Athenas Desert Day Spa (Voted A Favourite)
Best Place To Buy Sporting Goods:
- Canadian Tire (Winner)
Best Winery:
- Castoro de Oro (Winner)
- Nk’Mip Cellars (Voted A Favourite)
- Moon Curser (Voted A Favourite)
Best Wings:
- M & J’s Country Kitchen (Winner)
Best Place To Buy Women’s Clothing:
- Mark’s (Voted A Favourite)
