What To Expect This Summer In Wine Country

Wine country is excited to welcome you back! We have spent the past month considering what our 2021 season will look like, and below are some pointers to help you have an awesome visit to the South Okanagan this summer.

One: Travel in small groups

At Black Hills Estate Winery, we are excited to host any groups of six adults or less. Due to new social distancing requirements, many winery tasting opportunities this year will be reflecting a smaller scale. While we’re keeping it small, we want you to have the best experience possible and keep safe!

Two: Call and let us know you are coming

Avoid the disappointment of being told we are fully booked, by letting us know 24 hours in advance that you plan to visit. This way our team can tell you what’s available and we can ensure that your wine experience starts the second you enter our doors!

Three: Bring munchies

Food services, in general, may be limited this season, so we suggest making a reservation with us to enjoy charcuterie with your wine flight. We recommend you travel with snacks and water in your vehicle to stay nourished throughout the day or plan the perfect lunch spot near Black Hills Estate Winery in the beautiful town of Oliver.

Four: Have Nana and Grandpa look after the little ones

Many wineries will be struggling to maintain the new capacity limits as we wish we could host you all! Be as thoughtful as possible, by limiting your personal group size to only those who wish to taste and/or purchase wine. Our maximum group size is six people, children included. We do not split large groups and can only host groups of six people total or less.

Five: Avoid popping by to “just look around”

The Okanagan wine region boasts many artisan suppliers, and the urge to pop in just for a look is certainly strong. That being said, if you only wish to look around, try visiting first thing in the morning, when the wine shops can properly accommodate your requests.

Six: Wondering if you need any personal protective gear when you visit?

It is mandatory to wear masks until you are seated at your table. All of our staff will be wearing proper PPE to keep our guests and fellow teammates healthy.

Seven: Weddings/corporate groups/family reunions

As BC regulates that there will be no gathering’s over 50 people, those of us in the wine industry will follow these advisories closely. 

Eight: Can I still “spit” if I am the designated driver?

Of course, and thank you for being so considerate of other people’s safety! We will have as many disposable options as possible, including spittoons.

Nine: If I book with a tour operator, am a guaranteed a reservation?

We would recommend calling every planned winery in advance, personally, for the 2021 season. We’d also recommend getting the tour operator to confirm that they have booked with each individual winery to avoid disappointment.

Ten: How long can I spend at your winery?

As much as we’d love for you to spend the day with us, we are reserving clients for one-hour timeframes so we can host as many wine lovers as possible!  

Some quick facts about Black Hills Estate Winery you need to know:

We’re open from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, seven days a week!
This year for food service we’ll be offering a limited menu between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Please book ahead, as we want to ensure that you have a guaranteed spot.

Be kind and patient, we are trying to host as many people as possible this summer!

Additional COVID measures in place include:

- Occupancy limits and posted signage, based on social distancing requirements and Public Health guidance

- Only critical to business visitors or contractors are allowed on APL sites.  Customers are limited based on social distancing requirements and occupancy limits.  Customers are encouraged to continue using curbside or delivery services.

-Segregated work teams at sites where possible.

Updated November 20, 2020:

- All events have been cancelled/suspended

Updated April 01, 2021:

- All indoor seated tastings have been cancelled. 

- Seated tastings can occur outside/on a patio.