Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, Guest House, Wine Shop, Sonora Room Restaurant
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Burrowing Owl Estate Winery

4.3
·541 reviews·Oliver, Canada

An award-winning winery estate offering premium wines, fine dining, luxurious accommodations, and a commitment to conservation.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, late morning

Fewer crowds, more personal attention

CrowdLow
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Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, Guest House, Wine Shop, Sonora Room Restaurant

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery

Best Time

Weekdays, late morning

Fewer crowds, more personal attention

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An award-winning winery estate offering premium wines, fine dining, luxurious accommodations, and a commitment to conservation.

4.3
(541 reviews)

"Our wine tasting with Vanessa was the highlight of our trip there. She struck the perfect balance between being incredibly informative and keeping us entertained."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tastings Ahead

Popular tastings fill up fast! Reserve your spot online to avoid disappointment.

🦉 Support Owl Conservation

Tasting fees often donate to the owl conservation program. Feel good about your visit!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wine Tasting Experience

Wine Tasting Experience

Wine Shop

Engage your senses with expertly guided tastings of premium wines, often featuring unique varietals.

The Sonora Room Restaurant

The Sonora Room Restaurant

Onsite

Savor exquisite farm-to-table cuisine paired with their award-winning wines in an elegant setting.

Guest House Accommodations

Guest House Accommodations

Onsite

Experience luxury country-style rooms and a suite, offering a serene retreat amidst the vineyards.

Burrowing Owl Conservation

Burrowing Owl Conservation

Estate grounds

Learn about and support the winery's commitment to protecting the endangered northern burrowing owl.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tasting in Advance

Tastings at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery are popular, especially during peak season. Booking ahead ensures your spot and can sometimes include a small fee that goes towards owl conservation efforts. Check their website for the latest details and reservation options.

Consider an Overnight Stay

For a truly immersive experience, consider booking a room at the Burrowing Owl Guest House. This allows you to fully enjoy the winery's amenities, including the restaurant and pool, without the rush of a day trip. It's a great way to savor the Okanagan lifestyle.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, late morning
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Beautiful sunsets & dining al fresco
Crowd
High
When
Spring weekends
Why
Enjoy brunch & vineyard blooms
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Told the hubby I wanna make a 8hr drive to their winery for a tasting #lemonwine #moscato #wine #winetasting #oliverwine
@haleyfromtheholler
1.6K likes • 33.1K views

🎯 Book Tastings Ahead

Popular tastings fill up fast! Reserve your spot online to avoid disappointment. Instagram

🦉 Support Owl Conservation

Tasting fees often donate to the owl conservation program. Feel good about your visit! Reddit

Beautiful summer nights at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery….. join us this long May weekend to kick off you summer! Book a tasting in our wine shop for just $5 with proceeds going to conserve Burrowing owls. Then head to our Sonora Room Restaurant for brunch, lunch or dinner. We are open every day and reservations are available online. We look forward to seeing you soon. #burrowingowlwinery #winet...
burrowingowlwinery
171 likes • 1.9K views
Join the team at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery! If you are looking to bring your love of hospitality to one of Canada’s most respected wineries, to work with a team that takes pride in providing amazing food, premium wines and exceptional hospitality, this is the job for you! The Sonora Room Restaurant not only provides top-notch dining experiences, it allows social connection for our customers a...
sonoraroom
14 likes • 333 views

🚗 Designated Driver

With multiple wineries nearby, plan for a designated driver or tour service. Reddit

🍽️ Reserve Dinner

The Sonora Room is a fine-dining experience; reservations are highly recommended. Instagram

If you haven’t yet had the chance to visit Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, you’ve got to add it to your tasting list for next time you’re in Oliver and Osoyoos!🍷 Enjoy a little mini tour to get a taste of what they’re all about. This elegant winery features tantalizing wines, fantastic food, and post-card worthy views 📸 #OsoyoosBC #ExploreBC #Osoyoos #OkanaganWine #BCWine #SouthOkanagan #OkanaganL...
osoyoosbc
260 likes • 3.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tastings Ahead

Popular tastings fill up fast! Reserve your spot online to avoid disappointment. Instagram

🦉 Support Owl Conservation

Tasting fees often donate to the owl conservation program. Feel good about your visit! Reddit

🚗 Designated Driver

With multiple wineries nearby, plan for a designated driver or tour service. Reddit

🍽️ Reserve Dinner

The Sonora Room is a fine-dining experience; reservations are highly recommended. Instagram

🛏️ Stay Overnight

The Guest House offers a luxurious escape to fully enjoy the estate. Instagram

🍋 Try the Lemon Moscato

This unique wine is a must-try for those who enjoy sweet, fruity notes. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.3
(541 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Burrowing Owl Estate Winery for its exceptional wine tastings, knowledgeable and engaging staff like Vanessa and Victoria, and the high quality of its wines. The beautiful estate, fine-dining restaurant, and commitment to owl conservation are frequently highlighted as significant draws. While the experience is generally lauded, some may find the tasting fees or restaurant prices to be on the higher side.

"My husband and I had a wonderful time during our recent visit to the Burrowing Owl Estate Winery.
What a fabulous experience! Our wine tasting with Vanessa was the highlight of our trip there. She struck the perfect balance between being incredibly informative and keeping us entertained.
Vanessa had us laughing and learning throughout the session. The personalized attention and thoughtful recommendations based on our preferences really stood out. We ended up purchasing a dozen of a variety of wines that we enjoyed during our tasting. We cannot recommend this experience enough and will definitely be back to this fabulous winery"

Pranita Badasha

"We went to Burrowing Owl for a tasting, and we were fortunate enough to be placed with Dave. Dave was wonderful. We had our tasting along with another really lovely couple and had a wonderful time. Weve always loved the wines from Burrowing Owl so it was a pleasure to visit their location, and we tasted some really great wines that were not available in our local area. We ended up purchasing a box of 12 and look forward to drinking them when we get home!"

Thomas Veith

"I have never had the pleasure of visiting Burrowing Owl myself, but my husband did while visiting our son living in Oliver. We have been enjoying their wines ever since. We have it delivered to our door almost yearly. Our friends from Vancouver Island, Denmark & family in Germany have enjoyed it. It is extremely inexpensive to ship it to our home, since our liquor stores get very little Burrowing Owl & if so, it is snapped up within days! We will continue to share & savour this fantastic wine! I just ordered 6 bottles on the 25th and received it today (the 30th)...great service! I hope to visit one day soon!"

L. M. Hiscock

What People Like

Exceptional wine tastings
Knowledgeable staff
Premium wine quality

What People Dislike

Tasting fees/prices

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery is located on the eastern side of the Okanagan Valley, between Osoyoos and Oliver, BC. It's accessible by car, and many visitors use it as part of a larger wine tour of the region. If you're flying in, the closest major airports are Penticton (YYF) and Kelowna (YLW), from which you can rent a car or arrange transportation. Instagram

Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at the winery. They also offer e-car charging stations, reflecting their commitment to environmental practices. Instagram

While having a car offers flexibility, you can visit without one. Consider booking a wine tour that includes Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, or arrange for a taxi or ride-sharing service. Some accommodations may also offer shuttle services. Reddit

From the south (e.g., Osoyoos), take Highway 97 North and follow signs for Burrowing Owl Estate Winery. From the north (e.g., Oliver), also take Highway 97 South. The winery is well-signposted. Instagram

Absolutely! Burrowing Owl Estate Winery is situated in a prime wine region. Nearby wineries include La Stella Winery and Phantom Creek Estates, among many others in the Oliver and Osoyoos areas. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

It is highly recommended to book your wine tasting in advance, especially during peak season or on weekends. This ensures you secure a spot and can often be done online through their website. Instagram+1

The tasting fee at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery is typically a donation to their conservation program for burrowing owls. This makes the experience not only enjoyable but also meaningful. Reddit

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery is generally open daily. However, specific hours for the tasting room, restaurant, and guest house can vary by season. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours. Instagram

Yes, you can purchase wine directly from the tasting room/wine shop. Many visitors find unique vintages or wines not readily available in their local stores. InstagramReddit

Yes, you must be of legal drinking age (19 years or older in British Columbia) to participate in wine tastings. Please bring valid identification. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery features The Sonora Room, a fine-dining restaurant offering exquisite cuisine. They also serve brunch on weekends and lunch daily. Instagram+2

Reservations for The Sonora Room are highly recommended, especially for dinner and on weekends, to ensure you get a table. You can usually book online through their website. Instagram

The Sonora Room focuses on farm-to-table cuisine, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients. The menu is designed to complement the winery's premium wines. Instagram+1

Yes, non-alcoholic beverages are typically available at The Sonora Room and the tasting bar. It's always a good idea to inquire about specific options when you visit. Reddit

While there isn't a dedicated picnic area, enjoying a meal at The Sonora Room or a tasting on the patio is a popular way to experience the estate's culinary offerings. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The winery grounds offer stunning vineyard views, elegant architecture, and scenic vistas, especially during sunset. The tasting room and restaurant also provide beautiful backdrops. Instagram+1

Generally, photography is allowed for personal use during tastings, but always be mindful of other guests and the staff. Avoid intrusive photography that might disrupt the experience for others. Instagram

While the winery is named after them and supports their conservation, the burrowing owls are wild animals. It's best to observe them from a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted at wineries to ensure the safety and privacy of guests and staff. It's advisable to check the winery's specific policy before flying a drone. Instagram

The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow over the vineyards and estate. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Burrowing Owl Estate Winery is primarily an adult-focused destination, families can still enjoy a visit. The expansive grounds offer space to explore, and the focus on conservation might interest older children. The Sonora Room Restaurant offers a refined dining experience, and it's worth inquiring about kid-friendly menu options or if they can accommodate younger guests during specific meal times. Instagram Consider visiting during the day when the atmosphere is more relaxed. Instagram

🥂 Wine Enthusiasts

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery is a must-visit for serious wine lovers. Their commitment to producing premium wines, particularly their Bordeaux-style blends and unique varietals like their Lemon Moscato, is evident in every sip. TikTok The knowledgeable staff, like Vanessa and Victoria, provide in-depth insights into each wine, making the tasting an educational and enjoyable experience. Reddit Many visitors leave with a case of their favorites, appreciating the quality and the opportunity to discover wines not easily found elsewhere. Reddit

💍 Couples & Romantic Getaways

For a romantic escape, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery offers a perfect setting. The elegant Sonora Room Restaurant provides an intimate dining experience with stunning vineyard views, ideal for a special occasion. Instagram Consider booking a stay at the Burrowing Owl Guest House for a truly immersive and luxurious experience, complete with poolside relaxation and easy access to wine tastings and fine dining. Instagram+1 The picturesque scenery and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal destination for couples seeking a sophisticated and memorable getaway. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Burrowing Owl Legacy

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery is more than just a place to enjoy fine wine; it's a testament to conservation. Founded by Jim Wyse, the winery has a deep commitment to protecting the endangered northern burrowing owl, which gives the estate its name. Over the years, the winery has donated significant funds to the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society, contributing to vital research and habitat preservation efforts. Instagram This dedication is woven into the fabric of the winery, making a visit a chance to support a worthy cause while indulging in premium wines. Reddit

Visitors can learn more about this initiative during their visit. The tasting fee often directly supports these conservation programs, allowing guests to feel a part of something meaningful. It’s a unique aspect that sets Burrowing Owl apart, blending the pleasure of wine tasting with a tangible contribution to wildlife protection. Reddit

A Taste of Luxury: Dining and Accommodation

The Burrowing Owl Estate Winery offers a complete luxury experience, extending beyond its acclaimed wines. The Sonora Room Restaurant is a highlight, providing an exceptional fine-dining experience with a focus on farm-to-table cuisine. Chef Lee Humphries crafts menus that perfectly complement the winery's offerings, making each meal a culinary journey. Instagram+1 Whether you're enjoying brunch on a weekend, a leisurely lunch, or an elegant dinner, the restaurant promises a memorable gastronomic adventure. Instagram

For those wishing to extend their stay, the Burrowing Owl Guest House provides a serene and luxurious retreat. The country-style rooms and a premium suite offer a comfortable and elegant base from which to explore the Okanagan. Guests can enjoy poolside relaxation and the convenience of having world-class wine and dining just steps away. Instagram+1 This integrated approach to hospitality ensures visitors can fully immerse themselves in the winery's ambiance and offerings.

Exploring the Okanagan Wine Scene

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery is a jewel within the renowned Okanagan Valley wine region, often referred to as Canada's Wine Capital. Located between Osoyoos and Oliver, it sits on the Black Sage Bench, an area celebrated for its unique terroir that produces exceptional wines. Instagram+1 The winery is part of a vibrant landscape dotted with numerous other esteemed vineyards, offering a rich tapestry of tasting experiences. Instagram

Visitors can easily combine a trip to Burrowing Owl with visits to other nearby wineries, creating a comprehensive wine tour. Popular neighbors include La Stella Winery and Phantom Creek Estates, each offering distinct styles and experiences. Instagram Planning a route that includes Burrowing Owl allows you to sample a diverse range of Okanagan wines, from bold reds to crisp whites, and discover the unique characteristics of this celebrated wine-producing area. Reddit

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