Above: The simple welcome sign at Desert Hills.
Brothers Randy and Jesse Toor recently founded Desert Hills Estate Winery after having planted land on the Black Sage bench with vinifera. It is a family-run estate winery and is located in a non-descript building dwarfed by the sizeable house adjacent to it (be sure to turn left folks).
Wines: Desert Hills’ production, like others on the Black Sage, is primarily focused on red wines. The winery’s most popular wine among a quirky mix of varieties is Syrah.
Notes on Tastings: Like all Okanagan Wineries, Desert Hills gets busy in the summer. Parking space is not overly abundant, and the driveway is narrow. Tastings are free, however ID is required for people who appear to be under 25. The tasting room is small and relatively standard, and the staff (at least when we were there) were polite, if not overly cordial. Tours are offered throughout the summer.
Above:The wineshop is located down this small driveway to your left. Avoid the mammoth house to your right.
Last Word: If you have extra time, make the stop. They make some fabulous wines and are an easy visit just off of Black Sage road.
Also note: at times there are large dogs roaming the property. They are best avoided.
Driving Directions: Accessible from the North via Road 9 off Highway 97, or from the South via Road 22 off Highway 97. Located on the Western Side of Black Sage Road. Signage is good.
More Information: http://www.deserthills.ca/
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Tags: Black Sage, desert hills, Okanagan, Oliver, Winery