Lake Country Scenic Sip Wine Tour - 5 wineries on the tour

Our winemaker, Manuel Zuppiger, completed his training in Switzerland and refined his craft in Australia before returning to BC with the goal of producing terroir-driven wines of exceptional quality. Arrowleaf officially opened its doors in the spring of 2003, with 2001 reds and 2002 whites. Our Tasting Room, designed by award-winning architect Robert Mackenzie, opened in 2014.

Previously an Alpaca farm, the family began planting vines on the property. In 2010 they planted their first blocks of Riesling and Gewürztraminer, then later added Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. The farming operation received it’s Organic Certification from the North Okanagan Organic Association in 2013. The vineyard’s growing philosophy is to raise quality vines with as little chemical intervention as possible. Natural compost fertilizers are used to maintain ideal soil nutrient profiles, sulphur is used to control fungus on developing grapes, and a flock of heritage chickens roam the rows performing pest control duties. Blind Tiger Vineyards officially opened its doors to the public in 2015 during the growing and wine tourism season. “We invite you to come enjoy our dream and taste our hard work.”

The dream began when Decoa and Jeff Harder first came across a sculpture that inspired the name Ex Nihilo, Latin for ‘Out of Nothing’. It was the catalyst for the creation of the winery and its emergence as a premier, award-winning Okanagan Valley wine producer. On a trip to Napa Valley in 1999, owners Jeff and Decoa came across a working model replica of Ex Nihilo on display in San Francisco. The couple immediately fell in love with the art, and by the time they left the gallery, Jeff proclaimed that one day they would build a winery and call it ‘Ex Nihilo’. The original sculpture by Frederick Hart adorns the west façade entrance of the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC.

The strength of the partnership is in the complementary experiences that each partner brings to the table. A winemaker, an accountant, an internet entrepreneur and a healthcare advisor - all pursuing their fascination and curiosity for wine.

ing orchards, vineyards, rolling mountains and the glistening water of Okanagan Lake. Inspired by Europe’s most famous wineries, the property features 110 acres of vines, 300 metres of winding tunnels and 12,000 square-feet of cave space to store and age wines.