CedarCreek Estate Winery

CedarCreek Estate Winery was established in 1986 by Senator Ross Fitzpatrick. He purchased the Uniacke vineyard and winery site, which had roots dating back to the 1930s as a fruit orchard and a commercial vineyard since the late 1970s. The Fitzpatrick family operated the estate for nearly three decades, contributing to the early development of the British Columbia wine industry and its transition toward vinifera grapes. In early 2014, the winery was purchased by Anthony von Mandl, the owner of Mission Hill Family Estate and the Mark Anthony Group. Since this acquisition, the estate has undergone significant modernization of its facilities and shifted its focus toward specific cool climate viticulture practices.

The primary estate vineyard, known as the Home Block, is situated on the hillsides of South Kelowna overlooking Okanagan Lake. This site features complex soils composed of glacial till, silt, and clay. The winery also sources fruit from specialized vineyards in the southern Okanagan, including the Haynes Creek vineyard in Osoyoos and various sites in the Oliver area that provide the heat necessary for riper fruit profiles. Winemaker Taylor Whelan leads the production with a focus on organic farming and low intervention techniques. The estate achieved 100 percent organic certification for all its vineyards in 2021. Winemaking often involves the use of concrete eggs, large oak foudre, and stainless steel tanks to emphasize the purity of fruit and the specific characteristics of each individual parcel.

The winery is recognized for its commitment to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, particularly within its premium Aspect Collection. These wines are produced from specific blocks within the Kelowna estate that represent the clearest expression of the local climate. Other notable varieties include Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Syrah. CedarCreek has received the Winery of the Year title multiple times at the National Wine Awards of Canada, earning this distinction in 2002, 2005, and 2022. It maintains a position as one of the most established producers in the Okanagan Valley, balancing its broader releases with small lot, site specific bottlings that highlight the geographic diversity of British Columbia.