Painted Rock Estate Winery

WINERY OF THE YEAR 2018/2019

The Beginning

After the “Vinifera Program” happened to the Okanagan in the 1980’s, the wine produced from it was what made Josh Skinner realize that one day, the region would be an internationally recognized wine country. After carefully looking for the perfect property, in 2004, Josh and Trish Skinner purchased “The Black Hawk”, once known as the largest apricot orchard in the British Commonwealth. Located on an unique, sloping 56 acre bench and surrounded by amphitheatre rock, the land also had long, hot summer days and ideal airflow and soil structures. “Painted Rock” is anchored in family values and a shared vision. This was wonderfully reinforced when 500 year old native pictographs were discovered at the back of the property. John’s long deceased father was a passionate archeologist so this symbolized the relevance of history, the importance of place, and the extension of family.

The Wine

The Skinners assembled local and international talent to realize their vision for an ultra-premium Okanagan winery, planting the single vineyard estate with Chardonnay and Syrah, in addition to the five Bordeaux varieties. Their consultant, Alain Sutre of Ertus Consulting in Bordeaux, oversees the blending and winemaking team each vintage. The Skinners strive to create wines that are approachable upon release. With that, their wines evolve greatly the longer they are in the bottle.  A wines perfect age is subjective, as the flavour profile and character will change. As you cellar your wines, we always suggest that if you have several bottles, open one on occasion to see how is developing according to your own preferences and palate.

The Visit

Whether  you’re looking to host an event, or visit what’s been called “a jewel of the Okanagan Valley”, the new tasting room and events facility at Painted Rock Estate Winery was unveiled in September, 2013. The room sits on a picturesque bluff overlooking our estate vineyards and Skaha Lake and offers a view and a line-up of premium wines that are not to be missed when visiting the Okanagan Valley. Their knowledgeable and passionate staff guide you through their portfolio of wines starting with our award-winning Chardonnay and finishing with the flagship red blend, Red Icon.