Nk’Mip Cellars is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and as the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America with the first Indigenous Head Winemaker (Justin Hall, a proud member of the Osoyoos Indian Band) at the helm.
Located on the Osoyoos Indian Reserve in the Okanagan Valley, Nk’Mip Cellars is inspired to express its culture in everything they do. Although the winery is celebrating 20 years this year, its story begins long before, and is rooted in agricultural practices and spirituality tied to the land of the Osoyoos, along with a legacy of hard work and ongoing encouragement of entrepreneurship.
Today, Nk’Mip Cellars is one of many businesses, health, social, educational and municipal initiatives that have helped secure the Osoyoos Indian Band financial independence and high employment. In fact, unemployment on the reserve is lower than the national average (less than 3%) and 20% of the more than 500 band members are in senior positions.
This National Indigenous Peoples Day, Nk’Mip Cellars is inviting Canadians to discover, not only the international award-winning wines it produces, but the relentless spirit and remarkable history that inspires them, in the following ways:
- Reserve Your Spot – Nk’Mip Cellars’ Executive Chef, Ian Stilborn along with special guests, Chefs Joe Dierickse and Cheyenne Sunday from neighbouring restaurant, The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry have developed a multi-course dinner representing the four elements – Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. The dinner is served alongside a curated selection of Nk’Mip Cellars’ award-winning wines. Please find additional details regarding the Elements Dinner here.
- Learn about Nk’Mip Cellars’ Origins – In an effort to continue to educate Canadians on the rich history of Nk’Mip Cellars, follow Nk’Mip’s Instagram channel throughout the month of June to learn more.
- Bring the Nk’Mip Cellars Experience Home – NK’Mip Cellars partnered with local Cree-Dene Chef, Heat Laliberte to develop a dinner kit inspired by the legend of the The Three Sisters: corn, bean and squash. The kit is a celebration of Chef Lalibrte’s roots and includes a recipe card, shopping list, $40 Save-On-Foods gift card and a bottle each of the Qwam Qwmt Chardonnay and Qwam Qwmt Syrah. The Three Sisters Dinner kits can be purchased via Great Estates Okanagan here and are available while supplies last.
