IWSC TROPHY FOR CANADIAN PRODUCER OF THE YEAR: MISSION HILL FAMILY ESTATES
Mission Hill Family Estate is located just east of the Coastal Mountains, in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. The winery is situated atop Mission Hill overlooking the 145km long Okanagan lake, vineyards and mountains. In 1994 Mission Hill made its mark by winning the IWSC Chardonnay trophy.
Proprietor Anthony von Mandl and New Zealand-born winemaker John Simes strive to produce classic wines that bridge the Old and New Worlds. Having meticulously selected and planted 24 plots within the valley’s diverse micro-climates and soils, they farm more than 85% of their own grapes, from Bordeaux-style reds, to Syrah, Pinot Noir and aromatic whites and, on occasion, icewine. To determine where the region can excel, 
Mission Hill has pushed innovation in the vineyards. Weather stations to monitor soil and climatic conditions and GIS mapping, to determine the best individual lot for each variety are just some of the steps undertaken to maximise quality and research in the vineyards. Bordeaux consultants Michel Rolland, Pascal Chatonnet and others have been instrumental in driving innovation and best practices at the winery and in the vineyards over the past decade.
In 2002, a new winery was completed following six years of design and construction including underground cellars blasted out of the volcanic rock and a 12-storey bell tower. Architect Tom Kundig’s objective was to design a winery that would not only be timeless, but built to last and “be relevant for generations”. Today, this family-owned winery welcomes around 100,000 visitors a year from around the world. Mission Hill’s seasonal restaurant with its own kitchen gardens was recognized by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the top five winery restaurants in the world.
