Balance is the key at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery. Founder Jim Wyse’s commitment to balance is evident not only in their premium wines of place, but in his stewardship of the lands, and for all the diverse flora and fauna that call this special place home.

The winery and vineyards lie within the northernmost tip of the antelope brush ecosystem, which is part of a semi-arid shrub-steppe that lies mostly within the western United States. The location, on a southwest-tilting, sandy plateau, near the north end of Osoyoos Lake, is one of the most highly regarded grape growing locations in the Okanagan Valley.

Jim Wyse purchased the vineyard in 1993, carefully selected for its potential to produce high quality grapes, and immediately began to replant the vineyards. Since their first vintage in 1997, Burrowing Owl has remained one of British Columbia’s first premium and collectible wineries, long before it was commonplace to seek out BC wine. From the very beginning the Wyse family has been leaders in environmental stewardship. When they took over the property, they named it Burrowing Owl Vineyard, after learning that the little owl once prolific in the area, has become an endangered species. The property today is a vibrant ecosystem of indigenous species: more than 100 bluebird boxes and two bat nurseries invite insect-eating guests to stay awhile and dine in the vineyards; ground nests of meadowlarks are protected by barriers in springtime to prevent farm machinery and vineyard workers from inadvertently destroying them; snakes are safely relocated; bears and big horned sheep are discouraged from sharing the harvest but never harmed. Organic viticulture practices are in place, and compost and cover crops are a given. 100% of the $3 tasting fee charged in the tasting room is given to the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of BC, and to the South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls. The wine shop alone raises close to $50,000 each year for these two organizations.