At a glance
From a vineyard planted in 1968 to North America’s first Indigenous-owned winery, Nk’Mip Cellars brings together entrepreneurial vision, cultural heritage and an approach to hospitality that goes beyond the glass.
- A vision decades in the making: The Osoyoos Indian Band’s journey from growing grapes for other producers to establishing its own winery created new opportunities for economic development and cultural expression.
- An experience beyond the wine: Storytelling, food pairings and thoughtfully designed guest experiences invite visitors to discover the history and people behind Nk’Mip.
- Vivreau’s High Volume Bottler enables Nk’Mip to bottle its own premium still and sparkling water on-site, supporting a refined tasting experience with chilled, filtered water served in refillable Vivreau bottles.
From growing grapes to telling their own story
In the sun-drenched landscape of Osoyoos, British Columbia, Nk’Mip Cellars offers visitors something beyond an exceptional glass of wine.
Overlooking Osoyoos Lake, North America’s first Indigenous-owned winery is an expression of the Osoyoos Indian Band’s entrepreneurial vision, cultural heritage and enduring relationship with the land.
Its story began decades before the first bottle was produced.
In 1968, the Band planted its first vineyard near Oliver, creating employment and economic opportunities for its members. The grapes were initially sold to other producers, but the Band eventually pursued a larger ambition: making its own wines and sharing its story through a winery of its own.
That vision became Nk’Mip Cellars, which opened in 2002.
Today, the winery represents both a thriving wine business and a platform for sharing the Band’s heritage with visitors from around the world.
The experience extends beyond the wine
A tasting at Nk’Mip offers more than an introduction to the winery’s award-winning wines. Guests also learn about the Osoyoos Indian Band, the winery’s origins and the stories connected to its cultural heritage.
Experiences such as the Three Sisters food and wine pairing bring these elements together through storytelling and cuisine, exploring the significance of corn, beans and squash alongside carefully selected wines.
Even the winery’s premium Qwam Qwmt collection reflects this approach. Its name, meaning “achieving excellence,” incorporates the local Indigenous language into the identity of its wines.
At Sweetgrass, the winery’s restaurant, the hospitality experience continues, with food, wine and sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
Thoughtful hospitality, down to the water
In Osoyoos, where summer temperatures can climb above 35°C, a refreshing glass of water is especially welcome. But Nk’Mip sees water service as more than a practical necessity. It is part of creating an experience that reflects the quality of its wines.
Through its longstanding relationship with Vivreau, Nk’Mip offers chilled, filtered still and sparkling water as part of its premium hospitality experience. Served in the Designer 750ml glass bottles at Sweetgrass Restaurant and during wine tastings, the water complements the winery’s thoughtful approach to service, from the restaurant table to the tasting room.
The system provides guests with choice and a refreshing accompaniment to their wine, while supporting the consistent standard of service Nk’Mip strives to deliver.
And alongside the wine, another element has been carefully considered: the water.
Water plays a practical role in the tasting experience, allowing guests to refresh their palates between wines.
It’s a seemingly simple part of hospitality, but one that demonstrates how even everyday details can contribute to a memorable visit.
Stewardship, from vineyard to table
The land that shapes Nk’Mip’s wines also informs how the winery operates.
Located in one of Canada’s hottest and driest regions, Nk’Mip has incorporated practical environmental considerations into its winery design and vineyard management.
Built into the hillside, its below-grade cellars benefit from naturally cooler temperatures, helping moderate heating and cooling needs. In the vineyards, drip irrigation delivers water directly to the vines, reducing the losses associated with overhead spraying during the summer heat.
With the Vivreau V3-201 High Volume Bottler connected to the winery’s water supply, Nk’Mip bottles its own premium still and sparkling water on-site for table service and wine tastings. The approach supports the winery’s commitment to responsible resource management, eliminating the need for single-use bottled water while reducing the emissions associated with transporting packaged beverages.
These decisions reflect a wider consideration for the landscape and the generations who will inherit it.
A legacy carried forward
More than two decades after opening, Nk’Mip Cellars continues to bring its founding vision to life through its wines, hospitality and connection to the land.
What began as an ambition to create opportunity and produce its own wines has become an experience that invites visitors to discover the history and community behind every bottle.
For hospitality professionals, Nk’Mip offers a reminder that memorable experiences are shaped by the thoughtful details that surround them.
Discover how Vivreau can elevate water service at your hotel or restaurant with premium still and sparkling water solutions.
Explore our hospitality solutions: https://www.vivreauwater.com/
Truth and Reconciliation
Truth and Reconciliation is September 30. We’re honoured to share the story of Nk’Mip Cellars and the Osoyoos Indian Band, whose vision, heritage and connection to the land have shaped North America’s first Indigenous-owned winery. We encourage readers to learn about the history and legacy of residential schools and to listen to the voices of Indigenous communities across Canada, not only this month but throughout the year
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