2021 Oculus Release
Over four decades in the making, Oculus 2021 stands as the purest expression of our founder’s vision — to craft wines of international acclaim from the rugged beauty of the Okanagan Valley. Winemaker Taylor Whelan shares the story behind this remarkable vintage, reflecting on the legacy of Oculus and the pursuit of excellence that defines each bottle. Read More
Over 40 years ago, proprietor Anthony von Mandl stood amidst the untamed beauty of the Okanagan Valley, driven by a vision that defied convention: that this rugged, unforgiving terrain could one day produce world-class wine. The path was anything but easy. A 100-point score was a distant dream until 1994, when Mission Hill’s Chardonnay was crowned the best in the world at the International Wine & Spirits Competition.
It was a triumph born of resilience and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Von Mandl and our founding winemaker, John Simes, pushed boundaries, daring to believe in what others could not see. In 1997, their struggle bore new milestones: the inaugural vintage of Oculus and the planting of Border Vista Vineyard. But greatness does not come swiftly. It would take years of reflection, toil, and unwavering commitment before Oculus achieved its groundbreaking recognition.
Oculus is crafted as a testament to resilience, with an unyielding focus on perfection. Every detail is exacting, from hand-harvesting to barrel selection and maturation, ensuring only the finest elements of Mission Hill contribute to the final blend. Aged gracefully in a barrel cellar hewn from volcanic rock, its journey is illuminated solely by the light of an Oculus above, a symbol of vision and clarity.
Every vintage of Oculus is the culmination of decades of perseverance. This is the story of resilience: a dream realized, a struggle overcome, and a vision fulfilled.
