Mission Hill Family Estate Earns Recognition Among the World’s 50 Best Vineyards

Mission Hill Family Estate in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley has been recognized as one of the World’s 50 Best Vineyards, placing among the most celebrated international winery experiences. This recognition is a landmark moment not only for Mission Hill Family Estate’s iconic winery and vineyards, but the extraordinary emerging Okanagan Valley wine growing region.

A Historic First for Canada

A voting Academy made up of more than 700 select sommeliers, travel and wine tourism experts and wine trade specialists awarded top honours on Mission Hill Family Estate—the first time a Canadian winery has made the ‘Top 50’ List. We join an elite pedigree of highly respected global leaders, including Château d’Yquem in Sauternes, Schloss Johannisberg in Rheingau, Champagne Bollinger in Champagne, Château Pape Clément in Bordeaux, and Henschke in Eden Valley.

“This stunning recognition was a complete surprise and a confirmation of the potential I saw for the Okanagan region when we pioneered upscale winemaking there over 40 years ago” says Mission Hill Family Estate Proprietor Anthony von Mandl, O.C., O.B.C. “This is a seminal moment for our family, our purpose-driven and incredible passionate winegrowing team and the Okanagan wine region. Our vision of what this pristine and remarkable region could achieve, and all the years of relentless commitment to excellence and always raising the bar, has paid off. We are on the global stage!”

A Continuous Pursuit of Excellence

This achievement joins a string of major wins, including Canada’s first 100-point red wine for the 2020 Oculus and an unprecedented six-time winner of Winery of the Year honours. These milestones reflect not only the tireless work and dedication of the team, but also the potential of the remarkable Okanagan Valley.

“This recognition underscores our team’s commitment, passion and determination to making distinctive, terroir-driven expressions that define the Okanagan Valley in a glass,” says Chief Winemaker Taylor Whelan. “This is an enormously proud moment for every member of our team”.

As it enters its fifth decade as a family-owned winery, the von Mandl’s Family relentless pursuit of excellence across winegrowing and making, regeneration of our vineyard lands, hospitality, architecture, and guest experience has only accelerated. The World’s 50 Best achievement is more than an accolade, it is a validation of a singular Vision, Drive and Purpose.

Experiences That Captivate

The World’s 50 Best Vineyards recognition celebrates not only world-class wines, but also the immersive experiences that shape a guest’s journey. At Mission Hill, these moments are woven throughout the estate:

• The Terrace Restaurant, honoured among the world’s top winery restaurants, showcasing local ingredients and estate-grown wines.
• The Boutique, a curated space for fine wines, vintage luxury and homeware, earned an Honourable Mention for Best Visual Merchandising by Visual Merchandising and Store Design Magazine. A global nod to the world’s most exceptional retailers.
• The Amphitheatre, an open-air venue that welcomes chart-topping artists each summer.
• The Iconic Oculus Experience, a rare opportunity to explore the legacy and craftsmanship behind our flagship Bordeaux-style wine, Oculus.
• The Mission Hill Yacht Experience, launched this past summer, offering an unforgettable way to experience Okanagan beauty by water.

A Moment for the Okanagan, and for Canada

To be named among the World’s 50 Best Vineyards is a momentous milestone that shines a global spotlight on the Okanagan Valley, affirming what we have believed for more than four decades: this is a place capable of producing world-class wines and unforgettable experiences.

As we celebrate this honour, we extend our gratitude to our guests, our community, and all who continue to share in our vision for the future of Canadian wine.

The journey, as always, is just beginning.