Nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s South Okanagan, Adega on 45th Estate Winery has long been a cherished fixture in Osoyoos wine country. Here, old-world roots, family heritage, and a commitment to estate fruit come together to produce wines that are expressive, approachable, and tied to the land.
In early 2025, the winery entered a new chapter: Gate 22 Winery, a Surrey-based group of investors, acquired Adega on 45th with a vision to build on its strong foundations while introducing fresh energy and broader reach. Read more here.»
The Vineyards
Adega on 45th farms 19 acres of estate vineyards on their south-facing Osoyoos property:
- 6 acres of Merlot
- 4 acres of Cabernet Franc
- 3 acres of Malbec
- 2 acres each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling
- Smaller blocks of Sauvignon Blanc and Orange Muscat
This mix of Bordeaux reds and aromatic whites reflects the versatility of the South Okanagan terroir. Warm days, cool nights, and sun-drenched slopes produce fruit with ripe flavours, bright acidity, and balanced structure—hallmarks of Adega’s portfolio.
Heritage and Ownership Transition
The Adega story began in 1966, when Manuel and Felicidade Farinha first purchased and farmed the land. Over time, the family transitioned from orchard fruit to wine grapes, and in 2011 Adega on 45th Estate Winery officially opened its doors.
A New Chapter: Gate 22 Ownership
In March 2025, Gate 22 Winery finalized the acquisition of Adega, purchasing the vineyards, winery building, equipment, inventory, and brand. The new team has pledged to honour Adega’s Portuguese heritage—“Adega” means wine cellar in Portuguese—while investing in its future. The iconic bell tower remains, and winemaker Karen Yeung, with over 25 years of experience, now leads production.
What Adega is Known For
Over the years, Adega on 45th has built a reputation for:
- Fruit-forward, clean wines with dry finishes
- Approachable value compared to many Okanagan peers
- A welcoming tasting experience with sweeping vineyard views
- Old-world charm with new-world energy, blending Portuguese family traditions with innovative BC winemaking
This sets the stage for a closer look at their current releases—Rosé, Riesling, Felicidade 2024, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon—each a reflection of both tradition and the evolving vision now under Gate 22 ownership.
New Releases at Adega on 45th
Here’s a look at what’s currently pouring in their tasting room and available online.
Rosé 2024 – $24.99
A 50/50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Aromas of soft florals, strawberry, and hints of citrus lead to a refreshing, clean finish. On the palate, it’s bright and lively with subtle fruit flavours, balanced acidity, and a touch of sweetness that rounds out the crisp style. 90 Points.
Winemaking: Hand-picked Merlot and Cabernet Franc, whole-cluster pressed and fermented in stainless steel for a fresh, vibrant profile.
Food Pairing: Fresh seafood, grilled poultry, quiche, salmon, salads, and mild cheeses.
Technical: 14.0% alc / pH 3.54 / TA 8.0 g/L / RS 10.0 g/L
Felicidade 2024 – $23.99
A vibrant 65% Sauvignon Blanc / 35% Pinot Gris blend that opens with aromas of citrus, green apple, fresh herbs, and subtle floral-mineral accents. On the palate, it’s crisp and refreshing with flavours of lemon, pear, and white peach, balanced by a lift of tropical fruit. The Sauvignon Blanc brings lively acidity and aromatics, while the Pinot Gris adds roundness and soft fruit character, creating a harmonious wine. 🥂🌞 90 Points
Awards: Silver – 2025 Wine Align National Wine Awards of Canada
Winemaking: Hand-picked estate fruit. Whole-cluster pressed and fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness and aromatics.
Food Pairing: Grilled seafood, salads, goat cheese, and Thai dishes.
Technical: 13.6% alc / pH 3.57 / TA 6.0 g/L / RS 4.1 g/L
Riesling 2024 – $26.99
This Riesling shows tropical fruit and floral aromas leading into flavours of ripe apple and pear. Medium-bodied, it finishes crisp and clean with a slight hint of sweetness. Bright acidity and fruit-forward balance make it both refreshing and food-friendly. 91 Points
Winemaking: 100% Riesling. Hand-picked fruit, whole-cluster pressed, stainless steel fermentation for purity and freshness.
Food Pairing: Seafood, spicy dishes, roast pork, sausages, charcuterie, or sweet and fruity plates.
Technical: 12.9% alc / pH 3.20 / TA 7.4 g/L / RS 3.0 g/L
Malbec 2020 – $32.99
Aromatics of black currant, blueberry, and candy apple mingle with violet and floral notes. Subtle mineral undertones and smooth tannins frame this medium-bodied red, finishing with flavours of vanilla and caramel. 90 Points.
🥉 Bronze – All Canadian Wine Championships.
Winemaking: 100% Malbec. Whole-cluster pressed, fermented in stainless steel and French oak, aged 14 months.
Food Pairing: Red and game meats, peppery dishes, sage, creamy mushroom sauces, melted cheese, and especially blue cheese.
Technical: 14.6% alc / pH 3.70 / TA 5.7 g/L / RS 2.4 g/L
Cabernet Franc 2022 – $32.99
A bold and expressive Cabernet Franc bursting with spice, black cherry, and peppery notes, accented by hints of violet. On the palate, it delivers a wealth of tannins and spice, layered with earthy notes, plum, and anise. Structured yet vibrant, this wine strikes a balance between high acidity and soft tannins, making it both powerful and food-friendly. 91 Points.
Winemaking: 100% Cabernet Franc. Whole-cluster pressed, fermented in stainless steel and oak barrels, aged 12 months.
Food Pairing: Penne with Italian sausage, risotto-stuffed peppers, or sage chicken with roasted root vegetables.
Technical: 14.2% alc / pH 3.70 / TA 5.8 g/L / RS 0.07 g/L
Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 – To be released late fall.
The 2020 Cabernet has excellent depth of flavour, reminiscent of a bold Napa Cab. Vibrant, lush aromas of cracked pepper, warm spice, and dark cherry are complemented by blackberry, toffee, and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, it’s full-bodied and powerful, with firm tannins carrying layers of cassis, ripe blackberry, and decadent dark chocolate. Accents of spicy oak and caramel lead into a bold, lingering finish that speaks to both elegance and serious aging potential. 92 Points.
Winemaking: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Whole-cluster pressed, fermented and aged 16 months in stainless steel and oak barrels.
Food Pairing: Grilled steaks, hearty lasagna, or wild mushroom risotto.
Technical: 15.2% alc / pH 3.87 / TA 6.3 g/L / RS 2.4 g/L
These wines are now available in the tasting room and online. Visit the Adega on 45th Estate Winery website to order or plan your visit to Osoyoos and experience the new chapter in person.
Note: Julian Park researched and wrote this article, with ChatGPT contributing to structure, data integration, and editorial clarity.