Earlier this spring, Hester Creek Estate Winery celebrated its return to a full portfolio of BC VQA wines following the devastating January 2024 freeze that challenged vineyards across the province.
In my earlier article, Hester Creek 2025: A Standout Vintage from the Golden Mile Bench, I reviewed six wines that showcased both the resilience of BC winegrowers and the promise of the 2025 growing season.
Now the Oliver winery has unveiled five more VQA wines crafted for summer enjoyment: Rosé Cabernet Franc, Rosé Pinot Noir, Riesling, Ti Amo Sparkling and Viognier. With eleven 2025 white, rosé and sparkling wines now released, Hester Creek has provided one of the most comprehensive early looks at what is becoming an exceptional Okanagan vintage.
2025 Harvest
According to Director of Winemaking and Viticulture Mark Hopley, the 2025 growing season delivered both quality and quantity.
Harvest began on August 27 with Gewürztraminer destined for Ti Amo sparkling wine and quickly developed into one of the largest crops the winery has seen in years. By early October, Hester Creek was approaching 600 tons while still only beginning its red wine harvest.
“The harvest so far has been surprisingly productive,” said Hopley. “The vintage seems to be compacted in ripening. We are now seeing cooler nights, which are helping maintain more acidity, which has been challenging this year.”
Warm temperatures throughout late August and September accelerated ripening across the South Okanagan, with many vineyards reaching maturity weeks ahead of normal.
The winery’s technical notes paint an even more impressive picture. Growing Degree Days reached 1,859, the highest ever recorded at Hester Creek, while disease pressure remained low and spring frost was virtually absent. The result was a larger-than-average crop of fruit that achieved excellent flavour development while retaining freshness and balance.
“We expect the vintage to be ripe in both flavours and phenolics,” Mark Hopley noted.
For BC wine consumers still wondering how quickly the province’s vineyards have recovered from the January 2024 freeze, Hester Creek’s 2025 collection provides some of the clearest evidence yet that quality has returned in force.
2025 Hester Creek Rosé Cabernet Franc
Vineyard and Winemaking
Made from 100% Cabernet Franc sourced from South Okanagan growers. The grapes were hand-harvested at the end of September and underwent three days of skin contact to achieve the wine’s signature deep pink colour. Following pressing, the juice was cold settled and fermented slowly in stainless steel for 25 days. A small amount of residual sugar was retained to enhance texture and mouthfeel.
Technical
- Alcohol: 12.9%
- Residual Sugar: 4.5 g/L
- Acidity: 6.68 g/L
- pH: 3.54
Tasting Notes
The Rosé opens with inviting aromas of ripe strawberry, rhubarb and subtle floral notes. On the palate, juicy raspberry, fresh strawberry, and hints of rhubarb are complemented by a touch of creamy sweetness, balanced by lively acidity. Bright, fruit-forward, and easy-drinking, this versatile Rosé is equally enjoyable with a meal or on its own on a warm afternoon on the patio. 91 Points
Pair with charcuterie, spicy sopressata or creamy blue cheese.
2025 Hester Creek Rosé Pinot Noir
Vineyard and Winemaking
Crafted in a Provençal-inspired style from 100% Pinot Noir grown in a single South Okanagan vineyard. After harvest, the grapes spent just three hours on skins before pressing, preserving a delicate colour and fresh fruit character. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel over 30 days, followed by more than four months of tank aging before bottling in February 2026.
Technical
- Alcohol: 12.9%
- Residual Sugar: 1.0 g/L
- Acidity: 6.40 g/L
- pH: 3.43
Tasting Notes
Displaying a bright orange-pink hue, this Rosé offers inviting aromas of orange zest, wild strawberry and delicate rose petal notes. The palate is vibrant and refreshing, with flavours of strawberry, rhubarb and mandarin orange carried by lively acidity and a silky texture. A subtle creaminess enhances the long, balanced finish, making this an appealing Rosé for warm-weather sipping. 91 Points.
2025 Hester Creek Riesling
Vineyard and Winemaking
Sourced from trusted growers in the South Okanagan, the Riesling grapes were hand-harvested on October 17, 2025, and transported directly to the winery. Following destemming and gentle crushing, the juice was cold settled before undergoing a slow, cool 36-day fermentation in stainless steel. The wine was then aged for two additional months in tank prior to blending, filtration and bottling on February 26, 2026. The result is a fresh, vibrant Riesling that reflects the quality and balance of the 2025 Okanagan vintage.
Technical
- Alcohol: 12.9%
- Residual Sugar: 10.1 g/L
- Acidity: 8.15 g/L
- pH: 3.20
Tasting Notes
Aromas of crisp apple, honeysuckle, white peach and fresh melon rise from the glass. The palate is vibrant and beautifully balanced, offering flavours of Honeycrisp apple, honeydew melon, citrus blossom and delicate floral notes. Off-dry in style, the wine’s touch of sweetness is perfectly countered by bright, mouthwatering acidity, creating a Riesling that is both refreshing and remarkably versatile. The finish is long, clean and expressive, inviting another sip. 92 Points
Also pair with sweet-and-sour prawns, Asian-inspired cuisine or spicy summer dishes.
2026 All Canadian Wine Championships Gold Medal.
2025 Hester Creek Ti Amo
Vineyard and Winemaking
Returning after a brief hiatus, Ti Amo is produced using the Charmat method and blends Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat. Fruit was harvested in late August from both estate vineyards and trusted South Okanagan growers. Each variety was fermented separately before blending, then underwent six weeks of secondary fermentation in a tank to create its lively sparkle.
Technical
- Alcohol: 11.5%
- Residual Sugar: 13.2 g/L
- Acidity: 6.40 g/L
- pH: 3.10
Tasting Notes
Fine, persistent bubbles lift inviting aromas of citrus blossom, ripe peach and delicate floral notes from the glass. The palate is lively yet beautifully textured, offering layers of crisp apple, juicy Bosc pear, orange zest and a touch of lemon curd. A subtle hint of sweetness is balanced by bright acidity, creating a sparkling wine that is both refreshing and remarkably easy to enjoy. Best enjoyed in its youth. 91 Points
Food Pairing
A versatile sparkler made for celebrations, casual gatherings and special occasions alike. Serve as an aperitif, alongside brunch favourites, fresh fruit desserts or creamy cheeses, or simply raise a glass with family and friends. 🥂🍾
2025 Hester Creek Viognier
Vineyard and Winemaking
Sourced exclusively from South Okanagan vineyards, the fruit was hand-harvested on October 15 and 16, then underwent a slow 37-day stainless-steel fermentation. Following two months of tank aging, the wine was blended, filtered and bottled in March 2026.
Already recognized at the 2026 BC Wine Awards, the wine earned 91 points and secured a place among the competition’s Top 50 Wines in BC.
Technical
- Alcohol: 12.9%
- Residual Sugar: 6.0 g/L
- Acidity: 7.1 g/L
- pH: 3.40
Tasting Notes
The premium Viognier captivates with expressive aromas of ripe apricot, fresh ginger, orange blossom and honeysuckle. Richly textured yet beautifully balanced, the palate unfolds with layers of white peach, pineapple, apricot and honeycomb, complemented by hints of spice and a subtle mineral thread. A velvety mouthfeel and vibrant freshness carry through to a long, elegant finish. 92 points.
2026 All Canadian Wine Championships Silver Medal.
Perfect as a summer sipper or with Asian cuisine or pasta.
The Takeaway
Hester Creek’s latest releases continue the winery’s successful return to VQA wines while offering an encouraging preview of what could become one of the Okanagan’s most celebrated vintages.
The Viognier and Ti Amo emerge as the standouts of the collection, while the two rosés showcase distinctly different interpretations of summer sipping—one richer and more textured, the other crisp and Provençal in style. The Riesling delivers excellent balance and versatility, highlighting the freshness and natural acidity that characterize the vintage.
With eleven 2025 white, rosé and sparkling wines now released across two collections, Hester Creek has provided one of the earliest and most complete snapshots of the vintage currently available in British Columbia. If these wines are any indication, the combination of record heat accumulation, healthy vineyards, abundant yields and exceptional fruit quality could make 2025 one of the most exciting and age-worthy Okanagan vintages of the decade.
Please visit Hester Creek Estate Winery to purchase their current portfolio of BC wines and experience one of the Okanagan’s most exciting new vintages for yourself.