50th Parallel Estate Winery, located in Lake Country, is celebrated in the wine world. Built from scratch by founders Curtis Krouzel and Sheri-Lee Turner-Krouzel, this winery combines the art of winemaking with award-winning architecture and design. The couple's mission was to create a destination where visitors could experience exceptional wines and genuine hospitality in a setting showcasing the land's natural beauty. With an emphasis on quality, sustainability, and unique experiences, 50th Parallel stands out as a must-visit winery in the region.
Vision and Beginnings
Curtis and Sheri-Lee set out to build 50th Parallel Estate Winery from the ground up, starting with the first 10 acres of vines hand-planted in 2009. Curtis, originally from the oil and gas industry, engineered specialized equipment to manage the rocky terrain, eventually expanding the vineyard to 55 acres. The property has an impressive 61 acres, boasting characteristics often associated with high-quality vineyards. The estate's focus is on producing premium wines with limited but well-curated selections. The winery's name, "50th Parallel," reflects its unique geographic location, a defining feature that's evident once you experience the property.
The couple's journey from corporate backgrounds to viticulture is rooted in their love for creating and nurturing something meaningful. With Curtis' expertise in design and Sheri-Lee's background in business and marketing, they approached the vineyard with a balance of artistry and strategy. Their efforts have shaped the landscape and attracted talented team members who share their vision, such as winemaker Matthew Fortuna, who has worked alongside them since 2013, focusing on Pinot Noir and other carefully chosen varieties.
Vineyard and Wine Selection
50th Parallel's vineyards are planted with a focus on varietals that thrive in the region's climate, particularly Pinot Noir, which makes up about 35% of the winery's production. This red wine is the estate's only red, as the winery dedicates extensive resources to perfecting it. The unique terroir, combined with Curtis and Sheri-Lee's attention to every detail, results in a Pinot Noir known for its depth and elegance.
Alongside Pinot Noir, the winery produces select whites, including Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Chardonnay, and a dry Pinot Noir Rosé. The estate's sparkling wine, crafted using traditional methods, adds another layer to its offerings. Each wine is carefully developed to reflect the land and conditions of the vineyard. Every bottle showcases the vineyard's character with a restrained yet precise approach that sets the 50th Parallel apart.
Experiences and Tasting Options
The winery's design offers a range of tasting experiences that cater to both seasoned wine enthusiasts and newcomers. The Essential Tasting introduces guests to five wines from the estate's portfolio, providing a solid foundation of the winery's offerings in a 30-minute guided session. For a more extended visit, the Seated Tasting in the Gravity Lounge offers an exclusive experience with a selection of five exclusive estate-made wines, complemented by stunning views of Lake Okanagan and the vineyards.
For visitors looking to pair wine with food, the Seated Tasting with Cheese adds a selection of three artisanal cheeses, enhancing the tasting with flavours that bring out the nuances in the wines. This experience balances the wines' complexity with thoughtful pairings, allowing guests to appreciate the full range of flavours.
Guided Tours and Special Tastings
The winery also offers immersive tours like the Grape to Glass Tour, where guests walk through the vineyards and learn about the winemaking process from vineyard to bottle. This tour highlights the behind-the-scenes effort that goes into every bottle, from grape selection to fermentation. It also includes five estate wines from the tasting room. For a deeper understanding of terroir, the Granite Tour consists of a tour through the facilities and a visit to the Granite Room. You will dine in the wine cave showcasing the natural stone, which features a curated tasting paired with a charcuterie board. This semi-private experience lets guests appreciate the full journey of 50th Parallel wines, connecting them to the land and the winery's history.
For those seeking the ultimate experience, the Wine Cave & Library Experience provides a private, in-depth tour through the winery's facilities and wine caves. It finishes with a tasting of exclusive vintages in the library room. This session is ideal for those wanting to explore the winery's past releases and understand the evolution of its wines over time.
The Unparalleled Club
50th Parallel offers a membership option for those who want to engage more deeply with the winery. The Unparalleled Club provides members with access to limited releases, preferred pricing, and exclusive events. Members also enjoy annual shipments of hand-selected wines and priority access to events and new vintages. The club emphasizes a close connection to the winery, allowing members to enjoy benefits beyond wine, such as private tastings, event discounts, and access to members-only gatherings like the "Pick Up Party."
Dining at BLOCK ONE Restaurant
For a complete experience, 50th Parallel Estate's BLOCK ONE Restaurant is a must-visit. Named after the first vineyard planted in 2009, the restaurant embodies the spirit of the estate with a menu centred around high-heat, wood-fired cooking. The dining area is designed to bring guests closer to the landscape, featuring a cantilevered structure that won international awards for its architectural design. The outdoor dining area, with a wood-fired oven as its focus, creates dishes that are rich in flavour and aroma, adding another layer to the winery experience.
BLOCK ONE serves up dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients, with menu highlights like wood-fired flatbreads and other oven-cooked items that showcase the region's produce. The restaurant's team combines culinary skill with a deep appreciation for the estate's wines, creating food that pairs well with the wine list and elevates the overall experience for diners.
Why Visit 50th Parallel Estate Winery
50th Parallel Estate Winery offers a well-rounded experience that goes beyond standard wine tasting. The combination of award-winning architecture, expertly crafted wines, and curated experiences creates a place where visitors can explore, relax, and connect with the vineyard's story. With its dedication to Pinot Noir and carefully chosen whites, the estate focuses on a small but impressive portfolio that stands out in BC's wine scene.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the landscape, the food, and the winemaking process, experiencing firsthand the Krouzels' vision of creating a winery that reflects the unique qualities of its location. 50th Parallel Estate Winery captures the essence of what makes Okanagan wine special.
