Canadian food DYK: The world’s first 100 per cent Indigenous-owned winery is located in Kelowna

Two descendants of the Syilx people own and operate the world's 100 per cent first Indigenous-owned winery in the Okanagan valley

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The Indigenous World Winery is located in the heart of the Okanagan.

Nestled among a cluster of world class wineries on The Westside Wine Trail in West Kelowna, including Mission Hill and Quails’ Gate, Indigenous World Winery merges modern culture with Indigenous history.

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When conceptualizing the winery, owners Robert and Bernice Louie wanted to find a way to combine the unique terroir of the valley and the Indigenous people's stewardship of the lands. Although wine is not a traditional Indigenous beverage, they use grape varieties cultivated on Sylix First Nations lands and apply Indigenous practices to all aspects of the business that are respectful to the environment and its people. The couple are both descendants of the Syilx people who have lived on and protected the lands around the Okanagan for thousands of years.