Nighthawk Vineyards is one of the Okanagan's most delicious food & wine destinations
Nighthawk Vineyards in Okanagan Falls is one of our wine country’s must-do experiences. Owned and operated by the uber food- and wine-savvy Bibby family, their warmth and passion for the industry shines through every detail at this charming farmgate winery.
Let’s start with the stunning vista. After winding your way skyward from the storied wine village of Okanagan Falls, you will be greeted by rolling vineyards and sparkling Green Lake. Set behind in the distance majestically sits the charming log house that is the Bibby’s home. Daniel and Christy Bibby are the owners and proud parents in this family run business. All their children have grown up in the food and beverage industry, with two working full time at the winery. Dakota is winemaker and Carson is chef at their new onsite eatery that features wood-fire pizzas. View the whole menu here.
The Vineyard Kitchen & Eatery features outdoor dining with an open kitchen. Located beside the wine shop, the restaurant shares the stunning vineyard and lakeview. Son Carson Bibby has an impressive culinary background for such a young chef with stints in Italy as well as working the kitchen at famed Ottawa restaurant Atelier. No surprise though, when you see menu offerings like my favourite “Who Ate Roger” pizza featuring rum braised rabbit, white truffle cream, purple potatoes, tarragon, parmesan and rye crumb-divine paired with Dakota’s Chardonnay. The “Old World Meats New” pizza is also an exciting flavour combo featuring black plum puree, smoked brisket, WTF mushrooms, caramelized onions, mozzarella, provolone and clover honey. This paired with the gorgeous Nocturnus Bordeaux-style blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Malbec and 20% Cabernet Franc, truly demonstrates the perfect pairing.
Dakota is also a young star. At only 23, he is crafting wines that are capturing the attention of wine critics. Aside from winemaking, his newest hat to wear at the winery actually has a veil attached. After completing a beekeeping program, Dakota will now be tending bees on the estate as well as grapevines with plans to make honey and perhaps a mead in future.
The sign out front reads eco-resort and the family has ordered two gorgeous ‘glamping’ tents that will be arriving soon. The tents will be set up above the lake and vineyard allowing guests an extraordinary vineyard experience.
When COVID days have passed, guests can look forward to the return of long table dinners and other food and wine events at this special property. This estate is actually the second highest elevation vineyard in the Okanagan and you really do feel just a little bit closer to heaven here.
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