Perched above the shimmering waters of Osoyoos Lake, Adega on 45th Estate Winery feels like a place waiting to be discovered.
It’s the kind of hidden gem that reminds you your next great wine adventure might be closer than you think.
As spring arrives and BC Wine Month invites people to reconnect with local wineries, there may be no better place to start than here, where sun-soaked vineyards meet one of the most unique growing regions in the province. At the heart of it all is winemaker Karen Yeung.
With more than 25 years in the wine industry, Yeung has earned a reputation for crafting expressive, award-winning wines, along with a deep, almost intuitive understanding of the vineyard.
Around the winery, she’s affectionately known as “The Grape Whisperer.” While she laughs off the nickname, it quickly makes sense when you see how closely she works with the land.
Her path into winemaking wasn’t typical. Originally studying food technology, she was drawn to wine for its balance of science and creativity, and the idea that every bottle evolves over time, telling a story shaped by both place and season.
That sense of place is especially powerful in Osoyoos.“This is the warmest grape-growing area in the province,” Yeung explains. “We’re working in almost desert-like conditions.”
The South Okanagan is defined by hot, dry summers, sandy soils and very little rainfall. It’s a challenging environment, but also what makes it so exciting.
Here, the growing season arrives earlier and stretches longer, giving grapes the time they need to fully ripen and develop bold, concentrated flavours.
It’s why big reds shine in this region. Cabernet Sauvignon and other late-ripening varietals thrive in the heat, producing wines with structure, richness and depth.
But Yeung’s approach is all about balance. Instead of chasing more sun, she often does the opposite, building protective canopies to shield the fruit and preserve freshness. “I want the wines to reflect what we grow,” she says.
Rather than forcing consistency year after year, Yeung embraces the natural variation of each vintage. Minimal intervention in the cellar allows the vineyard to speak, creating wines that are a true reflection of the land in every glass.
That philosophy also carries into the story of Adega on the 45th itself.
The estate was built by the Nunes and Farinha families, who farmed the land for decades and created a legacy rooted in hard work and community.
Today, under the stewardship of Christa-Lee McWatters and Yeung, that legacy continues, blending tradition with a renewed energy and vision for the future. “There’s a real sense of responsibility to carry that forward,” Yeung says. “They built something meaningful here.”
The 18-acre estate vineyard, along with additional sourced fruit, is currently undergoing thoughtful revitalization after a few challenging seasons.
It’s careful, long-term work, but it’s already leading to exciting new releases. Spring, in particular, brings a fresh wave of wines to discover.
Crisp whites like Pinot Gris and Riesling, vibrant Rosé, and new blends including a Malbec/Merlot are capturing attention, perfectly suited for the lighter, brighter moments of the season.
A sparkling wine project is also underway, adding another layer of innovation to the winery’s evolving portfolio. But the experience goes beyond what’s in the glass.
Adega on 45th offers visitors a chance to truly experience wine country. From its patio overlooking the vineyard and lake to relaxed summer offerings like wine-based cocktails, sangrias and slushies, it’s a place designed to be enjoyed in the sunshine. “It’s about meeting people where they’re at,” Yeung says. “Not everyone wants a big red in 35-degree heat.”
That welcoming approach reflects a bigger idea behind BC Wine Month: that wine is not just about tasting, it’s about discovery, connection and experience.
Across the province, wineries are opening their doors, inviting guests to explore, sip and take in the beauty of their surroundings.
In Osoyoos, that experience is especially unforgettable. From desert landscapes to lakeside views, every sip here carries a sense of place. And at Adega on 45th, Karen Yeung is helping shape that story, one vintage at a time.
This April, as BC Wine Month encourages you to explore what’s new and rediscover what’s local, consider this your invitation to step into wine country, soak up the spring sunshine, and experience it for yourself.
