Along the slopes of Lake Okanagan, Blind Tiger Vineyards invites guests into a world where tradition meets rebellious spirit. This family-owned and operated winery combines rich winemaking heritage with an atmosphere that’s vibrant, inclusive, and dedicated to a good time. Named after the Prohibition-era term “blind tiger”—a secretive way to describe speakeasies—this vineyard promises a hidden, thrilling discovery with every visit. Blind Tiger embraces its role as a distinctive wine destination, offering carefully crafted organic wines, live music, woodfired pizza, and a place where everyone, including furry friends, is welcome.
A Winery with a Bold Backstory
The name “Blind Tiger” reflects a playful nod to the secretive, underground speakeasies of the Prohibition era. This sense of mystery and unconventional charm flows into everything at Blind Tiger Vineyards, from its approach to winemaking to the lively environment created for guests. Rather than adhering to the formal atmosphere typical of some wineries, Blind Tiger is about inclusivity and a casual experience where visitors can feel at ease exploring the wines, chatting with the winemakers, and enjoying the laid-back vineyard setting.
Blind Tiger embodies a passion for community and authenticity, creating a space where wine is celebrated, and guests are treated like family. This ethos has cultivated an inviting vineyard experience that blends high-quality wines with the relaxed charm of an open-air setting.
Organic Farming: Naturally Cultivated Wines
At Blind Tiger, the commitment to sustainable practices is evident. The vineyard operates with a philosophy of organic cultivation, which means no synthetic chemicals or pesticides are used on the vines. This approach protects the environment and enhances the flavours of each grape variety, resulting in wines that are true to the terroir.
From vine to bottle, every grape at Blind Tiger is carefully tended to ensure quality and authenticity. This dedication to organic farming creates wines that reflect the vineyard’s soil and climate, producing vibrant, natural flavours unmasked by chemical intervention. Visitors to the vineyard can taste the difference in each glass, knowing that the wine is the product of environmentally conscious choices and careful cultivation.
The Wines of Blind Tiger
Blind Tiger’s wine portfolio offers a range of styles, each crafted to highlight the unique characteristics of the grapes and the land. Among the reds, the 2019 Pinot Noir stands out, a medium-bodied wine aged in both French and American oak, with smoky notes and flavours of black currant and plum. The 2019 Merlot is a full-bodied, deep red wine with a flavour profile of ripe black cherry, black plum, and vanilla, making it a popular choice for red wine lovers seeking a robust, lingering experience.
The Hush Up Blush is a refreshing rosé made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes for those looking to keep things light. This wine, crafted in the classic French style, is known for its cranberry and raspberry notes, offering a dry finish that has made it Blind Tiger’s bestselling wine for three years running. Another light option is the Pinot Gris, an easy-drinking, light-bodied wine with peach and pear aromas.
Blind Tiger’s portfolio also includes unique choices like the Speakeasy Red, a Meritage-style blend featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah. With deep aromas of cherry, blackberry, and cedar, this wine is full-bodied, aged in American oak, and promises a cellar life of up to eight years. Adding to the selection is the vineyard’s first Pinot Noir Ice Wine, a dessert wine with apricot, lychee, and tropical notes, perfect for pairing with sweets or enjoying on its own.
Tastings and Experiences
Blind Tiger’s tasting experience is casual and welcoming, designed for guests to explore the wines at their own pace. The tasting room offers a view over the vineyard and lake, making it a scenic spot to sample the variety of wines. Tastings allow guests to try the best of the vineyard’s selection while learning about the story behind each bottle from knowledgeable staff.
In addition to tastings, Blind Tiger offers a range of outdoor experiences. Guests are invited to relax in the vineyard, enjoy a casual meal at Marno’s Woodfire Pizza, and stay for live music events. During the fall season, the winery also offers charcuterie boards with locally sourced meats and cheeses, enhancing the tasting experience with food pairings that complement the wines.
Marno’s Woodfire Pizza: A Culinary Gem
Marno’s Woodfire Pizza, located on the vineyard grounds, serves Neapolitan-style pizzas cooked beside a real wood fire. The pizzas are made with local ingredients and bring a touch of the Okanagan’s culinary bounty to the vineyard. With a menu curated by Chef Morgen, guests can enjoy dishes like the arugula flatbread, a perfect pairing with Blind Tiger’s light-bodied wines like Pinot Gris. The restaurant also offers wine slushies as an interesting cocktail for those who are looking for something different. During events, Marno’s stays open for service, providing food for ticket holders while they enjoy music and wine.
The woodfired pizza experience adds a unique element to Blind Tiger, allowing guests to enjoy handcrafted food alongside their wine. Marno’s is a popular spot for gatherings, and the pizzas provide a satisfying, shareable meal that pairs naturally with a glass of wine and the vineyard’s scenic views.
Events and Music in the Vineyard
Blind Tiger’s live music events, known as Live in the Vineyard, bring an extra layer of energy to the vineyard, making it a lively spot for enjoying local talent, delicious wine, and good company. The vineyard transforms into an open-air concert venue where guests can gather with friends, sip wine, and enjoy music in the relaxed, natural setting of the Okanagan. These events make Blind Tiger a popular spot, combining the vineyard’s charm with the lively atmosphere of live music.
The vineyard also offers private event bookings, making it an ideal location for weddings, team gatherings, or family celebrations. With its rustic charm, scenic views, and access to Marno’s Woodfire Pizza, Blind Tiger offers a memorable setting for special occasions, where guests can enjoy the best of the Okanagan’s wine and food.
A Place for Everyone
Blind Tiger prides itself on creating an inclusive experience for all visitors. Pet-friendly and family-friendly, the vineyard welcomes guests of all kinds, including furry companions who can enjoy the outdoor picnic and patio areas. There’s no pretension here—just a genuine dedication to creating a space where people can relax, have fun, and enjoy the wines, food, and atmosphere.
Blind Tiger Vineyards is a place that captures the Okanagan spirit through good wine, good food, and a community-centered approach. With its organic wines, dedication to quality, and a setting that combines nature with vibrant social gatherings, Blind Tiger creates an experience that’s as memorable as it is unique. Come for the wine, stay for the experience, and leave with a story that’s all your own.
