Summerhill Pyramid Winery

The Vibe

Summerhill Pyramid Winery is one of those places that defies easy categorisation — part organic farm, part architectural curiosity, part spiritual philosophy, and part world-class winery, all wrapped in some of the most breathtaking views in the Okanagan. Founded in 1991 by Stephen Cipes and now stewarded by the next generation of the family, Summerhill is built on seven guiding pillars — Gratitude, People, Planet, Passion, Abundance, Pioneership, and Love — and those aren't just marketing words. They show up in everything from the Demeter-certified biodynamic vineyards to the multi-lingual tasting team that greets visitors from every corner of the world with genuine warmth. The atmosphere is relaxed, curious, and completely without pretension — a place where first-time wine drinkers and seasoned collectors feel equally at home.

The Experience

The centrepiece of any Summerhill visit is the Pyramid Cellar — a precision-built replica of the Great Pyramid of Egypt, aligned to the stars and constructed according to sacred geometric principles, where the wines are aged and harmonized in an environment Stephen Cipes believes produces textures and complexity that no conventional cellar can replicate. Whether you're a true believer or a cheerful sceptic, stepping inside is a genuinely memorable experience. Standard tastings are complimentary and walk-in friendly, while the Sensory Sit Down Tasting pairs top-tier wines with organic small plates in a more intimate, guided format. Nature's Table Bistro is the crown jewel of the estate — a farm-to-table restaurant drawing from regional organic producers, with a sunset patio overlooking Okanagan Lake that is widely regarded as one of the most romantic dining settings in the entire valley. Signature evenings like Thursday Night Fondue, Sunday Night Roast, and the weekend Jack Frost High Tea have developed devoted followings of their own.

The Wine

Summerhill has built its reputation on two foundations: meticulous organic and biodynamic farming, and an unwavering commitment to sparkling wine. The estate's Cipes Brut — crafted in the traditional method from estate-grown grapes — has won more awards than any other Canadian sparkling wine and is widely regarded as the finest bubbly produced in the country. Beyond sparkling, the portfolio spans a broad range of estate-grown organic varietals including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, and a celebrated organic Rosé. All wines are fermented naturally to preserve the highest levels of antioxidants, and finished in the Pyramid Cellar — a process that may be unconventional, but produces results that are genuinely hard to argue with.

Good to Know

• Best for: All visitor types — couples, families, wine enthusiasts, foodies, curious first-timers, and international visitors

• Don't miss: A tour of the Pyramid Cellar, a glass of Cipes Brut on the sunset patio, and dinner at Nature's Table — book the restaurant well in advance in summer

• Signature wines: Cipes Brut Sparkling, Cipes Rosé Sparkling, Estate Pinot Noir, Organic Riesling, Viognier

• Tasting fee: $15 for White, $20 for Ice wine, and $25 for Red — $40 - 100 per person for Pyramid visit and tour experiences

• Reservations: Walk-ins welcome for tastings — reservations strongly recommended for Nature's Table Bistro, especially Thursday through Sunday

• Dog friendly: Yes — one of the most welcoming wineries on the trail for four-legged visitors