World's best architecture

Photo: Mission Hill Family Estate

One of West Kelowna's most well-known wineries is being recognized in France for its stunning architecture.

Mission Hill Family Estate, and specifically its architectural design led by award-winning architect Tom Kundig, is featured in Architectural Digest France.

“It is flattering to be included in a world's best,” says winery director Ingo Grady.

“We think about leaving a legacy behind. And the architecture, that is both timeless and enduring, accomplishes that really well.”

The article entitled the 'The finest cellars of architects', features 16 wineries from around the world including locations in Italy, Chile, Spain, South Africa, Napa Valley and one Canadian winery – Mission Hill.

“Anthony's (Mission Hill’s proprietor Anthony von Mandl) vision has always been to put the Okanagan wine region on the world map and we are doing it with our wines, with our food, with our summer concert series, our sculptures and now to be recognized by Architectural Digest – hopefully people find the architecture welcoming and unique because frankly people do not build like this anymore.”

He adds that his travels around the world have taught him that exporting Okanagan wine is not what 'we' are meant to do, it is bringing the world to the Okanagan that will count.

“We should still travel, showcase our wines internationally, but the effort needs to be collaboratively with the hotels, with the tourism folks, because our job is to bring visitors to the Okanagan. It is far more lucrative, far more sustainable, than us hitting the road to regions where people are mildly amused there is wine in Canada,” says Grady.

“But, when you show them the amazing images of Okanagan wine country, the architecture, you hook them.”

Following this week's news, Grady says there is more exciting stuff to come at Mission Hill, but he can't fill us in on all the details yet.

“Anthony's appetite to make a statement with our wines, with the guest experience but also with the architecture seems to be insatiable,” says Grady.

“To make great wine you do not need a bell tower, that just frames the guest experience and maybe it is a bit of beacon that looks ahead.”