Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery
"Our winery is owned and operated by John and Maria Ferreira; both born in Portugal, immigrated to Canada with their families at a young age.
We purchased this estate in 1979 as an orchard where we grew cherries, peaches and apples. Coming from a Portuguese heritage our passion of wine led us to convert our orchard into a vineyard after 20 years in production and packaging of fruit.
The conversion of fruit to wine was done over a three-year period with the first merlot and chardonnay grapes being planted in 1999, additional varietals followed.
Our landscape and fabulous soil have allowed for us to have optimal growing conditions for grapes. The Black Sage Bench is well-known for producing excellent quality grapes due to desert climate temperatures and desert terrain. These conditions allow for us to produce fabulous wines.
Today our vineyard is in full production featuring varietals including Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah, Viognier, Melbec and most recent Zinfandel and Petit Verdot."
Source: Quinta Ferreira
John and Maria Ferreira both moved to the Okanagan in the 1960s as children. Being of Portuguese descent, and red wines being a tradition, it was natural for their specialties to be red and rosé.
The Ferreira vineyard is on 20 acres of fertile land on Black Sage Bench. It overlooks Oliver with a breathtaking views of the landscape.
Mr. Ferreira was out in the vineyard, as I would have enjoyed speaking with him, being Portuguese myself, you know. Actually have Ferreira in my family tree.
What drew my attention was this old wagon and sickle mover near the sign, and stopped to take pictures. I did go into the tasting room and there were several groups of guests and did not stay very long. The tasting room is very inviting, with original art on display by local artists. Maria did mention that the vineyard replaced what once were orchards. Which is happening very frequently in the Okanagan Valley.
Oliver is Canada's Wine Capital with more than 40 wineries in Olive and the surrounding areas.
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