Earth Day: Burrowing Owl Celebrates Sustainability

Burrowing Owl has long been a leader in sustainability.

A  lot of the buzz these days (and rightly so) is about the amount of certified organic conversion happening in the central Okanagan. The momentum comes thanks to the likes of Iconic Wineries of BC (VMF/Mission Hill), Okanagan Crush Pad, Sperling Vineyards, St. Hubertus / Oak Bay (imminent) and others. Not to forget Summerhill Pyramid Winery the original Okanagan organic pioneer.

However, in honour of Earth Day I thought a nod to sustainability pioneer Burrowing Owl Vineyards was in order. Also, 2021 marks the accelerated rollout of Sustainable WineGrowing BC’s certification program. (There are some divergent opinions between the certified organic and certified sustainable groups but I’m not going to go there today … maybe later. ;-)  

An early commitment to ecology

A south valley stalwart, Burrowing Owl has impressed—ever since 1996. That was the year Bill Dwyer was lured ‘up to Canada’ from Sterling Vineyards to make BoV’s first vintages.

Three years earlier the Wyse family had discovered their new and soon to be replanted vineyard was once home to the Burrowing Owl one of Canada’s most endangered species. They immediately understood the importance of protecting the overall fragile semi-arid desert eco-system. And named and planned their vineyard operation (and ultimately their winery) always with an eye to sustainability.

Over the years more than $1 million has been donated to the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of BC—including receipts from tasting room charges.

Now, thanks in part to ongoing support from its namesake winery, the diminutive avian has a chance at making a comeback. Moreover, Burrowing Owl’s original philosophy has evolved considerably and inspired many others.

A wide ranging ‘live and let live’ approach includes over 100 Bluebird boxes, bat nurseries, protection for Meadowlark ground nests, snake relocation, and more, while “ Bears and big horned sheep are discouraged from sharing the harvest but never harmed.”

A leader in sustainability

Back in 2006 when Burrowing Owl initiated its formal sustainable program the very notion of sustainability was still new for many. The solar panels installed then are now part of one of the valley’s most comprehensive programs. It includes panels installed on almost every suitable winery and warehouse surface—including on staff housing in Osoyoos. In fact the winery parking area includes shading from 106 solar panels as well as complimentary charging stations for eight EVs.

Hence, it should come as no surprise that Burrowing Owl is today one of the Okanagan’s leading carbon neutral wineries. In fact it was the first Canadian winery to become Gold Certified by Green Tourism (now Sustainable Tourism). 

Even better, of course, is what’s in the bottle…Current releases of the 2018 Merlot and Syrah offer textbook examples of the wines that over the years have put Burrowing Owl firmly on the map. Not to mention the south Okanagan in general.

Burrowing Owl Vineyards Merlot 2018 (VQA Okanagan Valley)

For many years this was the early benchmark of BC Merlots and BC reds in general. This wine more than shows why, as it displays a certain elegance and complexity. From a more typical vintage than some of the super-charged of recent years. Forward red and black fruit with some sagebrush and floral hints. A plush and plummy palate of mulberry, damson, mocha and black cherry, balanced fruit and acidity with well-integrated, silky tannins through a lengthy close. Definitively Okanagan—and very much still a benchmark. Exceptional good value $32 93 pts.

Burrowing Owl Vineyards Syrah 2018 (VQA Okanagan Valley)

A blend of 97% Syrah with 3% Viognier. Up-front black fruits with some earthy and meaty hints before a mouth-filling palate with cassis, black current, wild blackberry and savoury notes. A generous mouthfeel, wrapped in firm but approachable tannins and pepper spice on the close. More than a perfect pairing with pizza, plus I wouldn’t say no to a pepper steak. ;-) $35 92 pts.