Winery Recommendations: Gneiss Wines at District Wine Village

10/9/2025

Gneiss Wines at District Wine Village

Meet Josie & Mike of Gneiss Wines, here at District Wine Village

Nestled within the new-ish and very cool District Wine Village, which is located just off Highway 97 S, between Okanagan Falls and Oliver, sits Gneiss Winery. In case you don’t know - “GNEISS” - is pronounced NICE! This is a winery with a story as rich and complex as the geological formation (GNEISS is a high-grade metamorphic rock known for its distinctive bands) it's named after. This past August, I had the night of firsts - meeting the passionate team behind Gneiss Wines, Josie (Tyabji) and Mike Daley, and then enjoying the “Northern Pikes”, live in concert. Thank you both so much for the wonderful hospitality.

Roots Run Deep

Leaders shaping the BC Wine Industry circa 1990s. Borrowed from Wines of BC.

The Daley’s roots run deep in the Okanagan wine industry. In fact, they were instrumental in spearheading the development of the District Wine Village alongside Matt Kenyon in honour of Max Brock and taking on the commitment with daughter Christine (next generation), to open a winery and craft quality wines that truly capture the terroir of Naramata Bench. My notes quickly accumulated with details about their journey, from family history to future aspirations, as well as the tasting selection of the boutique world of Gneiss Wines.

Josie's Legacy

How to build a world-class destination wine region in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia? Just ask Josie. And in case you did not know, (like me) Josie is a foundational industry builder and policy leader in the BC wine industry. She was elected the first woman chairman of the BC Wine Institute (BCWI) board. BCWI is now Wines of British Columbia. Her work extended nationally to the Canadian Vintners Association, and provincially, she advised the Ministry of Agriculture on the strategic plan for agri-tourism and served on the board of Destination BC. Perhaps one of her proudest achievements is her community work with the Osoyoos Indian Band, leading to the establishment of the acclaimed Nk’Mip Cellars Winery and Resort, the first indigenous winery in Canada. This dynamic personality is one of the pillars of Gneiss Wines today. But you would never know any of this if crossing paths, because she is not one to toot her own horn. In fact, just the opposite. She's an example of Canadian humility and style. Understated, generous and welcoming. If you are looking for a first hand education regarding the history of wine in this valley, Gneiss Wines is a great place to start. It's open year around Thursday to Monday. No appointment necessary.

Mentorship

The 1990s saw the birth of premium wine in the Okanagan Valley. Picture from Wines of BC.

The tale of Gneiss Wines is blended with the history of winemaking here in the Okanagan Valley. Josie's family has been part of the region's vinicultural landscape, acquiring their own winery in 1984, with her father serving as VP at Calona Wines since the 1970s. Early exposure, coupled with a bold decision to replant 25 acres including Cabernet Sauvignon (60% red varietals), laid the foundation for the BC wine industry at a time when the future was uncertain. NAFTA, signed in 1988, triggered change. Vines were ripped up in favor of international grape varieties. The first single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon was produced in 1993, marking the beginning of the premium wine focus here in British Columbia.

District Wine Village

Today, Gneiss Winery operates a seven-acre vineyard on the desirable Naramata Bench, just below Ruby Blues Winery. It also manages vineyard blocks in the South Okanagan for bordeaux reds and Viognier. While the 2022 vintage was noted as a "great year" and the 2023 crop was "okay," the dedication to quality remains unwavering. Their production, around 1800 cases annually, is meticulously managed by winemaker Scott Robinson, who also lends with expertise to other notable wineries like Little Engine and La Frenz. At the District Wine Village, Gneiss Winery is an example of tiny but mighty, utilizing state of the art stainless tanks and a barrel room housing 80 barrels, with a gentle Spider Europress for fruit flavour and colour extraction—all designed for premium, small-lot wine production.

Gneiss Wines and Vintages

The wine tasting menu is ample. The Gneiss Viognier 2022 was a stand out. It's distinctive "mineral long citrus finish," speaks to the local terroir and Scott Robinson's winemaking approach. Viognier, known for its aromatic complexity, and northern Rhone roots, presents delicate notes of stone fruit (apricot, peach) and floral hints (white blossom), and the added dimension of minerality and a lingering citrus (lemon) finish. It's a wine of both richness and elegance and a good representation of Gneiss's focus on crafting wines with character.

Sauvignon Blanc 2022: Tropical, Citrus and Grassy aromas and flavors make this a popular choice.
Pinot Gris 2023: This is a "rich and ripe BC classic."
Viognier 2022: Noted for its "mineral long citrus finish."
Rosé 2023: A blend with 50% Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cab gorgeous color, dry with lovely texture.
Pinot Noir 2022: Characterized by a "dry long lingering finish."
Pendulum Red 2021: A Meritage blend that pleases the "everyday" wine with versatility and style. This is a blend of Merlot, Cab Sauv, Cab Franc and a bit of Shiraz.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2022: Described as "ripe, delicious with great structure and balance."
"The Chief" 2021: A special and delicious wine, possibly named for or in honor of Sam Baptiste. It's a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Petit Verdot.

Experience the Passion at Gneiss Wines

My visit to Gneiss Winery was an immersion into the history that underpins this Okanagan Valley wine industry. Getting to know this winery and it's warm and welcoming team of Josie, Mike, and Christine was perhaps the highlight of my summer. They clearly love community and without bragging are completely dedicated to crafting premium wines that reflect the Okanagan Valley terroir. Gneiss Wines with their distinctive labels and 'good wine' is the winery to watch. If you find yourself in the District Wine Village, be sure to seek out Gneiss Winery and experience their wine passion for yourself. Tell them I sent you. Cheers.

Gneiss Winery

Address: District Wine Village: 100 Enterprise Way, Oliver, BC
Website: https://www.gneisswines.com/
Call: 250-485-4932 or Reserve Online
Tasting fee: $10 (waived with purchase)

Support local by joining the Gneiss Wine Club. There are so many benefits. Or shop online. BC makes "good wine". Let's do what we can.

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