You just have to love Moon Curser Winery. Where else are you going to find such a wide range of wines—many of them unique to Moon Curser alone?
To borrow a line from Frank Sinatra, they did it their way. From the beginning, Chris and Beata Tolley were ahead of the curve, planting varietals previously unknown in the Okanagan Valley. They knew these grapes wouldn’t produce wines identical to their traditional European counterparts, but they would reflect the unique Osoyoos terroir. Not every experiment succeeded, but their respect for the land and their curiosity about what could thrive here kept them moving forward.
Yes, you’ll find familiar varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Syrah, and even a Riesling or Syrah-based Rosé. But where else could you discover wines like Carménère, Dolcetto, Tannat, Tempranillo, or Touriga Nacional? Or a sparkling Roussanne-Marsanne blend made in the traditional method, aptly named Eclipse 2022?
Moon Curser has long been known for its distinctive, story-driven labels—each one inspired by the winery’s proximity to the U.S. border and the gold-mining history of the South Okanagan. The Tolleys realized early on that their winery would stand out more by not doing what everyone else in the valley was doing. That thinking explains the wonderfully diverse Moon Curser portfolio. Chris’s Italian heritage also plays a role, influencing the number of Italian varietals planted.
Their vineyards, located just outside Osoyoos near the U.S. border, occupy one of the hottest and sunniest microclimates in the Okanagan Valley—ideal for ripening these adventurous grapes.
As MAD Magazine’s Alfred E. Neuman once said, “Why be normal?” Chris and Beata chose the path less travelled. They planted Rhône varieties because they thrive in the South Okanagan, and Italian varieties as a nod to family roots.
Moon Curser produces no Pinot Gris, no Chardonnay, and no Gewürztraminer, even though those are among the Okanagan’s most widely planted grapes. Instead, the Tolleys built their reputation on varietals that few others dared to grow. It may have seemed commercially risky at first, but the result is one of the most exciting and unpredictable portfolios in British Columbia.
That willingness to experiment—and to listen to what the vines wanted—earned Moon Curser a devoted following. Fans appreciate the winery’s unusual range as much as the quality of the wines themselves. Small-lot production means many of their wines sell out quickly, so if you see something new, don’t wait.
After nearly twenty years at the helm, the Tolleys decided it was time for a new chapter. At the end of 2024, they sold Moon Curser to Gurjit and Sukhi Dhaliwal, along with Gurjit’s brother, Harjit. The Dhaliwals, long-time Okanagan grape growers since 2007, had always dreamed of owning a winery. Purchasing a respected and established label like Moon Curser was the perfect opportunity to make that dream a reality.
Fortunately for loyal fans, winemaker Christian Scagnetti remains in charge of production, ensuring the continuity of style and quality that Moon Curser is known for.
Recently, I had the opportunity to taste several of their latest releases, and they more than live up to the winery’s reputation for excellence and individuality.
2024 Riesling (Confiscated)
$25.99
Made in Osoyoos, from premium Washington-grown grapes on the southern shore of Lake Chelan, just two hours south of Moon Curser. Pale straw with medium-minus intensity. A well-integrated nose showing aromas of citrus, blossoms, stone fruit, green apple, minerality, grapefruit zest, and honey. Very good balance and full in the palate. The flavours reflect the nose, followed by a medium-plus finish. This wine is equally at home on the patio or served with a charcuterie plate, pork loin, or curry dish.
90 Points
2024 Broad Daylight (White Blend)
$25.99
This brand-new wine is a white blend of 69% Pinot Gris, 14% Muscat, 11% Viognier and 6% Arneis. Golden straw with medium intensity. Peach, apricot, sweet grapefruit, floral, honey, beeswax, and tangerine zest on the nose. Nicely balanced. Tasty on the palate with flavours echoing the nose, followed by a medium-plus finish. A very pleasing wine well suited to grilled chicken breast, salmon, or white fish.
92 Points
2022 Syrah
$34.99
90 Points
Garnet red with a purple rim and deep intensity. Juicy blackberry, blueberry, boysenberry, cherry, plum, and undertones of earth and spice. Good balance with fresh acidity. Bright, juicy fruit on the palate with cherry, blueberry, raspberry, red currant, clove, and vanilla. A medium-plus finish. A lovely wine to serve with turkey and gravy, lamb, or pork tenderloin. If I had another, I’d age it for another five to eight years. Enjoy with turkey and gravy, lamb, or pork.
91 Points
2022 Cabernet Sauvignon
$46.99
Garnet red with deep intensity. A berry-forward nose with aromas of blackberry, wild berries, cherry, almond, tea leaf, pencil shavings, and a hint of spice. Very good balance with smooth ripe tannins, and a slightly sweet entry. Ripe, mouth-watering, and fruity on the palate, followed by a slightly warm medium-long finish. This is a big, generous Cabernet – perfect with BBQ ribs. Lovely now and certainly age-worthy for 10+ years.
93 Points
2022 Border Vines
$34.99
A blend of Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Garnet red with deep intensity. Blackberry, beetroot, raspberry, black olive, cherry, plum, bramble, spice, and pencil shavings. Very good balance. The palate is packed with flavours that echo the nose, followed by a medium-long finish. Very good now and will improve with further cellaring. Serve with a baron of beef or Greek meatballs. Definitely a keeper for up to ten years.
91 Points
2022 Dead of Night
$46.99
A distinctive 50/50 blend of Syrah and Tannat, a variety that has its roots in Bordeaux, but is now best known in Uruguay. Who else but Moon Curser would make such a wine? Garnet red with deep intensity. A well-integrated nose showing aromas of blackberry, blueberry, baking spice, hints of black pepper, and menthol. Very good balance with smooth, ripe tannins. Cherry, raspberry, earth, blueberry, rhubarb, and vanilla on the palate, followed by a medium-plus finish. Outstanding with charcuterie, hearty stews, or roasted leg of lamb.
93+ Points
Moon Curser remains one of the most daring and distinctive wineries in the South Okanagan. Its new owners have inherited not just a thriving business, but a legacy of curiosity and innovation.
(All photos – Sam Hauck)