Azhadi Vineyards brings wine, food and Persian culture
to the Kelowna wine scene
Quality craftsmanship and warm hospitality are cornerstones of family-run winery
The much-anticipated Azhadi Vineyards has opened its multi-level gravity flow winery, welcoming guests for a food, wine and cultural experience like no other in the Okanagan. Featuring exquisite wines, a year-round restaurant with Persian influences, stunning architecture and an art gallery, this one-of-a-kind winery enhances Kelowna’s reputation as an international destination for wine lovers, discerning travellers and hospitality connoisseurs.
“When we came upon this granite knoll and looked out over the lake as a bald eagle flew overhead, we knew this was a special place,” says CEO and President Mike Azhadi, who has been planning this winery since 2018. “This is a sacred place that needs to be shared. Azhadi Vineyards is a celebration of Canada, where East meets West, and brings together fine wine and culinary excellence to foster meaningful connections and memorable experiences.”
Located just 15 minutes from the Kelowna airport, the winery is situated on a 41-acre site. The 30,000-square-foot winery is undeniably striking, combining ancient and modern architectural elements and multi-level patios which offer sweeping views of Lake Okanagan.
Every element of the winery has been thoughtfully designed, including a stunning 20-metre main entry arch, a 6,000-square-foot patio that converts to a crush pad during harvest, and an underground tank and barrel cave that doubles as a space for winemaker dinners and barrel tastings. The space also includes an art gallery, featuring vintage Persian rugs and original Canadian artwork.
Azhadi and winemaker Jim Faulkner are proud to present their flagship wine, Griffin, a bold 2020 red blend that speaks to power and finesse. Griffin is a mythological creature, half-lion and half-eagle, often regarded as a protector of both land and sky.
Azhadi will also debut Pardis and GSM blends, as well as Amoris, a sparkling rosé. On the Kelowna estate, Azhadi is growing Chardonnay, Riesling, Viognier, Merlot and Pinot Noir and also has vineyards in Okanagan Falls and Oliver.
“At Azhadi, we blend with intention and a touch of rebellion – crafting wines that defy expectation and invite discovery. Our compositions may not follow convention, but they are designed to captivate,” says Jim Faulkner, Azhadi’s Senior Winemaker. “With French, American, and Hungarian oak as our quiet collaborators, each barrel lends not dominance, but depth. For us, oak is less about flavor and more about texture – about creating wines that feel as beautiful as they taste.”
Journey, the on-site restaurant, is an intimate setting with indoor and patio seating. Executive Chef Alain Léger says the menu celebrates seasonal ingredients while embracing vibrant flavours and aromatic spices of Persian cuisine. At the heart of the space, an exposed Josper charcoal oven serves as a striking showpiece – generating intense heat that imparts deep caramelization and a distinctive smokiness to select dishes.
Azhadi Vineyards is expecting over 100,000 visits per year and will create 130 local jobs during the peak summer season.
“I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Azhadi and was struck by the intention behind everything they’ve done – from the wine and food, to the building architecture and art gallery. It’s a fascinating story that blends Okanagan influence with Persian culture,” says Jeff Guinard, CEO of Wine Growers of British Columbia. “There is no doubt this will be a huge draw for tourists this summer and beyond that, it speaks to the confidence the Azhadis have in the future of the BC wine industry.”
A range of tasting and guided tour experiences are now available. Reservations are strongly recommended for both the tasting room and the restaurant.
For more information and to join the wine club membership, please visit www.azhadivineyards.com.
About Azhadi Vineyards:
Rooted in gathering, gratitude and tradition, Azahdi Vineyards blends Persian inspiration with modern Okanagan craftsmanship. Fine wine, cuisine and culture are at the heart of this family-run winery. Azhadi invites you to pause, explore and savour the beauty of its Okanagan estate.