And the beat goes on.
There’s a new kid on the block in Osoyoos. Well, sort of.
Adega on 45th, a fixture in the South Okanagan since 2011, was founded by Maria Nunes and Fred Farinha after decades of family experience in tree-fruit farming. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Anarchist Mountain and perched on the eastern shore of Osoyoos Lake, the winery’s warm terracotta design is a nod to its Portuguese heritage—perfectly complementing the area’s sun-soaked, Mediterranean feel.
This is a perfect place to unwind, and the environment encourages it. With an unhurried tasting room, this is a place to relax and take some time to savour the wines on the patio and gaze over the vineyards and the semi-desert surroundings.
The estate’s 20 acres are home to Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon, along with smaller blocks of Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. A second family-run property of 10 acres, adding Syrah, Orange Muscat, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer to the mix. It’s a lot to manage—and the new team is looking to refine the portfolio, focusing on wines that truly shine.
What about the ‘new kid’? In 2025, Adega was sold to a Surrey-based wine group, led by Christa-Lee McWatters, a familiar and respected name in the B.C. wine industry. Backed by decades of experience, she’s already putting together a team with serious credentials: Karen Yeung heads up the cellar with 25 years in the business, while Korol Kuklo joins the production side.
And yes, there are plans for a sparkling wine program—because with Christa-Lee involved, of course, there are.
Despite the challenges of the 2024 season—which forced some B.C. wineries to source grapes from outside the province—Adega’s entire vintage remained proudly estate-grown. A rare bright spot in a difficult year, and one that shows in the quality of the wines.
2024 Felicidade (White Blend)
$23.99
The name of this wine is a Portuguese term for happiness or joy. This blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris is straw coloured with medium-minus intensity. A pleasant nose showing citrus, stone fruit, melon, tropical fruit, a hint of grass, and orange blossom aromas. Good balance. Lots of flavour on the palate that echoes the nose, along with honey and white peach, followed by a medium-plus finish. This easy-drinking wine is perfect for the beach or patio.
89 Points
2024 Riesling
$26.99
Straw coloured with medium-light intensity. A delicate, pleasing nose interwoven with aromas of blossoms, apricot, grapefruit rind, and minerality. Nicely balanced. The flavours follow the nose. A crisp, juicy medium-plus finish. Enjoy at the beach, on the patio, or pair with fish and chips, butter chicken, or a turkey dinner.
90 Points
2024 Rosé
$24.99
A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this wine is cherry red with medium intensity. Red and black berries, strawberries and cream, red apple peel, rhubarb, herbs, white flowers, and vanilla. Good balance with lots of body. Mouth-watering and juicy on the palate with flavours mirroring the nose, following the nose. A lovely, versatile wine to enjoy while making dinner, or serve with appetizers, salmon, or turkey.
90+ Points
2022 Cabernet Franc
$32.99
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. The nose shows aromas of black cherry, raspberry, dusty herbs, red currant, a hint of licorice, black pepper, plum, pencil shavings, and vanilla. Very good balance with a velvety texture. The flavours reflect the nose, followed by a medium-long lingering, warm and juicy finish.
93 Points
2020 Malbec
$32.99
Garnet red with a purple rim and deep intensity. A fruit-forward nose displaying aromas of black cherry, blackberry, plum, a hint of chocolate, gravel, earth, and savoury notes. Good balance with smooth ripe tannins. Juicy and fruity on the palate with jammy fruit – cherry, red currant, plum, and earth. A mouth-watering medium-plus finish with flavours lingering. Fire up the barbecue.
92 Points
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
$39.99
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. The nose is layered with beetroot, blackberry, black currant, a hint of cinnamon, mint, plum, black tea, cashew, toast and tobacco leaf. Very good balance with well-integrated smooth tannins. Ripe red fruit flavours echo the nose. A medium-long warm finish.
94 Points
With a solid foundation, a skilled new team, and exciting plans ahead, Adega on 45th is poised for its next chapter—without losing what made it special in the first place. The spirit of Adega remains warm, welcoming, and rooted in the land. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or returning for another season, one thing is clear: the beat goes on.
(All photos – Sam Hauck)