At the foot of Anarchist Mountain in Osoyoos, just minutes from the Canada–U.S. border, sits Adega on 45th. Adega is the Portuguese word for a wine cellar or winery, an appropriate name for a winery that proudly celebrates its heritage while producing distinctly Okanagan wines.
Many visitors drive past Adega on their way to Nk’Mip Cellars or Spirit Ridge Resort, but it’s well worth making the stop.
The winery opened in 2011, founded by Alex Nunes and his brother-in-law Fred Farinha, together with their wives, Maria and Pamela. Last year, the winery changed ownership. Adega’s fruit comes from their estate vineyard and three carefully selected partner vineyards.
I am always pleased to hear from Christa-Lee McWatters, now Vice President of Adega on 45th and Gate 22. The daughter of B.C. wine pioneer Harry McWatters, she has spent decades in sales, marketing, hospitality and industry leadership, including multiple terms as Chair of Wine Growers British Columbia.
Winemaker and vineyard manager Karen Yeung, brings more than 25 years of experience to the winery. After the challenges of the 2024 growing season, the 2025 vintage is proving exceptional, and Yeung believes 2026 has the potential to be even better. Another notable feature of the winery is its leadership team: according to McWatters, the management team is entirely women, and women make up 85 per cent of the overall staff.
Wines Tasted
2025 Espumante ($24.99) — 90+ points
My notes: An inaugural release blending Sauvignon Blanc with small amounts of Viognier, White Merlot* and Pinot Noir. Golden straw in colour with medium-minus intensity and delicate aromas of apricot, mango, peach, apple and honeydew melon. Good balance, with flavours that mirror the nose and a refreshing, medium-plus finish. Enjoy well chilled with a cheese board, summer salads or seafood.
*Merlot that has little to no skin contact, making a white wine rather than red.
Winery notes (condensed): Lightly sparkling with a soft mousse and an off-dry impression balanced by Sauvignon Blanc’s crisp acidity. Apricot, nectarine, lychee, mandarin and grape blossom are supported by Viognier’s silky texture, while White Merlot and Pinot Noir contribute subtle strawberry and watermelon notes. A lively aperitif that also pairs well with spicy dishes and charcuterie.
2025 Chardonnay ($24.99) — 92 points
My notes: Pale lemon with medium-light intensity and inviting aromas of apple, citrus, nectarine and a hint of pencil shavings. Full-bodied yet well balanced, with bright fruit and a mouth watering, food-friendly finish. Serve with roast chicken, sockeye salmon or aged white cheeses. Very tasty.
Winery notes (condensed): Twenty per cent barrel-aged, this Chardonnay combines crisp acidity with pineapple, orchard fruit and subtle herbal notes of sage and fennel. Partial barrel ageing adds texture without overwhelming the fruit. A natural match for seafood, grilled salmon and creamy dishes.
2025 Riesling ($26.99) — 88 points
My notes: Lemon with a touch of green and medium-minus intensity. Delicate aromas of citrus, apple, apricot, flowers and minerality. Softer in style than many Rieslings, with grapefruit and lime on the palate and a medium finish. A good choice for those who prefer gentler acidity.
Winery notes (condensed): Made from hand-picked estate fruit, whole-cluster pressed and fermented in stainless steel. Tropical fruit, floral aromas, ripe apple and pear flavours finish crisp and clean with a slight hint of sweetness. Pair with seafood, spicy cuisine, roast pork or charcuterie.
2025 Rosé ($24.99) — 89+ points
My notes: Made from Pinot Noir. Rainier cherry red with a touch of orange and medium-plus intensity. The nose is just what you’d expect from a well-made rosé. Cherry, strawberry, raspberry, citrus and melon aromas lead into a balanced palate with a refreshing finish. Ideal for picnics, the beach or summer meals, especially salads, schnitzel or stuffed chicken breast.
Winery notes (condensed): Pale salmon pink with fresh strawberry, raspberry, watermelon and citrus zest. Crisp acidity, pink grapefruit and mineral notes make this an excellent companion to grilled seafood, goat cheese salads and Mediterranean fare.
2023 Cabernet Franc ($32.99) — 91+ points
My notes: Garnet red with medium-deep intensity and aromas of dark berries, plum, herbs, a whiff of pepper and earth. Smooth, ripe tannins support a fruit-forward palate that continued to evolve after decanting. Enjoy now or cellar for three to five years. Pair with roasted leg of lamb, a beef stew or grilled Italian sausages.
Winery notes (condensed): Estate-grown fruit offers black cherry, spice, cracked pepper and violet aromas, followed by plum, anise and earthy notes on a structured palate. Bright acidity makes it surprisingly versatile with hearty pasta, roasted chicken and Portuguese pork dishes.
2022 Malbec Merlot ($34.99) — 94+ points
My notes: A blend of 54 per cent Malbec and 46 per cent Merlot. Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. Bold and inviting with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, black pepper, dark chocolate and spice. Silky smooth tannins and excellent balance carry through to a warm, lingering finish. Even better on the second day, so decant well. A standout from the excellent 2022 vintage.
Winery notes (condensed): Peppery spice, strawberry and blueberry aromas are complemented by subtle oak, vanilla, plum and caramel. Pair with pepper-crusted dishes, black pepper steak or pork tenderloin, rich pasta dishes (beef or mushroom ragù), or grilled portobello mushrooms with herbs. For a Portuguese touch, Espetada (Grilled Beef Skewers)
Adega on 45th has expanded well beyond wine tasting. Guests can enjoy seasonal wine cocktails, the popular Pinot Freezio wine slushie, build-your-own charcuterie boards, and a menu inspired by Portuguese cuisine. Add the vineyard patio and sweeping Osoyoos views, and you’ll find another good reason to linger in Canada’s desert wine country.
(All photos, except as noted – Sam Hauck)