Orofino Earns National Recognition
2025 WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news — Orofino has been recognized among Canada’s Top 25 Wineries and Top 10 Small Wineries at the 2025 National Wine Awards of Canada, held in Penticton, B.C. from June 21–25, 2025!
In total, we proudly brought home 10 medals this year — a testament to our team’s dedication, our remarkable Similkameen Valley vineyards, and the unwavering support of our community. Each of these 100% Similkameen-grown wines reflects our ongoing passion for crafting wines that truly express our valley’s unique character.
GOLD
2022 Old Vine Cabernet Franc (Club Exclusive)
2022 Syrah
2022 Reserve Syrah (Not yet released)
2023 Hendsbee Vineyard Clone 21B Riesling (Club Exclusive)
SILVER
2022 PTG (Sold out)
2021 Dourado
2022 Beleza (Not yet released)
BRONZE
2021 Beleza (Sold Out)
2021 Reserve Syrah
2022 Passion Pit Cabernet Sauvignon
This recognition brings equal parts relief and validation for our small, family-run winery. To be counted among Canada’s best is not only humbling — it’s a meaningful reminder of how far Orofino has come. These national awards help us reach new wine lovers while celebrating the deep roots and authentic spirit that define who we are.
We feel incredibly proud of what a small-town vineyard can accomplish — a reflection of both the fruit of the valley and the resilience of a strong, passionate team. While we’ve been honoured to receive Top 10 and Top 25 placements in the past, this year feels particularly special. After two very challenging vintages, it’s an uplifting affirmation that our vines, our hearts, and our craft remain resilient.
The past two years have tested us in ways we never imagined. A deep frost in 2023 halted vineyard growth, resulting in a very limited crop — and in 2024, no fruit at all. Yet, amid those challenges, our creativity bloomed. We collaborated with our Washington neighbours, explored new varietals, and found inspiration in change.
The wines recognized this year are from prior vintages, and their success serves as a reminder of Orofino’s enduring quality — proof that even in difficult seasons, excellence takes root. Each award-winning bottle carries its own unique Orofino touch, and we couldn’t be more pleased with how they’ve resonated with both our loyal clients and the wider wine community.
One wine we know many were eagerly anticipating was our 2022 Passion Pit Cabernet Sauvignon, a single varietal beloved for its depth and character. We couldn’t wait to share it with you & it was released just in time for the holidays.
We are endlessly grateful for our team, who showed courage, optimism, and perseverance through every twist and turn. And to our longtime club members and customers — some who have supported us since our earliest days — thank you. You’ve stood by us through low inventory and sold-out vintages, always trusting that more good things were on the way. You are an integral part of this journey, and these awards belong to you, too.
As we look to the future, we invite you to visit us this spring to celebrate our comeback vintage and experience our new releases. And if you haven’t yet joined our Wine Club, now is the perfect time — you won’t want to miss out on our limited, club-exclusive wines that continue to capture the spirit of the Similkameen.
At the heart of Orofino, we remain generous and humble — grateful for the valley that sustains us, the people who believe in us, and the joy of crafting wines that tell our story, one bottle at a time.
The Orofino Team
Proudly 100% Similkameen Grown
