After learning that the land they purchased in Osoyoos was once home to the endangered burrowing owl, Jim and Midge Wyse were immediately connected to the bird and the name. Their love for nature meant that the environment was part of every decision they made when building and maintaining their landmark winery. They continue this commitment by offering 100% of their tasting fees to the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society and South Okanagan Rehab Centre for Owls. Situated in a desert, conservation is key. The winery is heated using solar and geothermal energy, water is conserved with low-flush toilets and electricity is saved with low-energy lighting.
But the Wyse’s have taken their business sustainability practices into the vineyard as well; by using bio-diesel tractors, ecologically safe sprays and fertilizers and irrigating the grapes according to their true water needs, transmitting data wirelessly from solar-energized water probes. And even after earning Sustainable Tourism Gold Certification, they are still improving their environmental performance. Their building extension will feature solar panels, an EV charging station and the couple is working on making their own home net-zero.