In a landmark achievement for Canadian viticulture, British Columbia’s Mission Hill Family Estate has been honoured with a place among The World’s 50 Best Vineyards. The iconic Okanagan Valley winery claimed the No. 45 position on the prestigious global list, announced in late 2025, standing as the sole Canadian representative.
A Global Honour for a Canadian Pioneer
The annual ranking is determined by a voting academy comprising over 700 international wine experts, including sommeliers, wine tourism specialists, and trade professionals. The 2025 list was led by Vik in Chile (No. 1), Germany’s Schloss Johannisberg (No. 2), and Spain’s Bodegas Ysios (No. 3).
For Mission Hill’s founder, Anthony von Mandl, an Officer of the Order of Canada, the recognition validates a decades-long vision. “This stunning recognition was a complete surprise and a confirmation of the potential I saw for the Okanagan region when we pioneered upscale winemaking there over 40 years ago,” von Mandl stated. He called it a “seminal moment” for his family, the winery team, and the entire Okanagan wine region, affirming that their relentless commitment to excellence has successfully placed them on the global stage.
Decades of Excellence in the Okanagan
Established by von Mandl in 1981, Mission Hill Family Estate is perched above the shores of Okanagan Lake, west of Kelowna. The winery has long been celebrated as a cornerstone of British Columbia’s wine industry. This latest accolade adds to an impressive trophy case that includes being named Canadian Winery of the Year six times and crafting Canada’s first 100-point red wine with its 2020 Oculus.
Chief Winemaker Taylor Whelan emphasized the team-driven effort behind the honour. “This recognition underscores our team’s commitment, passion and determination to making distinctive, terroir-driven expressions that define the Okanagan Valley in a glass,” Whelan said in a statement. “This is an enormously proud moment for every member of our team.”
More Than Just Wine: A Cultural Destination
Mission Hill’s appeal extends far beyond its award-winning vintages. Condé Nast Traveler has hailed it as “the gold standard of wineries,” noting its comprehensive visitor experience. The estate is renowned for integrating arts and culture, hosting an annual summer concert series, curated culinary programs, and international art exhibitions alongside its wine tastings and tours.
This holistic approach to wine tourism, combined with unwavering quality in the bottle, has propelled the Okanagan Valley flagship into the international spotlight. The recognition by The World’s 50 Best Vineyards serves as a powerful testament to the growing stature and world-class potential of Canada’s wine regions, with Mission Hill Family Estate leading the charge.
