Kismet Estate Winery Launches an Iconic 2025 Season

Trailblazing Wines, Vibrant Cultural Celebrations, and a Fresh Culinary Experience at Manzil Restaurant Make Kismet an Essential Stop in the Okanagan’s Wine Country

Oliver, B.C. –Kismet Estate Winery is thrilled to announce a vibrant lineup of experiences and wine releases for the 2025 season, highlighting innovation, community, and the unique fusion of Indian hospitality with Okanagan terroir. This year promises to be remarkable, marked by trailblazing wines, rejuvenated culinary offerings, and memorable events at both Kismet Estate Winery and its acclaimed onsite restaurant, Manzil

Toast to an Iconic New Vintage

Guests this season are invited to savour the highly anticipated first full vintage by Manpreet Dhaliwal, Canada’s first and only South Asian female Head Winemaker. Her carefully crafted 2025 vintage includes a number of new releases, including the sparkling 2024 Sitara (“stars” in Punjabi), the fruit-forward 2024 Phulkari Rosé, the elegantly bold 2022 Mantra Bordeaux-style blend, and the complex 2021 Moksha GSM-inspired red.

Commitment to Quality, Heritage, and Sustainability

Kismet Estate Winery proudly maintains a 100% BC VQA commitment, using exclusively estate-grown grapes from their own 600-acre vineyards. This ensures every bottle authentically expresses the distinctive Okanagan terroir—a dedication particularly meaningful after recent challenges in local grape production. With decades of experience supplying premium grapes to renowned BC wineries such as Mission Hill, Sandhill, and Gray Monk, Kismet reserves the finest 10% of each harvest for their own wines. Sustainable vineyard practices underpin their award-winning, bold, and food-friendly portfolio, setting new standards for quality and sustainability in British Columbia.

This philosophy of quality and resilience is deeply connected to the inspiring journey of the Dhaliwal family, who transitioned from grape-growers in Oliver, BC—the “Wine Capital of Canada”—to celebrated proprietors of Kismet Estate Winery and Manzil Restaurant. Reflecting their thoughtful approach, each wine is intentionally named in Punjabi, honouring the family’s heritage and journey while providing subtle hints about the character of the wines themselves. True to their ethos of resilience and destiny (Kismet means “fate” in Punjabi), the Dhaliwals continue shaping a legacy that’s celebrated across Canada.

Manpreet Dhaliwal (Winemaker), Sukwinder Dhaliwal (Owner/Viticulture), Neelam Dhaliwal (Generał Manager), Balwinder Dhaliwal (Owner/Viticulture).
Manpreet Dhaliwal (Winemaker), Sukwinder Dhaliwal (Owner/Viticulture), Neelam Dhaliwal (Generał Manager), Balwinder Dhaliwal (Owner/Viticulture).

“Kismet isn’t just a winery—it’s a celebration of community, heritage, and creative vision,” said Neelam Dhaliwal, General Manager. “Every guest, whether joining us for a tasting, dining at Manzil, or attending our special events, is invited to be part of a part of our family.”

Manzil: A Fresh Take on Indian Dining in B.C.’s Wine Country

Manzil, located on the picturesque Kismet Estate Winery, offers more than a meal—it offers a homecoming. Meaning “home” in Hindi, Manzil brings the warmth of Indian hospitality to the Okanagan table, where every dish is made to share and every guest is welcomed like family.

Guided by a powerhouse team of South Asian women—including Winemaker Manpreet Dhaliwal, and General Manager Neelam Dhaliwal—Manzil offers a restaurant experience rooted in culture, community, and craft.
The menu moves beyond the expected, inviting guests to explore India’s rich culinary landscape through reimagined regional dishes — comforting, surprising, and always bold. Think Ghee Tempered Archari Prawns Kitchari, Kale Chaat Salad, Jaggery Masala Roasted Brussel Sprouts, and Cashew Cream Sauce Mussels + Frites – each plate crafted with local Okanagan ingredients, Indian spices, and the intention of being passed, shared, and celebrated.

The 2025 season at Kismet is packed with unforgettable events:

  • Vij’s X Kismet Winemaker’s Dinner 

     

    On May 20, celebrated chef Vikram Vij welcomes guests to an intimate evening at Vij’s Restaurant in Vancouver. Diners will enjoy a five-course tasting menu paired with Kismet’s wines, while Chef Vij and Manpreet Dhaliwal share personal stories of culture and culinary creativity. Tickets are $150 per person with partial proceeds going to Chef’s Table Society. Reserve here.
  • Celebrate Holi at Kismet Estate Winery – June 28

     

    1pm – 4pm | $65 Adults | $25 Children (ages 6–12)
    Celebrate Holi, India’s joyful festival of colours. Traditionally celebrated across India, Holi symbolizes renewal, unity, and the triumph of good over evil, with vibrant colours that bring people together. Enjoy an afternoon filled with colourful powder play, Indian street food, beverages and wines from Manzil and Kismet. Bring your friends and family to experience a lively taste of this vibrant Indian festival. Book here.
  • Spring Pick-Up Party – May 17 (open to non-club members)                                 

    12pm – 5pm | Club Member Guest $20 | Non-member $30

    An exclusive afternoon of wine, bites, and connection as Kismet welcomes the season. Taste brand-new 2024 releases—Sitara Frizzante and Phulkari Rosé—and enjoy a sneak peek of the yet-to-be-released 2021 Moksha and small bites from Manzil. Winemaker, Manpreet will also be pouring a rare selection of library vintages, offered for purchase for one day only. Reserve here.

Explore the Story Behind the Wines

Go beyond the tasting bar and experience the journey from vine to glass with your choice of two signature wine tours at Kismet Estate Winery.

Discover Kismet (45 mins) offers a guided look at our state-of-the-art winery and the Dhaliwal family’s inspiring path from growers to winemakers. Includes a tasting of five wines and a special barrel sample—perfect for first-time visitors. $30 per person. 

Taste the Terroir (1.5 hrs) takes things further with a seated tasting in the private room with bites from Manzil. The experience continues with an immersive vineyard tour through the diverse soils of the South Okanagan, a Riedel glassware tasting, a full winery tour, and exclusive barrel samples. $50 per person.

Book your tour.                                                                                                                 

Throughout the season, guests can enjoy a warm and inviting mix of guided tastings, vineyard tours, special pairing dinners, and live entertainment—each designed to reflect the rich diversity and heartfelt hospitality of Kismet Estate Winery. To make your visit even easier, a complimentary shuttle runs every Friday and Saturday between Oliver and Osoyoos. Reserve your seat here.

About Kismet Estate Winery and Manzil Restaurant

Located in Oliver, B.C.—the ‘Wine Capital of Canada’—Kismet Estate Winery is a family-owned and operated winery dedicated to crafting exceptional estate wines from the top 10% of their 600-acre vineyards. Founded by the Dhaliwal family, pioneers in the South Okanagan wine industry, Kismet embodies a “quality over quantity” philosophy while offering unforgettable experiences that connect people through food, wine, and culture.

At the heart of Kismet is Winemaker Manpreet Dhaliwal, a rising star in the wine world, blending innovation and tradition in every bottle. The winery’s tasting room, wine clubs, and vibrant culinary destination, Manzil Restaurant, provide unique opportunities to explore the Dhaliwal family’s rich heritage and passion for excellence.

Rooted in Indian hospitality and reimagined for B.C.’s wine country, Manzil invites guests to share in a deeply personal culinary experience. Led by a South Asian female-driven team—including General Manager Neelam Dhaliwal and Winemaker Manpreet Dhaliwal—Manzil serves regional Indian dishes rarely seen in North America, crafted with local ingredients and bold, balanced flavours. With shared plates, wine pairings, and vibrant cocktails, it’s more than a restaurant—it’s a home away from home.

Visit Kismet Estate Winery to discover premium BC wines, thoughtfully crafted culinary pairings, and the story of a family whose destiny, or kismet, continues to shape the Okanagan’s wine and food scene. 

For more information, visit www.kismetestatewinery.com or follow us on social media @kismetwines. Media ready images can be found here.

This field is required.
This field is required.