Hillside Estate Winery began in 1984 when Vera and Bohimir Klolocka began replacing their apricot orchard with wine grapes. In 1989 Vera, along with two other small-vineyard owners, lobbied the BC government for the right to produce and sell their wine to the public directly from their winery. Premier Bill Vander Zalm announced the “Farm Gate Winery Policy,” which allowed vineyards smaller than five acres to sell their wines at the “farm gate”. Hillside Winery became one of the first "farm gate" wineries in British Columbia. In 1994, following Bohimir's death, a group of investors purchased the winery and expanded to a 15,000 square-foot timber-frame structure. A multistory building complete with 72-foot tower dominates the view along Naramata Road. A well-equipped cellar, under the direction of winemaker Kathy Malone, produces top quality wines destined for many markets recognizing their attention to quality. Kathy’s commitment to quality has been awarded numerous times throughout North America. Under her guidance, Hillside is the only BC winery producing Muscat Ottonel, a truly unique and unusual aromatic white wine, which has developed a huge customer following.
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