What defines Nighthawk Vineyards’ vineyard-to-fork philosophy and operational model?
Nighthawk Vineyards is a family-run farm gate winery built on a philosophy that features “passion and resilience”, inviting guests onto a working estate vineyard where wine, food, and farming are tightly connected. Terroir-driven wines, hyper-local cuisine, and eco-minded comfort keep the experience rooted in what the family grows and tends each season.
That throughline is personal. Daniel Bibby and his wife Christy are not just the owners, they manage farming, restaurant and tenthouse operations, finances, and marketing. Their children carry that same care from vine to table, with one being their winemaker, one being their chef and one growing the organic mushrooms used in restaurant dishes. While not certified organic, the family follows organic practices focused on respecting the land and the terroir that shapes their wines.
Tasting fees collected at the winery are donated to The Nature Trust of British Columbia, supporting conservation efforts across the valley. For the Bibby family, stewardship extends beyond their own vines to protect the broader landscape that sustains the region.
“Our story is one of resilience, where family, food, and wine converge to create unforgettable moments rooted in nature and elevated by heartfelt hospitality,” says Daniel Bibby.
Where Nature Writes the Menu
How do vineyard practices influence wine production and culinary offerings?
Situated on a 60-acre property in Okanagan Falls with ten and a half acres planted, plus three leased acres in Osoyoos, the farm produces distinct varietals across two South Okanagan sites. It grows Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Cabernet Franc in the south, while the home property features Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. These grapes are used to create signature wines distinctive to the terroir of the valley, and have received awards from across Canada and beyond. The vineyard strategy has been to crop to low yields with minimal watering, to intentionally stress the vines so the roots dig deep into the soil and capture the mineral characteristics distinctive to Okanagan Falls. The result is small-lot production with an attention to detail that starts in the vineyard.
Complementing their award-winning wines is the Vineyard Kitchen and Patio, recognized by Lux Life Magazine as the “Best Outdoor Dining Experience in BC” three years in a row. Opened in August 2020, the scenic outdoor setting features an interactive kitchen that uses a wood-fired oven imported from Portugal to create vineyard-to-fork dishes made from scratch with ingredients sourced locally, grown on the property, or foraged nearby.
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Our story is one of resilience, where family, food, and wine converge to create unforgettable moments rooted in nature and elevated by heartfelt hospitality.
What can guests expect from the Tenthouses hospitality experience?
Staying in the Tenthouses at Nighthawk Vineyards is a luxury experience immersed in nature. Overlooking the vineyards and lake below, these solar-powered eco-accommodations are not exactly roughing it. From the moment guests arrive, they begin a journey of authentic hospitality and attention to detail. Personally escorted to their suite by electric shuttle, a bottle of Nighthawk wine and a welcome card upon arrival sets the tone. Mornings feature breakfast delivered to your door, and a curated dinner menu is offered in the log pergola to enjoy an amazing vineyard sunset. Tenthouses feature locally crafted furniture, designer washrooms with a rain shower, soaker tub on the deck, and original artwork by Okanagan artists. With the clear skies of the valley, star gazing is a must, but there is Wi-Fi as well for those who need to stay connected.
Hospitality Born of Heritage and Hardship
How has resilience shaped the winery’s growth and operations?
Daniel and Christy’s background was primarily in the hotel and restaurant industry for many years, so their children all grew up with a distinct appreciation for great food, wines and hospitality. That led to the purchase of a vineyard and the creation of a family dream that brought all of those elements together.
What they never would have expected were the tough seasons ahead. Nature has a way of throwing a few curveballs…including flooding, wildfires, and a significant freeze that damaged most vineyards in January 2024. “We’ve also had to endure bears, birds and deer eating our grapes, and who would have expected a two year pandemic to add to the challenges”.
Despite these circumstances, the winery has overcome the obstacles and continues working to increase production and expand their offerings. In addition to the busy wine shop and outdoor restaurant, they also host signature events and vineyard weddings. Resilience is a true family trait, and Nighthawk Vineyards remains dedicated to celebrating its special location in the Okanagan Valley.
