Azhadi Vineyards – Where Persia Meets the Okanagan

Azhadi Vineyards feels less like a winery and more like a cultural landmark.

Inspired by Tehran’s iconic Freedom Tower, the four-storey structure rises above Kelowna’s McKinley area, just a 15-minute drive from Kelowna International Airport, with both Western elegance and Eastern soul. Crowned by a 19.5-metre observation tower and a traditional wind catcher, a tribute to 2,500 years of Persian heritage, Azhadi signals immediately that this is something different for the Okanagan.

It is not simply a tasting room. It is a statement.

A Cultural Vision Rooted in Heritage

Founder Mike Azhadi has infused the property with symbolism at every level. Persian design elements blend with modern architectural lines, creating a space that feels contemplative rather than commercial.

Tour Guide Nev with one of the many Premium Persian Rugs

During our visit, Nev graciously guided us through the estate, sharing the story behind Azhadi’s vision. Highlights included an extraordinary collection of Persian rugs, works by Thomas Kinkade, paintings from Canada’s Group of Seven, and the striking Golden Griffin, a recurring emblem representing strength, duality, and heritage.

The Golden Griffin

The experience feels curated. Intentional. Personal.

Azhadi does not attempt to replicate Napa or Bordeaux. Instead, it draws a line back to Persia, one of the world’s earliest wine cultures, and brings that narrative into dialogue with modern Okanagan terroir.

Even our recent Instagram post from the visit has been gaining notable traction, a sign that this fusion of architecture, heritage, and wine is resonating well beyond Kelowna.

The Winemaker: Jim Faulkner

At the heart of the cellar is Senior Winemaker Jim Faulkner, who has overseen winemaking for the Azhadi Group since 2020, shaping both Ex Nihilo and now Azhadi Vineyards.

Faulkner’s career spans some of British Columbia’s most respected wineries, including Mt. Boucherie, Church & State, Summerhill Pyramid Winery, and CedarCreek Estate Winery. His experience working within gravity-flow production environments directly informed the philosophy behind Azhadi’s design.

Here, Jim returns to foundational principles through a gravity-flow winery layout, minimizing mechanical handling and allowing fruit purity and structural precision to lead. Notably, Azhadi represents the first winery he has helped build entirely from the ground up, aligning architectural ambition with cellar execution from day one.

He is particularly energized by Azhadi’s signature wines, the flagship Griffin and the sparkling rosé Amoris. Both wines reflect his emphasis on balance, longevity, and expressive Okanagan fruit.

Journey Restaurant: Persian Soul, French Precision

Azhadi’s hospitality vision extends seamlessly into Journey Restaurant, where culture meets cuisine.

Leading the culinary program is Group Executive Chef Alain Léger, a classically trained French chef with more than 30 years of experience across luxury resorts and destination restaurants, including leadership roles at Eldorado Resort, Delta Grand Okanagan, Brentwood Bay Lodge, and InterContinental Hotels.

At Journey, Chef Léger blends Persian culinary inspiration with locally sourced Canadian ingredients to create cuisine that is refined yet soulful.

A standout feature is the restaurant’s Josper charcoal oven, which uses compact charcoal and coconut briquettes to generate intense heat and authentic smoky flavour. The enclosed Spanish-engineered oven locks in moisture while delivering remarkable depth and texture — an ideal pairing partner for Azhadi’s structured reds and vibrant sparkling wines.

This is winery dining elevated well beyond the expected. Azhadi is now featured in our guide to the Best BC Winery Restaurants.

The Wines

Azhadi’s portfolio reflects thoughtful oak integration, expressive aromatics, and a clear stylistic throughline: wines built with intention. Here is a link to the complete Azhadi portfolio. Reservations are not required, but recommended for tastings.

Two wines in particular capture the estate’s dual spirit.

Amoris Sparkling 2024

Okanagan Valley | Estate Field Blend

• 12.9% alcohol
• Residual Sugar: 1.4 g/L
• Harvested October 15 & 17, 2024
• 6,596 bottles produced

Amoris embodies celebration and connection. Lively aromas of cherry blossom, guava and strawberry leaf rise from the glass.

On the palate, ripe strawberry and bright Key lime take centre stage, layered with red currant and a subtle hint of watermelon. The mousse is uplifting and precise, while vibrant acidity carries the fruit through a clean, citrus-lifted finish. It is refreshing yet textured, a sparkling wine equally suited to spring celebrations or sunset views from the observation tower. 92 Points

Griffin 2020