The story behind Domaine Artema
Domaine Artema arrived in 2024, when new owners took over an established Black Sage Bench estate near Oliver, once known as Desert Hills, and gave it a fresh name and focus. The vineyard itself is mature, with a long record of good fruit.
The idea behind the rebrand is unusual for BC: build a winery around Gamay and Chardonnay in the spirit of Beaujolais.
An Okanagan Beaujolais house
Artema bills itself as the Okanagan's first winery devoted to Gamay and Chardonnay in a Beaujolais style, light on its feet and food-friendly. Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and sparkling round out the range. Winemaker Stefanie Dylla, Brock-trained with time in New Zealand, leads the cellar.
The wines come in a Village tier for everyday drinking and single-vineyard bottlings above it. Being new, the estate has been open about topping up a short 2024 crop with fruit from trusted growers.
Frequently asked questions
What is Domaine Artema known for?
Domaine Artema is a Black Sage Bench winery focused on Gamay and Chardonnay in a Beaujolais style, which is rare in BC. It is a 2024 rebrand of the former Desert Hills estate, led by winemaker Stefanie Dylla.
What is a Beaujolais house?
Beaujolais is a French region famous for bright, light-bodied reds made from the Gamay grape. Artema borrows that idea, building its identity around Gamay and Chardonnay rather than the big reds much of the South Okanagan is known for.
Where is Domaine Artema?
On the Black Sage Bench near Oliver, in the warm South Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. The estate vineyard is well established, even though the Artema name is new as of 2024.
