Winemaking at Azhadi

Where Craft, Culture, and Connection Intertwine

At Azhadi Vineyards, winemaking is a reflection of our values: gathering, gratitude, and tradition. Every bottle tells a story rooted in heritage and shaped by care, from vineyard to glass.

A Philosophy of Balance and Belonging

Our approach blends old-world wisdom with new-world innovation. We draw inspiration from Persian values of hospitality and connection, honouring the past while embracing progress. At the heart of our philosophy is a belief in slow, intentional craftsmanship that resonates with depth and meaning.

Each wine is created to evoke the essence of place (The Okanagan’s terroir) and to serve as a catalyst for meaningful moments shared around the table.

Meet Our Senior Winemaker:
Jim Faulkner

With over 20 years of experience crafting wines in the Okanagan Valley, Jim Faulkner brings seasoned expertise and quiet mastery to his role as Senior Winemaker at Azhadi. Known for his meticulous approach and deep understanding of the region’s terroir, Jim balances tradition with thoughtful innovation to create wines of character, balance, and depth.

At Azhadi, Jim leads with intention and care; every grape, blend, and barrel thoughtfully chosen. His debut releases at Azhadi include Griffin, a bold 2020 red blend that speaks to power and finesse, and Amoris, a sparkling rosé that captures the soul of celebration.

Jim’s winemaking is rooted in patience, precision, and a genuine love for the craft; values that echo through every bottle.

Vineyards: Grounded in Place

Azhadi’s wines begin in the soil, rooted in intention and nurtured with care. Our estate vineyard spans 40 acres onsite, where we cultivate Chardonnay, Viognier, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. This land is a living expression of terroir, where elevation, soil, and sun exposure intertwine to shape every vintage.

While we proudly grow on our own land, we also work closely with select growers across the Okanagan Valley. Each parcel is chosen for its unique ability to express character, complexity, and freshness.

Through sustainable viticulture and a deep connection to place, we honour the land as much as it honours us, crafting wines that are unmistakably of their origin.

Barrel Ageing & Blending

Maturation takes place in carefully selected French, American, and Hungarian oak barrels, some new, some seasoned, allowing for a harmonious integration of flavour and texture. Our winemaker oversees detailed blending trials, balancing elegance and intensity to match each vintage’s unique character.

Every wine is bottled onsite, under careful supervision, with the same attention to detail from vine to vessel.

A Wine Experience Beyond the Bottle

When you visit Azhadi, you’ll experience more than a tasting. You’ll be welcomed into a story. Our wine tastings are thoughtfully curated and hosted by the people behind the process. Guests are invited to engage with the sights, scents, and sounds of the winery; from walking through the vines to seeing the cellar in action.