5 Winemaker Holiday Hacks Direct from Nk’Mip Cellars

Nk’Mip Cellars has a proud legacy. As the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America, the Osoyoos-based winery expresses its culture through craftsmanship. The winery itself is a bold celebration and a strong reflection of their commitment to authentically and deeply respecting their vibrant past.

For Justin Hall, the holidays are rooted in connection, both to his community and to the land that sustains it. As an Osoyoos Indian Band Member, Hall brings values of respect, tradition and storytelling into everything he does. To make this season joyful and stress-free, he’s sharing a simple list of his tried-and-true holiday hacks. Easy to implement, these five tips pair Nk’Mip wines with Indigenous-inspired practices and Hall’s own habits for a successful holiday season.

1. Serve Wine at “Holiday Room Temp”

This holiday season, throw out the conventional wine rulebook. If your house is warm from the oven running, chill—yes, chill—reds like the 2021 Qwam Qwmt Merlot for ten minutes in the fridge before serving. “People get caught up in perfect serving temperatures. Just aim for what tastes good in the moment,” Hall advises. This keeps the wine fresh and guests happy.

2. No Decanter? No Problem

You don’t need a crystal decanter to enjoy red wine. Pour Nk’Mip wines, like the 2021 Qwam Qwmt Merlot or the 2022 Talon Red Blend, into a clean pitcher or back and forth between two glasses to let them breathe without the fuss. After all, wine doesn’t care what it’s in. What matters is sharing it with good company.

3. Sage Is the Secret Weapon

Use fresh or dried sage to season roast meats, root vegetables or butter for bread. A sacred herb in Indigenous traditions, sage adds warmth and depth to dishes. It also pairs well with Nk’Mip’s white wine selection, like the 2022 Qwam Qwmt Chardonnay or 2022 Riesling Ice Wine. Sage is known for being earthy and grounding, so it can offer a moment of calm during the hectic holidays. But remember, sage is very aromatic, so a little goes a long way.

4. Transform Leftovers into Next-Day Magic

Turn leftover turkey into sliders topped with cranberry sauce, and pair it with the 2022 Talon Red Blend for a quick, crowd-pleasing lunch. After an indulgent holiday season, the simplest pairings end up being the favourites.

5. Give the Gift of Wine & Words

Next time you gift a nice bottle of wine, pair it with a handwritten card sharing why you chose that wine for that person. “A wine gift becomes more meaningful when you add your own story to it,” says Hall.

Learn more and shop Nk’Mip Cellars’ wines for the holidays at nkmipcellars.com/about-us.

Connect on Instagram, Facebook and X.