Ex Nihilo Vineyards & Tasting Room

Extremely disappointing experience - rude service and subpar food. I visited this winery with a group of friends and our experience was anything but enjoyable. From the moment we were seated, our server (Cara) was condescending and judgmental. Our group felt like an inconvenience rather than valued guests.

Absolute worst service I have ever had. Cara our server was judgmental and rude from the moment we walked in. I will never be going back. If you’re looking for good service and good wine this is not the place.

Our group had an incredibly upsetting experience at this winery, one that left us shocked and disheartened. Friends had flown in from across the country to Kelowna to celebrate Pride Month and honor a close friend who has been a tireless advocate for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This was meant to be a joyful reunion—our first stop of the evening.

From the moment we were seated, our server (Cara) treated us with hostility and judgment. Her demeanor was rude, condescending, and dismissive. Despite being a group of eight adults, she refused to let us order wine right away, insisting we order food and water first. She claimed it was because we arrived by cab and “must have been drinking,” though we explained that we took cabs specifically so we could enjoy the winery responsibly and safely.

It became clear her behavior was rooted in bias. Her discomfort with our group—especially our queer friends—was palpable and discriminatory. After two shared bottles of wine (total) over the course of dinner, with no incidents, we were abruptly told we would no longer be served. When we asked why, we were given no clear explanation. Instead, we were threatened with police involvement if we didn’t leave immediately.

This was not just poor service—it was blatant discrimination. We were calm, respectful patrons who came to enjoy a meal and support a local business. Instead, we were humiliated, targeted, and made to feel unwelcome because of who we are.

Worst service of any winery Kelowna. Cara is the rudest most judgmental server I’ve ever had in my life. Better to check in any other winery in the area.

Wine is over priced and unmemorable. The wine tastings are also very over priced.
I would skip this tasting room as just about everywhere else I’ve gone in the Okanagan was better

My experience with Ex Nihilo years ago was great, did the wine tastings, had even signed up for their wine club membership for wine shipments. The reason for this low review is my current service now. After multiple shipments I decided to cancel my wine club membership to have more wine shipped over due to budget cuts in the household. Part of the membership gets you a discount off the wine and requires a minimum amount of wine shipments to continue which their guest services team mentioned to me and I agree is fair and at the time they delayed a shipment to help me out. After receiving the last shipment about a year or so ago, I called in to cancel my membership and guest services complied. During this time frame my credit card on file also expired so the “break up” should’ve been fairly clean. This week I received a charge on my card for another shipment. I quickly called Ex Nihilo and left a voice mail to contact me back. That was Monday. Thursday I left a second voicemail expressing my concerns as I’ve in no way expressed permission to update my payment information on their profile for me. At this point the ball is in Ex Nihilo’s court to contact me back as this all can be resolved with one call. You have my contact information, and it’s now 6 days and two voicemails with no correspondence. I will update this review or escalate accordingly. I look forward to hearing from the management team at Ex Nihilo Vineyards.

Went for wine tasting sommelier Cheryl was amazing

Had a great time being hosted by Kayleen, Trevor and the team! It was great to share the excitement of the wine season and get to know about the winery! It was a great Mothers Day experience!

Aesthetically, it’s a beautiful spot. We really enjoyed the charcuterie board — a thoughtfully curated selection of mostly local cheeses, jams, and meats. However, points off for customer service and the wine pours. They serve the bare minimum (and to be clear, I’m not asking for a full glass — just a centimetre more to actually taste it properly) and seem reluctant to pour anything extra. It feels unnecessarily stingy and makes it hard to get a real sense of the wine before committing to a purchase.

We've been wine club members for years and always enjoy the wonderful wines from this extraodinary vineyard. Not only is there location a small piece of Canadian heaven, and their wines delicious, but the team goes out of their way to truly care about their customers. To the Ex Nihilo team, thank you for Midnight, and the memories it holds for our family. Never stop producing it!

I was a guest at the Wine Club tasting today and everything was wonderful. The customer service, the pairings, to food, the atmosphere. Definitely recommend it. The Night & the Chardonnay will be wines I gift this autumn & winter. Holly was a wonderful greeter.

Beautiful location offering some delicious wines but rude service by server. This was our last stop after a very fun weekend exploring wineries in the area. Our fabulous weekend was ruined at this last stop because of how we were spoken to by our server when we asked questions about getting memberships, etc. Not sure why wines that can only be purchased by members have non-member pricing on the list but we can’t actually purchase these wines at the non-member price? Won’t be back as the experience was extremely disappointing. There are too many fun friendly wineries with gorgeous views to choose from.

Great spot with a nice view of the lake.
Good food
Nice drinks
Wine 🍷 tasting was great. Prices if your a member are reasonable.

Had a great experience here ! The hosts had been very kind and provided great wine! The cheese board was delicious.

We had the signature tasting which includes 5 tastings & a cheese board with chorizo which was delicious.

The property is very nice and the seating area is shaded.

I highly recommend this winery!

Great spot with a nice view of the lake.
Good food
Nice drinks
Wine ? tasting was great. Prices if your a member are reasonable.