Here’s What’s Happening At Vasanti Estate Winery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

Oliver, British Columbia — As it continues to establish itself among the South Okanagan’s emerging producers, Vasanti Estate Winery has appointed Petar Djuric as Winemaker, marking a key step in the evolution of the family-owned winery.

 

Founded by the Sidhu family, whose farming roots in the Okanagan Valley span more than forty years, Vasanti was built on a clear premise: to translate a long-standing agricultural legacy into wines that reflect the region with clarity, balance, and integrity.

 

Since releasing its first vintages and opening its tasting room in 2024, the winery has gained early recognition, earning more than 20 medals in its first year of operation.

 

The appointment of Djuric signals a continued evolution toward a more defined winemaking approach—focused on precision, restraint, and wines that express site and vintage with minimal intervention.

 

Djuric most recently served as winemaker at French Door Estate Winery and brings experience across multiple Okanagan vintages, along with international harvest work in Chile’s Maule Valley.

 

His philosophy is grounded in a simple idea: start with great farming, then let the fruit speak.

 

“I joined Vasanti to work with a true farming family—South Okanagan pioneers committed to long-term, sustainable viticulture,” said Djuric.

“That kind of alignment lets you build something with real integrity, starting in the vineyard and carrying through to the finished wine. I want to contribute to that legacy.”

 

His approach emphasizes low-intervention winemaking, gentle pressing, and careful handling of fruit, with the goal of preserving vineyard character.

 

“The goal is to clearly translate fruit quality into the finished wine,” he said.

“If the farming is right, the wines should reflect the site and the vintage with clarity—clean, pure wines that act as a record of each growing season.”

 

For Vasanti, the hire reflects a natural progression in the winery’s direction.

 

“We’ve always believed great wines begin with great farming,” said Dr. Davinder Sidhu, Director of Operations.

“This next phase is about building on that—handling fruit more gently, intervening less, and allowing the vineyard and vintage to speak more clearly.”

 

Djuric sees the role as a long-term opportunity to help elevate that vision.

 

“What excites me is shaping quality from the vineyard through to the cellar,” he said.

“It’s about working closely with the Sidhu family to continue building their legacy and showcasing the potential of South Okanagan wine on a larger stage.”

 

In its early vintages, Vasanti worked alongside respected Okanagan winemaker and longtime friend Jason Parkes, whose guidance helped establish the winery’s initial style. As Vasanti continues to build on that foundation, Parkes will remain available to the winery in a consulting capacity.

 

“Jason played an important role in helping us get started, and we’re grateful for his support and friendship,” said Sidhu.

 

With Djuric now leading the cellar program, the winery is focused on continuing to develop site-driven wines rooted in careful farming, minimal intervention, and clarity of expression.

 

“Our family has been farming here for decades,” Sidhu said.

“This next chapter is about translating that legacy into wines that truly speak for the South Okanagan. We believe the best wines are still ahead of us.”

 

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Vasanti Estate Winery is a family-owned winery located in Oliver, British Columbia. Founded by the Sidhu family, whose farming history in the Okanagan Valley spans more than forty years, the winery produces small-lot wines focused on precision, balance, and terroir expression.

 

Since opening its tasting room in 2024, Vasanti has quickly gained recognition for its wines, earning more than 20 medals in its first year of operation