Unearthing Alberta’s Hidden Gem: Spirit Hills Winery 🍷🌸

Such a beautiful welcome

If you're craving a unique local escape, this charming and delicious day trip just south of Calgary is the perfect hidden gem to discover.

Nestled about an hour southeast of Calgary in the Rocky Mountain Foothills lies Spirit Hills Flower Winery, a family-run sanctuary of sustainable, floral-inspired vintages. Far from the grape-dominated world of traditional wineries, this enchanting retreat crafts flower wines — meads made from wildflower honey, berries, and seasonal petals 🌸 

When my bestie announced this would be the place to celebrate her milestone birthday, I admit my interest was piqued, despite not being a wine lover. Let me tell you, Spirit Hills changed my perception as I slide my beers over (for a little while!), opting to dive into all that is flower wine.

🍯 A Family’s Dream Rooted in Nature

Founded by Hugo and Ilse Bonjean, originally from a lineage of French winemakers, Spirit Hills embodies a life lived off the land. Arriving from Belgium in the late 1990s, the Bonjeans committed to organic farming — from meat and produce to bees cultivated for honey. Today, the site features:

• A rustic tasting room and outdoor patio overlooking the foothills.

• A honey harvest and fermentation area brimming with stories of bees, petals, and positive energy — crystals and music included for that extra “happy wine” vibe.

• A new barrel room and bottling line that rivals the polish of world-renowned estates 

  
  

photographs of the lovely grounds

🌼 From Petals to Pour: The Flower Wine Experience

What makes Spirit Hills truly special is its dedication to craftsmanship:

1. Wildflower Honey Base: Nectar from local wildflowers (dandelion, violet, fireweed) is carefully harvested across their extensive hives 

2. Petals & Berry Infusions: Each batch is uniquely infused, creating expressions like Saskwatch, Whitetail, Yee‑Haw!, Dande, Wild Rosy, and Bonfire

3. Smooth, Low‑Tannin Finish: Expect velvety, nuanced flavors with far less bite than grape wines — easier on the palate (and the next day!) 

4. Antioxidant Powerhouse: Their Dande offering, with bold peach, apricot, and honey notes, reportedly boasts 120x the antioxidants of red grape wines

5. Globally Acclaimed: These unique floral wines have earned awards, export acclaim, and accolades from Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide. Their wines are also found in some Calgary Japanese restaurants and at Sunshine Ski Resort.

   
   

   

   showcase of Spirit Hills Award winning wines

   
   

   🍷 A Tour That Converts Wine Skeptics

As a self-described non-wine person, I was genuinely surprised — and delighted — to find myself fully converted. Highlights included:

• A hands-on walkthrough with our guide, learning how bees, petals, honey, and the fermentation process come together.

• Sampling the full suite of six core wines, each offering a floral journey— from crisp whites to delicate roses and savory berries. MY favorite was the special label 'Blue Bonney' made with the butterfly pea flower, and presenting a lovely lavender color. I had to buy some as it is only available on site.

• Sipping mellower, alcohol-balanced wines that invited rather than overwhelmed the senses.

Plus, for $20 CAD you can join a tour, sample them all, and soak in the idyllic southern Alberta scenery. 

Photographs from our tour

💡 Tips for Visiting

Book Ahead: Tours run April - October, Wednesday through Sunday. Summer hours do fill up!

Ideal for pairs: A wonderful way to spend a romantic day together. Enjoy an afternoon of wine, charcuterie, and mountain views.

❤️Why You'll Love It

Spirit Hills Winery offers more than just a tasting — it's a voila! moment for anyone who’s ever felt disconnected from wine culture. The floral wines are welcoming, beautifully flavored, and alcohol-balanced, bridging the gap between novelty and depth.

If you crave something uniquely Alberta — rooted in wild blossoms, sustainable farming, and a family's love for the land — this hidden gem is a must‑visit. And as someone who walked in thinking “not a wine person,” I can confirm: their flower wines convert.

More photographs of the lovely outdoor space

🍾 Final Pour

Spirit Hills Flower Winery isn’t just changing where wine comes from; it's changing who wine is for. Their smooth, floral vintages are handcrafted, heartfelt, and utterly unforgettable. Whether you're celebrating, exploring, or just curious, you’ll leave not just with a story — but maybe a sip of something you never expected to love.

Cheers to new tastes and Alberta’s wildflower spirit! 🍷

Want to plan your visit? Find all the details below—and be sure to tell them Wood Travel sent you! 🌸🍷

Website: https://spirithillswinery.com/

Location: 240183 - 2380 Drive West, Millarville, Alberta

Phone: (403) 933 3913

Email: info@spirithillswinery.com