Discover Our Story
Ex Nihilo "Out of Nothing"
The story of Ex Nihilo is a journey of a dream and a shared passion to create exceptional wines that goes back over 20 years. The Winery dream began when co-founders, Decoa and Jeff Harder, first came across a working replica sculpture of Fredrick Hart’s Ex Nihilo, Latin for ‘Out of Nothing’, on display at a Gallery and proclaimed one day if they build a winery they would call it Ex Nihilo. They partnered with their long-time friend Jay Paulson and Ex Nihilo Vineyards was born. It was a catalyst for the creation of the winery and its emergence as a premier, award-winning Okanagan Valley wine producer.
In 2018, Jay’s business endeavours led him elsewhere and Janet and Mike Azhadi joined as partners bringing their business experience, love for wine and desire to bring people and community together to Ex Nihilo. In 2023, Janet and Mike became sole proprietors of Ex Nihilo and continue to build on the founders’ passion of creating beautiful wines with sense of place and people.
Memor Vivo!
Where It Starts
Ex Nihilo was created first and foremost to produce wines that exceed expectations. First planted in 2004, 20 acres of premium vines thrive on our southwest facing property.
Generous amounts of Okanagan sun help to ripen the fruit, while the intense flavours flourish under the moderating effects of Lake Okanagan.
We take great pride and care in farming our vineyards sustainably. Ex Nihilo also partners with our visionary grape growers who have nurtured their lands throughout the Valley.
Built on handshakes and trust, there is a promise that we will not compromise on quality or taste. Obsessed with their land and their vines, these grape growers are woven into our story. We love that together we can share their hard work and passion.
The Art
We belive that extraordinary wines are a product of the passion of those who make them and the unique traits of the land that they grow.
We create wines that reflect the Okanagan Valley and the unique place we call home. In a region notable for its diversity of varieties, we have refined our approach to create a true articulation of our vineyards.
Our vintner team led by winemaker Jim Faulkner, express their creative talent and technical expertise from lessons of the past intertwined with tightly framed principles of the present.
Each wine is nurtured from grape to bottle balancing old world tradition and innovative practices. These guides allow us to retain our authenticity while developing the Ex Nihilo story and the reputation of the Okanagan Valley wine region.
It Takes A Village
We believe that extraordinary wines are a product of the passion of those who make them. But even more, it takes dedication, authenticity and some sweat and tears. We have the ultimate team of professionals who believe in the product, deliver it like rockstars and create an experience unlike no other.
