Winemaker Manpreet Dhaliwal: Breaking Barriers, Earning Historic Double Gold, and Adding Platinum
Oliver, B.C. – In a year already rich with milestones, Kismet Estate Winery proudly celebrates the achievements of its trailblazing Head Winemaker, Manpreet Dhaliwal, whose artistry and leadership have garnered some of Canada’s highest wine honours. At the 2025 All Canadian Wine Championships and the WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada, Dhaliwal brought home an impressive array of awards, including her second consecutive Double Gold for the inaugural release of the 2024 Phulkari Rosé.
This achievement is more than a medal count—it’s a statement. As Canada’s first and only female South Asian head winemaker, Dhaliwal’s path has been one of persistence, innovation, and deeply rooted pride in her heritage.
A Collection of Excellence
- Double Gold – 2024 Phulkari Rosé (All Canadian)
- Platinum – 2022 Cabernet Franc Reserve (WineAlign)
- Gold – 2022 Mantra (WineAlign)
- Gold – 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (All Canadian)
- Gold – 2021 Moksha (All Canadian)
- Bronze – 2024 Sitara Frizzante (All Canadian)
The Heart Behind the Wine
“Phulkari is truly special to me,” Dhaliwal shares. “It’s a love letter to the women who make things happen quietly and powerfully behind the scenes—women who never ask for the spotlight, yet hold everything together. This wine is for them.”
Her words reflect not only the spirit of the Phulkari Rosé but also her own journey in an industry where representation has been rare. Each bottle tells a story of resilience, craftsmanship, and a willingness to challenge expectations without losing sight of tradition.
Kismet Estate Winery: Where Heritage Meets Innovation
Located in Oliver, B.C.—the “Wine Capital of Canada”—Kismet Estate Winery is a family-owned and operated estate that cultivates its wines from the top 10% of its premium vineyards. The Dhaliwal family blends deep agricultural roots with bold creativity, producing wines that stand as both an expression of terroir and a celebration of heritage.
The name Kismet means destiny—and for the Dhaliwals, that destiny is woven into every harvest, every pour, and every shared table.
Learn more about Kismet’s story here.
Beyond the Glass: The Culinary Experience at Manzil Restaurant
At Kismet, the experience extends beyond the tasting room. Manzil Restaurant offers guests a deeply personal connection to the Dhaliwal family’s roots, with a menu that reimagines traditional Indian hospitality for British Columbia’s wine country.
Led by a South Asian, female-driven team—including General Manager Neelam Dhaliwal and Winemaker Manpreet Dhaliwal—Manzil presents regional Indian dishes rarely seen in North America, crafted with local ingredients and perfectly paired with Kismet wines. The menu invites guests to slow down, share plates, and discover flavours as layered and vibrant as the wines themselves.
For many, a visit to Manzil feels like being welcomed into someone’s home—warm, generous, and unforgettable. It’s not just a restaurant. It’s part of the story.
