Hillside winery & bistro:
A custom winery website for a Naramata icon

Problem

Hillside Winery & Bistro, a cornerstone of British Columbia’s Naramata Bench, needed a website experience that matched its reputation for small-lot winemaking and acclaimed regional cuisine. As a destination winery with deep local roots and a bistro celebrated for seasonal, shareable plates, Hillside required a digital presence that inspires visits, showcases wines, and reflects the sense of place that drives everything they do.

Background

From the beginning of this project, one theme kept rising to the surface: everyone has a story about Hillside. Whether it’s a long lunch on the patio, a first winery visit, or a quiet glass of Merlot amidst the beautiful architecture, Hillside holds a place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

Solution

We used that insight as the foundation for Hillside’s new digital experience. This strategic focus on emotional familiarity informed every element of the site architecture and content flow. From simplifying navigation to highlighting both the winery and the bistro equally, the site is built to support Hillside’s dual identity as a wine destination and a culinary institution—while keeping the user experience intuitive, modern, and mobile-ready.

From the beginning of this project, one theme kept rising to the surface: everyone has a story about Hillside.

We used that insight as the creative foundation for Hillside’s new digital presence. The design subtly nods to nostalgia, with photography and layout cues reminiscent of old Polaroids and family photo albums. It’s not about looking vintage, but rather creating the feeling that somewhere, tucked inside a memory book, there’s a photo of you at Hillside.

Hillside Winery & Bistro logo, reversed
Hillside brand colour palette
Naramata Grown and Raised headline from the Hillside home page
Hillside Gamay Noir bottle
Polaroid-style photographs of a wine tasting at Hillside
Hillside home page introduction text

Before and after

The new Hillside home page at launch: Naramata Grown and Raised set large, with a Polaroid photo of the lake tucked into the heading.The old Hillside home page in 2023: a horizontal menu over a vineyard photo with the words Welcome to hillside.Before 5forestsAfter 5forests
The new Hillside tastings page at launch: Discover Naramata’s finest with a wine tasting at Hillside, over a photo of two glasses.The old Hillside book a tasting page in 2023: wine glasses on a bar and tasting room hours below.Before 5forestsAfter 5forests
The new Hillside wine club page at launch: 100% Naramata Wines, delivered straight to your door, over a row of bottles.The old Hillside wine club page in 2023: a photo of raised glasses under a grey menu bar, and a list of member benefits.Before 5forestsAfter 5forests
The new Hillside shop page at launch: Shop Our Wines beside a stack of Polaroid photos, with the first bottles below.The old Hillside wine shop page in 2023: a vineyard aerial photo under the words Naramata grown. And raised.Before 5forestsAfter 5forests

Project details

Client

Hillside Winery and Bistro

Region