Bellstar Hotels & Resorts has selected the Okanagan Valley as the location for the first of a collection of private residences in vineyards around the world.
The Calgary-based resort developer is partnering with Chicago-based Olympus Resorts, a division of merchant banker Prometheus Capital, to develop the "Reserve Collection" residences.
Future locations for expansion could include wineries in B.C.'s Gulf Islands, Argentina, New Zealand, Europe, California, Oregon and Washington.
The residences will be sold as fractional ownership similar to a time share but owners will be able to release equity from their property to develop an on-site private club to "share in the development profits."
Ownership will gain exchange benefits through the Elite Alliance, an international group of luxury resort destinations.
To qualify, the vineyard properties must offer exceptional views and the wineries must be premium brands.