With British Columbia’s first vines having taken root in the Okanagan Valley back in 1859, Kelowna is considered to be the birthplace of winemaking in the province. The vast and vibrant wine region is known for its award-winning, top-quality varietals, ranging from aromatic whites to cool climate reds.
From family-run wineries and urban tasting rooms, to magnificent estate vineyards and organic wineries, the Kelowna wine community has it all. Particularly during the fall harvest, Kelowna’s vineyards and wineries are buzzing with exceptional wine tastings and experiences. With nearly 40 wineries all within a 20 minute drive, Kelowna has plenty of space for wine appreciators to swirl, sip and savour the region’s best selections, making a tour across this bustling wine country well worth the trip.
Must-visit wineries in South Kelowna
First established as Calona Wines in 1932, Sandhill Wines is B.C.’s oldest continually operating winery. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Kelowna, this urban wine establishment is all about enhancing the natural flavours of the harvested fruit. Plus, as the weather cools from fall into winter, the indoor tasting room provides a cozy happy hour spot for guests to indulge in wine and bites.
Located on the eastern slopes of Okanagan Lake, Tantalus Vineyards is hailed as one of the world’s top producers of Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay. These premium wines can be enjoyed in the LEED-certified winery’s gallery-style tasting room, which contains artwork from some of Canada's most acclaimed visual artists.
Summerhill Pyramid Winery is the most visited winery in all of Canada, and it’s easy to understand why once you pay a visit. Come by for the Pyramid Experience tour to explore the biodynamic vineyard and gardens, join a guided tasting session of their award-winning organic wines, enjoy a fresh farm-to-table meal at the bistro or relax on the farm with a bottle of wine and a picnic during a beautiful autumn afternoon.
Must-visit wineries in Lake Country
Located north of Kelowna and nestled along the rolling hills of the northeast side of Okanagan Lake, the community of Lake Country is experiencing rapid growth. Growing just as fast is its wine community, with more and more lakeside wineries being established in the area.
Found directly across from Kelowna International Airport, the European-style Ancient Hill Estate Winery specializes in producing small lots made entirely from grapes grown and processed on-site. Its nouveau-rustic tasting room provides old-world charm and opens up to a private patio area with panoramic views of the valley beyond.
Sourcing 90% of grapes from Lake Country and 10% from the Kelowna area, Arrowleaf Cellars places high importance on reflecting the surrounding location in their terroir-driven wines, including their beloved variations of Riesling and Pinot Noir. The winery is hosting a selection of long-table wine experiences this fall, including guided wine and cheese pairings and blind wine tastings.
Ex Nihilo Vineyards is all about cultivating delectable wines as a way of bringing people together. To that end, the winery hosts numerous events in their tasting room to forge opportunities for connecting over wine and food, from elegant seated wine tastings to multi-course dinners at the on-site restaurant, Chaos Bistro.
Originally established in 1972 by George and Trudy Heiss, Gray Monk Estate Winery holds the distinction of being the oldest family-owned and operated winery in the Okanagan Valley. Gray Monk is also the first winery to pioneer the growth of cool-climate varietals in Canada through their planting of the inaugural Pinot Gris vines on B.C. soil. Today, the estate spans 75 acres of lush vineyards overlooking Okanagan Lake.
A world-class wine destination in its own right, 50th Parallel Estate Winery focuses on a small portfolio of award-winning wines, namely their take on Pinot Noir, which makes up nearly 40% of the winery’s production, and their flagship Pinot Gris. The winery also cultivates a Pinot Noir Rosé that’s similar to the rosé wines of Provence.
Sign up for the #exploreKelowna Wineries Pass to connect you with wineries across South Kelowna, Lake Country and beyond, and earn reward points for remarkable prizes.
For the complete list of wineries across Kelowna, visit www.tourismkelowna.com/wineries
