Ultimate Guide to Best Wineries In Okanagan Valley Plus Best Tours and Hotels

We’ve lined up the 10 best wineries in Okanagan Valley. And because you need options, we’ve also listed the top wine tours and hotels to round this ultimate guide.

Okanagan Valley is nestled in the heart of British Columbia, Canada and boasts a flourishing wine industry with international acclaim. Aside from being known for its breathtaking landscapes, Okanagan Valley’s wine country is one of the main attractions in the region.

Whether you are a wine connoisseur seeking the best vintages or a casual enthusiast looking for an immersive wine-tasting experience, these wineries promise to captivate your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories. 

Best Wineries In Okanagan Valley, BC

Map of wineries in Okanagan Valley, BC

1. Mission Hill Family Estate Winery In Okanagan Valley

Mission Hill winery is on Okanagan Valley’s Westside Wine Trail. This winery has it all, amazing architecture and experiences that embrace everything that the Okanagan wine region has to offer. Discover how they combine old-world practices with new technology, meet the vineyard experts, and learn about their wine collections.

Try their A Taste of the Okanagan event, which includes seated wine tasting for $35 per person. Alternatively, the Lasting Legacy experience is available. This wine tour includes a vineyard tour, lunch, and wine tasting. For $275 per person, you can sample everything this lovely estate winery offers.

2. Okanagan Valley’s The Vibrant Vine Winery

Vibrant Vine is a quirky winery frequently featured as a top winery experience. Taste their exquisite wines in any of their nine tasting bars before unwinding in one of their two lounges.

Along with high-quality wines, Vibrant Vine features a variety of beautiful art. This artistic atmosphere influences the wine bottle designs as well. Each bottle’s brightly colored logos make it an ideal gift or a striking display item in your wine collection.

They even have two outdoor stages that hold over 100 events during the summer, making it the ideal spot to unwind and enjoy excellent wine and entertainment!

3. Quails’ Gate Winery In Okanagan Valley

The scenery, wines, and cuisines at Quails’ Gate Winery are among the best in Kelowna. Start by sampling their renowned wines in indoor or outdoor tasting rooms with lake and vineyard views. 

Quails’ Gate Winery is managed by a fourth-generation Okanagan agricultural family that has lived in the area for over a century. They farm over 200 acres of vineyards and have been instrumental in advancing Canadian viticulture standards. You can enjoy locally produced farm-to-table meals on their tranquil terrace with the ideal Kelowna wine pairings.

4. Sumac Ridge Estate Winery in okanagan valley

Sumac Ridge is one of British Columbia’s first estate vineyards. Sumac Ridge Private Reserve, Steller’s Jay Wines, and Black Sage Vineyard are now housed there. This is a popular winery among locals and visitors in Okanagan wine country.

Try their crisp and excellent reds and whites. Check their website before you see if one of their unique events is taking place. These events include food and wine pairing tastings and a relaxing workout session followed by brunch and mimosas!

5. Okanagan Valley’s Dirty Laundry Vineyard

Dirty Laundry, a destination winery for many visitors to the Okanagan, embraces its cheeky history with an exuberant tasting, a large patio with spectacular views, and a diverse menu. On your walk-in, you can purchase tasting tickets at the self-service kiosk, then proceed to the tasting bar to sample award-winning Okanagan wines. Tastings cost $6 per person for 5 wines and are offered during regular business hours.

Wine, beer, cider, pizza, and smoked meat are available on the self-service patio. The terrace at Dirty Laundry Vineyard is ideal for a summer day, shaded by a canopy of grape vines and chilled by misters.

6. Gray Monk Estate Winery in Okanagan Valley

Gray Monk is a stunning estate winery set on 75 acres of vineyard overlooking Okanagan Lake. The winery got its name from the Gray Monk grape, which used to manufacture their award-winning Pinot Gris. They were the first winery in British Columbia to cultivate Pinot Gris grapes.

Gray Monk, the “home of the Pinot Gris,” offers samples of their recognized variety and other whites and reds. Tastings cost $20 per person, including charcuterie and small bites.

The Lookout Restaurant at the estate serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. Seasonal cuisine crafted with local products is served alongside their wines, a cocktail, or frozen rosé.

7. Okanagan Valley’s Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Summerhill Pyramid Winery in Okanagan Valley takes pride in producing exquisite organic wines as one of the only wineries in Kelowna, BC, with a biodynamic vineyard. Reds, whites, rosés, and Canadian ice wine can be sampled and purchased here. Summerhill Pyramid is also a leading producer of sparkling wines, which will please those who love bubbles.

Try their Pyramid Experience Tour at $20 for a more in-depth experience, including a vineyard tour, a visit to the winery’s geometric wine cellar, and a sample of four wines. After sampling the wines of Summerhill Pyramid, head to the Summerhill Organic Bistro for internationally inspired organic cuisine.

8. CedarCreek Estate Winery in okanagan Valley

The 50-acre CedarCreek estate produces organic, single-vineyard wines from 30-year-old vineyards. Their Pinot Noirs are created from some of British Columbia’s oldest vines. On the beaches of Lake Okanagan, you may sip award-winning Okanagan wine while overlooking the lake.

CedarCreek Family Estate uses the cool climate of the North Okanagan to create highly nuanced Pinot Noir wines with rich, berry-forward flavors. The estate frequently cites its commitment to creating a healthy ecology teeming with animals and plants as the source of its flavored wine. 

Tastings and experiences start at $20 per person. With their Silt & Stone experience, Pinot Noir fans may enjoy CedarCreek’s full collection of Platinum wines. If you’re hungry, try their Home Block Restaurant, which serves Canadian cuisine and wine pairings.

9. NK’MIP Cellars- Winery in okanagan valley

NK’MIP (pronounced INKAMEEP) Cellars is an Osoyoos Winery and aims to honor its culture while giving respect to the land with every bottle of wine produced. The vineyard is on Osoyoos Indian Band land, surrounded by soaring mountains and mirrored lakes. This Indigenous-owned winery incorporates cultural elements into all they do. You will find world-acclaimed wines here and Indigenous artisan items and food and wine-related products from the region.

It can be difficult to decide what to buy with their huge collection. But don’t worry, NK’MIP Cellars has a variety of taste alternatives. Start by sampling their Winemaker’s Series Flight at $5. If you’re interested in a private vineyard tour, try their Private Grotto Tasting Experience, which also involves a tasting experience in the Grotto overlooking the Red Barrel room. 

10. Tantalus Vineyards in Okanagan Valley

Tantalus Vineyards is a southeast Kelowna vineyard producing some of the best single-vineyard wines in the Okanagan Valley wine region. Tantalus is British Columbia’s oldest continuously producing vineyard. Try everything they offer in their gallery-style tasting room, including paintings by Canadian artists.

Tantalus, which overlooks Lake Okanagan, dates back to 1927 when local horticultural JW Hughes planted table grapes. Previously known as Pioneer Vineyards, Eric Savics purchased the land in 2004 and repurposed the grape plantings to create three flagship varietals.  

All of its grapes are farmed sustainably, and their Rieslings are among the best in Canada. Tantalus is also noted for producing excellent Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. It is now also considered one of Canada’s leading riesling producers, and it developed British Columbia’s first LEED-certified winery.

Best Wine Tours in Okanagan

• Experience sipping and indulging in wines from either Kelowna East or West on an expertly guided half-day tour that takes you to four charming vineyards. Immerse yourself in the captivating realm of wines cultivated on the shores of Okanagan Lake, where you’ll have the chance to taste a wide array of varieties made from grapes nurtured in volcanic soil. Gain insights into the fascinating interplay between the region’s distinctive geology and the flavors of its grapes. Wine tasting and snacks are included.
• Embark on a journey through the acclaimed Okanagan Valley wine region with this captivating four-to-five hour tour. Join a small and intimate group of fellow wine enthusiasts, limited to no more than six people, as you explore the treasures of West Kelowna’s finest wineries. Prepare to be enchanted as you visit four carefully selected establishments, each offering their own unique charm and flavors. As a special highlight, you’ll even have the opportunity to discover the world’s only 100% indigenous-owned winery. Indulge in a variety of tastings, as every delightful sip is included in this exceptional experience. Quails’ Gate Winery is on the list of stops.
• Escape your concerns of picking a designated driver from your group and relax in the convenience of this private tour, where your group can travel in the comfort of your own vehicle to the wineries of your choosing. Immerse yourself in a wine-tasting adventure through the enchanting Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. This exclusive tour is tailored solely for your group, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience like no other.
• Your private wine tour with picnic lunch in the renowned Okanagan Valley in British Columbia begins with a twist as you’re picked up at your Kelowna accommodation and then partake in a sommelier-led tasting class, designed to elevate your palate and prepare you for the wine-filled adventure ahead. Throughout the day, you’ll visit four esteemed wineries, immersing yourself in guided tours and delighting in tastings that showcase the region’s vinous treasures. As an added bonus, one of the vineyards will serve as a picturesque setting for a memorable picnic lunch, thoughtfully paired with exceptional wines to enhance your culinary experience.

Top 5 Hotels In Okanagan

With its stunning natural beauty, abundant recreational activities, and world-class wineries, Okanagan Valley wine region offers many accommodations to suit every traveler’s preferences. When planning a visit to the captivating Okanagan wine region, finding the perfect place to stay is essential for a truly memorable experience.

1. Sparkling Hill Resort

Sparkling Hill Resort at the north end of Okanagan Lake near Vernon is for you if you like rocks and diamonds. Umm who doesn’t?

Sparkling Hill Resort, which overlooks the Monashee Mountains, has a luminosity that stretches far beyond the sunlight shining off its infinity pool.

The resort emphasizes whole-body wellness, and the KurSpa will also help you shine. With 100 treatments and over 3,700 m2, it is the country’s largest luxury spa and the first North American spa to provide a Cyro Cold Chamber, popular with individuals suffering from inflammation.

Chefs provide farm-to-table cuisine, and while leaving the resort is difficult, it is an interesting day trip to visit local food producers in and around the area.

2. Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort

Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort is located in the center of Kelowna, the valley’s largest city. It includes a spa and pools to keep you busy before the nightlife begins, and you can walk a short distance to Kelowna City Park. 

Wine enthusiasts can sample wines at some of the valley’s hundreds of wineries, each with its own narrative. You may meditate in a four-story high pyramid at Summerhill Pyramid Winery. Aside from trying local cuisines, finish your day by going to BNA Brewing and bowling while sipping a lager.

3. Walnut Beach Resort

Walnut Beach Resort, located at the southern end of the Okanagan Valley and away from Osoyoos’ major streets, is ideal for couples looking to escape the summer crowds and unwind on a private beach. In one of Canada’s drier regions, relax on a lounger with beach umbrellas covering you.

The resort, which has a year-round heated outdoor pool, is a terrific place to visit in the fall, when grapes are harvesting, and sagebrush-dotted hillsides are bathed in golden sunlight. The wine bar serves a selection of local vintages, but going straight to the source is more fun. There are several dozen wineries in the Okanagan’s south; you can drive there, but consider a bike trip on your own or with a guide.

E-bikes are available for rent from various businesses. It doesn’t matter if you’re in shape for major hills or just want to buy more wine – the bike’s power will carry you over long distances, allowing you to enjoy the Okanagan Valley’s beautiful skies, carpets of vineyards, and mountain peaks.  

4. Watermark Beach Resort

Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos is the place to go if you want a fun adventure. The resort’s watersports are refreshing because they are located at the warmest lake in Canada, Lake Osoyoos, in a community with the hottest summer daytime temperatures in the country.

The resort is in the heart of town, so you can walk to boutiques and coffee shops or attend a summer festival. In July, the Osoyoos Cherry Fiesta celebrates local cherries, which are more valuable than valley grapes, with a procession (and the occasional water fight). 

Make memories that will last a lifetime in Osoyoos. Visit award-winning vineyards and taste the bounty of the Okanagan. Dine on the lakefront at 15 Park Bistro. Bike, walk, or sightsee through the unique desert ecology, or play a round of golf.

5. Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa

As temperatures rise, Canadians seeking vitamin D visit beaches and vineyards in the Okanagan Valley. Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa provides a private escape from the valley’s hustle and bustle while allowing plenty of warm-weather entertainment.

The resort is located on the edge of a wetland, and because there are few wetlands left in the valley, your neighbors will be birds, turtles, and beavers. The resort goes above and beyond to safeguard the environment as one of only two dozen hotels in the province to obtain a four-star designation from the Hotel Association of Canada’s Green Key sustainability program.

Summerland hosts a farmer’s market every Tuesday where you may sample spring cherries, summer peaches, and fall apples. The area attracts artists and musicians; you can meet many at resort events.

What Is The Climate Like in Okanagan Valley?

The Okanagan Valley is classified as a cool climate location; however, with summer temperatures reaching approximately 35 degrees Celsius, this classification only tells part of the story.

The Okanagan Valley boasts a continental climate throughout the grape growing season, with plenty of bright sunshine and little rain. The 135-kilometer-long Okanagan Lake runs down the valley’s center and keeps the winters warm. Warm days and cool nights allow the grapes to develop rich fruit character and naturally high acidity. 

The Okanagan Valley embraces cool climate wines, but more full-bodied single-varietal wines arise as you travel south. This is especially true in and around Oliver and Osoyoos. 

The climate is what attracts both grapes and people to the Okanagan. The valley, located in the rain shadow of the Coast Mountains, has a short but strong growing season.

Types Of Grapes From Okanagan Wineries 

With a length of 250 kilometers from north to south, the Okanagan Valley has amazing geography, weather, and geology variance. Most vineyards are grown on high benchlands, allowing for better drainage, longer solar exposure, and better frost protection. Technically, the area near the US border is a semi-desert, with half the rainfall of the northern portion. 

Its uniqueness distinguishes it from other wine areas across the world, like California’s Napa Valley. 

In the Okanagan Valley, more than 60 grape types are planted, providing wines with a wide range of sweetness levels.  In the north (Lake Country, Kelowna, Summerland), more white and early-ripening grape types are planted, whereas in the south (Oliver, Osoyoos), more red and late-ripening kinds are planted. Red and white grapes are cultivated in about equal proportions. 

Okanagan wines are light and fruity, with a fantastic acidity balance. The following are the most prevalent wine varietals found at Okanagan wineries:

• Chardonnay
• Riesling 
• Pinot Gris
• Rosé
• Merlot
• Pinot Noir
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Syrah

Some Okanagan wineries also make ice wine. 

The Ultimate Guide To Exploring The Best Wineries In Okanagan

As we conclude this ultimate guide to exploring the best wineries in the Okanagan, we hope that we have given you a glimpse into the incredible world of wine that awaits you in this breathtaking region. 

From the rolling vineyards to the passionate winemakers and the exceptional wine-tasting experiences, the Okanagan offers a wine lover’s paradise worth exploring. Cheers to unforgettable experiences and the joy of discovering exceptional wines in this remarkable corner of the world!

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