The Okanagan Valley in beautiful British Columbia is the perfect place for you to wine, dine, explore and relax. Start your adventure in quaint Kelowna, B.C. and plan your wine country route. Be prepared for truly spectacular culinary experiences, award winning wines and a trip of a lifetime.
A place that will entice every sense. Ancient volcanic and glacial soils form the base for vineyards and premium wines. Your eyes will take in the alluring scenery, your palate will be warming up for endless wine tasting opportunities and you will never forget the feeling of calm and joy that will come over you when standing amongst the vineyards.
From incredible winery architecture, to breathtaking, panoramic views of cascading vineyards and majestic mountains, to creative and elevated food and wine experiences, once you’ve experienced the Okanagan Valley it’ll be easy to understand why some people decide to never leave.
A true four-season destination, no matter what time of year you plan your visit, nature’s landscape and the wine and culinary scene will consistently impress, enchant and charm. Discover the wine capital of Canada, be swept away by remarkable culinary experiences, visit North America’s first Indigenous owned winery or learn more about evolution of the Pinot Noir grape. Whatever your fancy, Okanagan will surely leave an everlasting impression.
Here are ten must visit wineries in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley
Mission Hill Family Estate
Blasted out of volcanic rock, the underground barrel cellar at Mission Hill is only one of the many reasons for visiting this incredible winery. Mission Hill Family Estate is Canada’s only five-time winner of Winery of the Year located in West Kelowna, British Columbia. From the majestic mountain views to the incredible fine food and wine pairing and dining experiences it will be a winery visit you’ll never ever forget. A dinner reservation at the Terrace Restaurant is highly recommended if you want to experience a truly spectacular tasting menu where local fare is expertly paired with award-winning Mission Hill wines. From the service to the wines this winery is truly extraordinary.
Nk’Mip Cellars
Osoyoos is known as Canada’s wine capital and Nk’Mip Cellars (pronounced “In-Ka-Meep”) is North America’s first Indigenous owned winery. Today the winemaking at Nk’Mip Cellars is spearheaded by Osoyoos Band Member Justin Hall who is the Estate Winemaker producing award-winning wines. The winery itself sits on the land of the Osoyoos Indian Band, while overlooking the Osoyoos Lake in the Okanagan Valley. With a winery, retail boutique and patio restaurant located right amongst the vineyards this spot is a must visit spot for anyone who appreciates fine wine, magical sunsets, and great food. To make your decision to visit even easier, there is a fantastic hotel & spa called Spirit Ridge which is steps from the winery. You can also visit @nkmipcellars at the District Wine Village – which is an incredible spot where you can taste many wineries in one spot!
Martin’s Lane
Do you appreciate Vincent van Gogh and rustic modern architecture? Martin’s Lane Winery is a 6-level, gravity-fed winery built to impress any lover of art, architecture and fine wine. The building is inspired by, and also an expression of the raw, wild, rugged, exposed west coast environment. The architect used materials to design the winery that would weather, age and reflect the natural roughness and beauty. Winery proprietor Anthony von Mandl commissioned artist and cultural icon Douglas Coupland to create a sculptural project entitled ‘Project Redhead’, to celebrate the opening of Martin’s Lane. The project involved a global search for the man who most resembles Vincent van Gogh. They used this said man as the base model for a large sculpture of Vincent van Gogh’ positioned on its side that greets every guest upon arrival to the winery. Focused only on Pinot Noir and Riesling, Martin’s Lane specializes on two grapes only. Making the winery focused and diligent about producing only the best of these two noble grapes. On a few special bottles you may also find a wax replica of a Vincent van Gogh’s ear.
Liquidity Wines
Located in the stunning and peaceful area of Okanagan Falls, Liquidity Wines offers not only a stunning view of the region, but also crafts wine and food tasting experiences that are truly one-of-a-kind. You’ll be greeted by fantastic hospitality and service while tasting impressive wines. Winemaker Amy Paynter crafts wines that are truly expressive and memorable. The resident chef puts together artfully constructed food pairings with the wines on offer.
CedarCreek Estate Winery
If you’re a lover of fine architecture and delicious organic wine, CedarCreek Estate Winery is both modern and rustic. Floor to ceiling windows fill the tasting room and the organic wines in your glass showcase the purity, quality and expression of the North Okanagan Valley. Head into Home Block restaurant crafted from fieldstone and 100-year-old reclaimed barn wood and dine alongside sweeping vineyard views, while enjoying the brilliant menu creations of Chef Neil Taylor. This is a definite must stop, the restaurant is very impressive offering comforting dishes and exceptional service.
Quails’ Gate Estate Winery
One of Canada’s foremost family-owned estates, Quails’ Gate is owned by the Stewart family. As a third generation Okanagan wine family, they have been part of the wine community for more than a century. Experience premium hospitality in every aspect of the winery. At the wine shop taste premium award-winning wines recently certified by Sustainable Winegrowing B.C. a made-in-BC program that guides the way for sustainable winegrowing practices setting a standard for the province and the rest of the country. Wander through the vineyards for a perfect Instagram photo and enjoy the glamourous view of the Okanagan Lake. As one of the original winery restaurants in West Kelowna and one of the top-ranked in the Okanagan, Old Vines Restaurant truly celebrates and showcases the gastronomic essence of the Okanagan Valley. Quails’ Gate also offers lakeside accommodations, and also has a quaint Market on-site offering a wide selection of artisanal cheeses, breads, fresh brewed coffee, espresso and classic desserts. The market also offers a variety of café style food options including pizza from a wood-fired pizza oven.
CheckMate Artisinal Winery
Home to two three consecutive 100 point Vintages, CheckMate winery is luxuriously designed for an unbelievable wine country experience. Focused on carefully crafted impeccable Chardonnay and Merlot grape varietals, this one-of-a-kind winery tasting will leave you falling in Merlove and tasting the best Chardonnay in Canada. The newly designed modern winery caters to fine wine enthusiasts and is a definite place to spend a few hours contemplating the gloriousness of just two fascinating grapes.
Gray Monk Estate Winery
Make the trek to Graymonk Winery and you’ll be rewarded with striking views and an undeniable fascinating winery experience. Overlooking the lake the restaurant on-site is aptly called ‘The Lookout’ offering up a relaxing and gorgeous view with their menu. Known for Pinot Gris, the winery is named after one of the first grape varieties that they produced. In Austria and Hungary, this grape is called ‘Grauar Mönch’ hence the translation and winery name ‘Gray Monk’. Reserve a table on the patio and enjoy a glass of the iconic Pinot Gris and enjoy food pairings by Executive Chef Graham Momer who curates a seasonal menu that celebrates and supports local farmers.
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards
Head to Tinhorn Creek Vineyards and book a ‘Black Glass Tasting’. Taste four wines, each of them hidden in black glasses. With the help of your senses and your tasting guide, you’ll have to guess what each wine varietal is. Guess two of the four wines correctly and your tasting fee is waived. Learn about each grape varietal as you walk through the demonstration vineyard, open to everyone to learn more about each individual grape. Schedule a lunch stop at Miradoro Restaurant to refuel before your next winery. Dogs are welcome on leash and they have an outdoor solar panel phone charger.
Black Hills Winery
Black Hills Estate in the Okanagan Valley appellation is centered in the middle of Canada’s only official desert. Focused on sustainable winegrowing Black Hills’ vineyard sites have been recognized as having some of the best terroir in Canada. Winemaker Rose Wise produces wines that are fabulously loved by wine club members and many bottles sell out due to intense popularity. Enjoy a perfect afternoon wine tasting complimented with a delicious charcuterie board.
