Kissed by sunshine and nestled into an ancient mountain, Quails’ Gate Winery overlooks the breathtaking Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada. Once you’ve traveled to this picturesque place you will never forget the feeling of standing amongst the vineyards, the warm sun on your face and the rich, complex flavours of award-winning wines on your palate.
Quails’ Gate Winery is located on the shore of Okanagan Lake in West Kelowna, British Columbia. Through decades of research, careful crafting, and an unwavering dedication to consistency, they have cultivated a reputation for delivering quality wines that pair perfectly anytime, anywhere. Quails’ Gate is really the perfect place to wine, dine and unwind.
Here are six reasons why your next trip should be to this fascinating and wonderful winery.
Family Run
The Stewart family, who established the winery in 1989 has had three generations who have helped to build Quails’ Gate into the award-winning winery that exists today. The pursuit of viticultural and winemaking excellence has remained the driving force behind everything they do. As one of Canada’s foremost family-owned estate wineries, they have shaped the development of the wine industry for more than six decades, focusing on making the Okanagan Valley a true premium wine and culinary destination. True pioneers in the Okanagan Valley, they are leaders in sustainable wine growing and environmental stewardship as well the winery is an avid part of the community and also one of Canada’s Best Managed companies. You can often find a few of their wines at the LCBO and when you do I encourage you to pick them up and give them a try.
Sustainable Winegrowing
The Stewart family has been farming in the Okanagan for more than 100 years. With this history comes a sense of responsibility for stewarding the land and protecting its future. They take their commitment to sustainability seriously. In 2022, their vineyards were certified by Sustainable Winegrowing BC, a made-in-BC program that guides the way for sustainable winegrowing practices and sets a standard for the province and the rest of the country.
At Quails’ Gate, sustainability is a policy of continuous improvement and a philosophy of doing more with less. Their dedication to environmental stewardship is reflected in the care that goes into every bottle. Recently certified by Sustainable Winegrowing BC sustainability is more than just being environmentally friendly; it integrates protection of the environment, fiscal responsibility and respecting our community and the people within it. The decisions they make are focused on a comprehensive view of the entire operation. This includes land stewardship, offering safe and fulfilling employment and being respectful neighbours. They truly want to pass on a meaningful legacy to future generations while also respecting our ability to run a business and create stunning wines from sustainable vineyards.
Award Winning Wines
Quails’ Gate Winery are industry leaders in premium wines. Great wine is always produced in the vineyard, and they pride themselves on letting their grapes show their individuality and character. Wines are crafted using a low-intervention winemaking philosophy that allows the wine to speak for itself in the glass. Low-impact viticulture practices and the philosophy is to do more with less, employs a holistic ecosystem management approach to grape growing.
The Stewart family empowers the team to deliver on exceptional quality and consistency, year over year. This is achieved through farming in small lots with attention to specific blocks, low intervention winemaking and sustainable practices. Quails’ Gate is committed to cultivating a sustainable future. The methods and standards outlined by the Sustainable Winegrowing BC certification process for Quails’ Gate vineyards provide them with the tools to review and assess their practices regularly to find opportunities for continuous improvement and innovative approaches to farming responsibly.
Women Leadership
As one of Canada’s foremost family-owned estate wineries, Quails’ Gate has shaped the development of the wine industry for more than six decades, focusing on making the Okanagan Valley a true premium wine and culinary destination. The team at Quails’ Gate is led by many females such as Llane Dobbener Quails’ Gate Human Resources Coordinator and third generation Stewart family member (fourth generation Stewart family farming member), Judy Wanbon, Quails’ Gate Vineyard Manager, Angela Lyons, Quails’ Gate Vice President, Sales and Marketing, and Kailee Frasch, Quails’ Gate Associate Winemaker
Elevated Dining
As one of the original winery restaurants in West Kelowna and one of the top-ranked in the area, Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate truly celebrates and showcases the gastronomic essence of the Okanagan Valley. Their philosophy of ‘fresh simplicity’ inspires all of the menu choices at Old Vines Restaurant. They use regional Okanagan and West Coast ingredients to create delicious culinary dishes. Each dish is built with a farm-to-table philosophy in mind. Each season the menu changes and is always designed with ingredients that are both sustainably sourced and local. Everything on the menu has a purpose and is intentional. Vegetables come from the farm down the road, they support Ocean Wise-approved seafood, and local farmers provide our beef and lamb, who graze on the pasture just across the lake from the restaurant. Offering one of West Kelowna’s most spectacular views of Okanagan Lake, Old Vines Restaurant dining room and patio are open for lunch and dinner service with unbelievable sunset views and exceptional service
Breathtaking Views
The spectacular Okanagan Valley is filled with lush vineyards, jaw-dropping sunsets and exceptional wines. Take the time to reconnect with nature, rebalance your spirit and discover a vibrant and exciting wine culture. Arrive in quaint Kelowna, BC and plan your wine country route. Notice nature’s awe and beauty as you drive through the picturesque valley. You’ll see incredible winery architecture, majestic mountains, warm sunshine and sparkling crystal water. As your eyes take in the alluring scenery, your palate will be warming up for endless wine tasting opportunities. A true four-season destination, no matter what time of year you plan your visit, nature’s landscape will consistently impress, enchant and charm.
