There's a little-known B.C. winemaker's secret: the wines you love the most are always the ones you have discovered on their home turf.
This fall is your opportunity to explore it for yourself, the perfect time to visit Kelowna—the heart of Okanagan's wine country and B.C.'s birthplace of winemaking—where the area is brimming with peak fall foliage, the pace is relaxed and you can immerse yourself in the best of the season's fall bounty.
Kelowna's known for its top-quality wines and regularly win national and international awards, with many favoured varietals. From gorgeous Chardonnays, vibrant Pinot Gris, crisp expressive Rieslings and sparklings, to the soft lush heavily-planted Merlots and the acidic darling, Pinot Noir, thriving in the cooler climes of Lake Country, just to name a few.
There is a lot to celebrate in both Southeast Kelowna and West Kelowna, despite the low yield of the traditional grape harvest (due to January's deep freeze), but don't despair, you won't be disappointed. There's a collection of Kelowna wine events including two signature experiences not to miss: The Taste of Lake Country, showcasing the Scenic Sip Wine Trail, and Cropped at Revelry Food+Music Hub, plus exclusive events at individual wineries to round out the offerings.
Kelowna is an ideal hub to explore nearly 40 wineries within a 20-minute drive, and local winemakers ensure there's plenty of wine from previous vintages to be swirled, sipped and savoured. You'll also find the greatest epicurean experiences, where food and wine blend seamlessly. Many winery restaurants support farm-to-table undertakings, producing exciting collaborations among their chefs, with farmers, orchardists and other local producers.
West Kelowna wine touring
Across the William R. Bennett Bridge, explore the Westside Wine Trail as your journey winds through gentle hills peppered with iconic wineries, orchards and vineyards—many terraced for optimal Okanagan Lake views.
You'll encounter charming tasting rooms, as well as, grand statements of architectural design gracing scores of wineries, such as Grizzli Winery, with their internationally acclaimed Grizzli Art Gallery. Stroll around the tasting room and art exhibition with an award-winning wine, and dine at 31 CHARKAY, the on-site restaurant featuring contemporary Canadian cuisine. Upcoming events to check out the Fall Fest Harvest Market and Outdoor Concert on Oct.12, and the Spooky Outdoor Cinema from Oct.18-19.
Recognized as an international top-quality producer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Quails' Gate celebrates its 35th year. These fourth-generation wine producers offer immersive vineyard experiences, thoughtfully paired food and wine tastings; a wine-led menu at the award-winning Old Vines Restaurant; and superb views.
Located at the foot of Mount Boucherie (a once-active volcano), Volcanic Hills Estate Winery is known for Pinot Noir, Viognier and Rose. As you sip their award-winning wines in their tasting room, you can also join Volcanic Hills for a Silk Scarf SIP & DIP Workshop on Oct.13, and their Fall Wine Festival Party on Oct.17.
Standout architecture (iconic bell tower) and landmark winery, Mission Hill Family Estate boasts award-winning wines and is Canada’s only five-time winner of Winery of the Year. This fall, join in on curated guided tastings; dining at the acclaimed Terrace Restaurant; the Oculus Weekend Celebration Dinner on Oct 18 -19; and culinary classes on various dates between Oct. 26 to Dec.15.
Southeast Kelowna wine touring
A diverse landscape, notably more rural with quiet country roads, the area blends agricultural appeal with small farms and rugged scenery. These five wineries are in proximity with one another, making touring blithely effortless.
The uber cool and brightly coloured tasting room at The Vibrant Vine is a sensory delight, especially once you don your 3-D glasses; everything in the winery from bottle labels to frisbees is in 3-D. Sample award-winning wines and catch over 100 musical shows during the year.
Meadow Vista is a modern artisan farm winery, creating award-winning honey wines with locally-sourced ingredients; guided wine tasting to learn how mead is made, and honey tasting, too; shop bee-inspired food products.
Priest Creek Family Estate Winery is South East Kelowna’s newest winery and boasts an array of award-winning, old-world style wines; as well as a boutique-style wine shop. This fall, you can also partake in the winery’s Floral Pumpkin Workshops on Oct. 17; and Halloween Movie Nights on the evenings of Oct.11, 12, 18, 19 and 26.
Named the 2024 Winery of the Year and the 2024 Small Winery of the Year, SpearHead Winery specializes in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and aromatic white wines. Hand-harvested grapes are sorted at the winery and fermented in small lots.
The View Winery produces estate-grown and award-winning wines and ciders, with daily tasting year-round; varietals include Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Ehrenfelser and signature reds: Pinotage and Pinot Noir.
Wine tours and bike trails in Kelowna
The best way for a customized wine experience is to book a wine tour, which will unlock hidden gems, exclusive tastings, and winemaker's insider perspectives. Not only will local experts craft your personalized itinerary, they'll handle the driving so you can focus on the wine.
Go at your own pace and explore by e-bike or bicycle on the new 4.8-kilometre multi-use Boucherie bike route that connects a handful of wineries along the Westside Wine Trail, including Quails' Gate and Volcanic Hills Winery.
Now, more than ever, it's important to support Okanagan vineyards and the local wine community. A quick and easy fall road trip lands you in sunny autumn bliss, soaking up nature and exceptional winery experiences, with a plethora of events and activities, leading you into the winter and holiday season—where the beauty of snow-dusted vineyards and adventure continues.
Don't forget to sign up for the #exploreKelowna Wineries Pass to connect you with Kelowna, Lake Country, and West Kelowna wineries, and earn reward points for remarkable prizes.
For more information, visit tourismkelowna.com.
