Tag

winery

Browsing

Kelowna is known for two things: the stunning Okanagan Lake and delicious Kelowna wine! Wineries in West Kelowna are amongst the best in the area delivering a ton of personality and stunning Okanagan Lake views.

The city of Kelowna sees around 2 million tourists a year all looking to get a piece of that Okanagan lifestyle. The city is known for long hot summers, short snow covered winters breeding a lazy beach vibe turning into a snowboarder’s paradise.

Not sold on Kelowna? Check out 10 reasons you need to visit Kelowna now!

one of the best wineries in West Kelowna.

While most of Kelowna’s tourism is centred around the downtown area the city has a lot more to offer. West Kelowna is rapidly growing in popularity with more and more developments growing. West Kelowna also happens to be home to some of the best wineries in the Okanagan. Wineries in West Kelowna have reputations for delivering high quality wines with unbeatable Okanagan views.

Looking to taste more wine? Check out our East Kelowna wine tour.

A city that loves to drink, Kelowna is home to many cideries, wineries, distilleries and micro breweries. This guide is designed to help you visit all the best wineries in West Kelowna.

The Westside wine trail takes you to some of the best wineries in BC. A West Kelowna wine tour is the best way to spend a romantic getaway in the Okanagan. A trip through the wineries in West Kelowna makes for the perfect girl’s weekend or bachelorette party in Kelowna.

Without further ado, let’s get into the best wineries in West Kelowna.

How to take this self guided West Kelowna wine tour:

This West Kelowna winery tour takes you to 5 of the best wineries in West Kelowna. Click on the map below to view this Kelowna winery tour or scan the QR code to download the West Kelowna wine tour directly to your phone’s Google Maps app. If you are on your phone, simply screenshot the QR code to get the map downloaded.

West Kelowna Wineries Map

Scan/screenshot this to get this west Kelowna wine tour sent to Google Maps

Top wineries in West Kelowna

Address: 2345 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna BC

Tasting hours: 11am – 6pm

Reservation required: reservations not accepted, first come first serve only

Tasting cost: $15, waived with purchase of wine

Does this winery serve food? No

Why visit this Kelowna winery? Stunning lake views with relaxed vibes and good tunes.

Black Swift Vineyards is one of the newer wineries in West Kelowna. It is a part of the JPC Trail, a collection of wineries, cideries and breweries in West Kelowna.

Like beer as much as you like wine? Check out our Kelowna self guided brewery tour.

Walking up to this West Kelowna winery will showcase a cement building with large metal crows along the outside. Coming inside you will be met with floor to ceiling glass that delivers unbeatable vineyard and Okanagan Lake views. Your party can enjoy a seat on the patio and take in the stunning views of the vineyard overlooking Okanagan lake.

The tasting will be done at your table meaning your party can get off their feet and enjoy their time together comfortably seated at a table. This is a newly popular thing amongst wineries in West Kelowna but a welcomed treat to having to stand at a counter for your wine tasting.

While the tasting cost is $15 for 5 tastings, the views and the delicious wine are certainly worth it. Your full tasting cost is waived with the purchase of a bottle making it an obvious buy.

Address: 3225 Boucherie Rd, Kelowna BC

Tasting hours: 11 am – 6 pm

Reservation required: reservations not accepted, first come first serve only

Tasting cost: $10, waived with purchase of wine

Does this winery serve food? No

Why visit this Kelowna winery?

Great music, family oriented old fashioned vineyard

Another winery in West Kelowna that is also on the JPC Trail, The Hatch is one of the newer wineries in West Kelowna. While it may be new, it certainly doesn’t want you to know that. The Hatch looks like you are walking into an antique shop with old machinery set up all around.

the front doorway at The Hatch.

Walking down from the parking lot you will get to a log barn style building that is The Hatch’s tasting room. With picnic table style seating both inside and outside you can choose your ideal spot. Your group will sit at their table with the tastings being done at the table.

The Hatch’s vineyard is off to the side away from the tasting area. You are free to explore through the vines with the lake in the background. This is one of the best wineries in West Kelowna to get vineyard photos for a bachelorette weekend or girls’ trip. This is also a great place to grab a bottle of wine and have a romantic picnic in Kelowna.

The Hatch is a family friendly and dog friendly winery making it a great place to bring the whole family. This is one of the quirkier wineries in West Kelowna straying from the modern upscale design most other Okanagan vineyards follow. As a bonus, The Hatch doesn’t have a restaurant which means your pup gets free range around.

Don’t forget to check out the most romantic things to do in Kelowna!

Address: 3303 Boucherie Rd, Kelowna BC

Tasting hours: 10 am – 8 pm

Reservation required: reservations recommended in summer, walk ins accommodated

Tasting cost: $15 Estate tasting | $25 Collector Tasting | $35 Vineyard Tasting Experience | $50 Wine and Cheese Paired Tasting (min. 2 guests) | $35 Wine and Chocolate Paired Tasting

Does this winery serve food?

Yes, at Old Vines Restaurant and The Market at Quail’s Gate.

Why visit this Kelowna winery?

Luxurious up-scale winery, Okanagan Lake views

Quails Gate is one of the OG wineries in West Kelowna, being family operated since 1956. It is one of the most well known wineries in West Kelowna and for good reason. This is some of the best Kelowna wine you will try. Stunning views of the Okanagan Lake can be seen from almost everywhere in Quails Gate. Built on a hill it looks as though the vineyard runs straight into the lake making this one of the best wineries West Kelowna has to offer.

Your Quails Gate wine tasting will take place in their large tasting room that opens into a patio overlooking the lake. An estate tasting is $15 with a collectors testing costing $35. If you’d prefer to do a tasting in the vineyard you can do so for $35 each. There are also wine and cheese as well as wine and chocolate pairing options available.

Quails Gate restaurant Old Vines Restaurant delivers a high end restaurant experience. Old Vines restaurant typically requires reservations but sometimes will accept walk-ins. Their service is excellent and their patio has stunning vineyard views that is a great way to spend a romantic evening in Kelowna. This is one of the most renowned restaurant wineries in West Kelowna.

If you would rather be outdoors, you can skip the wine tasting and instead buy a few bottles of wine from either the tasting room or The Quails Gate Market and ask for plastic cups. You can then take the wine to sit in either the garden in the market or enjoy the stunning lake views from in between the vines. The Market at Quails Gate also sells charcuterie boards which you can bring to a picnic table to make your own tasting.

Traveling to Vancouver as well? Check out these top things to do in Vancouver.

Quails Gate is more than just a winery, they even offer premium lakefront accommodations. Built around luxury, they also offer Yacht Wine Tasting experiences between June and September. Board a 40ft yacht on the Okanagan Lake to enjoy your Quails Gate wine tasting. This is one of the best wineries in West Kelowna.

Address: 3725 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna BC

Tasting hours: 10 am – 8 pm daily (last reservation at 7 pm)

Reservation required: Reservations are strongly encouraged

Tasting cost: $10 for 5 wines, fee waived with a wine purchase

Does this winery serve food?

Yes, at Annie’s Beach Cafe open 8 am – 8 pm daily

Why visit this Kelowna winery?

Beach setting, family and dog friendly

Why just look at the stunning lake views if you can submerge yourself in them? Frind winery is unique in that it looks more like a luxurious beach club than a winery. Frind is certainly one of the busier wineries in West Kelowna due to its stunning beachfront location. Don’t let this deter you, even if you just buy a bottle to sip along the water, you will not be disappointed.

cabanas with white drapes on white sand with Okanagan Lake in the background.

From the main road, Boucherie Road, you will make your way down a long driveway that will take you down to the water. A large tasting room is available with stunning lake views. If you are coming to Kelowna for a Bachelorette Party, you can book a private tasting in a beachside bungalow.

Find Winery is a great place to fuel up. Between 8 am and 5 pm their cafe is open serving to-go wine and snacks. You can choose to sit in the beach cafe but the real treat is sitting outside in the family friendly beachfront picnic area. If you are wanting a seated meal, Frind Winery has that too between 11 am and 8 pm. Frind Winery’s beach style lunch menu serves up wood fire pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, pasta and salads.

Speaking of the patio, walking out of the tasting room will open you up into a lakefront oasis. Located right on Okanagan Lake, Frind Winery is a great dog friendly winery that is perfect for the whole family. A large field with picnic tables stretches across the property and leads into a sandy beach area. You will feel like you are in a resort in Mexico as you lie in the shaded cabanas on a hot summer day right beside the water sipping wine.

Address: 3887C Brown Rd, West Kelowna BC

Tasting hours: 11 am – 6 pm | Speakeasy Friday – Sunday 5 pm – 10 pm

Reservation required: First come first served, Restaurant reservations recommended

Tasting cost: $15, waived with wine purchase

Does this winery serve food?

Yes, at Angel Share on their rooftop noshery

Why visit this Kelowna winery?

unique prohibition style, speakeasy downstairs

The last winery on the JPC Trail and the furthest winery on our list is Crown & Thieves. This prohibition style vineyard is a really fun experience. Walking into the castle style building you will open large doors and transport back in time.

a sign hanging on a wire fence directing guest to Crown and Thieves

Inside Crown & Thieves you’ll find large vaulted ceilings with stunning artwork and old chandeliers hanging. Tall library style bookshelves filled with their delicious Kelowna wine line the walls. You can either do your tasting at the bartop inside or find a small table on the patio outside.

If you are hungry and looking for food, Crown & Thieves restaurant Angel Share is an outdoor restaurant with BC’s first outdoor licensed kitchen. They serve food between 11:30 am and 10 pm with the best time to go being between 3-5 when they’re doing a happy hour. Their menu changes daily so you can try something new every time you visit.

No trip here is complete without visiting the Crown & Thieves speakeasy. Walking to the back of the tasting room towards the bathrooms you will find a staircase to the basement. Walking down the stairs you will see a sign that says speakeasy so you will know where you are. As soon as you get downstairs you will feel like you have been transported into a 1920s underground club.

Take a seat on the sofa and order an old fashioned and take in the dark black ceilings. The Crown & Thieves speakeasy has a stage that often has live music and other events happening.

Bonus: if you’re visiting Crown & Thieves, hop next door to Truck 59 Cidery. Another member of the JPC Trail, Truck 59 Cidery sits in the same area so is easy to get to. Grab a blanket and cuddle up by an outdoor fire soaking in beautiful Okanagan views while drinking delicious cider.

Wineries in West Kelowna with restaurants

You can’t bounce between the wineries in West Kelowna without having a snack in between. If you are doing our self guided West Kelowna winery tour, we recommend either choosing a winery with a restaurant or packing a picnic to bring along with you for the trip.

Packing a picnic is a great way to spend a romantic day in Kelowna.

Any one of the West Kelowna winery restaurants on our list is a good choice for eating. Quails Gate has their high end Old Vines Restaurant which is great for those looking to have a luxury experience. The Quails Gate Market is another great option that sells to-go bottles of wine and charcuterie boards.

If you are wanting to eat near the beach, going to Frind winery’s restaurant Annie’s Beach Cafe is a great lunch option. If you are looking to have a changing menu, Crown & Thieves restaurant Angel Share is a great option with a rotating menu.

If you are looking for a more laid back place to get food, there is a Texas BBQ style pub along the route between Black Swift Winery (stop 1) and The Hatch (stop 2) called The Hatching Post. A midwestern style pub, The Hatching Post has laid back saloon style vibes that are an experience in itself. The Hatching Post is another stop along the JPC Trail.

Why book a wine tour in West Kelowna?

No one likes being a designated driver. Booking a wine tour through the West Kelowna wineries allows your whole party to enjoy their time and taste the delicious Okanagan wines. With so many amazing vineyards in West Kelowna, your day will be perfectly planned to allow you to skip the lines, stay on schedule, and spend your time focused on sipping wines, enjoying the views, and taking selfies. Tour guides do a great job of setting the mood with good music in an air-conditioned vehicle between vineyards and will explain all about the places you visit along the way.

Afternoon sightseeing wine tour in West Kelowna: You can choose between either a West Kelowna or East Kelowna wine tour with this experience. Either option will take you to 4 of the best wineries in the area where you will spend your time sipping the best wines, taking in the stunning views, and getting gorgeous photos. The tour guides are incredibly friendly and plan all the details making your experience focused on having fun and making memories.

If you choose the Kelowna wine tour you will be taken to: Vibrant Vines, Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Kitsch Wines, The View Winery.

The price for this tour by Red Dog Wine Tours varies based on how many people are in your group (up to 6 people). Booking for 2 people will cost you $250 CAD ($186.46 USD) per person and goes down to $179 CAD ($133.50 USD) each if booking for a group of 6. All tasting fees and round trip transportation are included in this price. Kelowna wine tours include transportation from anywhere in Kelowna while West Kelowna wine tours pick up from anywhere in Kelowna or West Kelowna.

Full day West Kelowna winery tour: Teehouse Wine Tours is known to provide great wine tours with friendly guides who take you to the best wineries. This wine tour is guaranteed to take you to two of the most sought-after wineries in West Kelowna: Quails Gate and Mission Hill Estate Winery. In total, you will visit 4 wineries sipping 20 different wines between them. You’ll be happy you have a designated driver at the end of this!

Wineries visited: Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, Quails Gate Winery, Black Swift Vineyards, Mount Boucherie Estate Winery.

You will spend the full day out on this tour including a stop for lunch at the delicious restaurant located at Mount Boucherie Estate Winery: The Modest Butcher (at own expense). The tour costs $198.45 CAD ($148.01 USD) and includes tasting fees and round trip transportation.

Gallery of grapes West Kelowna wine tour: This half day wine tour will take you to 5 different wineries in West Kelowna to sample some of the best wines in the region. You will spend your day with a small group touring through the vineyards and learning about what makes this region so prominent for wineries.

Wineries you may visit: Mt Boucherie Estate Winery, Volcanic Hills Estate Winery, The Hatch, Off The Grid Winery, Indigenous World Winery, Rollingdale Winery, Quails Gate Estate Winery, or Frind Winery.

This half day tour by Views & Vines Wine Tours costs $227.50 CAD ($169.68 USD) and includes all tasting fees, water and snacks, and round trip transportation.

Where to stay in West Kelowna

The Cove Lakeside Resort – This stunning West Kelowna hotel is located right on Okanagan Lake giving you that epic lakeside living feel. You will feel like you are on a Mexican vacation as you enjoy the multiple on-site pools, hot tub, and private beach. There are EV chargers on-site, a nice spa, and incredibly comfortable beds.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott West Kelowna – One of our favorite family-friendly accommodations in West Kelowna, this is a great option for people looking for kitchenettes in their rooms. With a delicious breakfast included, you will enjoy their spacious rooms complete with microwaves, fridges, dishwashers, toasters, and stoves in your room. Enjoy their small convenience store on-site, splash down their waterslide landing in their indoor pool, workout in their on-site gym, or grill some dinner on their rooftop patio equipped with multiple BBQs for you to use. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, pets are welcome – what more can you ask for?

Best Western Country Hotel & Suites – This is a great hotel for families that has tons of on-site amenities. Slide down their waterslide splashing into their year-round indoor pool, soak in the hot tub, and enjoy their free breakfast. Enjoy golf course views as you stay in their spacious rooms. The hotel is pet-friendly – a great plus in our books!

Super 8 – If you are looking for a budget-friendly hotel in Kelowna, the Super 8 is a great option. An indoor pool is available year-round with an on-site gym. Rooms are pretty basic featuring small kitchenettes with a microwave and sink. If your goal is to be outside and are just looking for a place to crash your head, this is a great option.

West Kelowna Wineries FAQ

How many wineries in the Okanagan?

There are 186 wineries in the Okanagan area.

How many wineries are in Kelowna and West Kelowna?

There are more than 40 wineries in Kelowna and West Kelowna.

What is the oldest winery in BC?

Calona Vineyards is the oldest winery in BC.

Are wines gluten free?

Celiacs and gluten intolerant people will be happy to know that wine is gluten free. While the wine itself will be gluten free, some of the pricier red wines may use wheat paste to help shut oak barrels.

Where is Kelowna BC?

Kelowna is located in BC’s lower interior, an area referred to as the Okanagan. Kelowna is about 4 hours (390km) northeast of Vancouver. From Seattle, you can expect a 500km (310 miles) 6 hour drive north. If you are leaving from Calgary, Kelowna is a 7 hour (605km) drive southwest.

Thanks for taking the time to read through the best wineries in West Kelowna. Save this post for later to download the West Kelowna wine tour map.

Like it? Pin it!

Kelowna wine tours are some of the best in the Okanagan. West Kelowna wineries boast stunning Okanagan Lake views while serving delicious Kelowna wine. West Kelowna is known for some of the best vineyards in the world. Quails Gate winery is one of the best wineries in BC. For a complete self guided West Kelowna winery tour, check this out.
West Kelowna is home to some of the best vineyards in the world. On our West Kelowna winery tour you will take in stunning lakefront vineyards while sipping delicious Kelowna wine. Quails Gate Winery and FRIND Winery are only a few on this self guided West Kelowna wine tour. Visit only the best wineries in West Kelowna for your next girls trip or bachelorette weekend in Kelowna.
West Kelowna wineries are growing in popularity. Top BC wineries such as Quails Gate will be stopped at as well as other lakefront wineries. Kelowna lake wineries boast stunning views and delicious Okanagan wine.

Wineries in Kelowna are some of the best in the province, if not the entire world. Kelowna wine keeps winning top wine competitions. The city is known to be Canada’s Napa Valley with many vineyards spanning across the Kelowna mountainsides.

Visiting the many wineries in Kelowna is the perfect way to plan a girls weekend. Planning Kelowna wine tours is one of the best bachelorette party ideas in the city. It is also a great way to spend a romantic date day in Kelowna.

After you’ve visited these wineries in Kelowna, head across the bridge to West Kelowna for another epic self-guided wine tour.

Kelowna is a city that loves to drink! While there is a long history of this lake town being known for its vineyards, recently it’s expanded its alcohol production. In recent years, many Kelowna breweries have set up shop in town creating an entire brewing district in the downtown area.

This makes it easy to take a Kelowna brewery tour. With the many orchards already in the area, there is a recent boom in craft cideries opening up around the Okanagan.

So without further ado, grab a glass of wine and let’s dive into the 10 best wineries in Kelowna.

Not sold on visiting? Check out these 10 reasons you need to visit Kelowna now!

Wineries in Kelowna Tour Guide

Top wineries in Kelowna

Address: 3240 Pooley Rd, Kelowna BC

Tasting hours: 11 am – 5:30 pm daily

Reservation required: bookings recommended, walk-ins welcome

Tasting cost: $10, refunded with purchase of a bottle

Does this winery serve food? There is a snack shack on site on weekends between 11 am – 5:30 pm

Why visit this Kelowna winery? 3D winery experience

Vibrant Vines is more of an experience than simply a winery. This quirky Kelowna winery is the only 3D winery experience in BC. Certainly one of the funkiest wineries in Kelowna, you will start your experience at Vibrant Vines by putting on 3D glasses.

Once you do, you will step into a 3D world where the art comes alive all around you. The entire tasting room has trippy 3D art that transports you to a different world while you sip your wine.

The bottles of wine have the same trippy art designs that you experience in the vineyard itself. One of their most famous bottles is their “Woops” wine. The Riesling’s label was put upside down by accident but turned out to be a happy mistake with the wine’s success.

Vibrant Vines wine is so tasty they accidentally won a prize for the ‘Best White Wine in the World’.

Delicious Kelowna wine and amazing 3D art are not all this winery offers. If you are looking for things to do in Kelowna on the weekend, Vibrant Vines offers live music between 1 – 4 pm Saturday and Sunday.

Address: 4870 Chute Lake Rd, Kelowna, BC, V1W 4M3

Tasting hours: 10 am – 6 pm every day, year round

Reservation required: No

Tasting cost: FREE

Does this winery serve food? Summerhill Organic Bistro

Why visit this Kelowna winery? large pyramid wine cellar, beautiful Okanagan Lake views

Summerhill Pyramid Winery is one of the best wineries in Kelowna! Whenever we travel, we try to make sustainable travel decisions. Sandhill Wines is Canada’s largest certified organic winery and has a gold sticker for green tourism.

This Kelowna winery is a 20 minute drive from downtown Kelowna but definitely worth it. We recommend driving south on Pandosy Street (which turns into Lakeshore Road) to get to the winery. This route will take you along Okanagan Lake showcasing the most popular Kelowna beaches.

Samara posing infront of the huge upside down wine bottle pouring into a wine glass at Summerhill winery.

Summerhill is one of the only wineries in Kelowna offering free wine tastings! There are also three wine tours ($20 per person) of the vineyard every day at noon, 2 pm and 4 pm.

The organic Okanagan grapes are grown biodynamically. Set on an impressive 17 hectare vineyard, this forward thinking winery focuses on harmony with nature.

Once the grapes are picked they naturally ferment and age in their Pyramid Cellar. The Pyramid was built with precise geometry (second to the Great Pyramid of Egypt for precision) that aligns to the absolute True North. This produces the high quality Summerhill wine that has captured the hearts of so many.

For those looking to mix spirituality and great tasting wine, Summerhill Winery is the place to go. If you find yourself here on the solstice, equinox, full moon or new moon be sure to stop by the winery for their sacred gatherings.

Don’t forget to check out the most romantic things to do in Kelowna!

Address: 1670 DeHart Rd, Kelowna BC

Tasting hours: May 23 – July 28: 11 am – 5 pm daily | July 29 – Sept 12: 11 am – 6 pm daily

Reservation required: Yes. Prepaid reservation, maximum 6 guests.

Tasting cost: $15 ($5 off wine purchase)

Does this winery serve food?

No

Why visit this Kelowna winery?

Stunning views, one of the oldest wineries in Kelowna

Tantalus Vineyard is one of the oldest wineries in Kelowna with the first grape crops being planted in 1927. While the crops may be old, the Tantalus tasting room is anything but. Beautiful modern architecture with large windows showing off the panoramic views of the vineyard and the Okanagan Lake.

Large skylights let in the warm Okanagan sun from every direction. As Kelowna has a reputation for enjoying a good patio, the Tantalus patio is the place to be to enjoy a nice glass of wine with stunning Okanagan lake views.

One of the most scenic wineries in Kelowna, Tantalus Winery is most famously known for its Rieslings. Don’t trust us – go buy a bottle or 3!

Tastings here are $15 making this one of the more expensive options in the area. You get 5 tastings and $5 off any wine purchased. For more experienced wine drinkers, you can enjoy the Small Lot Tasting experience for $25 where you will be tasting older 2019/2020 blends. On weekday mornings you also have the option to join the Bees & Barrels Tour and Tasting combo for $45 to tour the vineyard.

Address: 5445 Lakeshore Rd, Kelowna BC

Tasting hours: 11 am – 6 pm Sunday – Wednesday | 11 am – 7 pm Thursday – Saturday

Reservation required: Not for groups under 6 people

Tasting cost: $22 (food pairing for +$16)

Does this winery serve food?

Yes, at its Home Block Restaurant open 12 pm – 9:30 pm

Why visit this Kelowna winery?

Great concerts and live music, farm to table style

Cedar Creek Winery was established in 1986 making it one of the oldest wineries in the Okanagan Valley. They won 2022 Winery of the Year from Winealign National Wine Awards. This Kelowna winery often has concerts and live music events happening on site.

the CedarCreek Estate Winery sign with a baby deer in the background.

BC’s large rainforest suffers chronic wildfires due in large part to unsustainable tree planting practices and human error. As part of Cedar Creek Winery’s dedication to sustainability, they’ve partnered with One Tree Planted to plant trees in BC areas affected by wildfires.

Having one of their neighbouring forests burn beside them, they have moved their dedication to rebuild the land that was once destroyed. With every bottle of wine purchased, a tree is planted.

Drinking for a good cause is something we can always get behind! We love looking for sustainable wineries in Kelowna as part of our dedication to finding eco-friendly ways to travel.

Cedar Creek has a farm to glass attitude behind its vineyard with a dedication to creating a balanced holistic ecosystem in the vineyard. This is one of our favourite wineries in Kelowna because of its modern architecture and classy feeling – not to mention the great wine.

Tastings are $22 each and sample 5 Kelowna wines. The tastings are served outdoors in their courtyard offering stunning views of Okanagan Lake. If you’d like to pair your wine tasting with a tour through the vineyard you can do so for $40.

For an even more deluxe experience, you can try their Aspect Tour Experience which will have you drinking wine straight from the barrel. This tour is offered Friday through Sunday and will cost $75.

Address: 3975 June Springs Rd, Kelowna BC

Tasting hours: 10:30 am – 6 pm Sunday – Thursday | 10:30 am – 7 pm Friday – Saturday

Reservation required: Not for groups under 6 people

Tasting cost: $5, $2 off with purchase of wine

Does this winery serve food?

Yes, their Bistro is open 11:30 am – 3:30 pm every day (seasonally)

Why visit this Kelowna winery?

Bee-inspired winery with wine made from honey.

If you’ve never tried honey wine you have to go to Meadow Vista winery. One of the only wineries in Kelowna to get honey infused wine, this quaint Kelowna winery has a very homey farm feel. You will have tastings in a large open room that doubles as their wine shop. You will be served their Meadow Vista honey wines including one that is served warm from a crock pot. This specialty wine has a Christmas hot apple cider feel to it and is absolutely DELICIOUS.

If you are doing a Kelowna wine tour and need some food, this is a great place to fuel up. Sit on their patio and enjoy their beautiful garden. Meadow Vista’s bistro serves charcuterie, panini, flatbread pizza and soup. Be sure to grab some honey wine mead and head to their patio to enjoy summer in Kelowna.

Don’t miss Meadow Vista’s Cocktail Hour on Friday & Saturday 5 – 7. You can sip on some hand-crafted cocktails that have been inspired by honey.

Would you rather someone else do the driving?

Why book a wine tour in Kelowna?

Wine tours in Kelowna are so popular and for good reason! Each winery offers between 3-6 tasters per “tasting” bringing you over the legal driving limit quickly. No one likes to be a designated driver. Instead of appointing a designated driver to cart you around the city, booking a wine tour will allow your whole party to enjoy the experience and taste the wines. If you are booking an event such as a bachelorette party or birthday where everyone is looking to have fun.

Booking a guided tour will ensure you visit the best wineries in Kelowna, and explain about the different wineries and why Kelowna is such a hot spot for wineries. In the summer the wineries get really busy. A tour will do all the planning for you and allows you to jump the lines and spend all your time tasting wines and touring the vineyards.

Best Kelowna Wine Tours

Kelowna Sightseeing Afternoon Wine Tour: If you’re looking to hit the best wineries in Kelowna (or West Kelowna) this tour by Red Dog Wine Tours is a great private wine tour. You can choose between visiting either Kelowna or West Kelowna wine tours. Your group will visit 4 different wineries (all wine tasting fees included) and have time to walk the vineyards, take photos, and, of course, drink some amazing Kelowna wine.

If you choose the Kelowna wine tour you will be taken to: Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Vibrant Vine, The View Winery, Kitsch Wines

If you choose the West Kelowna wine tour you will be taken to: Quails Gate Winery, Frind Estate Winery, Indigenous World Winery, Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery, Volcanic Hills Estate Winery, The Hatch, Rollingdale Winery, Ciao Bella Winery, Little Straw Vineyards

This is a private tour meaning your group will be the only one on the experience and is offered to groups under 6 people. Perfect for bachelorette parties, birthdays, and corporate events, the price for the tour varies based on how many people are in your group. If you’re booking for 2 people, the price is $250 CAD ($186.46 USD) per person but drops to $179 CAD ($133.50 USD) each if you’re booking for a group of 6.

If you’re booking a Kelowna wine tour, pick-up is offered from anywhere in Kelowna. If you’re booking the West Kelowna wine tour, pick-up is offered from anywhere in Kelowna or West Kelowna.

All Star Kelowna Winery Tour: If you’re traveling with a group of 4-12 people, this all star wine tour is a great choice by Vines & Views Wine Tours. You will visit 5 different wineries and enjoy a relaxing morning or afternoon at the vineyards. The tour guides are very friendly and will plan the whole day leaving your hardest tasks to be sipping wines and taking selfies. The vineyards you visit will vary but include some of our favorites such as Vibrant Vines, and Summerhill Pyramid Winery.

The tour costs $281.35 CAD ($209.84 USD) per person and includes all wine tasting fees, snacks, and round trip transportation from your hotel.

Kelowna Fab 5 Wine Tour: This wine tour will take you to 5 Kelowna wineries and allow you to taste some of the best wines and tour through the stunning vineyards. Take in the views, learn about the different wines, and taste some of the best wines in the Okanagan. This wine tour costs $199 CAD ($148.42 USD) per person.

Wineries you may visit include: Vibrant Vine Winery, The View Winery, Priest Creek Family Estate Winery, Meadow Vista Honey Wines, Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Spearhead Winery, Camelot Winery, Sperling Vineyards and Meadow Vista Honey Wines

If you’re planning a bachelorette party in Kelowna, this bachelorette wine tour is a great option and will include add ons like photographers and event planning.

Where to stay in Kelowna

Hotel Zed – One of our favorite hotels in the city, Hotel Zed is a fun hotel with a great downtown location. This colorful hotel has an old VW Van out front so you know it wins our hearts right away. It is a great hotel if you don’t have a car as it’s located within steps of the best shopping, restaurants, and nightlife in Kelowna. An affordable price tag and a location just across from City Park make this a top pick hotel.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort – If you’re looking for luxury and waterfront, the Delta Hotel is one of the best options in Kelowna. The downtown location has restaurants, casinos, shopping, great walking trails, and the best Kelowna beaches all steps from the hotel. With two swimming pools, this pet friendly hotel in Kelowna is one of the best.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Kelowna – If you love waterslides, splashing in pools, and enjoying a good free breakfast, the Fairfield Inn is a great hotel for you. The location of this hotel is great being less than 10 minute’s drive to downtown Kelowna, about a 10-minute drive to the Kelowna airport, and less than 5 minutes from Orchard Park Mall, this hotel is a great kid-friendly, pet-friendly hotel in Kelowna.

Hotel Eldorado at Eldorado Resort – A stunning one-of-a-kind hotel located in southern Kelowna in an area locals call The Mission. This lake-side resort has a stunning pool, and restaurant on site and has a great location nearby many popular Kelowna beaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many wineries in the Okanagan?

There are over 180 wineries in the Okanagan region. This refers to all of the area between Osoyoos and Vernon. The majority of these wineries sit in Oliver, Naramata and Kelowna.

How many wineries in BC?

British Columbia is home to over 330 wineries. Of that, there are over 40 wineries in Kelowna.

How many wineries in Naramata?

There are about 40 wineries in Naramata. For those looking to do a Naramata wine tour, be prepared that it is an hour and a half drive away.

When do wineries open in Kelowna?

With the growing popularity of the Okanagan being one of the best wine regions in Canada, wineries are receiving more tourism in winter months allowing them to be open all year round. While most wineries in Kelowna stay open, there are still a few that will close for tastings in winter months, between November and April.

Where is Kelowna BC?

Kelowna is located in BC’s lower interior, an area referred to as the Okanagan. Kelowna is about 4 hours (390km) northeast of Vancouver. From Seattle, you can expect a 500km (310 miles) 6 hour drive north. If you are leaving from Calgary, Kelowna is a 7 hour (605km) drive southwest.

Are wines gluten free?

Celiacs and gluten intolerant people will be happy to know that wine is gluten free. While the wine itself will be gluten-free, some of the pricier red wines may use wheat paste to help shut oak barrels. Be sure to ask the different wineries in Kelowna you go to when there to ensure they are fully gluten free.

Need more convincing to head to Kelowna? Just check out these top reasons you need to visit Kelowna now!

We hope you enjoyed this rundown of all the best wineries in Kelowna. Let us know which winery is your favourite in the comment section below!

Before you go: Check out our self-guided West Kelowna winery tour.

Like it? Pin it

This Kelowna winery tour guide is all you need to plan the perfect day in the Okanagan. Taking you to the best wineries in Kelowna you will sip on some delicious Kelowna wine while taking in stunning Okanagan Lake views. Stop at Tantalus Vineyard, walk through the pyramid at Sandhill Winery and bask in the modern designs of Cedar Creek Vineyard. You will visit a 3D winery called Vibrant Vines and sip honey wine from Meadow Vista Winery.
Kelowna wine is some of the best wine in BC. This self guided Kelowna winery tour takes you to many popular Kelowna wineries including Tantalus Winery. Visit the Sandhill Pyramid Winery or marvel at Cedar Creek Winery. If you're looking for the best thing to do in Kelowna head to Vibrant Vines for a 3D wine tour. Sip on honey wine at Meadow Vista Vineyard.
One of the best things to do in Kelowna is to sip on some delicious Okanagan wine. Kelowna vineyards offer stunning views of the city and the Okanagan Lake. From honey wine at Meadow Vista to exploring the pyramid at Sandhill wines, this self guided Okanagan wine tour takes you to the best wineries in Kelowna. Cedar Creek Winery and Tantalus Winery are also on this BC wine route. The perfect bachelorette weekend in Kelowna includes a stop at Kelowna's 3D winery Vibrant Vines.

Ahhh Kelowna – the Hawaii of Canada! In 2019, after travelling quite extensively, we made the calculated decision to make Kelowna our home base. After thoroughly exploring North America on our three-year road trip it is safe to say we knew exactly what we wanted in the place we decided to call home: tons of hiking trails, long hot summers with mild winters, slow good vibes and friendly people. You need to visit Kelowna now!

Looking to get romantic on your next trip to Kelowna? Check out these romantic date ideas in Kelowna!

Kelowna checked all of these boxes off with flying colours! We could go on and on about why we love this city (and often do) so we decided to do just that by listing the top reasons that Kelowna needs to be at the top of your must-visit travel list.

Travelling to British Columbia? Read about 6 secret spots that are our favourite in the province.

1. Kelowna has long hot summers with mild winters

If there is one thing that Kelowna excels at it’s outdoor living. Everywhere you look you will see patios, parks, people on their bikes and at the beach. Kelowna is great for those looking for short milder winters and long hot summers.

Wondering what the best way to spend a summer day in Kelowna is? Packing a cooler and relaxing aboard a private pontoon boat cruise on Okanagan Lake is the way to do it! This cruise will take up to 11 people to spend the afternoon on the lake for $960 CAD ($715.99 USD). Split that cost 11 ways and this becomes super affordable!

All the sunshine in Kelowna makes the spring and fall months feel like an extension of summer. In fact, many locals will start their outdoor living as early as late March when the snow has melted and the sun is in full force. By April, patios are in full swing and it seems every single house has a BBQ going for dinner. The many surrounding lakes help to break the heat you may be experiencing as summer temperatures are known to sit around the mid-30s (in the 90s Fahrenheit).

Tucked amongst the mountains, Kelowna continues to be a playground even through the winter months. Big White in Kelowna is a popular option amongst locals for skiing and snowboarding but there are many in the area including Apex mountain in Hedley and Silverstar mountain in nearby Vernon. A great place to experience all 4 seasons, Kelowna winters drop just below freezing to around -5℃ (around 25℉) allowing for white winters that aren’t too chilly.

Looking to go to Big White? Booking private transportation from Kelowna to Big White will get you there without stress.

2. Shopping local is easy

Kelowna, and most of the people living here, place a great priority on shopping locally. With a dominating farming industry, sourcing produce and meat fresh from local farms are the norms.

From the budding local farmers’ market to the many small markets selling locally produced goods, you have endless farm-to-table options. Even big corporations such as Save On Foods have entire sections of their stores that highlight all locally crafted items.

Click here for info about how to get around Kelowna like a local

Walking down Bernard Ave. or Pandosy St., the two streets that are most dedicated to “downtown shopping”. A majority of these stores are all local boutique-style businesses. The top cafes and restaurants in Kelowna are all smaller family-owned businesses that serve local craft beers and wines.

If you’re wanting to take part in the shop local eat local trend, this 3 hour private downtown foodie tour will take you to some of the best downtown local restaurants that are exclusive to Kelowna. The tour costs $120 CAD ($89.50 USD) and includes all food and drinks at the different independent restaurants.

If you are looking to get on board with this trend there are many farms in the city where you can go directly to buy all your produce, meats, cheeses, honey, and more.

Looking for more of a one-stop shop? The farmers market in Kelowna is large and bustling with great local finds and runs every Saturday and Wednesday morning in the summer months. You can find everything from fresh locally grown vegetables to homemade clothes and dreamcatchers.

3. There are over 100 wineries in the Okanagan

The Okanagan is BC’s little Napa Valley – full of stunning wineries. Summerhill Pyramid Winery is one of our favourites with lake and city views that are sure to take your breath away. Sandhill Wines is right downtown Kelowna making it a super popular destination. With every winery having its own spin on things you can even find some great niche wines, such as the honey wine found at Meadow Vista.

Take this self guided wine tour of the best wineries in Kelowna!

If you don’t have a designated driver, booking an afternoon Kelowna wine tour is a great option. You can choose between either an east Kelowna or West Kelowna wine tour here visiting 4 of the best wineries in the city. All tasting fees and transportation from your hotel is included in the cost. The price varies based on the number of people in your group with 2 people costing $250 CAD ($186.46 USD) each and a group of 6 costing $179 CAD ($133.50 USD) per person.

Wine isn’t your thing? There are TONS of small craft breweries and cideries in the city and surrounding area. If you want it all in one place visiting any number of the local pubs around town will give you local options.

If you’d be more into checking out the craft beer scene, this Kelowna brewery tour will take you to 3 of the best breweries in the city: Tree Brewing, BNA Brewing, and Kettle River Brewing. Flights of beer from each brewery and transportation are included in the $110 CAD ($82.04 USD) per person price tag.

Downtown Kelowna has developed a brewery district with a bunch of craft breweries opening close together. The best way to see this is with a walking self guided Kelowna brewery tour that takes you to the best Kelowna breweries. Our top recommendations are BNA, Red Bird and Bad Tattoo Brewing (all located within a few blocks of each other).

4. Kelowna’s Okanagan Lake is full of activities

We LOVE the water and that is a massive positive for the city – it’s surrounded by huge lakes. Okanagan Lake runs North to South between West Kelowna and Kelowna. Kalamalka Lake and Wood Lake also run vertically but are northeast of the city.

Kelowna’s waterways are beautiful providing gorgeous views both in and out of the water.

The lakes here are BIG and offer warm clear waters that are perfect for boating, kayaking and even scuba diving. Kelowna’s main lake is called the Okanagan Lake and is famous for having the friendly Ogopogo monster living inside, similar to Scotland’s Loch Ness monster.

This lake is lined with beaches every few hundred meters making it so there is plenty of access in the summertime. As a general rule, the farther away from downtown you go, the better your chances are of finding a great spot.

The most popular beaches in Kelowna are Boyce-Gyro Beach, Hot Sand Beach at City Park, Tugboat Beach and Rotary Beach Beach. If you are looking for less busy Kelowna beaches to visit, we recommend driving down Lakeshore Rd/Abbott Rd to find some smaller beach access points.

Venturing into West Kelowna is another great option for finding quieter beaches.

If you want a bit more luxury, another great way to enjoy the lake is by sailing on it. This private sailing cruise is a great way for your group to see the city. The price of this cruise varies on the number of people in your group with 2 people costing $160 CAD ($119.33 USD) each and groups of 6 costing $130 CAD ($96.96 USD) each. My favorite part about this tour is your captain will even let you take the wheel giving you a quick sailing lesson as you go.

If you are looking beyond just Kelowna, there are 50 lakes in the Okanagan area so you have plenty of options and may even find some secluded havens. Heading down some local FSRs (forest service roads) will take you to smaller, less crowded lakes such as Chute Lake, Lambly Lake, Hydraulic Lake, Postill Lake and Beaver Lake.

One of our favourite things to do is to hike in or kayak along the coastline to find our own private beaches. We often pack our dogs into our kayaks and paddle up the lake to find some great secret spots along the water. If you don’t have a kayak, try exploring on foot.

Knox Mountain is a great hiking spot that is located right downtown Kelowna and if you are brave enough to bushwack a bit you can find some great water access spots. A popular one to hike to is Paul’s Tomb – the walk is easy and the views are priceless. Another great hike-in-only beach is Rose Valley Lake on Kelowna’s Westside.

5. You get to enjoy the best restaurants in Kelowna

The amount of high-quality restaurant options in Kelowna is enough to make your head spin. We HIGHLY recommend skipping the big-name chains and opting for one of the many local restaurants in the area.

Wine more your thing? Check out these top Kelowna winery restaurants.

In the downtown core, higher-end restaurants such as Oak & Cru and Micro Bar & Bites combine with eclectic must-visit places such as BNA brewing, Leopold’s Tavern and Curious Cafe.

If you are looking to soak up the sunshine with a great patio and lake views check out King Taps or Cactus Club downtown or head to a winery such as Quails Gate in West Kelowna.

A great way to taste the city is to book this downtown Kelowna walking food tour. You can eat your way through 7 different places in the city. This tour costs $83 CAD ($61.90 USD) and includes all food and drink tastings along the way. Your guide will teach you about the city and the food as you spend 3 hours touring downtown.

If you’re looking for a meal with a ton of nightlife head to Craft Beer Market or Social 242 Lounge (bonus: Tuesday is Ladies Night where ladies get $20 off of a $40 or higher bill INCLUDING drinks!). Kelowna is fairly vegan-friendly with restaurants like Central Kitchen, the Naked Cafe, Frankie We Salute You and KB &Co offering many plant-based options.

6. The perfect mix of fresh fruit & local farms

Kelowna has a delicate balance of city life mixed with gorgeous farms and orchards. Okanagan fruit is definitely something to write home about – the cherries.. the peaches!!! You can expect the streets to be lined with fresh fruit stands in the summertime that are all well worth a visit.

Looking for a great date idea in Kelowna? Pack a picnic and head to a u-Pick.

If you are up for the adventure, there are MANY u-pick farms that you can visit to pick your own fruit straight from the source — it doesn’t get any fresher than this!

If you are up for the adventure, there are MANY u-pick farms that you can visit to pick your own fruit straight from the source — it doesn’t get any fresher than this!

There are even great sanctuaries that allow hands-on experience with some rescued farm animals. The Arion therapeutic farm is a favourite of ours and a great place to get in touch with nature.

7. There are so many things to do in Kelowna

If you are lucky enough to visit the Okanagan in the summertime you will be left with no shortage of amazing things to do around the city. With all the wineries, farms, and patios you will have no shortage of ways to enjoy all the beautiful sunshine that comes in this area.

If you enjoy the outdoors, we recommend exploring the Kettle Valley Railroad. This offers endless stunning views and is great for hiking, biking or even cross-country skiing in the wintertime. There are a couple of different access points, our favourite of which is located here.

If you’re wanting to try biking this trail, the Kettle Valley Railway tour from Myra Canyon to Penticton is a great way to do it. While the whole trail is either flat or downhill, you will be traveling long distances so make sure you’re physically fit. You will be biking all the way to Penticton crossing the trestle bridges and going through tunnels. The tour is great for groups of 4 or more and includes your bike rental and round trip transportation for $225 CAD ($167.81 USD) per person.

Expect a bit of a drive from the city and a dirt road climb up a forest service road but trust us it is well worth it.

If you are coming in the winter months, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the relatively mild temperatures in the area. Winter makes a short and sweet appearance in Kelowna perfectly dusting the city with some snow to make all your winter wonderland dreams come true. This gives the local mountains some great fresh powder while allowing the city to put on their FREE annual outdoor skating rink.

Looking to explore more of British Columbia? Check out the top things to do in Vancouver!

8. Kelowna has an artsy vibe

From local craft breweries to hipster cafes this city has an artsy vibe that rivals San Francisco. Everyone here has their own unique style and it seems most have found their own ways to combine their passions with their business.

The downtown core is full of life and diverse hotspots sure to light your fire whether you’re a foodie or fashionista. With a buzzing arts and culture district, there is something new to do and see every night of the week.

9. There are SO MANY places to camp!

It is no surprise that we LOVE to camp. If you’re anything like us and love to find private FREE campsites, Kelowna and the surrounding area have plenty to keep you busy. As Kelowna is nestled between mountains, forests and lakes you will find that there are a ton of great spots to camp.

Less than half an hour from the downtown core in practically any direction you will find yourself in the middle of the outback with endless free campsites to enjoy.

10. It’s dog friendly

With three dogs, this should really be at the top of our list as it is one of the first things we look for in a new city. To be honest, we were nervous to move to Kelowna as we previously had found Kelowna incredibly not dog friendly but it turns out we just didn’t know where to go.

On a hot summer day, you can keep your dog cool by hitting the beach. Cedar Creek Park in the southern mission area is one of our favourite spots to bring our dogs.

Minutes from downtown you will find Mushroom Beach (also called Lake Ave Dog Off-leash beach), another great dog-friendly beach spot. There are also lots of great trails around that allow your furry friend to come along.

If you are wanting more of a city vibe you can walk your pup downtown along the water. Bernard Street offers up a plethora of restaurants some of which have patios with water dishes for your pup.

If you are wanting more of a city vibe you can walk your pup downtown along the water. Bernard Street offers up a plethora of restaurants some of which have patios with water dishes for your pup.

Where to stay in Kelowna

Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort – If waking up to stunning lake views sounds great to you, the Delta Hotel is one of the best hotels in Kelowna. Choose to soak in either their indoor or outdoor pool, enjoy the on-site restaurant Oak + Cru, or take a trip to their on-site wine cellar to do the most Kelowna-y thing you can do – enjoy a wine tasting. Located right downtown Kelowna, this hotel is within walking distance to the best beaches, restaurants and shopping in the city.

Hotel Zed – This quirky colorful downtown Kelowna hotel has a young and hip vibe with tons of cool extras to offer. With a pool, hot tub, outdoor firepit and sauna on site, there is tons to do. This is a great place to meet people whether you’re enjoying a cold beer on their rooftop patio taking in views of Okanagan Lake, raving at their mini-disco on site or having fun at their Ping Pong lounge complete with a Wii station. You can get around on their free bikes and rollerscates offered. Best of all, the hotel is pet friendly!

Hotel Eldorado at Eldorado Resort – This stunning boutique-style hotel is located in the southern Mission area of Kelowna. This lakefront resort has a stunning indoor pool and a whole lot of character. With a charming restaurant on site, this resort is close by the top beaches in Kelowna including Rotary Beach.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Kelowna – A great option for families traveling to the Okanagan, Fairfield Inn has a giant waterslide that is great for keeping the family happy. Rooms are spacious and breakfast is included at this hotel. A great location sandwiched between downtown Kelowna and Kelowa’s airport, this hotel is within walking distance to many great restaurants and Orchard Park Mall.

Thanks for stopping by!

All in all, Kelowna is the ultimate destination offering something for everyone. Whether you are looking to set down some roots or planning the ultimate road trip through BC Kelowna has so much to offer!

Ever been to Kelowna? What was your favourite part of the city?

Like it? Pin it!