Kelowna
Iconic Wineries. Spirits. Artisan Breweries.
Home to the most iconic wineries of the Okanagan Valley, the City of Kelowna is a must for history lovers, cultural explorers, and wine enthusiasts. Tours within the city limits offer glimpses to the valley’s wine growing past featuring varietals that have survived through generations (circa 1929) of thoughtful cultivation.
Guests can also explore local distilleries that infuse their spirits with fruit-inspired essences plucked from nearby orchards. A welcome refresher is a visit to any of the artisan brew pubs wrapped around the downtown core where crafted IPA’s are offered for tap-to-tank tastings in a richness of flavours.
East Kelowna – Pinot Gris & Pinot Noir
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West Kelowna
Home of iconic Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, historic Quails’ Gate Estate Winery, and Canada’s only 2nd Aboriginal Winery, Indigenous World Winery, West Kelowna offers an opportunity to experience some of the best of Canada’s wine industry. This is where first-class wines and culinary experiences are abundant along-side vineyard views in extraordinary settings.
Popular Varietals: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris, Reisling, Gewürztraminer, Foch & Pinot Noir
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Lake Country
With rolling vineyards stretching to the shores of Okanagan Lake this is where the “heartbreak” grape thrives with award-winning significance. A popular destination for wine lovers is Gray Monk Estate Winery, one of the valley’s original wine estates that has evolved in depth and character to resemble the grand style of a European chateau. Wine stops offer resplendent valley views and a myriad of choices from the historic Gray Monk winery to the contemporary architectural presence of relative newcomer wineries such as 50th Parallel Estate Winery, Arrowleaf Cellars, and ExNihilo Vineyards.
Popular Varietals – Pinot Gris & Pinot Noir, Riesling, Gewürztraminer
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Naramata
With over 37 producers strung along the picturesque rural roadway, Naramata is the most concentrated wine route in the entire Okanagan Valley. Boutique-style wineries offer an eclectic selection of varietals thoughtfully crafted by some of the country’s most distinguished winemakers. A full day on the “Bench” is a great introduction to this charming wine destination, yet several days are required to truly appreciate the romance of the grape in this closely knit community.
Popular Varietals – Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Vidal
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Okanagan Falls
One of the most photographed wine regions in the valley. This concentrated collection of vineyards hosts some to the top producers in the valley including internationally renowned Painted Rock Estate Winery with its elegant tasting room, million dollar views, and award-winning wines. Painted Rock is one of several must stops for connoisseurs visiting the falls area. Blue Mountain Vineyards is another, known for their scenic vista and their sparkling Blue Mountain Brut, collectors often leave with cases of bubbly for future celebratory occasions.
Popular Varietals – Chardonnay, Reisling, Viognier, Pinot Noir & Syrah
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South Okanagan
Situated on the northern tip of the Sonoran Desert the South Okanagan is recognized for the “Golden Mile” appellation that produces a hot, dry, arid climate where the Okanagan Valley cultivates medal-worthy wines earning worldwide recognition. Three distinct growing regions in the South Okanagan (Oliver, Black Sage, and Osoyoos) provide visitors with unique varietals and a myriad of enviable choices to populate their collections.
Popular Varietals
Oliver / North – Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Merlot
Oliver / South – Merlot & Chardonnay
Oliver / Black Sage Bench – Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay
Osoyoos – Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
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Similkameen Valley
A ribbon of roadway winds its way along the expansive valley floor of the Similkameen Valley. This is where farmlands intersect with vinelands in a sleepy pastoral setting where wineries are tucked along rural routes in well-treed, wind-protected landscapes. Visiting the Similkameen Valley is like taking an old-fashioned Sunday drive, complete with picnics and leisurely visits to a collection of the valley’s most unique wineries, many featuring single vineyard vintages.
Popular Varietals – Chardonnay, Reisling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot & Syrah
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Summerland
The extinct volcano of Giant’s Head overshadows the quaint community of Summerland, named by its founder, who described it as “heaven on earth, with summer weather forever.” The rural roads wrap around this stubby mountain where a variety of wineries dot the landscape intertwined with farmlands, orchards, and grazing pastures. The first and still the most prominent winery within the city limits is Sumac Ridge Winery, a member of the Constellation Brands, it is the oldest operating estate winery in the province. Part of the “Great Estates of the Okanagan”, Sumac Ridge is internationally known for its sparkling Brut / Stellar’s Jay.
Popular Varietals – Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer & Sparkling Wines
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