Best Okanagan wine tasting experiences
- Tricia B
- Jul 20
- 5 min read
With more than 200 wineries stretching across British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, deciding where to go wine tasting can be overwhelming. From the wineries of Kelowna and West Kelowna to the Naramata Bench near Penticton and the vineyards around Oliver, each part of the Okanagan offers a different wine experience.
Whether you're looking for a relaxed tasting with lake views, an impressive estate winery or a tasting you can combine with a memorable meal, these are some of my favorite Okanagan wine tasting experiences to consider.
This region showcases nature's beauty at its finest with numerous lakes including the expansive Lake Okanagan that spans 135 km (85 miles) in length from Vernon to the north to Penticton in the south. The fertile region's climate is perfect for growing grapes as well as fruits and vegetables, including some of the best apricots, peaches, cherries and corn.
The Okanagan transforms into one of the hottest places in Canada in the summer with almost guaranteed sunshine. We recommend visiting in the late spring or early fall to avoid the crowds and enjoy more comfortable temperatures. Some wineries and restaurants can have varied schedules or are only open seasonally, so best to call in advance if you plan on visiting.
If you are not sure where to start, we have hand-picked a select list of wineries that we recommend where you can do wine tastings.
Kelowna wineries
3725 Boucherie Rd
West Kelowna, BC V4T 0A8
T | (778) 754-1118
Located directly on the waterfront in West Kelowna, Frind Estate Winery is a fun, relaxed stop with one of the most unique settings in the area. The property includes a lakeside tasting room, Annies Beach Cafe and plenty of outdoor space where you can enjoy the Okanagan scenery.
Frind was founded by Markus Frind, founder of Plenty of Fish, who purchased the property in 2017 and has since expanded the winery and its estate vineyards. Today, Frind produces a broad range of Okanagan wines, from crisp whites and sparkling wines to reds.
Guided wine tastings are available daily, and reservations are strongly recommended during the busy season. The standard tasting includes five wines, with additional tasting experiences also available. If you're looking for a casual West Kelowna winery where you can combine wine tasting with food and lake views, Frind is an easy place to spend a few hours.
Wine tasting reservations are strongly recommended. A wine testing costs $10 for 5 wines, and Wine Club Members receive complimentary wine tastings for themselves and up to 5 guests.
1730 Mission Hill Road
West Kelowna
British Columbia, Canada
V4T 2E4
Mission Hill Family Estate is one of the Okanagan's best-known wineries and one of the most impressive to visit. Established in 1981, the winery has earned national recognition, including being named Winery of the Year at Canada's National Wine Awards a record six times.
The sprawling West Kelowna estate is worth visiting as much for its architecture and views as its wine. Its iconic bell tower, courtyard and hilltop setting overlooking Okanagan Lake create a much more formal wine tasting experience than many of the region's smaller wineries.
Mission Hill offers a selection of guided wine experiences that may include a tour of the estate, premium wine tastings and food pairings. Reservations are recommended, particularly during the summer.
For a special occasion, consider combining your visit with lunch or dinner at the Terrace Restaurant, where seasonal Okanagan ingredients are paired with Mission Hill wines and beautiful vineyard and lake views.
3225 Boucherie Road West Kelowna V1Z 2G9 Canada
778-755-6013
For something completely different, head to the hatch in West Kelowna. Known for its quirky artwork, unconventional approach to winemaking and laid-back atmosphere, this is a fun alternative to the Okanagan's more traditional estate wineries.
The winery is part of the Jason Parkes Customs collective, which also includes other distinctive Okanagan wine brands and wineries. Expect colorful labels, plenty of personality and a tasting experience that doesn't take itself too seriously.
The hatch offers guided tastings featuring a selection of its wines. Walk-ins are welcomed when space is available, but reservations are recommended, particularly during busy summer weekends.
You may also want to check out Crown & Thieves and Black Swift Vineyards, wineries from the same collective. Crown & Theives offers dramatic old-world-meets-rock-and-roll setting in West Kelowna.
This company also owns two other wineries worth checking out - Black Swift Vineyards and Crown and Thieves which has a speakeasy setting in a historic-looking building.
Penticton wineries
425 Middle Bench Road North,
Penticton, BC
V2A 8S5
wine@poplargrove.ca
250.493.9463
Founded in 1993, Poplar Grove Winery is one of the original five wineries on the Naramata Bench. This is a family-owned winery managed by Tony and Barb Heller and their sons who care for 140 acres of vineyards.
Poplar Grove is widely recognized for its Pinot Gris and Cabernet Franc, as well as many other varietals and exceptional blends. Their website offers online reservations for wine tastings.
Be sure to try out the Poplar Grove restaurant for an outstanding brunch, lunch or dinner in their indoor dining room and outdoor patio (seasonal), both with stunning views overlooking Okanagan lake.
Oliver wineries
500 Burrowing Owl Place Oliver, British Columbia, V0H 1T1
Toll Free: 877.498.0620 Local: 250.498.0620
The Burrowing Owl is tucked away in Oliver but this vast property spans many acreages of vineyards and features a beautiful Tuscan-inspired building hosting a wine shop, The Sonora Room restaurant and a ten-suite guest house.
Burrowing Owl produced its first vintage in 1997 and today makes a wide range of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. The winery owns and manages vineyards in the Black Sage Bench, Osoyoos and the Similkameen Valley.
Wine tasting appointments can be reserved online and are recommended. One thing that makes the tasting experience particularly distinctive is that tasting fees support the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of BC, helping conservation efforts for the endangered burrowing owl.
The winery owns and manages all of the vineyard land their wines - 210 acres of vineyards distributed between three different locations: Black Sage (the original site), Osoyoos, and Keremeos.
Reservations for wine tastings can be booked online.
Pool amenities for the Guest House
Popular spot for that perfect photo
Continue exploring the Okanagan
Looking for somewhere special to eat while you're in wine country? Read our guide to the Best Fine Dining Winery Restaurants in the Okanagan for more wineries where the food is just as much a reason to visit as the wine.
