Tucked into the interior of British Columbia is a spectacular landscape of valleys, mountains, lakes, desert and grasslands. This the Okanagan Valley and besides being beautiful, it is also Canada’s second largest wine region.
This surprisingly diverse region is quickly growing a reputation for quality wines and beautiful boutique wineries.
Stretching 250km from north to south, the Okanagan Valley is a wine touring dream with a high concentration of wineries and relaxed tasting rooms. I fell in love with the area after moving to Penticton a few years ago. I’ve managed to visit over 80 wineries so far!
Read on to discover more about the stunning Okanagan Valley region, its micro wine regions and my recommendations for the best Okanagan wineries.
Here’s what to expect in this post:
- Okanagan Valley terroir
- Common wine varietals
- The best Okanagan wineries
- How to get there
- Wine touring methods
- Touring tips
Published May 2021, last updated May 2022. There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The Okanagan Valley is located on the traditional territory of the Syilx Okanagan and Nlaka’pamux Nations.
Okanagan Valley terroir
The hills, valley and lake terrain of the Okanagan were shaped by the retreat of glaciers around 10,000 years ago.
The glacial melt left rich deposits of silt, sand and gravel, providing a composite soil makeup that is ideal for grape growing.
The Okanagan Valley has a continental climate with plenty of warm sunshine and low rainfall throughout the grape growing season.
Winters are kept mild by the 135km long Okanagan Lake, running down the centre of the Valley. The warm days and cool nights allow the grapes to develop ripe fruit character and naturally high acidity.
Growing grapes in the Okanagan Valley
The growing season in Okanagan Valley is long. Most vineyards are planted on high benchlands, which low for good drainage, longer sunlight exposure and excellent frost prevention. The grapes here receive more sun than their counterparts in the Napa Valley in California.
With the Okanagan Valley stretching 250km from north to south, there is surprising variation in topography, weather and geology in this wine region. The diversity is what truly sets the Okanagan Valley apart from other wine regions around the world.
More white and early-ripening grape varieties are planted in the north (Lake Country, Kelowna, Summerland) and more red and late ripening varieties planted in the south (Oliver, Osoyoos).
The area by the US border is technically a semi-desert region, with half the rainfall of the northern region.
Wine varietals
There are more than 60 grape varieties grown in the Okanagan Valley, producing wines across the full spectrum of sweetness levels. There is a fairly even split between red and white grapes being planted.
The Okanagan Valley is generally considered a cool climate region but with summer temperatures reaching around the 35c mark, this classification doesn’t tell the full story.
Cool climate wines are embraced throughout the Okanagan Valley but as you travel further south, more and more full-bodied single varietal wines appear. This is especially true in the Oliver and Osoyoos area.
Okanagan wines are fresh and fruity, with a wonderful balance of acidity. The most common wine varietals you will come across at Okanagan wineries are:
- Gewürztraminer
- Viognier
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Gris
- Riesling
- Rosé
- Pinot Noir
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Syrah
Ice wine is also produced at some Okanagan wineries.
The best Okanagan wineries
Without any further ado, here’s our list of our favourite Okanagan wineries in British Columbia, Canada.
Kelowna
There are over 40 wineries in the Kelowna area, generally found on the western and eastern fringes ofthe city.
The wine touring experience in Kelowna can certainly be a varied one, with tasting rooms ranging from small, informal family run affairs all the way to grand, flagship corporate complexes.
Okanagan wineries to visit in Kelowna
Vibrant Vine – This winery brings art and grapes together in a unique way – 3D designs on both the tasting room walls and wine bottles. Free live music is performed every Saturday afternoon.
Mission Hill Winery – Grand in scale and Tuscan in theme, a visit to Mission Hill isn’t only about the wine. The 12 storey bell tower is a landmark in the area and is just one part of the breathtaking Mission Hill grounds. A one of a kind destination that is not to be missed.
Little Straw Vineyards – For a more casual wine tasting, head to fLittle Straw Vineyards in West Kelowna. Friendly, approachable and fun, Little Straw offers $7 tastings with knowledgeable staff. There is a gallery upstairs.
Where to stay in Kelowna
The Royal Kelowna – Upscale resort less than five minutes walk from Okanagan Lake with rooftop infinity pool and hot tubs.
Hotel Zed Kelowna – Funky rooms in renovated motel, with an ideal downtown location close to Okanagan Lake.
Coast Capri Hotel – Reliable chain hotel pick with easy access to downtown and wineries. Two on-site restaurants.
Summerland
Located just across the lake from the Naramata Bench, the community of Summerland hosts a dozen individual wineries.
Being on the west side of the lake, Summerland has hot summer mornings and cooler evenings, the opposite to the Naramata Bench. There are also a few wineries just north of Summerland, towards Peachland.
Okanagan wineries to visit in Summerland
8th Generation Vineyard – If you like Italian sparkling wine, this tasting room is a must stop. 8th Generation’s two varieties of sparkling are the closest I’ve tasted to prosecco anywhere in the Okanagan Valley. Small, relaxed and friendly tasting room.
Dirty Laundry Vineyard – A destination winery for many visiting the Okanagan, Dirty Laundry embraces its cheeky history with an exuberant tasting. Huge patio with fantastic views and wide range of food.
Sumac Ridge – As the first operating winery in British Columbia, Sumac Ridge has plenty of heritage to draw on. Impressive grounds with engaging tastings. Tours of the winery are available.
Where to stay in Summerland
Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa – Fabulous lakeside location with great views from most of the well equipped rooms. Large swimming pool.
Rosedale Motel – Good value option with spacious and clean rooms, conveniently close to Highway 97
Dogwood Bed & Breakfast – Comfortable rooms with small balcony, perfect for enjoying a bottle of wine after a day’s tasting. Within walking distance to the centre of Summerland.
Naramata Bench
The Naramata Bench is home to the highest concentration of Okanagan wineries – at the time of writing, there are over 40 distinctive boutique wineries located along 20km stretch.
There’s also only one way in and one way out to this beautiful area, which also happens to be my favourite wine region in the Okanagan Valley.
Many winery tasting rooms offer stunning views of Okanagan Lake, surrounding hills and vineyards.
Okanagan wineries to visit on the Naramata Bench
Van Westen Vineyards – Any fans of big, bold reds should make a beeline for Van Westen. One of the most informal, down-to-earth experiences on the Bench, tastings are held in ‘the Shed,’ a large open warehouse room within the working winery.
Lock and Worth – With most of their wines being unrefined and unfiltered, Lock & Worth maintains a purist approach to winemaking. Sharing a tasting room with Poplar Grove cheese, the paired tasting here is one of the best experiences on the Naramata Bench.
Daydreamer – Daydreamer’s unique blue ‘wine shack’ tasting room is refreshingly casual with a hint of rustic surfer chic. A good example of Naramata Bench’s boutique wineries.
Origin Wines – Unfussy and fun, Origin has a simple philosophy – ‘to help you find a wine you love.’ And there’s so much to love here, including the spectacular lake view. The Farmhouse (Merlot/Cab Franc) is my favourite.
D’Angelo Winery – A taste of Italy on the Naramata Bench! f you prefer red wines over white, D’Angelo should be top of your list to visit. They have the largest block of Tempranillo grapes on the Naramata Bench. D’Angelo is also one of the last places you can get a free tasting on the Bench.
To learn about more amazing Naramata Bench wineries, head to our partner website Best of Penticton!
Where to stay on the Naramata Bench
The Inn at Therapy Vineyards – Enjoy the convenience (and beauty) of staying on a winery property. 5 luxury suites share a massive hot tub and patio.
Naramata Courtyard Suites – A renovated motel with a modern look situated in the centre of Naramata village, just a short walk from the beach
Above Naramata Bed & Breakfast – Minutes away from wineries and the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, this B&B is run by generous and welcoming hosts.
Read Next: The Best Places to Stay on the Naramata Bench
Penticton
While being local to the Naramata Bench, Penticton also has a few wineries of its own to visit.
TIME Winery is located right in the heart of downtown Penticton. The stylish, brand new wooden building is hard to miss on Martin Street. A fully functioning winery, TIME offers tastings every day, Lunch and dinner, incorporating local produce, is available in the lounge or on the patio.
Also fairly new, Play Winery is situated at the south end of town and has an enviable elevated position looking over Skaha Lake. Besides the tasting room, there is a bistro and patio stunning by spectacular views and 14 acres of vineyards.
Where to stay in Penticton
Penticton Lakeside Resort – Penticton’s flagship hotel has the best location in town. Right on the waterfront, most rooms have impressive views of the leafy downtown area or Okanagan Lake. There is an on-site Wine Experience Centre.
Bowmont Motel – Good value option close to Okanagan Lake with fun 1960’s theme and heated outdoor swimming pool. Walking distance to downtown Penticton.
Tiki Shores – Located opposite Okanagan Lake, this condo beach resort has a large variety of room configurations. Easy walk to downtown.
Read More: The Best Places to Stay in Penticton, British Columbia
Okanagan Falls and Kaleden
There is a small but notable collection of wineries around Okanagan Falls, mostly found on the eastern side of Skaha Lake and just south of town.
Being in the middle of the valley, these wineries have wonderful views of the vineyards and lakes in both north and south directions.
The small community of Kaleden also has a couple of wineries.
Okanagan wineries to visit in Okanagan Falls
Liquidity Winery – Modern and artisan inspired winery with simply stunning views over vineyards and towards Vaseux Lake. On-Site bistro specialising in seasonal and sustainable food.
See Ya Later Ranch – Relaxed and friendly, See Ya Later Ranch is tucked away on a quiet road near the southern end of Skaha Lake. It has one of the highest elevation vineyards in the Okanagan Valley. Dogs are very welcome.
Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery – Something of a hidden gem, this winery has majestic valley views, passionate staff and a wide range of wine.
Where to stay in Okanagan Falls
Holiday Beach Resort Motel – Great value option with spacious and well equipped rooms situated just across the street from Skaha Lake.
Casa Colina B&B – Luxurious bed and breakfast in nearby Kaleden. Each of the three rooms (and separate cottage) have outdoor space and access to the heated outdoor pool.
Oliver
The self-proclaimed ‘wine capital of Canada,’ Oliver is home to nearly half of all vines in British Columbia.
Though Oliver may only be a 35 minute drive from Penticton, this distance can make a lot of difference to the terroir.
Longer, sunnier days and a degree warmer than the Bench, Oliver is the start of Okanagan red wine country. With so many wineries in the Oliver area, it can be difficult to know where to start. Below are some of my personal favourites.
Okanagan wineries to visit in Oliver
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery – It is worth a stop at Burrowing Owl just to take a peek at the immaculate grounds. There is also an on-site restaurant and guesthouse (complete with swimming pool).
Road 13 Vineyards – As well as impressive estate buildings (a castle!) and views, Road 13 offers some of the best red wines in the Okanagan Valley.
Platinum Bench Estate Winery – Wine tastings at Platinum Bench are offered with samples of homemade artisan bread and local cheese. Definitely one of the best tasting experiences in the Okanagan Valley!
Where to stay in Oliver
Coast Oliver Hotel, Oliver – Newly built chain hotel, within walking distance of everywhere in downtown Oliver.
The Orchard at Oliver – Highly rated, newly renovated motel style accommodation with swimming pool and hot tub. There are cabins too.
Osoyoos
Located at the southernmost tip of British Columbia, Osoyoos is officially Canada’s hottest spot. The vineyards stretch all the way to the US border. If you like full bodied wines, this is the place to start your Okanagan winery tour.
Many Okanagan wineries located further north in the Valley source grapes from the Osoyoos and Oliver area for their big, deep reds. So even if you don’t visit Osoyoos proper, you’ll probably still taste the resulting wines elsewhere.
Okanagan wineries to visit in Osoyoos
Nk’mip Cellars – Wine tastings and tours are both on offer at Nk’mip, Canada’s first Indigenous owned winery. Stunning desert location with views of Osoyoos Lake.
La Stella Winery – Get a taste of Europe at this beautiful Italian inspired winery that sits close to Osoyoos Lake. It is also possible to conduct tastings on La Stella’s spacious patio.
Moon Curser Vineyards – Just on the edge of Osoyoos, Moon Curser Vineyards produces wine with grapes not commonly found in the Okanagan Valley. Inviting tasting room with picturesque terrace.
Where to stay in Osoyoos
Watermark Beach Resort – Close to the lake and downtown Osoyoos, the Watermark has a great location. Both rooms and outdoor pool are large.
Lakeview Motel and Suites – Good value motel just a short drive away from wineries, downtown and the main highway. Outdoor swimming pool.
Spirit Ridge – Fabulous resort surrounded by desert and vineyards within same complex as Nk’mip Cellars. High end facilities with great attention to detail.
Other notable wine regions in and around the Okanagan Valley
There are some other local wine regions that may be of interest when wine touring the Okanagan wineries.
Lake Country
The most northern part of the Okanagan Valley wine region, Lake Country is best known for Pinot Noirs and aromatic white wines.
There are eight wineries on Lake Country’s Scenic Sip wine trail, with most squeezed in between Okanagan Lake and the southern end of Wood Lake.
Keremeos and Cawston
A little off the beaten path, there are some real winery gems to be found in Keremeos and Cawston.
Located in a parallel valley to the Okanagan, the Similkameen wine region is characterised by steep, rugged mountains and a flat valley bottom. Summer temperatures in the Keremeos and Cawston area regularly reach 40c.
Thompson Valley (Kamloops)
A relatively new wine region, the first winery opened in the Thompson Valley in 2012. Now home to four unique wineries, there are 107 acres of vines planted along the North and South Thompson rivers near Kamloops.
Having recently been recognised by the BC government as a new wine region, the Thompson Valley wineries are now able to participate in the BC VQA program.
How to get to the Okanagan Valley
The Okanagan Valley is most easily reached by road. The drive is scenic, no matter which way you approach.
Here are the common distances:
- Vancouver to Kelowna: 389km, 4 hours 15 minutes (via the Coquihalla Highway)
- Vancouver to Penticton: 416km, 4 hours 30 minutes (via the Coquihalla Highway)
- Vancouver to Penticton: 396km, 4 hours 30 minutes (via Highway 3 through Manning Park, my preferred route)
- Vancouver to Osoyoos: 397km, 4 hours 30 minutes (via Highway 3 through Manning Park)
In the winter, the Coquihalla can sometimes be treacherous. Watch for highway warnings and closures. The Manning Park route is also mountainous but has lower speed limits and less traffic.
- Calgary to Kelowna: 605km, 7 hours 15 minutes (via Highway 1)
- Calgary to Penticton: 667km, 8 hours (via Highway 1)
- Calgary to Osoyoos: 728km, 8 hours 45 minutes (via Highway 1)
The Oroville border crossing just to the south of Osoyoos is open 24 hours a day. At time of this update (April 2022), you’ll need to complete ArriveCAN before attempting to cross the border into Canada.
- Spokane, Washington, to Osoyoos: 234 miles (300km), 3 hours 45 minutes
- Seattle, Washington to Osoyoos: 273 miles (439km), 5 hours
Flying to the Okanagan Valley is also possible, with regular flights to both Kelowna and Penticton from Calgary and Vancouver.
There are some options for bus travel. The eBus service offers services between Vancouver, Kamloops and Kelowna. Public BC Transit buses travel between Kelowna, Summerland, Penticton and Osoyoos.
How to tour Okanagan Valley wineries
If you have someone in your group who is willing to be a sober driver or spit wine at tastings, the most ideal way to tour Okanagan wineries is with your own vehicle.
Wine touring in your own vehicle allows ultimate flexibility in choice of wineries and length of Okanagan wine tour. It is best to concentrate on just one micro-region per touring day.
Alternatives ways to tour Okanagan wineries include:
- Large group wine tour (click here for an example)
- Private small group wine tour (click here for an example)
- Shuttle bus
- Taxi hire
- Self guided bike tour (bike rentals available in numerous locations)
- Self guided walking tour (possible on the Naramata Bench only)
Okanagan wineries touring tips
Keep the following in mind when planning your Okanagan Valley wine tour.
When to go
- The majority of Okanagan wineries open daily from mid June to early September. A small minority of wineries open all year round with limited hours.
- Opening hours at Okanagan winery tasting rooms are typically 11am-5pm. If planning a long touring route, check individual winery tasting room hours first.
- Summer is the most popular time for touring, but I’d highly recommend late spring (May and June) for quieter tasting rooms and more choice of varietals.
Tasting fees and reservations
- Tasting fees vary quite widely at Okanagan wineries. The larger and more upmarket wineries charge up to $30 for a tasting
- The majority of wineries ask for $5-10 pours of 4/5 varietals. Most will refund on purchase. Some Okanagan wineries (usually the smaller ones) ask for a donation or do not charge.
- During the height of the pandemic, some wineries required tasting reservations. Others still allowed walk-ins but guests with reservations were served first
- It is unknown at the time of this update (April 2022) how much wineries will prioritise reservation systems during the upcoming tasting season
- If you’re planning to wine tour during the weekend, I’d highly recommend making a couple of reservations
Good to know
- Spitting is OK (but less common during the pandemic). If you want to stay more objective about the wines, every winery usually has a receptacle for spitting. Can’t see one? Just ask the tasting room staff.
- If unfamiliar with BC wines, keep in mind that the BC VQA is an “appellation of origin” system much like the DOC system in Italy and AOC in France. It stands for “British Columbia Vintners Quality Alliance.” The BC VQA label guarantees that the wine has been made from 100% BC grapes and meets a minimum quality requirement.
- Some Okanagan wineries have on site bistros or restaurants. Designated picnic areas are popular too. The latter are unfortunately not always licensed for drinking wine purchased on the premises. Always check first!
Related posts you may enjoy:
19km of Wine: Running the Half Corked Marathon in Oliver
53 Amazing Things to Do in Oliver and Osoyoos
What To Do in Osoyoos in Fall: A Complete Guide
Hiking the McIntyre Bluff (nʕaylintn) Trail: Complete Hiking Guide
22+ of the Best Campgrounds in the South Okanagan
Okanagan Valley Road Trip, BC: What to Do and Where to Stop
British Columbia’s Boundary Country in Fall: What To See, Do and Eat
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One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Ray
Tuesday 9th of August 2022
Great list Gemma. Have you checked out Bench 1775? Highly recommend you check it out in the Namarata area. Amazing wine tasting experience. Food was unique and delicious. The best part was the mountain and Oakanagan Lake views. Wish I could share pictures!
Gemma
Tuesday 9th of August 2022
Hi Ray,
I'm glad you liked the post! We are in the very fortunate position of having visited every winery on the Naramata Bench (we live very close by). The patio views are absolutely stunning at Bench 1775 (and I know they just opened a new bistro). I am sadly not a fan of the wine however - I used to like it but they changed winemaker a few years ago and it's no longer to my taste. I'm so happy you hear you enjoyed your visit though!