your guide to winter wine tasting in the Okanagan Valley
Ok wine lovers, grab a glass of your favorite blend and get ready to start planning your next wine-tasting experience in the beautiful Okanagan Valley! The Okanagan Valley is British Columbia’s top-producing wine region and there are many award-winning wines that come from this area. Although visitors often think of summer as prime wine-tasting time, there are so many benefits to going in the winter. From less crowded tasting rooms to unique ice wines, we’re here with all your need-to-know information and the best locations for winter wine tasting!
Kelowna
Beautiful Kelowna is referred to as the birthplace of winemaking in British Columbia and has over 40 wineries within a 20-minute drive of each other. It helps that many of these wineries sit on picturesque scenery that overlooks mountains, lakes, and orchards. Known for crisp whites and complex reds, there are new wines being carefully crafted - and tasted - all year round!
Known as a must-see, Quails’ Gate Winery is situated on a south-facing slope above Lake Okanagan. The unique positioning of their vineyards contributes to the rich character of their wines and also means you can enjoy a glass of their finest wine while taking in absolutely beautiful views of the lake and snow-dusted vineyards. This family-owned business offers the chance to try various wines in their tasting room, or you can book a private tasting with a Wine Educator! Their tasting room is open daily between 11:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m and if all that sipping has you hungry, try their onsite award-winning restaurant.
If you’re looking to plan the perfect wine tour through Kelowna, make sure you arrange safe transportation and book your wine tour with one of the reputable tour operators in the region. They can help you develop the perfect route with their extensive knowledge of the area. If you’re looking for accommodations and a place to call home during your visit, Coast Capri Hotel is located within 15 minutes of most wineries. Make sure to take a look at all the current deals to save on your stay!
Oliver
Known as the Wine Capital of Canada, Oliver is located in the heart of the south Okanagan Valley and is home to a very unique landscape that is ripe for winemaking. In fact, about fifty percent of all wine grapes for BC are grown here! With around 40 wineries in the region, there is everything from quaint family-run wineries to large estates.
Black Hills Estate Winery is located 10 minutes from the center of Oliver and has some of the most favorable grape growing conditions in Canada which mean exactly what you might be thinking - they have absolutely incredible wines! Not only are their wines amazing, but their modern tasting room features massive glass windows that provide unobstructed views of a water feature, vast mountains, and of course, their vineyards.
In the winter months, they offer unique tasting experiences and wine flights are available Wednesday to Friday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and on weekends from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you visit in the month of February, try their wine and chocolate pairing experience on Saturdays, or The Secret Sommelier Experience on Sundays!
If you’re ready to sip your way around Oliver, book your tour here. Ready to welcome you and ensure your stay is exceptional, is Coast Oliver Hotel. With the only indoor pool in Oliver, free hot breakfast, and easy access to dozens of wineries, they have all the amenities you want and deserve. Plus, they have some hot deals so you can save on your stay and splurge on that special bottle of wine you want!
Osoyoos
Next up is Osoyoos which is just 18 minutes south of Oliver and the southernmost tip of Canada. It’s also the country's hottest spot and all that warmth mean sun-ripened grapes that make exceptional red wines. So if you’re a red lover, Osoyoos should be at the top of your list!
Nk’Mip Cellars is the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America and they have been crafting wines for 20 years. When you visit their winery, they not only offer you the opportunity to taste award-winning wines but to also learn about the Indigenous heritage and how this heritage is honored through their agricultural practices.
Sample a flight of four wines in their Main Tasting Bar, enjoy their afternoon lounge service or book a private tasting. Their Private Grotto Tasting Experience includes a vineyard tour followed by a tasting in their exclusive Grotto that overlooks the Red Barrel room. You will get the chance to enjoy a special selection of five library wines while sitting at their tasting table. We’ve heard through the grapevine that this experience is something truly special!
Again, arranging safe transportation for your tour is important, so click here for all your wine tour options. To cap off what is sure to be an unforgettable getaway, book your stay at Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel. Sitting waterfront with scenic views of mountains and vineyards, the Spanish-inspired façade will have you feeling completely relaxed! Plus, even in the winter months you can enjoy the indoor pool and hot tub.
So sip, sip and away you go on your next wine tasting adventure!