Updated November 2022
Best wineries in the Okanagan Valley
Perhaps the most famous wine destination in Canada is the Okanagan Valley and it’s for good reason. Sitting near the US border of Washington, this under-the-radar region houses many cool climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Riseling. However, the vast swath of land spans many different microclimates, enabling optimal growing conditions for Merlot, Syrah and even Cabernet.
Much like the Columbia River Gorge and the Douro Valley, the defining characteristic of The Okanagan Valley is a large river cutting through mountainous terrain. The vineyard views are incredibly scenic, making the tasting experience all the more special.
Quick Facts on Okanagan Valley
- Grape Varieties grown: Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Shiraz
- Location: 50th parallel – same latitude as Champagne
- Climate: Unlike Champagne, Okanagan is dry, sunny and hot.
- Soil: Mix of volcanic, granite and chalky loam
- Best time to visit: May – September
How to get to Kelowna in The Okanagan Valley
Driving 5 hours east from Vancouver or 6 hours northwest from Seattle will get you there. Those further away may elect to fly directly into Kelowna’s airport or Vancouver, Calgary or Seattle.
We recommend driving since you won’t want to miss the sheer beauty that this region has to offer.
Where to stay in The Okanagan Valley
Okanagan is massive – we recommend staying for more than three nights in order to get a feel for the region. More time is required to see all of the different spots, as there will be lots of driving involved in-between.
Kelowna
Ideally, you can base yourself in Northern Okanagan near Kelowna, as there are plenty of wineries in Lake Country to the north as well as East and West Kelowna close by. Also, you’ll have access to the best restaurants in the evening and on your way out to taste.
Cool-climate grapes grow best up this way, so you’ll see a lot more sparkling, Pinot and Riesling on tasting menus here. If larger wines are your thing, you may want to stay closer to the southern area.
Penticton
The nice thing about Penticton is that it’s right in the middle of the valley–enabling one to taste locally in Naramata Bench, to the north near Kelowna and to the south near Oliver.
Penticton has a more relaxed vibe than Kelowna, while still offering plenty of restaurants and coffee shops as well.
Best wineries in the Okanagan Valley
Because the Okanagan Valley is so large, we focused our tastings in the northern region outside of Kelowna, which highlight cooler-climate varietals. If your taste profile skews towards bigger, bolder wines, we recommend seeking out wineries in the southern areas of Oliver and Penticton.
Mirabel
At 650 cases per year, this is one of the smallest commercial wineries we’ve visited–and we loved it. Wines are primarily Pinot Noir and Sparkling – delicate and balanced with subtle flavor nuances.
The small team is very welcoming, curteous and informative. We were lucky enough to get a pre-opening preview of their tasting experience and it was fantastic: Relaxed patio setting overlooking a hillside vineyard. As they are a small staff, reservations are highly recommended.
Martin’s Lane
Upon walking into the pristine, over-the-top decor winery, we were sure we’d hate it. Normally wineries that promote artwork are trying to distract you from the juice. However, we were pleasantly surprised with this spot.
100% gravity flow design, native yeast ferments, 2,000 case production; these are statistics you’d find at a small garage winery, not one with unlimited funds as Martin’s Lane (Part of the larger Mission Hill group). We can’t hate them just because they are corporately owned; fact is, we love the way they choose to make their wines here. Pinot Noir and Riesling are the only varietals made and they are quite good. Pair this with an epic tasting room and an extremely knowledgable staff (who work in the winery as well) and you have another must hit spot in northern Okanagan.
Tantalus
Riesling fans listen up! Tantalus is making incredible Rieslings from one of the oldest vineyard sites in BC. While focusing on biodiversity and sustainability in the vineyard, the winemaking style is largely hands-off, with minimal sulfur additions and additives.
In addition to the brilliant, tasty Rieslings, we also recommend the old vine Pinot Noirs. We were extremely impressed with the level of depth of the Pinots, despite the young age — complex notes of red fruit mixed with figs, forrest floor and mushrooms; tasting notes usually reserved for Cote de Nuits with 10+ years.
Best restaurants in the Okanagan Valley
Home Block by Cedar Creek
Dining at a winery is always our favorite option when exploring a new region. Not only can you enjoy a chef’s crafted course menu, but a wine pairing & tasting alongside. Home Block’s lineup did not disappoint; food and wine pairings meshed very well together in a gorgeous, trendy setting.
Old Vines restaurant at Quail’s Gate
Similar chef’s tasting setup and part of a winery as well, but a little more rustic and less polished. Highlight was a 2012 Reserve Foch (one of the varieties we are growing here in the Columbia Gorge) alongside a perfectly seared duck breast from a local farm.
Raudz Regional Table
Not a winery nor course tasting menu — just good food and a lot of fun in downtown Kelowna. Much more casual atmosphere than Home Block and Quail’s Gate, but still classy. Don’t leave here without trying a Caesar–a Canadian delicacy!
