{"id":22492,"date":"2024-12-20T14:48:16","date_gmt":"2024-12-20T19:48:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?p=22492"},"modified":"2025-01-09T10:24:52","modified_gmt":"2025-01-09T15:24:52","slug":"ultimate-wine-tasting-guide-okanagan-lake-country","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/canada\/ultimate-wine-tasting-guide-okanagan-lake-country\/","title":{"rendered":"Wine Tasting and Scenic Tours in Okanagan Lake Country"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have you not heard of Lake Country<\/strong> in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada? You may thank me for bringing this region to your wine-traveling attention. This article is about what to expect when you visit today, and how future the wine travel scene may shape up here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

History and Geology<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lake Country is on the traditional lands of the Sylix (Okanagan) peoples, and when you catch your first glimpse of the lake you can easily imagine how fishing, hunting and growing sustained them. This area was later explored and developed by Austrian and Swiss pioneers<\/strong> going back to the mid-19th<\/sup> century. Ranching, farming and apple and pear orchards were the inspiration. The Okanagan Centre was established as a port on the lake moving fruit and other goods. Today, orchards and wine grapes are the primary agricultural industry, and wine production and tourism appear to be the future of the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

85% of British Columbia vineyard acreage and a majority of the wineries (222 licensed) lie within the Okanagan Valley G.I<\/strong>. (Geographic Indication). There\u2019s a total of six G.I.s in Okanagan Valley. As of 2022, Lake Country is the newest and most northern sub-G.I. in Okanagan Valley, with only 7-8 wineries and some exciting growth planned. This is discovery country, less visited than the south end of Okanagan Lake where most of the wineries reside. Winetraveler alert – get there now to enjoy bragging rights, easy access for play and stay on Okanagan Lake – here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting There<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Okanagan<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lake Country is located between Kelowna to the south and Vernon to the North. The wineries are fairly spread out throughout the region, so having a car is essential, although touring companies do exist. These are some recommended touring companies<\/strong><\/a> on TripAdvisor. You can also do your own search online, or ask the concierge at your hotel for recommendations. Check rental car prices here<\/strong><\/a> on Kayak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sip
Image courtesy Sip Happens Wine Tours in Okanagan<\/strong><\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

RECOMMENDED: Book This Half-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Lake Country Including Tasting Fees and Gratuity<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canada Air and WestJet have direct flights from the West Coast that are available to Kelowna International (YLW) from Vancouver, BC (YVR) and Seattle, WA (SEA). East Coast flyers can connect through Toronto (YYZ) or Calgary (YYC). Check flight deals into the region here<\/strong><\/a> on Kayak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many visitors drive from Alberta (a 7-hour drive from Calgary to Kelowna) and Vancouver (a 4-hour drive).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suggested Wineries to Visit in Okanagan Lake Country<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I was able to visit seven wineries on an itinerary arranged by Wines of British Columbia<\/strong><\/a>. This site is an excellent planning resource and everything I did, so can you. I downloaded the mobile app from the site’s home page. It includes a map, winery descriptions and tasting room details, and I returned to it several times during the course of my visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

O\u2019Rourke Family Estate Winery<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Amphitheatre
Amphitheatre & Lake View at O’Rourke Estate Winey. Image courtesy Carl Giavanti.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

O\u2019Rourke Family Estate Winery<\/strong><\/a> is 300 lake-view acres purchased by the O\u2019Rourke family in 2008. They have ambitious plans and a mega project in the works and are literally moving (granite) mountains to realize Dennis O\u2019Rourke\u2019s concept. They will develop the property into a state-of-the-art hospitality center with lodging, tasting rooms, an event center, a live entertainment amphitheater, winery production facility with barrel caves embedded into granite walls, and the vision goes on. Keep an eye on the grand opening for this destination location, estimated to open in Spring 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s on Offer <\/strong>– You should be able to tour the property and taste O\u2019Rourke Family wines if you inquire at Peak Cellars, the original winery and tasting room adjacent to O\u2019Rourke Family Estate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Author\u2019s Wine Pick<\/strong> – 2020 Chardonnay \u201cClone 96\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peak Cellars<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Peak
Peak Cellars Gardens. Image courtesy Carl Giavanti.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Peak Cellars<\/strong><\/a> was the O\u2019Rourke family\u2019s first venture and original vineyard property in Lake Country. It\u2019s conveniently located, only 10 minutes from the airport, so arrive in the morning and make it your first visit. You must try their wines of course, and pizza lovers should book a lunch at the Garden Bistro<\/strong>, either on the patio or for dinner. Produce is sourced from a half-acre organic vegetable garden and greenhouses. This is a lovely property to visit for tastings and special events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s on Offer <\/strong>– Open daily 12pm-6pm for several wine tasting experiences; Garden Bistro restaurant (12-7:30pm), Wednesday Date Night and Smoked Meat Sundays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Author\u2019s Wine Pick<\/strong> – 2021 Still Riesling<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gray Monk<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Old
Old Bottles in the Wine Cellar at Gray Monk. Image courtesy Carl Giavanti.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Gray Monk<\/strong><\/a> Estate Winery was established in 1972 by the George and Trudy Heiss, an Austrian family. The 75 acres overlooking Okanagan Lake were originally fruit orchards. They were the first in Canada to plant Pinot Gris in 1976, having sourced 50 plants from a nursery in Alsace, France. The tasting room officially opened to the public in 1982, and generations later, you can enjoy their wines in the tasting room and paired with lunch at the Lookout Restaurant<\/strong> Friday through Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s on Offer <\/strong>\u2013 several tasting experiences including old-school wine shop walk-in (daily 12-5pm and 12-6pm weekends with reservations for weekend dining, Sunday brunch, and winery tours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Author\u2019s Wine Pick<\/strong> \u2013 2020 Sparkling Brut<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED: <\/strong>Learn More About Winemaker Jen Oishi of Gray Monk Winery<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ex Nihilo Vineyards<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ex
CHAOS Bistro at Ex Nihilo. Image courtesy Carl Giavanti.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ex Nihilo Vineyards<\/strong><\/a> was acquired by Mike Azhadi, an engineer and designer along with his wife Janet Azhadi in 2018. Ex Nihilo, meaning \u201cout of nothing\u201d is their lifelong dream, and they\u2019re not done yet. Mike, Janet, and the team are working on their next venture, another destination location called Azhadi Vineyards. It will have a 30,000 sq. footprint \u2013 hospitality and events center, lodging, art gallery, and winery and tasting room \u2013 on and largely built into granite. They plan to submit for LEED certification upon completion. Sustainable vineyards were planted in 2019 on 42 acres. Stay tuned for the opening sometime at the end of 2025. This will be another show-stopping architectural gem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the meantime, it\u2019s hard to beat Ex Nihilo for hospitality, wine tasting and food pairing. The front-of-house wine ambassadors work closely with the back-of-the-house kitchen team and deliver something extraordinary \u2013 thoughtfully and scientifically considering matchmaking \u2013 food and wine, that is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s on Offer <\/strong>\u2013 Ex Nihilo tasting room offers multiple tasting experiences \u2013 Signature, Elevated and a Club members-only Sensory tasting. CHAOS Bistro offers fine dining and wine and food pairings, and exceptional attention from the hospitality team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Author\u2019s Wine Pick<\/strong> \u2013 2018 Ice Wine<\/p>\n\n\n\n

50th<\/sup> Parallel Estate Winery<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Block<\/figure><\/div>
\"Block<\/figure><\/div>
\"Block<\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Cave Dining at Block One, Granite Tunnels lead to Dinner, Hosts Curtis & Sheri-Lee at 50th Parallel. Images courtesy Carl Giavanti.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

50th Parallel Estate Winery<\/strong><\/a> was created by Curtis Krouzel and Sheri-Lee Turner in 2009 with a special focus on storytelling and hospitality. Brace yourselves for a special treat. You will be entertained. They believe people remember experiences rather than wines. You\u2019ll understand their success when you visit. The winery itself is an architectural marvel surrounded by 55 acres of vineyards and lake views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I suggest you arrange one of the property tours to get your arms around the unique architectural concept developed by Curtis. Yes, taste the wines along the way, but by all means, make reservations for the \u201cChef\u2019s Tasting Experience<\/strong>\u201d. At only $75 Canadian per person with wine, it is one of the best fine dining experiences I\u2019ve had in recent memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s on Offer <\/strong>\u2013 multiple tasting experiences, vineyard and granite tours, tastings and food pairings and Block One, their full-service restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Author\u2019s Wine Pick<\/strong> \u2013 2023 Sparkling Brut<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intrigue Wines<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Intrigue Wines<\/strong><\/a> is a \u201csocial\u201d brand, designed by four partners interested in expanding their family and friends. It\u2019s a kick off your shoes, taste some great wines while the storytelling begins. The owners actively seek out community with a no-reservations approach (you can also book tastings online if you prefer) and offer a large picnic area. Intrigue is all about lighthearted approachability, and thus their flagship wine label focused on blends named \u201cSocial\u201d. If winemaker Roger Wong is around, ask for a bootstrap winery tour. You\u2019ll get an excellent sense of how 80% of small family wineries produce wines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s on Offer <\/strong>\u2013 Daily tastings from 10am \u2013 5:30pm for an approachable $5. Pet-friendly picnic area opens daily May through October. BYO food or order charcuterie boards and other fresh items.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Author\u2019s Wine Pick<\/strong> \u2013 2022 \u201cSocial\u201d White Blend<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED: <\/strong>Learn More About Roger Wong of Intrigue Wines<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arrowleaf Cellars<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Arrowleaf
Media Visitors at Arrowleaf Cellars. Image courtesy Carl Giavanti.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Arrowleaf Cellars<\/strong><\/a> is one of the early-stage pioneer wineries. It was founded by the Zuppingers, a Swiss farming family in 1986, to manage orchards and a dairy farm. Vineyards were planted in 1986 and the winery opened in 2001, with a new tasting room and view deck debuting in 2013.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All generations of the family work here, and as you might expect, your visit will be low-key and focused on the wines. I loved the old-world varieties that you can find here \u2013 Petit Arvine, Auxerrois, Bacchus and Zweigelt. After the tasting, we browsed the book, wine and merchandise store, and checked out the deli cheese shop. If the weather had permitted, I would have hunkered down on the view deck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s on Offer <\/strong>\u2013 Stunning views of Lake Okanagan, picnic area, charcuterie, cheese and vegan boxes. You can walk in and taste at the bar, buy a bottle and sit lakeside on the patio, or schedule a private seated tasting on weekends. You\u2019ll also find ongoing seasonal events and cream puffs on their website. No reservations are required through the end of the year before winter break. Inquire about the schedule online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Author\u2019s Wine Pick<\/strong> \u2013 2023 Petite Arvine<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winetraveler Notes<\/strong>: April is BC Wine Month. I hope to return in 2025 for the festivities. There are also special events throughout the year including this October tasting event<\/strong><\/a> organized by Wines of BC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scenic Sip Wine Trail<\/strong><\/a> takes you beyond Okanagan Lake to Wood and Kalamalka Lakes and several wineries along the route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to Stay<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Four Points by Sheraton<\/strong><\/a> I arrived late into Kelowna International Airport and the Four Points was a convenient point of entry for a relaxing overnight. The rooms are modern and tasteful. There is an excellent bar with an expansive local wine list and their fine dining restaurant is open late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sparkling Hill Resort & Spa<\/strong><\/a>, after check-in, I immediately noticed Okanagan Lake sparkling in the distance. Touring the facility with Samantha Markham, you immediately notice crystal imagery in the lobby and diamond dangles decorating the interior. This led me to research the founding of Sparkling Hill Resort and sure enough it was Swarovski Crystal Family<\/strong><\/a> from Austria. Staying here felt like a special treat and privilege. The rooms, grounds and all amenities were top-shelf. You may find yourself not wanting to leave, and that would be understandable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dining in Style<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Gerni\u2019s
Gerni’s Farmhouse at Sparkling Hill Resort. Image courtesy Carl Giavanti.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

PeakFine Restaurant at Sparkling Hill Resort offers gourmet breakfast (included with your room), lunch and dinner; You must also try traditional Austrian fare at Gerni\u2019s Farmhouse, a 16th-century building brought over to Canada from Austria. The fare is exactly what you\u2019d hope for, upscale Austrian beerhall and cuisine. If you\u2019re spending at least two nights, I\u2019d recommend trying both dining options, preferably after a late afternoon tea and soak at the spa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Garden Bistro<\/strong><\/a> at Peak Cellars (described above in the Peak Cellars Winery section)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lookout Restaurant<\/strong><\/a> at Gray Monk (described above in the Gray Monk Winery section)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CHAOS Bistro at Ex Nihilo<\/strong><\/a> Check the Events Calendar winter scheduling (described above)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Block One Restaurant<\/a><\/strong> at 50th Parallel Winery, open for Happy Hour Thursday through Monday 3-5pm, and dinner 12-8 pm. Sundays 3pm -8pm. (described above in the 50th<\/sup> Parallel Winery section)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Salty Caramel Kitchen<\/strong><\/a> on the Lake has sandwiches, pastries, coffees and is frequented by locals and anyone walking the lake trail across the street<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What To Do<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Okanagan Lake<\/strong> has always been an all-season draw to Lake Country. Summer swimming, trail hiking, and boating and fishing activities draw families and outdoor sporting enthusiasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golfing<\/strong> became popular during the last 20-30 years, and resorts like Predator Ridge are very popular. Predator Ridge Golf Resort opened in 1991 and is continuously rated among the Top 25 golf courses in Canada. It has been a driver of tourism in Lake Country and the North Okanagan Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skiing <\/strong>during the winter at resorts like Big White and SilverStar Mountain<\/strong><\/a> is very popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day Spa<\/strong> soaking and treatments at KurSpa<\/strong><\/a> at Sparkling Hill Resort is said to be the largest spa in BC. I tried the several steam and sauna rooms, cold showers and plunges, and relaxed in the tea room, a silent meditative space. The spa is open until 11pm with adult hour from 10 p.m. until close. There is also an outdoor pool and all the spa treatments you might imagine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Downtown Kelowna<\/strong> has shops, art galleries and plenty of lakeside restaurants. In addition to wine tasting and can visit local farms and pick orchard fruits during the season. You can find more information on the Kelowna Tourism website<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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