Kelowna is dwelling to among the greatest wineries within the Okanagan Valley and in British Columbia as a complete. Because of the various terrain surrounding Okanagan Lake nation, the area is able to rising a complete spectrum of grapes: from Pinot Noir to Chardonnay. Wineries in Kelowna produce superb native wine for each palette!
The Okanagan Valley is the second-largest producer of Canadian wines, second solely to Ontario’s Niagara area. Okanagan wine nation is at an identical latitude to Champagne in France and really will get extra solar than vineyards in California. The world basks in heat days, cool nights, and low rainfall. These situations keep the pure acidity of the grape, creating wealthy reds and recent, crisp whites.
Kelowna vineyards are among the oldest in BC and have been producing world-class wines since 1932. The primary varietals are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Riesling. Most of the greatest Kelowna wineries supply wine tastings, wine excursions, and distinctive eating experiences within the rolling vineyards.
We did some intensive analysis earlier than our journey to Kelowna and made certain to go to as lots of the wineries as we may! Should you’re planning a visit to the Okanagan Valley, observe in our footsteps and add these 10 prime wineries in Kelowna to your record!
Finest Wineries to Go to in Kelowna within the Okanagan Valley
Finest Wineries in Kelowna for Crimson Wine
Martin’s Lane
Run by New Zealand-born winemaker, Shane Munn, Martin’s Lane Vineyard focuses on solely two varietals: pinot noir and riesling. Munn takes an analytical, detail-oriented method to create small-batch wines grown from natural grapes. The grapes come from 4 completely different single vineyards surrounding Lake Okanagan, every with distinct soil and terrain.
The vineyard was established in 2016 and is owned by Anthony von Mandl of Mission Hill Household Property Vineyard. What’s most putting is the structure that highlights the vineyard’s 100% gravity-flow winemaking course of. It makes use of the slope of the hilltop to reduce the exterior affect on the grapes. Martin’s Lane presently provides unique wine excursions for CAD $100 per individual, ending with a flight of pinot noir and resiling.
Should-try wine from Martin’s Lane: Simes Winery Pinot Noir 2015
Picture Courtesy By: Martin’s Lane Vineyard Fb Web page
Sandhill
Sandhill is among the greatest wineries in Kelowna for single-vineyard wines. The vineyard makes use of six distinct Okanagan vineyards. Every winery has its personal distinctive soil, slope, solar, and drainage, creating one-of-a-kind grapes. The winemaker’s dedication at Sandhill is to reduce interference and have fun the pure flavours of the grapes. This creates high-quality reds and whites like syrah, cabernet franc, pinot gris, and chardonnay.
The vineyard at Sandhill has deep roots in Kelowna, courting all the best way again to the Thirties. Sandhill is owned by Andrew Peller Ltd. and has obtained numerous awards for being among the finest wineries in BC. A few of their greatest wines are a part of their Small Heaps Program, which is all about distinctive small-batch bottles which are utterly handcrafted.
Go to Sandhill’s tasting room in downtown Kelowna on the historic Calona Vineyard. Tasting charges are CAD $10 per individual for white label wines and CAD $35 per individual for Small Heaps.
Should-try wine from Sandhill Vineyard Kelowna: Small Heaps Sangiovese 2016
Picture Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com
Ex Nihilo
From the Latin time period for “out of nothing,” Ex Nihilo started in 2004 on the sloping shores of the Okanagan Valley. Husband and spouse workforce Decoa and Jeff Tougher give attention to creating a way of place via their sustainably grown wines. Ex Nihilo provides a spread of reds and whites with an emphasis on pinot noir, merlot, and malbec.
You’ll be able to go to the vineyard in northern Kelowna’s Lake Nation for a wine tasting and tour. The signature tasting samples 4 wines for CAD $10 per individual or for CAD $25 per individual, you possibly can be a part of the Memor Vivo Tasting. Wine lovers will pattern 6 lovely wines from their prime collection. Bookings might be made forward and make sure to add a charcuterie board for some glorious wine pairings.
Should-try wine from Ex Nihilo: Privata Crimson 2018
Ex Nihilio Winery. Picture Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com – picture by Shawn Talbot
Quails’ Gate Vineyard
Quails’ Gate is a family-run vineyard, positioned on the sun-soaked volcanic hills of Okanagan Lake, regarded by many because the greatest vineyard in Kelowna. The vineyard, run by the Stewart household, has been producing award-winning wines for over 30 years. Their portfolio showcases Kelowna wine in all its glory with sustainably-focused syrah, pinot noir, and chardonnay. Quails Gate can also be a part of the Westside Wine Path, a bunch of among the greatest Okanagan wineries in West Kelowna.
The property is effectively price a go to for beautiful lake views and a spread of tasting choices. Tasting hours are 11 AM – 6 PM, which you’ll be able to observe with a meal on the on-site Previous Vines Restaurant. The meals is crafted from native substances that pair completely with nice wine. The vineyard will get fairly busy in peak season so it’s greatest to plan forward to keep away from disappointment. Tastings might be booked right here, starting from CAD $10-25. Notice that buying a bottle will waive $10 in tasting charges.
Should-try wine from Quails’ Gate Vineyard Kelowna: The Connemara 2015
Picture Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com – Quails’ Gate Property Vineyard
Finest Wineries in Kelowna for White Wine
Grey Monk Property Vineyard
Established in 1972, Grey Monk Property has lengthy been often called one of many pioneers of the British Columbia wine trade. Austrian-born George Heiss and his spouse Trudy got down to produce their very own wines by importing the primary pinot gris grapes into Canada. In actual fact, the identify “Grey Monk” is a translation of the Austrian phrase for the Pinot Gris vine. Additionally they helped set up the property vineyard system, which revolutionized BC wineries.
Now, Grey Monk crafts a powerful roster of wine from cabernet sauvignon to glowing rosé and naturally, pinot gris. You’ll be able to go to the vineyard for among the greatest Kelowna wine excursions. Tastings are CAD $5-30 relying on the expertise and might be booked right here, or you possibly can pop in for a walk-in tasting.
Should-try wine from Grey Monk Property Vineyard: Odyssey Block 8 Pinot Gris
Grey Monk Winery: Okanagan Lake. Picture Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com – Brian Sprout
Arrowleaf
Arrowleaf is a family-owned vineyard, positioned in lovely Lake Nation, boasting unbelievable fragrant whites and cool-climate reds. Winemaker Manuel Zuppiger takes a terroir-driven method to showcase the very best quality native grapes that thrive within the area. The vineyard opened its doorways in 2003 and has gained numerous awards since.
The grounds at Arrowleaf are expectedly spectacular, with panoramic vineyards and lake views. Go to the tasting room to pattern 4 wines for CAD $5 per individual. It’s a good way to determine which bottle to purchase. And for those who do, the vineyard waives the tasting price. There’s additionally a stunning picnic space the place you possibly can deliver your individual snacks or buy native bites. Plus, it’s one in every of few dog-friendly wineries in Kelowna as leashed pups are welcome exterior.
Should-try wine from Arrowleaf: Bacchus 2020
Lake Nation. Picture Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com – Arrowleaf Vineyard
Tantalus Vineyards
Initially known as Pioneer Vineyards, Tantalus’s vineyards have graced the hills of Okanagan Valley since 1927. Quick ahead to 2004, Proprietor Eric Savics reworked the winery into among the finest East Kelowna wineries round.
Tantalus is dwelling to the first LEED-certified vineyard in British Columbia. They focus totally on simply three grapes: Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.
Their emphasis on sustainability exhibits via their wines and vineyards, with a bee apiary and push for biodiversity. Tantalus’ tasting room is open seasonally throughout the summer time from 11 AM – 6 PM. A wine tasting at Tantalus consists of 4 wines and prices CAD $4, though that price is waived with the acquisition of a bottle.
Should-try wine from Tantalus Vineyards: Riesling Icewine
Sundown within the Winery. Picture Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com – Shawn Talbot Pictures
Sperling Vineyards
Sperling Vineyards is a part of Kelowna’s scenic Lakeshore Wine Route. The winery is fostering a small family-run vineyard that spans 4 generations. Sperling produces Licensed Natural wines like Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Rosé.
Sperling hosts one of the vital distinctive vineyards in Kelowna, with a labyrinth of Vidal vines. Guests can stroll among the many winding rows on a wine tasting and pack a picnic to get pleasure from exterior. Tastings might be booked right here and run from April-December.
Should-try wine from Sperling Vineyards: Riesling Late Harvest 2015
Sperling Winery. Picture Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com | Shawn Talbot Pictures
Summerhill Pyramid Vineyard
Summerhill Pyramid is simply among the finest wineries close to Kelowna, it’s the most visited vineyard in Canada. The vineyard is thought for its iconic pyramid cellar that was modelled after the Nice Pyramid of Egypt. After years of experiments, wine tasters discovered that bottles aged for 30-90 days within the Pyramid had been smoother and extra fragrant. The consequences of sacred geometry is central to Summerhill’s course of and ethos.
Summerhill Kelowna additionally thrives on biodiversity and natural farming and is a licensed B Corp. The vineyard was bought by the Cipes household in 1986, shifting its give attention to natural winemaking to have fun Okanagan terroir. Now, Summerhill provides tastings, out of doors picnics, and eating on the Natural Bistro. Tastings are year-round, complementary and don’t require a reservation.
Should-try wine from Summerhill Pyramid Vineyard Kelowna: Pinot Blanc Icewine 2017
Okanagan wine tasting at Summerhill Vineyard Kelowna
Kitsch Wines
A shift from different prime Okanagan wineries, Kitsch embodies a enjoyable, recent method to the very best BC wines. Kelowna-born duo Trent & Ria Kitsch based Kitsch Wines in 2010 in East Kelowna. The purpose was to create sustainably-grown wines that work simply as effectively for particular events as they do for on a regular basis enjoyment.
Kitsch provides scrumptious chardonnay and riesling, together with a choice of easy-drinking rosé and pinot noir. Enterprise into their vibrant storage for a wine tasting with vigorous music and native paintings. The tasting room is open from April to October and reservations are inspired.
Should-try wine from Kitsch Wines: 5 Barrel Pinot Noir 2017
What’s your favorite Kelowna vineyard to go to for a tour or tasting?