5 Okanagan Wineries You MUST Visit On Your Wine Tour
I love the Okanagan. I do my best to head down there at least once a year so I can keep my sanity. One of my favorite activities when I’m “down south” is visiting the Okanagan Wineries.
Okanagan Wineries You MUST Visit On Your Wine Tour
I am by no means a wine expert. I don’t know or understand the jargon (however, after a Google search, I now know “legs”) and there is no way I can contribute to a conversation about wine other than “tastes good” or “not my thing”. However I am a mom, a mom who after a trying day enjoys a a glass of of wine while watching Grey’s. I’m a wife who loves to sit out around the fire with my husband on a clear summer’s night and sip on a glass of pinot noir.
One of my favorite things to do in the Okanagan is to wine tour. It’s so much fun to explore new wineries and find some hidden gems. A lot of these wineries are family ran, and almost all of them have an amazing back story. Here is my personal list of the Okanagan wineries that have made a lasting impression, and that I try to visit each time I head down.
Image Source via Silver Sage Winery
Leaving Silver Sage with a case of my favorites.
1. Silver Sage Winery (Oliver, BC) – This family ran winery makes some of the best wines I have ever had. The grounds are breathtaking from the moment you drive in, and it doesn’t stop there. The family’s garden (those roses are phenomenal) and private river (not to mention the house) are all beautiful to look at. The real fun begins when you enter the tasting room. Everytime I have visited Silver Sage I have been greeted by Elena and presented with her knowledge and remarkable story telling skills, which make the wine tasting fun. She also shares some of her favorite recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner (plus some cocktail recipes) using the wines from Silver Sage. Elena gives an amazing experience at Silver Sage and she’s one of the many reasons I enjoy visiting this family owned vineyard. I love all the wines from this Okanagan Winery, but if I had to chose two it would be the Sage Grand Reserve and the Sunset. Both are absolutely delicious when served ice cold. I’m also obsessed with a few of their dessert wines: The Flame, The Pearl and The Pinot Blanc.
Ali, Desert Hill’s winery dog. I have a video of him snoring as well, he was a darling.
2. Desert Hills Estate Winery (Oliver, BC) – Like I have already said, I don’t know anything about wine other than the fact that I like to drink it from time to time. So I always appreciate it when I visit a winery and I have a few things explained to me. It’s fun to learn. I visited Desert Hills for the first time on my last trip, and it’s one of my new favorites. From the moment I walked in I was greeted from one of the owners and immediate felt welcome. I really enjoy the Cactus White, Syrah and the Amabassador, A Port Styled Wine. While you’re there, make sure you say hello to Ali – the winery’s gentle giant. In lieu of a tasting fee Desert Hills appreciates donations to build and maintain a sports stadium in India.
Image Source via Dirty Laundry
3. Dirty Laundry (Summerland, BC) – From the moment you drive onto Dirty Laundry’s property this places screams fun at you. It’s the most unique winery I have visited in the Okanagan. You’ll find random bras, lingerie and other “unmentionables” along the property, and when you walk into the tasting room you are walking into a Bordello. The employees are dressed up, and the atmosphere is laid back. Like a lot of the wineries, there is an elaborate gift shop but this one features a few “sassy” items. The wine is outstanding, there wasn’t one that I didn’t like. I paid extra for their port to be served in a chocolate cup, well worth the extra $3. It’s hard to walk out of here without buying a few bottles. Thankfully a few of Dirty Laundry’s wines are available across BC Liquor Stores. Something you can’t ignore is the patio. I highly recommend you grab a sandwich from the deli, uncork a bottle of wine and sit on the patio to over looking the beautiful valley and the famous Okanagan lake. The views are breathtaking.
Image Source  via Quail’s Gate
4. Quails’ Gate (Kelowna, BC) – I was really impressed when I first visited this winery. I’m a sucker for gift shops and Quails’ Gate has a beautiful one. Your tasting is complimentary after purchasing two bottles, and trust me it’s easy to do. The wine is fabulous. The wine bar overlooks a beautiful view of the Okanagan valley, you can truly get lost in a moment there. There is nothing better then a beautiful view and glass of wine. There are a lot of wines to choose from, so I appreciated the fact that the gentlemen who was pouring our wine got to know our tastes a little better and guided my friends and I in the right direction. I was really impressed with Quails’ Gate and I can’t wait to go back with my group of girlfriends, or with my husband.
Image Source via Summerhill Pyramid Winery
5.Summerhill Pyramid Winery (Kelowna, BC) – Summerhill is amazing. A must visit when you’re in Kelowna. It’s not hard to find and you know you’re at the correct winery by the pyramid landmark when you drive in (that and the upside down wine bottle). Summerhill Pyramid Winery makes organic wines, organic wines that are still affordable. My favourites are the Riesling and the Ehrenfelser, the Ehrenfelser tastes like apple juice (which is kind of dangerous). When I was there last May my friends and I walked around the grounds and witness a couple sharing their vows below the terrace. Summerhill would make a wonderful location to have a wedding. If you have a little more time after visiting this Okanagan winery, head up the road and visit Kelowna Mountain Bridges.
Okanagan Wineries – Honourable Mentions:
There are so many amazing wineries in the Okanagan, that I had to at least mention a few more. If you have more time while down in the Osoyoos/Oliver area don’t forget to visit the following:
Adega On 45th (Osoyoos, BC) – The Rose is delicious.
La Stella (Osoyoos, BC) – The best moscato I have ever had.
Stoneboat (Oliver, BC) – I really enjoyed all of their wines, and sparkling wines. There is something for everyone here.
Hester Creek (Oliver, BC) – I am obsessed with both their dessert wine and the amazing restaurant, Terra Fina, beside the winery.
Mission Hill (Kelowna, BC) – Stunning grounds, and a beautiful tasting room with a lot to look at. Plan a little more time here and do the winery tour.
Mount Boucherie (Kelowna, BC) – The Sryah is my favorite of their wines.
Me at Mission Hill in Kelowna, where there are plenty of photo opps.
My favorite Okanagan Activities
   
  
 
Have you ever gone wine tasting at any Okanagan Wineries?
Giant’s Head Wine at Summerland Sweets in Summerland is really small, but they have awesome fruit wine!
I actually didn’t like any of them. At the winery I didn’t mind some, so I bought a few and I couldn’t drink them. I’m not sure if I got a bad batch but they were very sour. I did like the gift shop though!
Oh, wow! That looks fabulous! Randa, you’ve definitely inspired one of my next vacations! I love touring wineries! Those look amazing!
It’s so much fun! It’s just a bit dangerous on the wallet, I always want to buy all the wines!
So, the last time I was in the Okanagan, I was a kid, and more concerned with seeing the Ogopogo! I’ve since moved across the country, but when I bring wine to parties, I usually grab a Mission Hill since I can at least say, “Oh, this is from the Okanagan Valley, in BC, where I’m from.” (LOL- I am a total non-wine-afficionado) I remember tagging along on winery tours with my parents…. and hating it. But now, I would really, really like to hit up some of these wineries on our next trip to BC!
I would really love to visit these wineries. It is so much fun to explore new ones.
I have never been to one, but would love to go!
We took a vacation to Okangan Valley a few years ago..we did 2 days of wine tasting and tours..our favourite wine was from Quails’ Gate, we loved Dirty Laundry also, I tell you we brought wine home and I believe we still have 1 or 2 bottles left..saving them for special occasions because we don’t get BC wine here in Ontario!
I’d love to visit there, it looks like a great place!
I am keeping this list of wines to try since I won’t be traveling before Christmas. I love wines from the Okanagan!
Great list! I live in B.C. and have yet to visit a winery! I am missing out! But it’s good to know that I leave near so many amazing ones 🙂
I wish I lived closer, I’m a few hours drive from the wineries so I only get to go once or twice a year.
You have visited more wineries than I have—and I live here LOL. I guess I just take it for granted. We do take our boys up to Mission Hill to run up and down the amphitheatre hill-because we are all classy like that.
Haha! I have been to quite a few over the past couple of years, it’s always fun to hit up the wineries and check out the buildings (and gift shops).
I have Never been to the Okanagan. If I ever get there then I will keep this for reference. You are so totally cute in all of your pictures. Adorable! I love the scenery and such fun names for vineyards and wineries. I am curious how wine works with your fitness routine. Only because this is my battle here too., I strive to be fit and to eat well , healthily BUT I love a glass of wine to unwind especially after a big job. So simply curious if you have insight into that. Do you drink wine? How much do you permit? I always feel like 1-2 a week is okay but any more than that and worry it will all settle where I don’t want it.. LOL.
Paula you must go – it’s so beautiful with the scenery, the weather and the food is amazing. I like the OK, I am desperate to move there.
As for my health and fitness, phew…I bought a few cases of wine this trip and let’s say I gained 12 pounds over the summer (when the wine comes out, so does the food). I’m still struggling to find a balance, but my new rule is to enjoy wine but I have to give up another “treat”.
Example, if I’m having a steak dinner: I load on veggies, steak but I skip the carby potatoes and opt for some merlot instead 🙂
A glass or two of wine is good for the soul – no one should have to give up something they enjoy ever.
My wife and I walked into Silver Sage a few weeks ago, but it was packed with about 30 people from a guided wine tour (I assume), so we turned right around and walked out. I’m curious about what we missed out on now. For setting and ambiance, though, there are some amazing places left off the list. Have you been to La Frenz, Misconduct, Hillside, Blasted Church, Poplar Grove, Road 13, Tinhorn Creek, or N’Kmip? I’m just wondering if you’ve had time to visit them and didn’t think them worthy to recommend, or hadn’t visited them yet? If not, I highly recommend all of them to you. I definitely agree with praise being heaped on Dirty Laundry and Quail’s Gate, and Dessert Hills is quite nice – albeit lacking an architecturally eye-catching tasting room. Strictly speaking of wines, they are one of my favourite wineries out there. I also agree that Hester Creek is a nice honourable mention (if not a top 5). Their Tuscan-style villa is breathtaking, and their Trebbiano (small-batch, only sold at the winery) is my hands-down favourite of all time. Also, Maverick is a relatively new winery, but it’s owned by the old winemaker at the prestigious Burrowing Owl, and it’s quite amazing. Anyways, just wanted to see what you thought of the others, if you’d been to them yet. I’m sort of inspired to write my own post now about the wineries I visited that I loved.
I went two weeks ago as well and it was loaded with people. It’s worth the wait, my favorite time to go is in low season though (for obvious reasons). I have been to most on the lists you recommended but these ones are just my personal favorite 🙂 I believe Maverick is one I visited last summer that was new but I didn’t like it (is that the one with the cotton candy wine that doesn’t taste like cotton candy? haha).
I love Hester Creeks restaurant! Terra Fina is amazing!
That doesn’t sound like Maverick. Did you possibly visit Montakarn instead? They have a wine that mentions cotton candy in the tasting notes. I’d recommend checking out Maverick next time you’re in town. As for Terra Fina, I absolutely agree! We went there for lunch and it was very nice.
One of my favourites is Elephant Island! They make amazing fruit wines and they have free tastings – which is always a bonus. The atmosphere is relaxed and they come out and serve you on the cutest outdoor patio which is shaded by trees. I never leave without a bottle or 6!
I have heard great things about Elephant Island! I haven’t been to Naramata yet, I was hoping to this summer but it’s not looking like it. Next time for sure!