The Okanagan is big. Like… really big. You don’t “go wine touring in the Okanagan.” You do one sub-region at a time — unless you enjoy stress, hunger, and watching your schedule implode before lunch. (Ask me how I know.)
Let’s break it down.
Kelowna & Lake Country
This is your gateway into wine country. Rolling hills, lake views, and wineries that punch way above their weight. If you’re planning on flying in to Kelowna Airport, then there are certainly wineries within a short drive of the airport.
Some of our favourites:
Summerhill Pyramid Winery — Yes, they built an actual pyramid to age their sparkling wines. You’ve got to see it. Spiritual, quirky, and we have found some amazing and highly rated wines… this place is a vibe. They also have an on-site restaurant as well as a seasonal take out stand.
SpearHead — Top-tier Pinot Noirs, beautifully expressive Chardonnays… this is one of the most consistent, premium producers in the valley.
Gray Monk — A founder of the region, way back before wineries in the Okanagan were such a common thing. Classic BC Riesling and Pinot Gris. History + hospitality = always a winning combo.
Naramata Bench & Summerland
This is the Disneyland for adults section of the Okanagan. If you haven’t been… brace yourself - this is going to be fun!You can walk, bike, or drive from winery to winery — 30+ of them — each with killer views.
Some Naramata gems:
Da Silva — Stunning wines made by Richard Da Silva, whose family has been farming grapes in the region going back to the 1950s. Stand outs include the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Chenin Blanc. And all of the Legado series. PLUS - if you visit May to October, don’t miss The Kitchen at Da Silva: our favourite restaurant in the Okanagan.
Moraine — Amber Pratt’s wines are elegant and expressive and have won multiple awards as well as high scores from yours truly over the years. They also have a gorgeous vineyard cabin you can book and stay on site.
Hillside — This is a larger, but still independently owned winery. Winemaker Kathy Malone has many decades of experience with the Naramata Bench terroir. The skin contact Pinot Gris, the Muscal Ottonel, the Merlots…all fantastic. Also - a great restaurant on site that offers take out meals!
Tightrope — Most recently, this has been our highest rated BC winery. The Equipoise red blend, Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay and Barbera (yes, Barbera!) are some of our favourites.
Tip: Stay on the Bench if you can. Wake up to vineyards. Go to bed with stars. Visit the trails, waterfalls, tunnels and trestle bridges nearby. Repeat.
South Okanagan (Okanagan Falls → Oliver → Osoyoos)
This is where the big reds live. The South Okanagan is the tip of the Sonora Desert - yes, an actual desert, in Canada! Sagebrush. Cacti. Massive flavour. People call it the Napa of the North— and they’re not wrong.
Some favourites - Kaleden & OK Falls:
Black Market — Rob & Michelle are running one of the most exciting small wineries in the country.
Meyer Family Vineyards — If you love Chardonnay or Pinot Noir… do not skip this.
Synchromesh — Rieslings that will ruin all other Rieslings for you (in the best way).
More favourites - Oliver & Osoyoos:
Maverick — Best known for their Bush Vine Syrah, bright Sauvignon Blanc, and polished red blends. Small winery, big precision.
Intersection — Their Alluvia and Silica Merlots are a masterclass in terroir. Same grape, different soils — totally different magic.
Hester Creek — One of the few places where tastings are still free. Book the premium one if you can — and don’t miss the GSM.
There’s also the District Wine Village near Oliver that has around a dozen small wineries in one place, with restaurants and very often live entertainment.
And please — Platinum Bench. I have to be really honest here. We have stopped at this winery about a hundred times and have not yet tasted the wines. But the BREAD. OMG the bread! Sourdough baked fresh every morning. Fig & Brie. Prosciutto & Jalapeño. Don’t question it. Just stop there and see if they have any bread left for the day.
