Wine Tasting 101: Plan Your Kelowna Wine Tour

Wine Tasting in Kelowna

The Okanagan Valley wine region is known for its rich soil, sunny summers, and cool nights—perfect for growing grapes like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and rich reds like Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It’s been called Canada’s Napa Valley for good reason. The WineTourHub website is a great resource for planning stops, finding events, and downloading maps to Okanagan wineries.

If you’re staying at Haskap Farms Vacation Rental and want to explore Kelowna area wineries without driving, several local companies offer safe and comfortable transport:

• Red Dog Wine Tours delivers award-winning wine excursions, with curated routes visiting top West Kelowna wineries and scenic stops in a small, personable group setting
• Discover Okanagan Tours provides private and public wine tours, covering locations from West Kelowna to Lake Country and Naramata. They offer flexible route options and optional lunch stops at winery bistros
• Tee House Wine Tours are tailored wine outings that often include four Westside wineries, with tasting fees, transportation, and knowledgeable guides who book tastings in advance
• Vivid Tours specializes in half- and full-day wine experiences, visiting 4–5 wineries across Kelowna. Their all-inclusive tours include pick-up/drop-off, bottled water, tasting fees, and storytelling guides for a seamless experience

If you'd rather arrange your own route or bring fewer people, you can use premium taxi or ride services:

• Current Taxi provides eco-friendly, luxury Tesla rides around Kelowna and along wine routes. They’re available 24/7 and offer a cleaner and comfortable option for short transport leg between wineries
• URide, a local ride‑hailing app, is popular for getting around Kelowna, West Kelowna, and surrounding areas. It offers affordable, reliable rides – great if you prefer flexibility or just want a lift to a tasting appointment
• For a more customized private experience, Your Driver – We Drive Your Ride offers chauffeur services that let you pick your own wineries, timing, and pace. This is ideal for couples or small groups wanting a personalized tour experience

Whichever option you choose—guided tours or flexible rideshare—you’ll be able to enjoy Kelowna’s wine trails safely and comfortably, leaving you free to sip and savor without the stress of driving.

Best Wine Routes from Haskap Farms Vacation Rental

Haskap Farms Vacation Rental is located in the central Okanagan wine region, so you can pick north, south, or west routes. All guests will receive a complimentary BC Wine Tour Handbook. 

Central Okanagan Wine Region: Discover Kelowna, West Kelowna & Lake Country. For more information and details on the wineries listed below please visit the WineTourHub website

• Located on a historic apple orchard turned winery; seamlessly blends family heritage and wine. Offers both wine and cider tastings.
• Signature selections include Pinotage Rosé and canned sparkling wine branded “Bling.” Great atmosphere nestled among orchards.

• A truly funky, art-infused experience with 3D-themed labels and live music events. Their “Woops” white wine was crowned “Best White Wine in the World” at a Geneva competition
• Excellent for visitors looking for music, art, and wine in one package.

• A family-owned boutique winery set on historical Mission-era land. Known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, and Bordeaux-style blends
• Offers a relaxed patio with food truck service and seasonal events like Food Truck Fridays

• Awarded Winery of the Year and top small winery in Canada. Specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with expressive single-vineyard bottlings
• Features a welcoming patio, live music, bocce, and wine trivia events in summer. Dogs are welcome on the lawn

• Located on East Kelowna slopes with some of the oldest Riesling and Pinot Noir plantings in BC. Praised for environmental practices and sustainability.
• Offers bee tours and panoramic vineyard views over Okanagan Lake. Their Old Vines Riesling won Wine of the Year in 2021

• One of BC’s original wineries, located near West Kelowna but included in Lakeshore Route of East Kelowna wines. Known for Pinot Noir and Syrah, with panoramic views from its stone farmhouse tasting room

Lake Country (Scenic Sip Wine Trail) – Wine Region Overview
Located northeast of Kelowna, Lake Country features rolling hills, sparkling vineyard views, and five premier wineries within the Scenic Sip Wine Trail. Known for crisp whites, elegant light reds, and boutique charm, this region captures the essence of Okanagan wine country with a laid-back vibe.

Featured Wineries in Lake Country

50th Parallel Estate Winery

• Set on a 61-acre lakeside estate with panoramic views and rare granite soils.
• Specializes in Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Chardonnay.
• Includes BLOCK ONE Restaurant, perfect for wine-paired meals overlooking the lake

Ancient Hill Estate Winery

• Boutique, European-style winery located in Ellison.
• Makes small-lot wines solely from its own vineyard—think Merlot, Gewürztraminer, and Baco Noir.
• Known for rustic charm and panoramic picnic views.

Arrowleaf Cellars

• 16-acre family-run estate with modern architecture and sweeping lake views.
• Recommended for Bacchus, Pinot Gris, and bright, terroir-driven wines.
• Offers a scenic picnic area—great for casual tastings and bringing your own food

Ex Nihilo Vineyards

• A creative, modern winery inspired by the Latin phrase “out of nothing.”
• Known for Riesling, Pinot Gris, aromatic whites, and a CHAOS Bistro for wood-fired dining.
• Sustainable practices and hillside views define the experience.

Gray Monk Estate Winery

• One of BC’s oldest family-owned wineries and the first to plant Pinot Gris in Canada.
• Features Lookout Restaurant, grand views, and award-winning cool-climate wines.
• A destination winery offering both history and gastronomy

Peak Cellars Winery

• A newer estate offering estate-grown Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Rosé, and Pinot Noir.
• Has its own Garden Bistro for lunch tastings on-site.
• Known for fresh, approachable wines made from local fruit.

West Kelowna Wine Trail
West Kelowna’s Westside Wine Trail hugs the slopes of Mt. Boucherie and is home to many of the region’s best-known wineries, each offering beautiful vineyard views and excellent award-winning wines. These are some true West Kelowna wineries, perfect for a self‑guided wine tour:

Featured Wineries in West Kelowna

• Mission Hill Family Estate Winery – Perched atop Mt. Boucherie, this iconic winery features a bell tower, amphitheatre, and the Terrace Restaurant with panoramic views over Okanagan Lake
• Quails’ Gate Estate Winery – Nestled on the southern slope of Mt. Boucherie, Quails’ Gate is renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and its lakeside Old Vines Restaurant
• Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery – Located at the base of Mt. Boucherie, this estate offers modern tasting facilities and a restaurant with outstanding vineyard and lake views
• Volcanic Hills Estate Winery – Named for the volcanic soils of Mt. Boucherie, it features a lakeside tasting room and Blu Saffron restaurant with spectacular views and wine pairings
• The Hatch – A quirky, artistic winery on Mt. Boucherie known for its fun, relaxed tasting shack and creative wines like Screaming Frenzy
• Beaumont Family Estate Winery – One of the pioneers of organic winemaking in West Kelowna, located on the slopes of Mt. Boucherie
• Kalala Organic Estate Winery – Located on Glencoe Road in West Kelowna, certified organic and producing award-winning whites, reds, and ice wines
• Grizzli Winery – A modern, cedar‑beam tasting centre with sweeping vineyard views on Mt. Boucherie
• Frind Estate Winery – A lakeside winery with waterfront picnic areas and unique tasting domes on Boucherie Road
• Off The Grid Organic Winery – A fully off‑grid, family‑run organic winery on Glencoe Road—popular for its goats and sustainable practices
• Little Straw Vineyards – A boutique winery on the slopes of Mt. Boucherie, famous for producing the only Auxerrois ice wine in the Okanagan
• Black Swift Vineyards – Sister winery to The Hatch, offering a pet‑friendly patio and modern tasting experience with lake views

Tips to Enjoy the Day

• Dress comfortably: casual clothes and flat shoes—vineyard terrain can be gravel or grass.
• Bring snacks and water: Keeps you alert and balanced.
• Take photos: Views of vineyards and Lake Okanagan are postcard-perfect.
• Chat with hosts: Ask winery staff about their story, grape varieties, and pairing suggestions—winemakers love to share.
• Buy small bottles: Easy to carry home, and tastings often get refunded if you purchase wine.

Pairing Wine with Food

• BC wineries often offer tastings paired with local cheese, chocolates, or charcuterie.
• Some estates have on-site restaurants or picnic areas where you can enjoy lunch among the vines.
• Tasting and pairing notes help you remember your favorite wines—handy if you want to order later or bring gifts home.

Why Choose Haskap Farms Vacation Rental

After a full day of wine tastings, there's nothing better than a peaceful place to relax. At Haskap Farms Vacation Rental, you’ll enjoy:

• A quiet rural location on an organic Haskap berry farm just minutes from Kelowna’s wineries.
• Pet-friendly accommodations—bring your dog along!
• A spacious suite with living area, bedroom, ensuite, and dining space to unwind.
• Easy drive access to west, south, or east Kelowna wine routes.
• A complimentary BC Wine Tour Handbook. 

Your stay combines the comfort of home, farm serenity, and easy access to wine country adventures.

Start planning today with WineTourHub’s guides and maps, explore winery websites to book tastings, and choose a route that fits your pace. Bring your camera, your wine-loving spirit, and maybe a designated driver or friendly guide—and you’re all set for a delicious, scenic day in Kelowna’s wine country. 

Cheers to your next wine tour in the Okanagan Valley! 🍷