Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Yes, Canada has wine regions too! Okanagan valley is a real Canadian treasure, this region will astonish even the most critical wine drinkers, acclaimed sommeliers, and knowledgeable wine connoisseurs! It offers a large variety of wineries, varietals, and experiences. The culinary scene in the region is amazing as well, so there is no shortage of great restaurants either. For the outdoors seekers, this region is very picturesque and there are a ton of things to do, from hiking to lake activities! Thus, this AVA has something for all wine lover types. I highly recommend giving Kelowna a chance!
- Number of wineries: 186
- Popular varietals: MERLOT, PINOT GRIS, PINOT NOIR, CHARDONNAY, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, GEWÜRZTRAMINER, CABERNET FRANC, SYRAH, RIESLING, GAMAY NOIR, SAUVIGNON BLANC
- Average cost of wine tastings: $10-$60 CAD per person
- Average cost of hotels: $50 -$300 CAD a night (Also Great Airbnb Options in the Area)
- Cool things to do outside of wine: Anything Outdoorsy-Hiking, Skiing, Water Skiing, Biking, Parasailing, Golfing, Snowshoeing, Sailing etc.
- Average temperature by season:
- winter: 23°F – 34°F (some wineries might be temporarily closed in the winter)
- spring: 42°F – 70°F
- summer: 55°F – 83°F
- fall: 43°F – 72°F
- Location: 4.5 hours from Vancouver, British Columbia But It Has Its Own Airport (YLW)
Crown and Thieves in West Kelowna
A swanky winery, Crown and Thieves has a one-of-a-kind feel, gothic rock meets old world. There is even a speakeasy in the basement, where they host live performances on the weekends, and a fresco painting on the roof of the tasting room. Not only is the vibe cool, but the wine makes a statement too! The labeling of the bottles have very crafty names like: Crybaby Malbec, Pinky Blinders for their Rose name, and Mums the Word White for a white blend! More importantly, the staff was awesome, welcoming, lively, and remarkable wine connoisseurs.
- Wine Tasting Cost: $15 CAD per person
- Year Established: 2018
- Owner(s): Jason Parkes
- This winery has the same ownership as many wineries and establishments in the area: the Hatching Post, the Black Swift, the Truck 59 Cidery, and the Screaming Frenzy
- Website: https://crownthieves.com/
- Address: 3887 Brown Rd, West Kelowna, BC V4T 2J9, Canada
Overall Rating: 9/10
1. Accessibility – how easy is it to get to this winery for out of towners: 9/10
2. Atmosphere – does this winery have a great vibe: 9/10
3. Wine – how does the wine actually taste: 8/10
4. Bonus points – is there something unique about this winery (attractions, one of a kind tasting experience, picturesque location, excellent wine food pairing, personalized experiences, etc.): 10/10
5. Customer Service – how well does the staff treat guests: 10/10
Sandhill Winery in Kelowna
Sandhill is one of the oldest wineries in the Okanagan Valley, recently renamed and moved the tasting room location to a posh spot near downtown Kelowna! The sommeliers and staff are incredibly knowledgeable about the wine industry in this AVA. They have a variety of wine tasting options. I chose the black glass blind tasting, where they pour your wine tastings into a black glass and you, as a wine connoisseur in the making, guess what varietal they have served you. It’s a very cool way to taste wines and test your knowledge and taste buds at the same time. Plus, the staff is gracious enough to give you hints along the way to aid you in your decision making and wine tasting abilities. So don’t be intimidated to try this very unique wine tasting option!
- Wine Tasting Options and Costs:
- Signature Tasting: $16 CAD per person
- Small Lot Portfolio Tasting: $25 CAD per person
- Sip & Bite: $30 CAD per person
- Small Lot with Italian Meat Master: $49 CAD per person
- Black Glass Blind Tasting: $25 CAD per person
- Signature Tasting: $16 CAD per person
- Year Established: 1997
- Owner(s): Howard Soon, Robert Goltz, and Richard Cleave
- Website: https://www.sandhillwines.ca/
- Address: 1125 Richter St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 2K6, Canada
Overall Rating: 9/10
1. Accessibility – how easy is it to get to this winery for out of towners: 9/10
2. Atmosphere – does this winery have a great vibe: 8/10
3. Wine – how does the wine actually taste: 9/10
4. Bonus points – is there something unique about this winery (attractions, one of a kind tasting experience, picturesque location, excellent wine food pairing, personalized experiences, etc.): 9/10
5. Customer Service – how well does the staff treat guests:10 /10
Other Notable Wineries
West Kelowna
- Mission Hill Family Estate
Also, one of the oldest wineries in the area, on a grand estate at the top of the hill overlooking West Kelowna and owned by Anthony von Mandl (owner of White Claw Hard Seltzer and Mike’s Hard Lemonade)!
- Volcanic Hills
Robust variety of wines and ice wines, plus a great location!
- Blackswift
Great patio to grab a glass of wine or a flight of wine with a good group of friends or just a good book!
- Mt. Boucherie
Very modern establishment with a great balcony and a great variety of wines.
- Little Straw
Very affordable wine tastings and perfect for happy hour after work.
- Kalala
Unique organic winery and interesting ownership story.
Kelowna
- Sperling Vineyard
Woman owned (Ann Sperling), certified organic, and a quaint winery to have a picnic, so what is not to love about it!
- Ancient Hill Winery
Located near Kelowna airport, so a great first or last stop for wine!
- Tantalus
Great view and modern architecture, definitely recommend sitting on the balcony!
- Priest Creek Family Estate
Laid back winery with a food truck out back and a lot of outdoor seating.
- Cedar Creek Estate Winery
Just one word that describes this winery in a nutshell, Picturesque.
- Summerhill Pyramid
Uniquely constructed winery in the shape of a pyramid surrounded by cool sculptures.
Best Restaurants
West Kelowna
- Old Vine Restaurant at Quail’s Gate
One of the best burgers I have had in my life and there is wine!
- 19 Okanagan Grill + Bar
Great local spot right at the golf course!
- Frind Beach Café and Patio
Grab a pizza and sit outside on the patio at the beach front!
- The Hatching Post
Have some BBQ with the locals and fail at Canadian trivia.
- Truck 59 Ciderhouse
Food truck with Canadian cuisine at the cidery.
Kelowna
- Catina Del Centro
Popular Mexican Fusion restaurant in downtown Kelowna.
Recommended Accommodations
West Kelowna
- An Amazing Luxury Lakeview Guest Suite with a Hot Tub on Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/702161745191822133
What a gem! This guest suite is centrally located in West Kelowna, walking distance to many wineries and restaurants. The hosts are wonderful, very responsive, and their guide book is super helpful! Plus, who doesn’t love a hot tub with a glass of wine and a view!
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