Kelowna is one of my favourite places to visit, which is why Garrett and I decided to spend our anniversary weekend there this past year exploring many of the renowned wineries in Kelowna. The fact that we had spent one of our first weekends away together in Kelowna five years prior made it an even more special getaway. The stunning views of the Okanagan Lake and so many picturesque vineyards make it a perfect destination for a romantic couples getaway. Plus, there are over 40 wineries to explore and sample some of the best wines you’ll find in British Columbia.
If you’re a wine lover or a lover of the outdoors, consider making a visit to Kelowna. Being from Alberta, it’s a perfect location for a weekend visit or even a longer getaway. The flight is just over an hour long so you can easily head out after work on friday and be back sunday evening! If you’re thinking of visiting I highly recommend checking out some (or all) of the wineries listed below. I’ve visited each one and can confirm they not only have amazing wines, but also each have their own special vibe that makes wine touring an exciting activity in the area. Check out some of my favourite wineries in Kelowna!
Related: Thinking of visiting British Columbia? Check out my post on how to visit some of my favourite natural hot springs near Revelstoke: Halfway Hot Springs – A Natural Oasis
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Wineries in Kelowna: East Kelowna
CedarCreek Estate Winery
This modern winery is absolutely beautiful. From the moment we pulled into the parking lot I could tell this was a special place. It’s a popular place for weddings, and there was even one happening on the day we visited. I’d recommend pre-booking a tasting on the Cedar Creek website as it can get pretty busy here. This was one of the only locations that we ended up having to wait to do a tasting and we could only do a tasting of two of their wines due to how busy they were. We didn’t mind waiting as the views were stunning and the architecture is just beautiful.
It’s tough to pick a favourite winery out of all of the amazing options in the Okanagan, but this one was up near the top for me. I loved their wines and the ambience of the place just added to the experience. I highly recommend checking out Cedar Creek while you’re exploring the many wineries in Kelowna!
Priest Creek Family Estate Winery
I loved the cozy vibe of this winery. It’s located right within the vineyards and is a family-owned winery that started as a passion project but turned into something beautiful. The small winery frequently hosts various community events such as outdoor movies, sip and paint nights, and other creative activities that draw both locals and tourists alike. I really enjoyed the wine here and ended up leaving with two bottles instead of one like I had planned to! Priest Creek Family Estate Winery is definitely an underrated winery in Kelowna!
Summerhill Pyramid Winery
One of the most unique wineries in Kelowna, Summerhill Pyramid Winery not only has great wine, but there is also a literal pyramid on the property that you can explore! I’d recommend heading inside first to do your tasting before exploring the pyramid. It’s interesting to learn about the history and wine beforehand. There’s also a fantastic view of the Okanagan Lake so make sure you check that out as well.
I would say Summerhill is definitely more of a spiritual or even hippie vibe. Our sommelier was explaining all of the healing properties of the pyramid and how rejuvenated we would feel after sitting in the pyramid for awhile which i thought was interesting. When we did go and check out the pyramid we honestly found it a little bit creepy. It was dark and cold inside (which makes sense because they age the wine here) and it just had an interesting vibe. We honestly didn’t spend long inside, so I cant claim whether or not the pyramid makes you feel rejuvenated, but it’s definitely one of the most unique and memorable wineries in Kelowna.
Tantalus Vineyards
I love the view at Tantalus Vineyards. It’s not right on the lake like some of the other wineries, its further from the water but you get this really beautiful view of the vineyards overlooking the water. It’s stunning!
The tasting room is modern with large windows showcasing the beautiful view. There’s also a gorgeous patio with gas fireplaces allowing you to enjoy the outdoors even in the cooler months. The wines here were delicious and the service from the sommelier was some of the best we received during our whole time in Kelowna.
The Vibrant Vine Winery: One of the most Unique Wineries in Kelowna!
The Vibrant Vine might just be the most unique winery I’ve ever been to. Even just looking at the artwork on the bottles tells you how different this winery is. The brightly coloured artwork on the bottles almost gives off a psychedelic vibe which is completely different from all of the other wineries
To be perfectly honest, the wine here was good, but it wasn’t my favourite. However, the overall experience at this winery is what makes it worthwhile. When you enter the winery you are given some 3D glasses. After your tasting you can tour the winery which showcases artwork from the talented Phil Lewis. Make sure to put on your 3D glasses while you view the artwork, it’s seriously cool!
Wineries in Kelowna: West Kelowna
Black Swift Vineyards
Clearly a lot of the wineries in Kelowna have great views, and Black Swift Vineyards is another one with a beautiful viewpoint. The architecture on the outside of the building is very modern and beautiful, while the inside is a little more basic, but still very nice.
I actually really enjoyed the wine here, it was our first winery stop in Kelowna and we had a difficult time deciding what bottles to take home with us. I recommend grabbing a table outside so you can take in the gorgeous view. It was a little chilly when we visited in September but luckily, they had table gas fireplaces and blankets that kept us warm and cozy on the patio.
Crown & Thieves
Crown and Thieves is actually located on winemaker Jason Parkes home property and it’s such a cool spot! It’s worth checking out just to view the unique design and architecture of the building. The winery has almost a medeival feel and it almost feels as though you’re in a historic building in Italy. Make sure you check out the speakeasy in the basement and the rooftop restaurant if you can! I’d love to go back and attend one of the live music events at the speakeasy next time I’m in Kelowna.
the hatch
The hatch is one of the more casual wineries we visited and the wine definitely delivered. Located in a quirky barn with unique artwork all around, the hatch had some of the most friendly sommeliers and service. It’s fun to walk around and take in all of the unique trinkets and artwork around the winery and the history and information about the wine is super interesting.
Mission Hill Family Estate Winery: An Upscale Experience
Mission Hill was actually the first winery Garrett and I ever visited in Kelwona and I must say it sure was a fancy one! It’s definitely one of the most pricey wineries and you should prebook a tasting if you plan to come here. It’s great for a special occasion or just to treat yourself while on vacation.
The property is absolutely gorgeous and even if you dont plan to do a tasting, I’d recommend coming to walk around on the grounds and taks some photos. It’s a truly immaculate place!
Final Thoughts on Wineries in Kelowna
With so many wineries in the Kelowna area, there is sure to be one that you’ll love. In fact, even if you’re not a wine drinker, many of them are worth checking out just for the views, architecture, and food. While this is just a list of the wineries I’ve visited, there’s definitely more to check out in the area. If you’ve visited any of the ones on this list or any ones I’ve not included I’d love to hear about your experience! Let me know which wineries were your favorites or if there are any hidden gems I should check out on my next visit. Kelowna truly has something for every wine lover, or even just those who enjoy beautiful views and great hospitality. Cheers to exploring the Okanagan, one glass at a time! 🍷
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