27 Best Sights in Okanagan Wine Country, British Columbia
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We’ve compiled the best of the best in Okanagan Wine Country - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre
Black Hills Estate Winery
On the Black Sage Bench between Osoyoos and Oliver, Black Hills Estate Winery has developed a cult following among Okanagan aficionados and frequently sells out of its much-admired wines. When the wine sells out, however, the tasting room sets some aside for visitors. It's worth calling to check on the status of its Nota Bene (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc), Alibi (Sauvignon Blanc with a bit of Sémillon), Chardonnay, or whatever the winemaker dreams up next.
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Burrowing Owl Estate Winery
With wines consistently taking home medals in international competitions, Burrowing Owl is one of the area's best-known vineyards. Cellar tours are offered on weekends from May through October, and tastings are available year-round. At the 25-foot tasting bar, the donations asked for tastings go toward the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society. To savor the sweeping views of the vineyards and Osoyoos Lake, enjoy a meal at the terrific Sonora Room Restaurant.
Cambium Cider Co.
Although the Okanagan Valley is known for its wine, there are quite a few cideries popping up as well. One of the best is Cambium Cider Co. in Vernon. Their tasting room is rustic and intimate; however, call ahead if you have a particular cider you want to try. They're known to sell out. If you can, try the Gin Botanical or the Traditional Dry. There's also a restaurant on-site.
CedarCreek Estate Winery
Elephant Island Orchard Wines
Although many vintners take advantage of the nearby orchards, this funky winery makes a specialty wine out of fruit. Using recipes that are generations old, it creates some delightful table and dessert wines from pears, cherries, and black currants. They also make grape wine and dry ciders.
Ex Nihilo Vineyards
Canada is the world's largest producer of ice wine, a specialty of Ex Nihilo Vineyards, a 25-minute drive north of Kelowna. This small but enterprising winery was among the first in the area to court celebrity endorsements, and struck a deal with the Rolling Stones to label its Riesling ice wine "Sympathy for the Devil." There is also a bistro on-site.
Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery
Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery is a hidden gem: British Columbia's first organic winery and the first to make ice wines. It is a small producer open for tastings (though not tours unless you're a Royal Wine Club member), and its award-winning wines are highly coveted.
Hester Creek Estate Winery
Hillside Winery
Kelowna Art Gallery
Works by contemporary local, Canadian, and international artists make up the gallery's four exhibition spaces. It's a family-friendly space, too: there are activities and programming for children (worth noting for rainy days).
Kettle Valley Steam Railway
Lake Breeze Vineyards
On the Naramata Bench above Okanagan Lake, Lake Breeze Vineyards is one of the region's most attractively located small wineries. Their wines are known to be clean, crisp, and fruity. The tasting room and garden patio make for a lovely setting; the outdoor Patio Restaurant is open for lunch (weather permitting) between May and mid-October.
Linden Gardens
This former family fruit farm has morphed into a breathtaking 6-acre garden of flowers, trees, ponds, and streams. A path winds through a maze of constantly changing colors, passing over footbridges and beside jungles of wildflowers. Benches are strategically placed beneath weeping willows for shade or beside plants that draw butterflies and hummingbirds. The Frog City Café is an excellent stop for breakfast or a light lunch.
Mission Hill Family Estate
Moon Curser Vineyards
This family-owned, award-winning winery is a bit different than most in the Okanagan. The winery grows grapes not typically seen here, like Tannat, Touriga Nacional, and Carménère. They also have more traditional varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition to the wine, you should come here for the panoramic views and three charming tasting rooms.
Nk'Mip Cellars
Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery
All of the spirits at this award-winning craft distillery—vodka, whisky, gin, absinthe, etc.—are 100% made from BC fruits and grains. Stop by for a tour, tasting (C$10), or to shop the storefront. Be sure to check out their Evolve gin line, which changes color when citrus or tonic are mixed in with the spirit.
Osoyoos Desert Centre
Poplar Grove
Quails' Gate Estate Winery
Set on 160 acres on the slops of Mount Boucherie, Quails' Gate Estate Winery offers wine tastings all set against a panoramic view of Okanagan Lake. Reservations are highly recommended during peak season. The family-owned winery produces more than a dozen different varieties, although it's best known for its award-winning Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The on-site Old Vines Restaurant is open year-round.