Kelowna Wine Trails

Planning is key to a great day in wine country. Aim to visit three or four wineries in a day to give yourself enough time at each stop without rushing. Most tastings take 45 to 60 minutes. Start by choosing one trail to focus on; trying to combine routes like West Kelowna and Lake Country in one afternoon means more driving and less tasting.

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend visits during the peak season from June to August. Many popular wineries book up in advance. Booking ahead ensures you have a spot and helps you plan a logical route. For a stress-free day, consider hiring a tour company or shuttle service. They handle the driving and the reservations, so you can focus on the wine.

The best time to visit is from May through October. Spring offers fresh new releases and fewer crowds. Summer is vibrant and busy, with long sunny days perfect for patio sipping. September and October are favourites for many, offering the beauty of the fall harvest, golden vines, and comfortable temperatures.

Local tips

• Check winery websites for the most current hours and reservation policies before you go.
• Have a designated driver or book a shuttle. Options range from private cars to hop-on-hop-off buses.
• Pace yourself and stay hydrated with water between tastings.
• Ask questions! Tasting room staff love to share stories about their wines and vineyards.

The Westside Wine Trail is Kelowna's most popular route, famous for its grand estates, stunning lake views, and some of the oldest vineyards in the valley. The trail is concentrated on the slopes of the dormant volcano, Mount Boucherie. Just a 10-minute drive across the bridge from downtown Kelowna, this trail features over 16 wineries, making it a convenient and rewarding day trip.

Start your day at the southern end with iconic wineries like Quails' Gate Winery and Mission Hill Family Estate Winery. Both are known for their spectacular architecture and acclaimed restaurants. From there, explore the cluster of wineries on the Boucherie bench, including Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery, Volcanic Hills Estate Winery, and the quirky The Hatch. For a unique experience, visit Frind Estate Winery, the only beachfront winery in North America.

This trail is known for classic varietals and bold reds, benefiting from the volcanic soil. For dining, you are spoiled for choice. Old Vines Restaurant at Quails' Gate and The Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill offer fine dining with incredible views. For a more casual bite, try The Modest Butcher at Mt. Boucherie or the Italian fare at Volcanic Hills Estate Winery. Further south in Peachland, you'll find Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards at Greata Ranch and Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery Ltd.

Plan for four to five stops to get a real feel for the area. A good route is to start near the bridge and work your way south. Wineries here range from large, internationally recognized estates to small, family-run operations like Little Straw Vineyards Family Estate Winery and the organic Off The Grid Organic Winery.

Local tips

• Book dining reservations well in advance, especially in summer.
• This trail is popular, so expect it to be busy on weekends.
• Look for unique wineries like the speakeasy-style Crown & Thieves.

Winding along the eastern shores of Okanagan Lake, the Lakeshore Wine Route is one of Kelowna's most scenic and established trails. It's known for some of the oldest vineyards in the region, a focus on organic and biodynamic farming, and elegant, cool-climate wines. The wineries here are nestled among orchards and offer breathtaking views back towards the city and West Kelowna.

This is a more intimate and serene trail compared to the Westside. The route is home to several of the region's pioneering wineries. A logical route starts with Tantalus Vineyards, renowned for its Riesling and Pinot Noir, before heading to the iconic Summerhill Pyramid Winery, famous for its sparkling wine and pyramid-shaped cellar. Further south, you'll find the stunning CedarCreek Estate Winery, a consistent award-winner.

Three to four stops make for a perfect afternoon. The wineries are clustered within a 15-minute drive of each other. This route is celebrated for its aromatic whites and elegant Pinot Noirs. Many wineries here have a strong commitment to sustainability. Summerhill is certified organic and biodynamic, while Tantalus has a LEED-certified facility.

This trail offers some of the best winery dining in the Okanagan. The Sunset Organic Bistro at Summerhill provides farm-to-table meals with panoramic views. At CedarCreek, the Home Block restaurant offers exceptional seasonal cuisine on a beautiful lakeside terrace. Reservations for dining are essential.

Local tips

• This route is easily accessible, just 15-30 minutes from downtown Kelowna.
• Allow extra time to enjoy the stunning lake and vineyard vistas.
• Ask about the unique pyramid cellar at Summerhill Pyramid Winery.

For a more rural, off-the-beaten-path experience, head to the rolling hills of East Kelowna. This trail features a collection of smaller, family-run boutique wineries mixed in with orchards and farms. The vibe here is relaxed and personal, offering a quieter alternative to the busier trails. You are more likely to meet the winemaker or owner behind the tasting bar.

The area is known for its diverse terroir and creative, small-batch wines. The wineries are relatively close together, making it easy to visit several in an afternoon. A good plan is to start at The View Winery & Vineyard, known for its crisp whites and ciders in a historic packinghouse, then visit nearby Priest Creek Family Estate Winery for its welcoming, backyard-style tastings.

Plan for three to four stops. This trail is less about grand architecture and more about authentic charm. It's a great place to discover hidden gems and unique varietals you might not find elsewhere. SpearHead Winery, specializing in Pinot Noir, is another must-visit on this route.

While there are fewer large restaurants on this trail, the focus is on intimate, picnic-friendly settings. Many wineries encourage you to bring your own snacks to enjoy on their patios. It’s the perfect trail for a leisurely afternoon, combining wine tasting with the agricultural beauty of the region.

Local tips

• Check tasting room hours in advance, as smaller wineries may have seasonal variations.
• This is a great area to explore by e-bike for the adventurous.
• Look for unique offerings like the 3D art labels at The Vibrant Vine.

Head north of Kelowna to discover the Scenic Sip wine trail in Lake Country. This route lives up to its name, offering spectacular panoramic views of Okanagan Lake from its hillside vineyards. The region is known for its cool-climate wines, particularly aromatic whites like Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer, as well as elegant Pinot Noir. The wineries here are a mix of pioneering estates and modern architectural gems.

Because it's about a 30-minute drive from downtown Kelowna, it's best to dedicate at least a half-day to this trail. Start at Gray Monk Estate Winery, one of the region's original wineries and the first to plant Pinot Gris in Canada. From there, visit Arrowleaf Cellars for its beautiful picnic area and approachable wines. Don't miss the stunning modern architecture and acclaimed Pinot Noir at 50th Parallel Estate Winery.

Aim for three to four wineries to enjoy a relaxed pace. The wineries are spread out, so mapping your route is a good idea. Other notable stops include the family-owned Intrigue Wines, the organic Blind Tiger Vineyards, and the art-focused Ex Nihilo Vineyards.

For a memorable meal, book a table at Block One Restaurant at 50th Parallel Estate Winery or The Lookout Restaurant at Gray Monk. The Garden Bistro at Peak Cellars is another excellent choice, known for its farm-to-table menu featuring ingredients from its own garden.

Local tips

• The drive itself is part of the experience, so take your time.
• This trail can feel less crowded than those closer to the city.
• Many wineries have beautiful patios perfect for a glass of wine with a view.

You don't need to leave the city to experience Kelowna's wine culture. The Downtown and Urban trail offers a convenient way to taste local wines without a car. These wineries are located in the heart of the city, often in historic buildings and close to the waterfront, restaurants, and shops. It's the perfect option if you're short on time or prefer a walkable tasting experience.

The main stop on this trail is Sandhill Wines, located in a historic packinghouse in the downtown core. Sandhill is known for its single-vineyard wines, showcasing how terroir varies across the Okanagan Valley. Their tasting room is a sophisticated urban space that often hosts events and food trucks, making it a lively spot to visit.

You can easily visit this winery as part of a downtown stroll. Plan for one or two stops, perhaps before dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants. This trail is less about vineyard views and more about the craft of winemaking in a unique, accessible setting. It’s a great way to start or end your Kelowna wine journey.

Being downtown, you are surrounded by excellent food options. After your tasting at Sandhill, you are just steps away from some of Kelowna's best restaurants in the Cultural District and along Bernard Avenue. This makes it easy to turn your tasting into a full evening out.

Local tips

• This is the most accessible trail and requires no driving.
• Check for special events like happy hours or live music.
• Combine your tasting with a walk along the waterfront or a visit to a local brewery.