Why go to Napa or Napoli when we have a beautiful wine region right in our backyard!? A 4-hour roadtrip or a 1-hour flight and you’re surrounded by beautiful vineyards, lakes and impressive wines. The weather will almost always guarantee to impress. BC wines have been on the up and up and have been proving themselves in the world as having diversity. The unique environment of water, weather and sunlight have put BC wines, such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Rieslings on the map. We did all the hard work of driving around and tasting all the wine for you and these are our MUST-SEE wineries of the Okanagan. Check out our tour and where to stop in to sleep and eat.
Liquidity Wines
OK Falls
Liquidity isn’t only a winery, it’s an experience. From the changing artwork, to changing bistro menu that boasts fresh and simple food, of course the wines and the incredible views of Skaha Lake. They will make you feel warm and welcome from the moment you walk through the glass doors. Check in to see Artist Lecture Series monthly.
Must-Try: Chardonnay (it’s like none other you’ve ever had!)
Get it now: Many Restaurants like Homer St Cafe, Boulevard and Joe Fortes. Find the list of locations here.
https://www.liquiditywines.com/
Stoneboat Vineyards
Oliver
A truly family-run vineyard – from 15 acres to 50! The Martiniuk’s left the craziness of Vancouver and headed out east to open a winery (isn’t that everyone’s dream?) It was a good move, because the Black Sage Bench offers minerals in the ground, unlike any other area – which makes the wine unique and flavourful. Their Pinot Noir is definitely unlike any other and keeps us coming back for more.
Most Popular: Pinot Noir
Get it now: Cactus Club, Everything Wine.
http://www.stoneboatvineyards.com/
Spirit Ridge at Nk’Mip Resort (stay)
Osoyoos
After a long day of travel and drinking wine, book a stay at Spirit Ridge – our very own desert right here in BC. Guest suites, vineyard, golf course, fine dining, spa, sparkling pools, it’s luxury at its finest. Nk’Mip Cellars not only has award-winning wines, it’s the FIRST Aboriginal-owned and operated winery. The spa is full-service and offers hot-stone massages (great after that long drive). Enjoy alfresco dinner at Mica, overlooking the desert and lake. Fresh, aboriginal-style cuisine is unique and delicious. Then bedtime in a comfy suite, cozied by a fireplace.
http://spiritridge.ca/
The Jammery (eat)
Kelowna
Start the day of right (bring your appetite) at the best breakfast spot in the Okanagan. The Jammery is world-renowned for their in-house made jams in all different flavors. We have a thing for the Amaretto Blueberry. After watching them make jams through the viewing window, sit down and get ready for some of the largest plates of waffles, eggs benny and sandwiches you’ve ever seen!
http://www.jammery.com/
50th Parallel
Lake Country
International award-winning wines, bumping music and fun vibes, this is #1 on our list of best wineries and soon-to-be destination resort. Run by a power-couple who slaved over the land themselves to build what has become one of the Okanagan’s most impressive spots from the architecture and views, to the vineyards and the hospitality. They offer tours of the property and education of their processes, that end with a tasting that will blow your mind.
Our Fav: Pinot Noir / Rose toss up
Get it now: New restaurant Ancora, Fairmont Pac Rim and Vij’s, Liberty Wine Merchants. Find the list of locations here.
http://www.50thparallel.com/
8th Generation
Summerland
Passed down through 8 generations of Schales’ boys (hence the name). The first Schales grape was planted in 1783 – that’s some experience unlike anyone else! They have one of the oldest tasting rooms in the Okanagan that’s a restored farmhouse from the 1940’s. It’s also one of the only wine shops that ACTUALLY faces the vineyard, which means breath taking views while you sip on their crisp and clean wines.
Our fav: INTEGRITY (but you should try them all)
Get it now: Many Restaurants like Provence Marinaside, Hawksworth and Miku. Find the list of locations here.
https://8thgeneration.com/
Dirty Laundry
Summerland
The only thing better than Dirty Laundry’s Bordello wine (which is virtually impossible to beat), is the story that it actually WAS a bordello. The story goes that a immigrant worker named Sam, quit his job and opened a laundromat. He realized soon after that his customers had needs for other things, like drinks and gambling .and women. Dirty (upstairs) Laundry (downstairs) was born. The original location still stands and they play up on the story, but now surrounded by beautiful vineyards and makes delicious, award-winning wines, making it one of the most fun wineries ever. You can order a picnic and sit on the patio and watch the steam engine go by.
Our fav: Bordello …hands down!
Get it now: SalaThai, Blue Water Cafe, Burrard Liquor Store. Find the list of locations here.
http://www.dirtylaundry.ca
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