These are some of the best Okanagan wineries for wine tasting if you’re looking to soak up the scenery in this remarkable Canadian wine region during 2026.
British Columbia is a sensory explosion every year regardless of what season you choose to visit. From West on Vancouver Island, to South Okanagan, to East Kootenay, and all places between, life pulses with gusto. At Winetraveler, we plan many of our winery visits with great views in mind. Lucky for us, Okanagan wine country is full of wineries with great views from the patio.
It’s called Super Natural British Columbia because these lands are beautiful and each year brings further reasons to celebrate that beauty. New wineries open and offer more places to discover a favorite wine, cider, beer, or other something. The best way to experience this lovely province is through the great outdoors – especially if that outdoors includes a patio and wine.
- These are some of the best Okanagan wineries for wine tasting if you're looking to soak up the scenery in this remarkable Canadian wine region during 2026.
- Exceptional Okanagan Wine Tours & Wine Tasting
- Best Time to Visit the Okanagan Valley Wineries
- the Okanagan Valley Wineries at a Glance
- Best Wineries in Okanagan Valley
- the Okanagan Valley Wineries: Frequently Asked Questions
In this guide, any one of the 15 Okanagan wineries we mention below adds to the perfect self-guided trip with views should you wish to drive. If you’d instead prefer to not worry about logistics or driving, there are three Okanagan tour operators we highly recommend in the region that have received nothing but 5-star ratings from our readers.
Exceptional Okanagan Wine Tours & Wine Tasting
If you’re looking for a scenic experience throughout Okanagan, your best bet is to use a professional, fun and local tour operator that designs a wine route with great views in mind. Note that all of the recommended Okanagan wine tasting tours below have received nothing less than a 5-star rating thus far. You can’t really go wrong.
Our most-recommended tour focuses on the west Kelowna region of Okanagan, and is operated by Vines & Views Wine Tours. Expect these local expert guides to go above and beyond, ensuring you have a memorable trip. You’ll visit 5 award-winning wineries at a comfortable pace, some of which serve food. While the route can sometimes change, we’ve had amazing experiences at wineries like Frind Estate, Rollingdale Winery, Volcanic Hills Winery, Little Straw, Mt. Boucherie, Off The Grid, Grizzli and Indigenous World.
For another honestly incredible experience we had in West Kelowna, consider booking a day tour with Kelowna Concierge. Our tour guide Steve couldn’t have been more accommodating or knowledgeable about the region. Hotel pick up and drop off are included with this experience.
If for some reason either tour mentioned above happens to be sold out for the day you’re traveling (not uncommon given the region’s current popularity), Red Dog Wine Tours offers equally scenic and special day trips. They also allow you the flexibility to visit East or West Kelowna for the day.
RELATED: 10 Picturesque Wine Regions For Photography Lovers
Best Time to Visit the Okanagan Valley Wineries
The Okanagan Valley is best visited from late spring through fall. July and August deliver the warmest, driest weather and the fullest lake-life atmosphere, with tasting rooms and patios at their liveliest. September and October coincide with the grape harvest, offering crush-season energy, cooler temperatures and often quieter cellar doors. Throughout the season, Okanagan Lake and its neighboring lakes moderate the climate, tempering summer heat and buffering vines against cold. Many wineries scale back hours or close over winter, so spring through autumn offers the most reliable visiting window.
the Okanagan Valley Wineries at a Glance
| Winery | Sub-region | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Hester Creek Estate Winery | South Okanagan | Golden Mile Bench estate; old-vine Trebbiano |
| Meyer Family Vineyards | South Okanagan | Single-vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir |
| Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery | South Okanagan | ‘The One’ sparkling, Pinot Noir and Meritage |
| VinAmité Cellars | South Okanagan | Boutique family winery; French varietals |
| Painted Rock Estate Winery | Central Okanagan | Skaha Bench estate overlooking Skaha Lake; Syrah |
| Tantalus Vineyards | Central Okanagan | Old-vine Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir |
| Bench 1775 Winery | Central Okanagan | Naramata Bench; Sauvignon Blanc and sparkling |
| Indigenous World Winery | Central Okanagan | Indigenous-owned; Cabernet Franc and Viognier |
| Evolve Cellars | Central Okanagan | Effervescence sparkling; Okanagan Lake views |
These are a starting point — see the full list below, north to south.
Best Wineries in Okanagan Valley
All wine regions are picturesque with acres of vineyards and distinct terroir. It’s something particularly special when you can sit within reach of the grape vines, breathing the same air and feeling the same sun warm your face while you drink the fruits of last year’s harvest. Whether on a patio, at a picnic area, or in a restaurant, BC wineries have captured the essence of that special something and are waiting to share it with you.
Here are just a few of the places you can soak up the sun and enjoy a taste of BC wine country the best way we know how: outdoors, with wine, beneath a bright blue sky.
South Okanagan Wineries
Hester Creek Estate Winery (Oliver)
877 Rd 8, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0, Canada
To look over the Golden Mile Bench sub-gi and across the valley at Black Sage Road with a glass of Cabernet Franc or Pinot Blanc in hand. Linger longer and dine with style at Terrafina at Hester Creek by RauDZ.
VinAmité (Oliver)
5381 BC-97, Oliver, BC V0H 1T1, Canada
Hide away from the rest of the world with a glass of Gamay or Pinot Gris and a tasty appetizer.
Meyer Family Vineyards (Oliver)
4287 McLean Creek Rd, Okanagan Falls, BC V0H 1R1, Canada
Relax among the vines on their outdoor wine lounge with a glass (or bottle) of Rosé or one of several styles of Chardonnay along with delicious artisan cheeses and charcuterie.
Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery (Okanagan Falls)
2320 Oliver Ranch Rd, Okanagan Falls, BC V0H 1R2, Canada
For the coolest peek-a-boo view of Vaseux Lake with rolling vineyards and the majestic McIntyre Bluff as backdrop. Best enjoyed with a bottle of The One Sparkling traditional method, a glass of summery Mingle, or one of their Meritage blends.
Central Okanagan Wineries
Painted Rock Estate Winery (Penticton)
400 Smythe Dr, Penticton, BC V2A 8W6, Canada
Catch the best view of Skaha Lake framed by vineyards and rock. Snag a bottle of the limited Rosé, linger over a divine Syrah, and inhale your surroundings with those very vines right in front of you.
Bench 1775 (Naramata)
1775 Naramata Rd, Penticton, BC V2A 8T8, Canada
Be transported to the edge of the world – or so it may seem – as you sit high atop the geological bench that makes this region what it is. Sip a Sauvignon Blanc, their dee-lish Brut Rosé, or spend a while with the Cabernet Franc.
Evolve Cellars (Summerland)
20623 McDougald Rd, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z6, Canada
For an unparalleled view of Lake Okanagan from above the vineyard. Grab a bottle of bubbly Effervescence and raise a glass to whatever your heart desires. This cover photo: truth.
Indigenous World Winery (West Kelowna)
2218 Horizon Dr, West Kelowna, BC V1Z 3L4, Canada
Where The Red Fox Club offers free bannock from 3 – 5pm daily with purchase of a glass of wine. You’ll want to buy a bottle – like the Cabernet Franc or Viognier from the Single Vineyard series.
Tantalus Vineyards (Kelowna)
1670 DeHart Rd, Kelowna, BC V1W 4N6, Canada
To overlook the wineries, vineyards, and orchards along the shores of Lake Okanagan with a glass or two of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. The Juveniles series punches well above its weight.
North Okanagan Wineries
Monte Creek Ranch Winery (Kamloops)
2420 Miner’s Bluff Rd, Monte Creek, BC V0E 2M0, Canada
For a bite outside at Terrace Restaurant. Explore wines made from grapes like Frontenac Gris or Marquette on a ranch with history dating to wild west days.
Other Great Wineries in Nearby BC Regions
Fort Berens (Lillooet)
1881 BC-99, Lillooet, BC V0K 1V0, Canada
For a taste of truly new world winegrowing through regional plates at The Kitchen and a glass of Riesling (with three to choose from) or Cabernet Franc.
Blue Grouse (Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island)
2182 Lakeside Rd, Duncan, BC V9L 6M3, Canada
Experience the Pacific Northwest. Picnic in the coastal sunshine with a bottle of Siegerrebe, Ortega, Quill Rosé, or Quill Pinot Noir.
Liber Farm & Winery (Similkameen Valley)
14000 BC-97, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V2, Canada
As a small-scale authentic farm that focuses on good farming practices and being true to land. Their tasting patio is now open for you to enjoy an Everyday Chardonnay, zippy and bright Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, Signature Red (cab/merlot), or my fave ‘Let Me Be Franc’ Cabernet Franc.
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the Okanagan Valley Wineries: Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit the Okanagan Valley for wine?
Late spring through early fall is ideal. July and August bring peak summer weather and lake activity, while September and October align with the grape harvest and cooler, quieter tasting rooms. Many wineries reduce hours or close in winter.
How many days do you need for an Okanagan wine trip?
Three to five days lets you cover more than one sub-region without rushing. A long weekend suits a focused visit to one area such as the Naramata Bench or Oliver-Osoyoos, while a full week allows you to travel from Kelowna in the north to Osoyoos in the south.
What is the difference between the South, Central and North Okanagan?
The South Okanagan around Oliver and Osoyoos is the warmest, favoring Bordeaux reds and Syrah. The Central Okanagan around Kelowna, Naramata and Summerland is cooler and known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. The North Okanagan around Vernon and Lake Country is the coolest and smallest.
How important are the lake and views to an Okanagan visit?
Okanagan Lake and its neighboring lakes are central to the experience. Many wineries sit on benches overlooking the water, and the lakes moderate the climate, helping vines through hot summers and cold winters. Lakeside patios and vineyard vistas are a defining feature.
How do you get around the Okanagan wine region?
A car is the most practical way to reach wineries spread across benches and valleys, though driving requires a sober driver. Guided wine tours and private drivers are widely available, and some clusters such as the Naramata Bench can be explored by bicycle.
How far are the wineries from Kelowna International Airport?
Central Okanagan wineries around Kelowna and West Kelowna are roughly 20 to 40 minutes away, the Naramata Bench and Penticton about an hour, and the South Okanagan around Oliver and Osoyoos closer to two hours by car.
How do I plan my route for visiting wineries in Okanagan?
To plan your route for visiting wineries in the Okanagan, you can follow a few simple steps. First, choose a starting point that's convenient for you, such as a city or town where you plan to stay. Once you have your starting point, research wineries in the area and create a list of ones you're interested in visiting, like the ones in this guide. Consider the type of wine they produce, their location, and any special features they offer, such as tours or tastings. <br><br>Next, map out your route using a GPS or mapping app, taking into account the distance between wineries and any driving time. Try to group wineries that are close to each other to minimize driving time and maximize your time spent enjoying wine. It's also a good idea to call ahead or check the winery's website to see if they require reservations for tastings or tours, and to find out their hours of operation. Finally, consider any additional activities or attractions in the area that you might want to include in your itinerary, such as restaurants, hiking trails, or scenic lookouts. With some careful planning, you can create a customized winery tour that's tailored to your preferences and interests. You can also schedule guided, private wine tours in advance to avoid the logistical hassle.
What types of wines are produced in the Okanagan Valley?
The Okanagan Valley is known for producing a wide range of high-quality wines. The valley's unique climate, soil, and topography provide ideal growing conditions for a variety of grape varietals. Here are some of the most common types of wines produced in the Okanagan:<br><br><strong>Merlot</strong> – A medium-bodied red wine that's smooth and easy to drink, with flavors of black cherry, plum, and chocolate.<br><br><strong>Cabernet Sauvignon</strong> – A full-bodied red wine with bold flavors of black currant, blackberry, and tobacco.<br><br><strong>Pinot Noir</strong> – A lighter-bodied red wine that's elegant and fruity, with flavors of raspberry, cherry, and spice.<br><br><strong>Chardonnay</strong> – A full-bodied white wine with flavors of tropical fruit, apple, and vanilla, often aged in oak barrels.<br><br><strong>Pinot Gris</strong> – A medium-bodied white wine that's crisp and refreshing, with flavors of pear, apple, and citrus.<br><br><strong>Gewürztraminer</strong> – A medium-bodied white wine with aromatic floral notes and flavors of lychee, peach, and spice.<br><br><strong>Riesling</strong> – A light-bodied white wine with high acidity and flavors of green apple, lemon, and mineral.<br><br><strong>Syrah/Shiraz</strong> – A full-bodied red wine with flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice, often aged in oak barrels.<br><br>These are just a few examples of the many types of wines produced in the Okanagan. The region is known for its diversity of wine styles and varietals, so there is something for every wine lover to enjoy. We highly recommend visiting the Okanagan wineries referenced in this guide to explore their innovative winemaking techniques and humble hospitality.
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