Living in the Okanagan, we’re so lucky to have all four seasons. If I had to pick my favourite season, I would definitely choose spring! I know spring has officially arrived when the days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, the flowers are blooming, and the local wineries are starting to get busier. If you’re planning to visit the Kelowna area this spring, I encourage you to add a few stops at some wineries to your itinerary. Keep reading for five recommendations on what wineries to visit this spring!
Ancient Hill Winery
If you’re driving along the scenic backroads of farmland in North Kelowna, Ancient Hill Estate Winery is the perfect rest stop. Specializing in small lot wine, Ancient Hill’s wines are created from grapes grown in their own 16-acre vineyard, then processed on-site in their European style “old charm” winery. Ancient Hill produces an assortment of aromatic wines, including zweigelt, pinot gris, pinot noir, and lazarus, all available at their wine shop. Their 2021 Rose is vibrant, soft, and refreshing, kind of like how spring feels after a long winter! This Rose puts forth tasting notes of red cherry, strawberry, cranberry, and citrus, all tied in with a soft floral aroma. Bring it home to pair it with your favourite dish or crack it open on Ancient Hill’s patio and sip while you enjoy the panoramic view of the Okanagan Valley.
SpearHead Winery
Photo: Ken Hagen
Head up to near the top of Spiers Road in South East Kelowna and you’ll come across the warm and welcoming SpearHead Winery. Spearhead Winery strives on creating premium wine using their own grapes and grapes from other vineyards in the Okanagan Valley. Try their latest 2023 Gamay Rose, made with 100% gamay grapes harvested from vines in Summerland. Fresh and well-balanced, you’ll taste notes of cranberry, strawberry, and citrus. This rose pairs excellently with a charcuterie board, prawn appetizer, or a bright spring salad. The spring hours for their wine shop are in full swing, just drop in or book a tasting here. You’ll be guaranteed to be impressed with their award-winning selection of wine. Consider also taking advantage of their outdoor lawn area and pack a picnic- even your four-legged friends are welcome to join!
Grizzli Winery
Photo: Shawn Talbot Photography
Situated on the popular Westside Wine Trail, Grizzli Winery welcomes you to experience their beautiful estate property. Vast vineyards, an exquisite high ceiling tasting room, and stunning views of Mt. Boucherie, Grizzli Winery is a place you cannot miss. They even have their very own Grizzli Art Gallery throughout the retail shop and tasting room, which features creations by Canadian artists. So, grab a glass of wine (or two!) and take in the elegant interior and while browsing the on-display art. Grizzli is known for creating delicious fruit wines and ice wines, something you don’t see at every winery. Try something different and pick up a bottle of the 2021 Raspberry Fruit Wine. Made with raspberries, this jammy fruit wine brings high flavour intensity and a bright red ruby colour. This is the ideal addition for mixing your next cocktail or sangria!
Ex Nihilo Winery
Photo: Nathaniel Atakora Martin (@nathanielatakora)
If you find yourself in the Lake Country area, take some time to stop in at the extraordinary Ex Nihilo winery! Fun fact- Ex Nihilo means “Out of Nothing” in Latin. The name represents the lifelong dream to create a unique from humble beginnings. And they succeeded!
Ex Nihilo is proud of their diverse range of wines available within their wine shop. The 2022 sX Imagine wine is a delicious and elegant white blend wine. The refined blend of refreshing melon and elderflower, this wine has a creamy taste. If you’re keen on doing a tasting, reservations are highly recommended. Looking for something to do in the evening? Visit the Chaos Bistro at Ex Nihilo where you can enjoy a bottle of wine with a fresh farm-to-table dinner.
Volcanic Hills Estate Winery
Photo: Shawn Talbot
With 3 generations involved and 60 years of growing grape vines on volcanic soils, you know that Volcanic Hills wine is going to be good! Volcanic Hills Estate Winery can be found on the Westside Wine Trail, situated on the slope of Mt.Boucherie, a 60 million year old dormant volcano. Their 2020 Magma Red wine is a must-have at your next spring BBQ. This complex ruby red wine brings flavours of black cherries, plums, baking spices, chocolate, and a touch of spearmint. It has well-balanced acidity which in return makes it an easy drinking wine to consume paired with a steak. If you’re feeling creative, sign up for one of their Sip & Dip Workshops. Sip on your favourite Volcanic Hills wine while you learn how to make your own silk scarf!
