You know what they say, the best way to learn about wine is to drink it. And what better way to learn and test out what you like by participating in a wine tasting? Many Kelowna wineries offer a variety of tasting experiences, allowing you to savour special moments with your favourite wines while deepening your understanding of them. 

Wine tasting experiences go beyond just sampling different vintages; they offer a chance to engage with wine experts who possess deep knowledge of the winery’s offerings. This can be especially rewarding if you’re new to the world of wine. These experts can guide you through the intricacies of different varietals, explain how the unique characteristics of the terroir influence the wine, and share insights that deepen your appreciation. Occasionally, you might even have the rare opportunity to taste wine with the winemakers themselves. (Pro tip: visiting a winery during the off-season increases your chances of meeting the owners and winemakers, particularly at smaller, family-run vineyards).

The Okanagan Valley is home to a variety of wineries, each offering its own range of tasting experiences—from straightforward samplings to more immersive, enhanced experiences. Below, you’ll find a list of just some of the many winery-tasting experiences available in Kelowna and the surrounding area. Click here for a full a more in-depth list of wineries in the Central Okanagan.

Please note that to ensure you can get a tasting, it is recommended to book in advance.

50th Parallel Winery

^{Wine Tasting Room at 50th Parallel Winery.}

50th Parallel Winery not only has breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake but also offers exceptional dining at their BLOCK ONE restaurant, along with a range of wine tasting experiences. The winery is dedicated to producing a select portfolio of wines that consistently achieve remarkable quality and recognition on the international stage. Renowned for their Pinot Noir and aromatic white wines, 50th Parallel provides several tasting options that allow you to explore signature offerings in the panoramic tasting room and beyond, all of which are guided by their wine ambassadors.

• Essential Tasting: A 30-minute tasting session with a flight of 5 selected wines from their esteemed Estate portfolio.
• Seating Tasting: Sit and enjoy stunning views of the vines and lake as you taste 5 exclusive estate-made wines from their award-winning portfolio.
• Seating Tasting with Cheese: A seated tasting in their newly renovated Gravity Lounge where you can sample 5 exclusive award-winning estate-made wines paired expertly with local cheeses from Perseval & Young Cheesemongers. 
• Grape to Glass Tour: A private, immersive walking tour led by a knowledgeable wine ambassador. See the vineyards and production facilities, then sample 5 estate wines from the tasting room.
• The Granite Tour: A guided experience through the state-of-the-art wine caves. Learn about the interplay of soil, climate, and craftsmanship. You can enjoy 5 glasses of exclusive wines which are expertly paired with canapes from BLOCK ONE. 

Book a wine tasting experience at 50th Parallel Winery.

Ex Nihilo Vineyards

^{Outdoor Wine Tasting at Ex Nihilo. Photo: Shawn Talbot Photography}

Ex Nihilo’s journey began with a dream inspired by Fredrick Hart’s Ex Nihilo sculpture, meaning "Out of Nothing." On twenty acres overlooking Okanagan Lake, their premium vines thrive under the abundant sun, with the lakeside location enhancing the grapes’ intense flavours. Committed to sustainability, Ex Nihilo partners with dedicated grape growers across the valley, weaving together a story of passion, hard work, and purpose. Ex Nihilo is also home to CHAOS Bistro. You can try these two wine-tasting experiences, and if you're a member, an Exclusive Member tasting.

• The Signature Tasting: Weather depending, you can do this tasting indoors or outdoors. The tasting begins with a glass of sparkling wine, which you will then be escorted to a table to taste another 4 wines. If you'd like, the option to add on an Artisinal Cheese Board or other small plates to enhance the tasting experience. 
• The Memor Vivo Tasting: This is a sit-down experience featuring 6 of their top-tiered wines in varietal-specific stemware. You can also add an Artisinal Cheese Board or other small plates to this experience. 

Book a wine tasting experience at Ex Nihilo Vineyards.

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery

^{Underground Barrel Tour and Tasting at Mission Hill. Photo: Ken Hagen}

Since 1981, Mission Hill Family Estate has been guided by a single philosophy: the relentless pursuit of quality. Known for its exquisite architecture and stunning views, Mission Hill crafts wines that reflect the diverse terroir of the Okanagan Valley, drawing from five distinct growing subregions. The estate offers two wine-tasting experiences, with an exclusive option available for members. Beyond wine, Mission Hill is also renowned for its cultural contributions, hosting concerts, art exhibitions, and culinary events that celebrate the region’s rich heritage. You can also book into their Terrace Restaurant for lunch or dinner.

• A Taste of the Okanagan: This tasting is seated and features carefully selected Terroir wines that showcase the art and nature of their winemaking and the richness and diversity of the Okanagan Valley. 
• Behind the Cellar Door: Experience a behind-the-scenes look at their underground barrel cellar, which was created by blasting through volcanic rock. You will also learn a historical account of the winery.

Book a wine tasting experience at Mission Hill Estate Winery.

Quails' Gate Winery

^{Outdoor Tasting at Quails' Gate. Photo: Ken Hagen}

At Quails’ Gate, the belief that exceptional wine begins in the vineyard has been central since 1989. With a passion for grape growing and a commitment to excellence, Quails' Gate focuses on crafting world-class wines. The vineyards benefit from a prime location and ideal soil composition and are meticulously managed with low crop yields to ensure the highest quality. Beyond wine, Quails’ Gate offers a remarkable culinary experience at their Old Vines Restaurant and The Market. The winery also provides a variety of wine tasting experiences, including options for those with a more adventurous spirit.

• Classic Tasting: Sample of selection of four Quails' Gate award-winning wines from their Estate or Reserve collection. While you taste, you can enjoy panoramic views of the estate vineyard and Okanagan Lake from the tasting room or patio. 
• Library Tasting: This is a multi-vintage tasting of their flagship Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as you overlook the barrel room from the Stewart Family Library.
• Wine & Cheese Tasting: What's wine without a little cheese? Taste four classic wine and cheese pairings with one of their senior wine educators.
• Yacht Cruise & Tasting: Taste and cruise Okanagan Lake with Kelowna Luxury Marine's 49' yacht. This is a limited experience where breathtaking views are met with delicious wines and expertly crafted canapes from the Old Vines restaurant.

Book a wine tasting experience at Quails' Gate.

Sandhill Wines

^{Sandhill Wine Tasting. Photo: Shawn Talbot Photography}

Sandhill Wines' winemaking techniques focus on enhancing the naturally occurring fruit flavors in their wines with minimal intervention and was the first winery in BC to adopt a single vineyard winemaking philosophy (which has carried on to this day!). By allowing the quality of the fruit to shine, they create wines that showcase the potential of their BC vineyards. Sandhill offers a diverse range of wines, including Reds, Whites, and Rosés. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings year-round, sampling from their extensive selection, which includes award-winning Sandhill single vineyard wines and rare Small Lots. Sandhill offers several different tasting experiences. 

• White Label Portfolio Tasting: Sample a selection of 4 of Sandhill’s award-winning White Label Wines, while learning the history behind BC’s oldest winery location.
• Small Lots Portfolio Tasting: During this experience, you will taste a selection of four of Sandhill’s award-winning Single Vineyard wines and rare Small Lots.
• Sandhill Black Glass Blind Tasting Experience: Taste 4 wines blindfolded for a light-hearted challenge. If you guess all correctly there is a special prize!

Book a wine tasting experience at Sandhill Wines.

Tantalus Vineyards

^{Group Wine Tasting at Tantalus Vineyards. Photo: Shawn Talbot Photography}

Since 2004, Tantalus Vineyards has been dedicated to crafting a focused portfolio of wines with intention and authenticity, grounded in a commitment to good land stewardship. With some of Canada’s oldest vinifera plantings at the core of their estate, Tantalus has become renowned as a top producer of Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Situated on the eastern slopes of the Okanagan Valley, overlooking Okanagan Lake and Kelowna, the vineyard—first planted with table grapes in 1927—is one of British Columbia’s oldest continuously producing sites. Tantalus offers four distinct winter tasting experiences.

• Flagship Tasting Experience: Enjoy a tasting of Tantalus' Flagship Wines in their gallery-style tasting room with views of their vineyard and Okanagan Lake. It showcases the unique, single-vineyard terroir in Southeast Kelowna and their Further Afield Series.
• Small Lot Tasting: Also hosted in their gallery-style tasting room, you get to taste the backbone of their vineyards and Old Vines plantings. You can capture a snapshot of the evolving wines, crafted to age. 
• Free Weekly Tour (With Small Lot Tasting Purchase): This free 45-minute guided tour is held one day a week where you enjoy a guided stroll through the vineyard, followed by a walkthrough of their LEED-certified winery facility and tasting. You will get to explore their estate-grown and small production wines and the experience typically lasts two hours.
• Bees & Barrels Tour and Tasting: Enjoy a guided stroll through the vineyard, followed by a walkthrough of their LEED-certified winery facility and tasting of the Flagship wines.

Book a wine tasting experience at Tantalus Vineyards.

Volcanic Hills Winery

^{Wine Tour of Facilities at Volcanic Hills. Photo: Shawn Talbot Photography}

Sarwan Gidda’s dream of producing world-class wines began in the 1970s, inspired by his father Mehtab, who immigrated to the Okanagan Valley from Punjab, India, in 1958. The family initially became the largest apple farmers in West Kelowna before transitioning to grape cultivation. Guided by the belief that great wine starts in the vineyard, they focus on sustainable practices and careful varietal selection to craft wines that require minimal intervention. In 2010, Sarwan’s children fulfilled his vision by establishing Volcanic Hills Estate Winery, where the family continues to manage 68 acres of vineyards. Volcanic Hills offers many wonderful and enhanced tasting experiences.

• Signature Wine Tasting: Enjoy a taste of 5 Signature Volcanic Hills wines hosted in their wine shop. Also note that this can be booked for large groups!
• Morning Yoga & Bubbles: Join a local yogi for an outdoor wine and yoga session. Yes, there will be Yoga, Sabering, and Bubbles!
• Dessert Paired Wine Experience: Discover decadence in a glass with the trio dessert wine flight paired with delicious local creations.
• Picnic Wine Flight: Sip and relax in their picnic area with 5 Volcanic Hills wines. There is a selection of delectable meats and cheeses available for purchase while supplies last.
• Sabering Bubbles in the Vineyard: Join Volcanic Hills outdoors in the estate vineyard for a memorable sabering experience performed by you. 
• Charcuterie & Wine Tasting Experience: This is a seated food and wine tasting experience where you can explore delightful pairings which features two whites and two reds, paired perfectly with your board.
• Proprietors Tour: Guided by Volcanic Hills Proprietor, Bobby Gidda, discover what lies beneath the wineshop and explore the winemaking process and barrel rooms. You'll learn winemaking techniques, family history, and take an adventure into the vineyard (weather permitting). The tour includes a Signature wine tasting in the wine shop.

Book a wine tasting experience at Volcanic Hills Winery.

Want to do tastings at multiple wineries? Book a Guided Wine Tour!

^{Guided Tour at Volcanic Hills. Photo: Shawn Talbot Photography}

Guided wine tours offer a convenient way to explore multiple wineries without the hassle of transportation. With an expert guide, you can navigate the Okanagan Valley while learning more about its rich wine culture. Booking a guided tour typically includes all tasting fees, ensuring a seamless experience with no waiting. Several wine tour companies in the Central Okanagan, such as Teehouse Wine Tours, Mojo Wine Tours, and Vivid Tours, provide these services. For a complete list of wine touring companies, click here.