In the heart of the Okanagan Valley, Kelowna stands as the birthplace of BC’s wine industry. The region’s rich viticulture heritage dates back over a century, when the first vines were planted. The area’s first commercial winery, Calona Wines, was founded in the early 1930s, marking the beginning of the Okanagan’s flourishing wine industry.

Today, the region is celebrated for its diverse array of award-winning wineries. There are close to 40 wineries in Kelowna and its surrounding communities, including West Kelowna and Lake Country, many of which have continued to evolve their farming and viticulture practices to be more sustainable.

This year, to celebrate the region and encourage visitors and locals to visit its exceptional wineries, Tourism Kelowna launched the #exploreKelowna Wineries Pass. Through this Guide to Wine Touring Series, we’ll introduce you to the wineries featured through the pass and give you tips to make your wine touring experience memorable, informative, and fun!

Wine Touring in West Kelowna

^{Grizzli Winery. Image Credit: Shawn Talbot Photography}

In West Kelowna, there are numerous wine experiences to enjoy. From quaint, cozy tasting rooms to expansive architectural marvels, you’re sure to be impressed not only by the wines but also the views.

While the area is home to 16 wineries in total, four are participating in the #exploreKelowna Wineries Pass program: Grizzli Winery, Mission Hill Family Estate, Quails’ Gate Winery, and Volcanic Hills Estate Winery.

If you’re coming from Kelowna, your first stop will be at Grizzli Winery, overlooking Mount Boucherie. You will surely be impressed with the state-of-the-art wine production facilities, award-winning wines, and one of Canada’s largest tasting rooms.

A recent addition to the winery’s offerings is its on-site restaurant, 31 Charkay, which features contemporary Canadian cuisine. Grizzli is also home to an art gallery that showcases works from Canadian artists and regularly hosts events throughout the year, including an outdoor music series in the summer and an Icewine festival in the winter.

^{Volcanic Hills Winery. Image credit: Shawn Talbot Photography}

Nearby Volcanic Hills Estate Winery also boasts stunning views of Mount Boucherie, as it sits at the foot of the once-active volcano. The Gidda family purchased the property on which Volcanic Hills sits in the early 1960s. Second-generation Sarwan Gidda and his wife Sudarshana started growing grapes in the late 70s, then nearly 40 years later, in May 2010, their children established Volcanic Hills Estate Winery.

When visiting Volcanic Hills, there are several wine-tasting experiences to choose from, all of which will allow you to taste their selection of estate-grown varietals, including Gamay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, and more.

^{Quails' Gate Winery & Old Vines Restaurant. Image credit: Ken Hagen}

Family-owned and operated Quails’ Gate Winery, the next stop on your West Kelowna journey, has been creating world-class wines since 1989. Situated on 160 acres below Mount Boucherie, Quails’ Gate’s location and soil composition have contributed to the quality of its wines.

Choose the Classic Tasting or book a private or semi-private Library Tasting, where you’ll taste 5 wines while overlooking the barrel room from the Stewart Family Library. Onsite dining options include the renowned Old Vines Restaurant and The Market at Quails’ Gate. Watch for information on future Dinner in the Vineyard events, as they are a uniquely Kelowna dining experience.

^{Mission Hill Family Estate Winery. Image credit: Ken Hagen}

The final stop on your West Kelowna wine tour is Mission Hill Family Estate, one of the Okanagan’s most recognized wineries, thanks to its award-winning wines and architecture. Blasted out from volcanic rock, Mission Hill’s underground barrel cellar is a sight to behold—book the Behind the Cellar Door tour for a first-hand look.

During the warmer months, guests to the winery can dine at the outdoor Terrace Restaurant overlooking Okanagan Lake. The winery also hosts a Summer Concert Series in its outdoor amphitheatre, which often sells out quickly. The annual Festival of Trees Celebration occurs over the holidays, raising funds for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Recommended Route for Wine Touring in West Kelowna

^{Quails' Gate Winery.}

If you’re starting your adventures by car in Kelowna, you’ll want to head west on Hwy 97, crossing the William R. Bennett Bridge to arrive in West Kelowna.

From there, you’ll want to head southeast on Boucherie Road, a scenic route winding through Westbank First Nation and West Kelowna. The first stop along Boucherie Road is Grizzli Winery, with Volcanic Hills only a short distance further.

As you travel along Boucherie Road, Quails’ Gate Estate Winery will appear on your right-hand side. Continue slightly past Quails’ Gate to access Mission Hill Road, which will take you directly onto the Mission Hill Family Estate property.

If you like biking to the West Kelowna wineries, you can make a similar journey across the bridge, taking the bike path through Westbank First Nation along Sneena Road. Take a right onto Tomat Avenue, then proceed southeast on Boucherie Road, using the new multi-use pathway that allows you to wind your way along the route. There are some steep sections, so consider that when planning (may we suggest an e-bike rental?).

Book a Guided Wine Tour to Explore West Kelowna

^{Guided wine tour at Volcanic Hills. Image credit: Shawn Talbot Photography}

To make exploring even easier, why not join a guided wine tour? With expert guides, comfortable transportation, and various pricing options, you can’t go wrong!

Here are a handful of options you can select from to explore the West Kelowna wineries mentioned above:

• Cheers! Okanagan has two tour options for West Kelowna, where you'll visit either 4 or 6 wineries in the area. This year, the company also launched its Spontaneous Wine Tours, a public wine tour that can be booked last minute. 
• Discover Okanagan Wine Tours offers both public and private tours in West Kelowna. The full-day option includes visits to 5-6 wineries and lunch reservations at one of the area's winery restaurants will also be made as part of the tour.
• Tee House Tours allows you to tour West Kelowna for a half or full day. The full-day tour itinerary includes tastings at Mission Hill and Quails' Gate and a lunch stop.
• Tiki Time Tours can accommodate groups of 7, 16, or 24 in their tiki-themed passenger vehicles. They offer morning and afternoon West Kelowna tours with visits to 4 wineries. The four wineries mentioned above are on the list of possible locations. 
• Vivid Wine Tours offers a 6-hour tour of West Kelowna—rated as the company's #1 tour—where you'll visit 5 wineries. Grizzli, Quails' Gate, and Volcanic Hills are all included in the list of possible locations.

Get the Free #exploreKelowna Wineries Pass

^{Mission Hill Family Estate Winery. Image credit: Ken Hagen}

Before you set out to visit the wineries in Kelowna, West Kelowna, and Lake Country, be sure to sign up for the #exploreKelowna Wineries Pass. Collect points at each participating winery, including those highlighted in this post, and redeem them for great prizes. All participants are also entered into a quarterly draw for a wine-themed prize pack valued at over $350.

Header image: Quails' Gate Winery. Image credit: Ken Hagen