Looking to try something new? Or maybe revisit an old favourite? Kelowna has a wide array of locally-owned craft beverage makers, from spirits to coffee to cider and mead and beer, here are some businesses to visit this season:
Bean Scene
On the scene in Kelowna since 2002, Bean Scene Coffee Works has been perfecting the coffee experience ever since. Selecting the best quality ethically sourced beans, then hand roasting them in small batches, Bean Scene crafts expertly made drinks sure to appeal to any coffee lover. To top it off, the in-house bakery prepares savoury and sweet treats using local ingredients from scratch daily. Stop by one of their three locations this holiday season to pick up freshly roasted coffee to enjoy at home, treats for friends and family, or a gift card to be used in the future.
Copper Brewing
Brewing up great beer since 2019, Copper Brewing in the Landmark District is a must stop for beer lovers. With 20+ taps featuring their own, plus collaboration and other local brews, choosing what to try will be the toughest part of your day, but you can’t go wrong! With a new chef and updated menu of delicious comfort food that pairs perfectly with their beer, this is a must stop. Daily specials and a great happy hour menu mean you can stop in more than once! Keep an eye on their events calendar to add to the fun on your next outing.
Kelowna Beer Institute
Kelowna Beer Institute. Photo: Kylie Mae
Get a taste of tank-to-tap, unfiltered craft beer at Kelowna’s oldest craft brewery. Kelowna Beer Institute showcases a variety of classics, along with experimental casks on their rotating menu, so they always have something new to try. Pair your pint with beer-inspired food like pizzas made with spent grain or pretzels. With plenty of events supporting local charities and celebrating beer culture throughout the year, there’s always a reason to add KBI to your Kelowna itinerary.
Meadow Vista Honey Wines
Nestled in the hills of Southeast Kelowna, Meadow Vista Honey Wines is a four-season oasis. Visit to taste things like Stinger Yuzu Honey Lemonade, Bliss Cherry Honey Wine, Bliss Apple Cyser, or mulled mead made with Mabon Mead. With plenty of interactive and educational offerings through the year like Bee Tours and Blossoms & Bites in the spring and summer, then Holiday Light-Ups, Smokies & S’mores, and winter snow-biking when the snow flies, there’s always a fun experience to pair with your tasting.
Okanagan Spirits
Western Canada’s original craft distillery showcasing spirits crafted using 100% locally grown grains and fruits, Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery offers a unique taste of our area's rich agricultural bounty. With two locations in the Okanagan, here’s what you can expect at each:
Vernon
The flagship distillery houses North America’s tallest copper pot still in the large production facility. Visitors can see the distilling process firsthand and taste the wide variety of award-winning products at the tasting bar or book a special experience like Cocktail Creation.
Kelowna
Perfectly located in the heart of downtown Kelowna on Bernard Avenue, this location is a boutique distillery and cocktail lounge where you can learn about the distilling process with the Farm-to-Flask or the “GIN”troduction experiences. Taste cocktails and bring something home to enjoy for later while you’re there too!
Soma Craft Cidery
Located in the rural area of Southeast Kelowna, Soma Craft Cidery is a family-owned business that emphasizes a “field-to-tap” philosophy. They produce small, handcrafted batches of cider using 100% fresh-pressed apples from their Kelowna vineyards. The end product is a variety of crips ciders that contain no artificial flavours or sweeteners. When visiting, stop by to see the alpacas near the entrance for some extra rural charm. Normally closed over the winter for tastings, they will be open December 7 & 8 for Christmas with Sip Southeast Kelowna! Don’t miss your chance to visit.
