If you’ve never experienced wine tours in Kelowna, get ready for a treat of scenic lake views and vineyard-studded slopes brought together by passionate, award-winning winemakers. With over 40 wineries across Lake Country, Kelowna, and West Kelowna, you can sip your way through a diverse mix of varietals, atmospheres, and flavours, all within a short drive. Here’s your step-by-step plan to ensure your wine-touring experience will be an unforgettable one.
Step 1 – Plan Your Wine Touring Experience
Volcanic Hills Estate Winery. Photo by: Shawn Talbot Photography.
Before you set out, you’ll want to decide whether to explore independently or join a guided tour. While self-guided tours offer flexibility, you’ll need a designated driver. Guided wine tours are the easiest way to experience the region stress-free. Let local experts handle the driving and share insider stories about the wineries and people behind the bottles.
Many vineyards recommend advance bookings, especially during summer weekends. While many operate year-round, hours can vary seasonally, so check ahead before visiting. For help booking guided wine tours or building your custom itinerary, connect with our team at the Visitor Centre.
Step 2 – Choose a Wine Community to Sip & Explore
Wines in the Okanagan Valley vary widely thanks to diverse soils, lake-influenced microclimates, sun exposure, and changing elevations. These conditions shape everything from crisp, cool-climate whites to bold, sun-soaked reds, giving each community its own distinct style and tasting profile. Choose a community that suits your palate, or sample them all to experience the full range of the valley.
Lake Country – Scenic Lakeviews & Sips
Picnic & Wine Tasting at Arrowleaf Cellars in Lake Country. Photo: Ken Hagen
Wine in Lake Country is shaped by a cool-climate setting, steady lake breezes, and distinctive pre-glacial soils, resulting in fresh, elegant wines with bright acidity and a strong sense of place. Known for aromatic whites like Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer, alongside refined Pinot Noir and bright sparkling wines, the area’s Scenic Sip wine route offers relaxed tastings, small-batch craftsmanship, and sweeping views of Okanagan Lake in a setting that feels rural but elevated.
Kelowna – The Heart of BC Wine
Vineyards at The View Winery in Southeast Kelowna. Photo: Shawn Talbot Photography
Wine in Kelowna is rooted in its role as the birthplace of BC wine, shaped by warmer western-facing vineyards, varied microclimates, and the moderating influence of Okanagan Lake. The wines are diverse and make it easy to find something for everyone to enjoy, from crisp whites like Riesling and Chenin Blanc and elegant medium-to-full bodied Chardonnays, to elegant Pinot Noirs and robust Merlots. From downtown and lakeshore vineyards to the agricultural lands of Southeast Kelowna, the city offers a dynamic mix of scenic tastings, urban wine experiences, and wines that reflect both innovation and tradition.
West Kelowna – Vineyards with a View
Mt. Boucherie Winery in West Kelowna. Photo: Ken Hagen
Wine in West Kelowna is shaped by warm, sun-filled days, cool afternoons, and mineral-rich volcanic hillside soils that create wines with both power and balance. The region is especially well-suited to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Gris, while also producing expressive Merlot and lesser-known varieties, all marked by ripe fruit, fresh acidity, and layered complexity. Set along dramatic slopes above Okanagan Lake, visitors can enjoy a range of unique food and wine experiences along West Kelowna’s Westside Wine Trail and snap some share-worthy photos in some of the region’s most picturesque locales.
Step 3 – Map Your Route
West Kelowna Vineyards. Photo: Nic Collar Film
If you’re planning a self-guided wine tour, map your route in advance and be sure to have a designated driver so everyone can enjoy the tastings safely. It’s recommended to visit between two and four wineries in a day, with three being the sweet spot, allowing you to slow down and fully experience each tasting, the setting, and any food offerings. For a more sustainable option, many wineries are close enough to explore by bike (you can even book self-guided e-bike tours with Lakeside Eco-Sports). Or, leave the planning to the pros by booking a guided tour and focus on enjoying the wines, views, and stories behind every stop.
Step 4 – Know What to Expect at a Tasting
Ice Wine Tasting at Summerhill Pyramid Winery. Photo: Ken Hagen
Most wineries offer guided tastings that introduce you to their wines, growing practices, and sense of place, often with a small tasting fee that may be waived with a bottle purchase, but not guaranteed. Reservations are increasingly recommended, especially during peak seasons, and arriving on time helps keep the experience relaxed for everyone. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the wines, vineyards, or food pairings; tasting rooms are designed to be welcoming for both first-timers and seasoned wine lovers. If you book a guided or private tour, tasting fees are typically included, making it an easy, safe, and worry-free way to enjoy the experience.
Top 5 Tips for Your First Wine Tour
- Eat before and during your tour to keep your energy up and fully enjoy each tasting. Many wineries offer paired bites, charcuterie boards, or dining options.
- Sip, swirl, and savour rather than rushing through pours; tasting rooms are about the experience as much as the wine.
- Use the spittoon if needed; it’s completely acceptable and common.
- Take notes or photos of favourites so you remember what to look for later.
- Stay flexible and curious; some of the best discoveries come from trying a wine you wouldn’t normally choose. If you're unsure what to choose, ask the staff or winemaker to pour their favourites!
Step 5 - Plan for a Safe and Memorable Finish
BLOCK ONE Restaurant at 50th Parallel Estate Winery. Photo: Darren Hull Studios
Wrap up your wine touring day with a plan that prioritizes safety and lets the experience linger. Arrange transportation in advance, build in time for a meal or snack, and avoid rushing from one stop to the next. Many wineries offer on-site restaurants, food trucks, or casual dining options, making it easy to slow down, enjoy a meal, reflect on your favourite tastings, and, of course, pick up a bottle or two to take home as a reminder of the day.
