Spring in Kelowna is buzzy, and not just because bumblebees come out again: April is BC Wine Month! The snow on the mountains starts to melt, orchards bloom, and wineries reopen their patios and put out seasonal releases.
The Okanagan is one of Canada’s premier wine regions, home to over 400 wineries, and known for its diverse microclimates and varietals. This is where you’ll find Kelowna, West Kelowna, and Lake Country, which are all waiting for you to explore during BC Wine Month.
Explore these Kelowna and Okanagan Wine Spots organized by community below.
Lake Country Wineries
In Lake Country, the wineries sit high above Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake, Wood Lake, and the vineyards hug the rolling hills. This area is especially known for its cool-climate wines, such as Riesling, Pinot Gris and sparkling, which you can taste along Lake Country’s Scenic Sip Wine Trail.
Visit any of these Lake Country wineries during BC Wine Month.
50th Parallel Estate Winery
Stop at the architecturally striking 50th Parallel Estate Winery to try its Pinot Noir or an aromatic white, then stay for a meal at BLOCK ONE Restaurant, where the patio overlooks Okanagan Lake.
Arrowleaf Cellars invites you to relax with a crisp Riesling or Pinot Gris. This family-owned and operated winery offers a laid-back tasting experience and a pet-friendly picnic area with tables overlooking Okanagan Lake.
Ex Nihilo Vineyards offers a cozy atmosphere and extensive wine tastings where you can try the winery’s bold Okanagan reds and more. Check out the menu at CHAOS Bistro to round out your experience.
Gray Monk Estate Winery is one of the Okanagan’s pioneering wineries and helped establish Pinot Gris as a defining regional varietal. At The Lookout Restaurant, you can expect upscale plates that pair nicely with the winery’s signature wines.
Kelowna is proud to be the birthplace of BC wine. As the Okanagan’s largest wine hub, Kelowna has close to 40 wineries within a 30-minute drive, making it easy to stay close to the city and still experience everything from estate wineries to boutique producers.
Here are some Kelowna wineries to add to your Okanagan wine tasting tour.
Ailm Estate
Ailm Estate focuses on traditional-method sparkling wines guided by patience, precision, and a long-term view of quality. From careful vineyard practices to extended aging on lees, each wine reflects considered craftsmanship and a deep respect for place.
Azhadi Vineyards is a contemporary new winery with stunning Persian-style architecture. Complete your visit with some Persian plates from Journey, the winery’s restaurant.
CedarCreek Estate Winery pairs award-winning wines with sweeping views of Okanagan Lake from its elegant hilltop estate. Stay for a meal at Home Block Restaurant, which specializes in terroir-to-table dining.
At Meadow Vista Honey Wines, traditional grapes take a back seat to honey-based wines crafted from local wildflower honey. Visit the tasting room to try mead, honey wines and other small-batch creations, or eat at their Bee-stro!
Priest Creek Family Estate Winery is a boutique winery known for its Gewurztraminer and Bordeaux-style red blends. The winery itself offers a relaxed patio setting surrounded by the mountains.
Located in the heart of downtown Kelowna is Sandhill Wines, BC’s original and oldest continuing winery. Go for an urban tasting experience with approachable and classic wines, where you’ll learn a little history.
SpearHead Winery is a small winery with a special dedication to Pinot Noir. Visit the tasting room to take in panoramic vineyard views and explore Pinot Noir expressions, as well as other pours.
Set on one of the Okanagan’s oldest continually producing vineyard sites, Tantalus Vineyards invites visitors to explore a range of Riesling styles while enjoying the contrast between heritage vines and contemporary architecture.
At The View Winery, apples and grapes share the spotlight as Ward’s Cidery is located on the same historic orchard property overlooking Kelowna. Here you can try estate wines and cider made from fruit grown on the property.
Along the Westside Wine Trail in West Kelowna, you can float from iconic estates to playful boutique wineries. Many patios and outdoor areas provide panoramic views across Okanagan Lake toward Kelowna and the surrounding mountains.
Many of West Kelowna’s wineries are influenced by the presence of Mount Boucherie, a volcano that erupted roughly 60 million years ago, leaving behind volcanic soils. It’s why West Kelowna wineries are often known for full-bodied reds such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.
Start planning your stops at these West Kelowna wineries.
Black Swift Vineyards
Black Swift Vineyards produces expressive single-vineyard wines. Bring your own picnic or buy some snacks, and enjoy the patio after a guided tasting.
Theatrical flair meets Okanagan winemaking at Crown & Thieves. Here you can taste small-batch wines in a castle-inspired building, take in live events at The Broken Hearts Club downstairs, and try French-inspired cuisine at Angel Share, the rooftop restaurant.
Step into Grizzli Winery’s expansive tasting room to sample the ice wines and fruit wines the winery is known for, along with a wide selection of other wines. While you’re there, browse the Grizzli Art Gallery and wrap up your visit with contemporary Canadian cuisine at 31 CHARKAY.
the hatch is rustic and laid-back, pouring characterful small-batch wines with plenty of personality. Expect a creative, not-too-serious vibe that makes every tasting feel a little different.
Mission Hill Family Estate Winery pairs elegant wines with memorable experiences. Be sure to book a tasting, tour, or reservation at Terrace Restaurant during peak season to experience the estate, including the iconic bell tower and terraces.
Niche Wine Co. is a boutique family-owned and operated winery and farm with vineyard-side accommodations. Sip single-vineyard wines in a serene and intimate setting that’s slightly off the beaten path.
Quails' Gate Winery blends refined dining with a welcoming tasting experience. Pair a meal at Old Vines Restaurant with a tasting that includes its signature Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.
Volcanic Hills Estate Winery offers a warm experience, where knowledgeable staff guide tastings that highlight the winery’s estate-grown wines, alongside other wines crafted from grapes sourced from across the Okanagan.
Visiting multiple wineries in a day during BC Wine Month makes a lot of sense, but it also means planning ahead for transportation. The Okanagan has a variety of transportation options for wine touring, so you can relax and enjoy your spring wine tasting responsibly.
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Plan Your BC Wine Month Visit to Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley
BC Wine Month is an opportunity to find your new favourite Okanagan wine and experience the region’s vineyard landscapes as spring arrives. With warmer weather and fewer crowds, spring is an inviting time to experience Kelowna and the Okanagan's Wine Spots.
Use this list or explore more wineries to start planning your spring getaway to wine country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is BC Wine Month?
BC Wine Month is an invitation to sip the spring and discover the best of British Columbia wine. Each April, Wine Growers British Columbia encourages wineries, restaurants, retailers, and hospitality partners across the province to highlight local bottles through curated features, seasonal pairings, and in-store showcases that make it easy to explore what’s close to home.
Now in its ninth year, BC Wine Month has been officially proclaimed by the BC government, recognizing the important role BC’s wine industry plays in the province’s economy, tourism, and culture. From by-the-glass features and tasting flights to retail displays and staff picks, the celebration is designed to be flexible and accessible, giving both visitors and locals a timely reason to support and savour BC wine.
When is BC Wine Month?
BC Wine Month takes place every April, making it a great time to visit Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley. Spring brings vineyard views, reopening patios, and seasonal wine releases, creating ideal conditions for wine touring before peak summer crowds arrive.
Why visit Kelowna during BC Wine Month?
Kelowna is one of the largest wine hubs in the Okanagan, with nearly 40 wineries within a 30-minute drive. During BC Wine Month, visitors can enjoy tastings, food pairings, and spring scenery, all while experiencing fewer crowds than the summer season.
Do I need reservations for wine tastings in April?
Reservations are not always required during BC Wine Month in Kelowna, but they are recommended and encouraged, especially for popular wineries, guided tastings, or restaurant experiences. Some wineries only offer tastings, special tastings, or experiences by reservation, so be sure to research or contact the winery before your visit.
How many wineries can I visit in one day?
Most visitors plan for three to five wineries in a day. This allows time for tastings, food pairings, and enjoying the scenery. Since many wineries are clustered by region, focusing on one area such as Lake Country, Kelowna, or West Kelowna helps maximize your experience. Be sure to have safe transportation or a designated driver to and from each winery. Booking a guided tour is the best option to visit multiple wineries safely.
Cover Image: Quails' Gate Winery
Author
Raegan Hedley
Based in Kelowna for the past two years, Raegan is a seasoned writer and marketing professional with a passion for storytelling. Always on the lookout for new fitness and wellness experiences, healthy eateries, and new-to-her hikes or swim spots, she embraces all that Kelowna has to offer. You can often find her skiing at Big White Ski Resort, teaching spin at SPINCO Kelowna, or grabbing a mocktail or coffee around town.
