Best Wineries to visit in West Kelowna
Discovering the Best Wineries in West Kelowna
Nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, West Kelowna is a haven for wine enthusiasts. With its stunning lake views, rolling vineyards, and a climate perfect for cool-climate grape varieties such as chardonnay, pinot noir, and gewürztraminer. West Kelowna boasts some of the best wineries in Canada. Here’s a guide to the top wineries you should visit in West Kelowna.
Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
Address: 1730 Mission Hill Rd, West Kelowna, BC
What Makes It Unique: Mission Hill Family Estate Winery is an iconic landmark in West Kelowna, known for its impressive architecture, breathtaking views, and award-winning wines. The winery features a 12-story bell tower, an outdoor amphitheater, and an underground barrel cellar.
What to Do/Taste:
- Tour the Estate: Take a guided tour to learn about the winery’s history, the winemaking process, and its commitment to sustainability.
- Taste the Wines: Sample their flagship wines like Oculus, a Bordeaux-style red blend, and Reserve Chardonnay. Don’t miss their Icewine, a sweet, luscious treat.
- Dine with a View: Enjoy a meal at the Terrace Restaurant, which offers seasonal dishes paired with estate wines, all with a panoramic view of Okanagan Lake.
Highlights:
- Architecture: Renowned for its stunning architecture and breathtaking views, Mission Hill Family Estate is a landmark in the Okanagan Valley.
- Tasting Experience: Their comprehensive wine tastings feature a variety of award-winning wines, paired with a wealth of knowledge from their expert sommeliers.
- Tours: The estate offers detailed tours, including visits to their underground cellars and a look at their impressive collection of art and sculpture.
Quails’ Gate Winery
Address: 3303 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna, BC
What Makes It Unique: Quails’ Gate Winery is a family-owned winery known for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but I love their Gewurztraminer. Situated on the slopes of Mount Boucherie, it offers spectacular views of Okanagan Lake.
What to Do/Taste:
- Wine Tasting: Sample a selection of their acclaimed wines and varied tasting experiences; choose between their classic tasting, vineyard tasting, and library vertical tasting.
- Old Vines Restaurant: Dine at the on-site restaurant, which offers farm-to-table cuisine paired with Quails’ Gate wines, all with a view of the vineyard and lake. View the menu and make a reservation here.
- Yacht Cruise: Set sail on a 49′ yacht and explore the Okanagan Lake while sipping Quails’ Gate Wine. Book your trip here.
Highlights:
- Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the lake and mountains while tasting world-class wines.
- Family Heritage: The winery’s rich family history adds a personal touch to the wine tasting experience.
- Gastronomy: The Old Vines Restaurant is renowned for its exquisite culinary offerings, making it a must-visit for food and wine lovers.
Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery
Address: 829 Douglas Rd, West Kelowna, BC
What Makes It Unique: Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery offers a unique blend of modern elegance and traditional winemaking. The winery is named after the extinct volcano, Mount Boucherie, which provides a rich terroir for grape growing.
What to Do/Taste:
- Wine Tasting: Sample their portfolio, including the Summit Reserve and Original Vines series. Don’t miss their Syrah and Merlot.
- Dining: Visit The Modest Butcher Kitchen, where you can enjoy delicious food paired with Mt. Boucherie’s wines.
- Events: Attend one of their many events, from live music to special wine-pairing dinners.
Highlights:
- Modern Elegance: The newly renovated tasting room and restaurant offer a contemporary yet welcoming atmosphere.
- Diverse Wine Portfolio: With a wide variety of wines to choose from, there’s something for every palate.
- Culinary Experience: The Modest Butcher Kitchen provides a fantastic dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
The Hatch
Address: 3225 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna, BC
What Makes It Unique: The Hatch is known for its quirky and laid-back atmosphere. This winery embraces a fun, unpretentious approach to winemaking while producing high-quality wines.
What to Do/Taste:
- Wine Tasting: Enjoy a relaxed tasting experience with wines like the Black Swift Vineyards series and the Screaming Frenzy collection.
- Art and Decor: Appreciate the eclectic art and unique decor that reflect the winery’s playful personality.
- Events: Join in on one of their lively events, from food truck visits to live music sessions.
Highlights:
- Casual Atmosphere: The Hatch’s relaxed and fun environment makes wine tasting enjoyable and approachable.
- Creative Wines: The winery’s innovative and creative approach to winemaking results in unique and memorable wines.
- Community Events: Frequent events create a vibrant and engaging community atmosphere.