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Among its scenic coastline, world-class ski resorts and diverse wildlife, British Columbia (BC) is home to a wine region covering over 10,000 acres. Its best-known stretch, the Okanagan Valley, spans over 150 kilometres from Osoyoos to Vernon and contains over 200 vineyards and 120 wineries.
The great thing about Okanagan wineries is that they’re all fairly accessible—so if you want to make a road trip out of it, it’s easy to plan your own route and hit each vineyard as you please.
Of course, if you need some guidance during your holiday, plenty of our Canada Holidays allow you to experience the Okanagan as part of a carefully planned itinerary. On our Western Delights Fly Drive Holiday, for example, you’ll have the chance to visit Kelowna, while our Best of Canada’s West Motorhome Holiday allows you to spend time in the Okanagan Valley.
Harper’s Trail Estate Winery – Kamloops
Kamloops is located in the heart of the Thompson Okanagan region of BC and is a favourite stop-off for guests onboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train. You’ll have the chance to journey through breath-taking scenery—encompassing everything from grasslands to alpine mountains—while dining on a delicious three-course meal and sipping on Okanagan Valley wines. Guests travelling on the First Passage to the West and Journey through the Clouds routes include overnight stays in Kamloops to give you a taste of the laidback lifestyle here and to ensure that the journey takes place in daylight.
Kamloops’ first winery, the Harper’s Trail Estate Winery, makes wine that is ‘reflective of the region’s terrier that show gorgeous minerality and crisp acidity’. Sip on a range of wines as you keep watch for wildlife such as bighorn sheep, bears, and myriad birds and admire its backdrop of limestone and hoodoos.
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery – Oliver
Located in the town of Oliver in the South Okanagan region of BC, this family-owned and operated vineyard and winery is a producer of award-winning wines. Known for its beautiful lakeside setting, it combines state-of-the-art technologies with proven, classic winemaking traditions to produce premium Vintners Quality Alliance (or VQA) wines. Adjacent to the winery is an 11-room guest house with an outdoor swimming pool, as well as a wine shop and the Sonora Room Restaurant—a fine dining restaurant featuring local cuisine and Burrowing Owl’s library wines.
While you’re there, be sure to visit nearby attractions including the unique Spotted Lake, the Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad, and other popular wine-tasting spots like the Inniskilin Okanagan Vineyards and the Tinhorn Creek Winery.
Mission Hill Family Estate – Kelowna
One of North America’s landmark wineries, the Mission Hill Family Estate was established more than 50 years ago by wine expert, Anthony von Mandl. It’s situated in the heart of BC’s Okanagan Valley and is world-renowned for its award-winning wines, as well as its elegant architecture and popular Terrace Restaurant. Surrounded by mountains, lakes and lush orchards, it’s an incredible setting to escape from the city and experience something unique.
As well as sampling wines, you can watch a concert in the winery’s outdoor amphitheatre, or take one of the many culinary classes and educational wine seminars on offer—both of which are available to book online. Before you go, we also recommend a visit to Martin’s Lane, a special vineyard below the winery.
Monte Creek Ranch – Kamloops
Owned by a local BC family, the Monte Creek Ranch can be found just a 10-minute drive outside of Kamloops in a location filled with a herd of cattle and horses. Having only been open since June 2015, it’s one of Kamloops newer wineries but is quickly growing in popularity. Wine lovers and foodies alike can visit the inviting Tasting Room, where they can try a selection of wine, natural honey, haskap berry jam, grass-fed beef, and more.
Wines on offer at the Monte Creek Ranch include everything from Riesling and Cabernet Merlot, Frontenac Gris and fruit wines.
Liquidity Winery – Okanagan Falls
Home to over four hectares of mature vines, Liquidity offers an artisan approach to winemaking. Sample a range of estate-grown wines while taking in sweeping views over vineyards, Vaseux Lake and the mountains beyond, all while enjoying locally-inspired cuisine. Art lovers will be pleasantly surprised by gallery installations which frequent the property and add a modern touch to an experience that has been enjoyed for years.
Visitors also speak highly of the winery’s bistro patio, with a menu featuring the likes of Sourdough Fried Oyster Mushrooms, Grilled Falt Iron and Anise Hyssop Parfait with Bee Pollen and Green Apple.
Nk’mip Cellars – Osoyoos
The Nk’mip Cellars (pronounced ‘ink-a-meep’) is the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America and reflects its rich native heritage in everything it does. As well as producing international, award-winning wines, the Cellars provide an insight into the Indigenous way of life through various experiences. Located at the south end of the Osoyoos Indian Band’s land, it overlooks the beautiful Osoyoos Lake and encompasses over 200 acres of the ‘bottomland’.
Don’t leave without visiting the world-class Patio Restaurant (open seasonally) featuring a locally sourced menu, with fresh, farm-to-table innovations using traditional Aboriginal techniques by Chef Orlin Godfrey.
Orofino Winery – Similkameen Valley
The last winery on our list was constructed using eco-friendly straw-bale and features a unique solar-powered tasting room. Here, you can try award-winning wines, which its owners say ‘could not be made anywhere else in the world’. The small, family-run winery continues to grow and now invites visitors to join its ‘Collectors Club’, with exclusive member wines, great benefits, and opportunities to be a part of Orofino happenings.
If you plan to just visit the once, we recommend finding a picnic area to sample your wine, with vines and almond trees surrounding the area. Fancy staying the night? Orofino Vineyard Suites offer incredible views of the Similkameen Valley and are available year-round.
Want to experience the Okanagan as part of a journey onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train? Browse our Rocky holidays.
