Okanagan Wineries & Vineyards
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Thompson Okanagan, British Columbia.
A stunning view whether seen from land, water or air, the Thompson Okanagan's more than 120 vineyards and wineries are a integral part of not only the valley's economy, but also its very way of life. One might imagine a sameness in the vintages produced by wineries situated so closely together, yet the terrior of each vineyard combined with the personality of its winemaker has created a selection of wines as diverse at those who consume them. With such diversity, it becomes abundantly clear that even the most experienced wine connoisseur might be at a loss as to where to begin. Thanks to the knowledge and expertise of local guides and tour operators, both the occasional wine drinker and the most passionate oenophile (Greek for lover of wine) will find a wine tour that suits their palates and budgets.
THE VALLEY OF WINE
South Okanagan
The logical starting place for any wine tasting journey in the Okanagan is the southernmost portion of the valley, home to such famous stretches of vineyards and wineries as the Golden Mile, Naramata Bench and Black Sage Bench. These regions produce some of the most popular wines in the valley from a mix of small boutique wineries, family run vineyards and large scale wine operations.
Located on the east side of Okanagan Lake, the Naramata Bench stretches from the community of Naramata south to Penticton. This quaint area benefits from a long, moderate growing season and plenty of sunshine.
Further south on the east side of Highway 97, between Oliver and Osoyoos is the Black Sage Bench. This area receives long, hot summer days combined with cool evenings which are moderated by the nearby Okanagan River.
On the west side of Highway 97 between Oliver and the US border with Washington State is a sheltered stretch of valley known as the Golden Mile. Experiencing temperatures that can be six to eight degrees warmer than along the highway below, this region offers some of the most ideal wine growing conditions in the province. Also worthy of note is the Similkameen Valley. Positioned on Highway 3, between Osoyoos and Keremos, the wine industry in this area is seeing continued expansion and growth.
Central Okanagan
Slightly cooler than wineries of the south, the Central Okanagan's climate is moderated by the sizable Okanagan Lake. The region starts at Highway 97c on the west side of Okanagan Lake, as well as across the lake near the end of Lakeshore Drive, and then travels north to just south of Vernon. Centred around the community of Kelowna, this region is home to some of the most famous wineries in the valley.
North Okanagan & Shuswap
From Vernon north to Mara Lake is the North Okanagan and beside it, surrounding the Shuswap Lake, is the Shuswap region. There are few wineries in these regions, but they are known for their unique terrior, which combines the cooler climates and increased moisture to produce one-of-a-kind cool climate wines. These cool climate wines are identified by their lower alcohol levels and higher acidity, which translate into a lighter and crisper taste.
TYPES OF WINE TOURS
Wine lovers will find a number of tour experiences available to them throughout the Okanagan Valley that include all-inclusive packages, wine shuttles and tours offered by the wineries themselves.
All-Inclusive Packages
Visitors wishing to pair a passion for wine and the ease of an all-inclusive packages, can choose from a number of talented tour providers. These all-inclusive tours also allow those less familiar in the art of wine tasting to be guided through an educational and fun wine experience. While most offer premade packages, many of the tour companies also allow for custom tours.
All-inclusive and custom tours can include accommodations at a hotel or bed and breakfast, meals and wine tasting and tour fees, as well as transportation in vehicles such as limousines, float planes, helicopters, vintage classic cars, boats, tour vans or charter buses. Tours and packages can also include other activities that range from romantic dinner cruises to exciting adventures that pair wine tasting with skiing, golfing, ziplining and ATVing. MJO Wine Tours provides pre-packaged and custom day tours and multi-day packages that span from the Shuswap down to the South Okanagan.
Day Tours
A popular choice for many visitors to the Okanagan, partial and full day tours allow visitors to incorporate a wine experience into their holidays. These tours vary from as little as three hours up to nine hours and usually visit anywhere from three to six wineries. Often a full tour of at least one of the wineries is included as well as all tour and tasting fees. While some may include a food pairing or lunch, often guests are responsible for paying for their own meals. Holidaymakers can choose from four tours available from Discover Okanagan Tours, which include hotel pick-ups and drop-offs, lunch stops, tastings at minimum of four wineries and one full winery tour.
Wine Shuttles
Wine connoisseurs looking for a less structured experience that still allows them the freedom to visit numerous vineyards and wineries and enjoy tastings without having to drive will prefer a more shuttle-like experience provided by some tour companies. Advanced booking is required by some of the tour companies, while others require no pre-booking, such as the OK Wine Shuttle, which has two south Okanagan routes.
Vineyard & Winery Tours
Oenophiles with a particular preference for a specific vineyard or winery, or visitors who prefer taking a self guided tour through the valley also have the option of taking a tour offered by the wineries themselves. Many of these tours are offered daily during public hours and include a number of tastings, which may be offered for free or for a small fee. Other wineries such as the Mission Hill Winery offer a variety of tours including an eight hour tour of their on- and off-site vineyards by their Sommelier and include an in-depth explanation on the art of winegrowing.
EVENTS
Wine tour companies such as Napa North Wine Tours as well as many of the Okanagan Valley's other tour operators offer special packages and tours for the region's four wine festivals and other wine related events.
The most widely celebrated of the festivals, the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival is set over ten days and features over 150 events. The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival is also popular with over 100 wine related events. The Okanagan Summer Wine Festival is hosted by Silver Star Mountain Resort and the Okanagan Icewine Festival is held at the Sun Peaks Resort, both of which incorporate packages that mix seasonal activities with wine education and tasting.
THE VALLEY OF WINE
South Okanagan
The logical starting place for any wine tasting journey in the Okanagan is the southernmost portion of the valley, home to such famous stretches of vineyards and wineries as the Golden Mile, Naramata Bench and Black Sage Bench. These regions produce some of the most popular wines in the valley from a mix of small boutique wineries, family run vineyards and large scale wine operations.
Located on the east side of Okanagan Lake, the Naramata Bench stretches from the community of Naramata south to Penticton. This quaint area benefits from a long, moderate growing season and plenty of sunshine.
Further south on the east side of Highway 97, between Oliver and Osoyoos is the Black Sage Bench. This area receives long, hot summer days combined with cool evenings which are moderated by the nearby Okanagan River.
On the west side of Highway 97 between Oliver and the US border with Washington State is a sheltered stretch of valley known as the Golden Mile. Experiencing temperatures that can be six to eight degrees warmer than along the highway below, this region offers some of the most ideal wine growing conditions in the province. Also worthy of note is the Similkameen Valley. Positioned on Highway 3, between Osoyoos and Keremos, the wine industry in this area is seeing continued expansion and growth.
Central Okanagan
Slightly cooler than wineries of the south, the Central Okanagan's climate is moderated by the sizable Okanagan Lake. The region starts at Highway 97c on the west side of Okanagan Lake, as well as across the lake near the end of Lakeshore Drive, and then travels north to just south of Vernon. Centred around the community of Kelowna, this region is home to some of the most famous wineries in the valley.
North Okanagan & Shuswap
From Vernon north to Mara Lake is the North Okanagan and beside it, surrounding the Shuswap Lake, is the Shuswap region. There are few wineries in these regions, but they are known for their unique terrior, which combines the cooler climates and increased moisture to produce one-of-a-kind cool climate wines. These cool climate wines are identified by their lower alcohol levels and higher acidity, which translate into a lighter and crisper taste.
TYPES OF WINE TOURS
Wine lovers will find a number of tour experiences available to them throughout the Okanagan Valley that include all-inclusive packages, wine shuttles and tours offered by the wineries themselves.
All-Inclusive Packages
Visitors wishing to pair a passion for wine and the ease of an all-inclusive packages, can choose from a number of talented tour providers. These all-inclusive tours also allow those less familiar in the art of wine tasting to be guided through an educational and fun wine experience. While most offer premade packages, many of the tour companies also allow for custom tours.
All-inclusive and custom tours can include accommodations at a hotel or bed and breakfast, meals and wine tasting and tour fees, as well as transportation in vehicles such as limousines, float planes, helicopters, vintage classic cars, boats, tour vans or charter buses. Tours and packages can also include other activities that range from romantic dinner cruises to exciting adventures that pair wine tasting with skiing, golfing, ziplining and ATVing. MJO Wine Tours provides pre-packaged and custom day tours and multi-day packages that span from the Shuswap down to the South Okanagan.
Day Tours
A popular choice for many visitors to the Okanagan, partial and full day tours allow visitors to incorporate a wine experience into their holidays. These tours vary from as little as three hours up to nine hours and usually visit anywhere from three to six wineries. Often a full tour of at least one of the wineries is included as well as all tour and tasting fees. While some may include a food pairing or lunch, often guests are responsible for paying for their own meals. Holidaymakers can choose from four tours available from Discover Okanagan Tours, which include hotel pick-ups and drop-offs, lunch stops, tastings at minimum of four wineries and one full winery tour.
Wine Shuttles
Wine connoisseurs looking for a less structured experience that still allows them the freedom to visit numerous vineyards and wineries and enjoy tastings without having to drive will prefer a more shuttle-like experience provided by some tour companies. Advanced booking is required by some of the tour companies, while others require no pre-booking, such as the OK Wine Shuttle, which has two south Okanagan routes.
Vineyard & Winery Tours
Oenophiles with a particular preference for a specific vineyard or winery, or visitors who prefer taking a self guided tour through the valley also have the option of taking a tour offered by the wineries themselves. Many of these tours are offered daily during public hours and include a number of tastings, which may be offered for free or for a small fee. Other wineries such as the Mission Hill Winery offer a variety of tours including an eight hour tour of their on- and off-site vineyards by their Sommelier and include an in-depth explanation on the art of winegrowing.
EVENTS
Wine tour companies such as Napa North Wine Tours as well as many of the Okanagan Valley's other tour operators offer special packages and tours for the region's four wine festivals and other wine related events.
The most widely celebrated of the festivals, the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival is set over ten days and features over 150 events. The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival is also popular with over 100 wine related events. The Okanagan Summer Wine Festival is hosted by Silver Star Mountain Resort and the Okanagan Icewine Festival is held at the Sun Peaks Resort, both of which incorporate packages that mix seasonal activities with wine education and tasting.
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