Glittering lakes, the call of crickets, and a hint of blossoms in the air. Roll and stroll your way through Valleys & Vineyards in Okanagan Valley wine country, immersing yourself in the countryside at every turn. People-powered travel invites you to slow down and savour the small moments.

Whether winding your way along the Naramata Bench or taking in the exquisite lake views of West Kelowna, find your happy place between the terraced vineyards and the trail. Here are four wine tasting adventures you have to try in the Okanagan Valley wine region.

Day 1: Naramata Bench – Ride the Kettle Valley Rail Trail

Biking the Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) is a must-do British Columbia experience. The former railway is now a 660-km gravel route from Hope to Castlegar, crossing trestles, tunnels, and lakeshores along the way. In Penticton, ride through orchards and vineyards on the KVR leg from Naramata Bench to Little Tunnel, a scenic 16-km trip one-way. E-bikes can be rented in downtown Penticton.

Photo: Evolve Sparkling House

Pop the bubbly at your first winery stop. Evolve Sparkling House is a bright and airy space inspired by the bubbles it produces. The décor is breezy, with florals, playful accents, and plenty of pink. Specializing in small-lot sparkling wines, Evolve offers tasting flights and small bites to pair. In summer, lounge outdoors overlooking Okanagan Lake or play lawn games on the grass.

Continue the fun at D’Angelo Estate Winery & Guest House, which offers a casual atmosphere to bask in the sunshine and sample their Bordeaux-inspired wines. Grab a picnic table with a glass of the winery’s signature Setta Coppa blend and look out over the vineyard. If you’re feeling peckish, indulge in an authentic Italian sandwich from Danelo’s Food Truck on-site. 

Photo: Hillside Winery & Bistro

Next, stop at Hillside Winery & Bistro, known for sustainably produced cool-climate wines. Sample a flight during the 45-minute seated tasting or explore the Single Vineyard Collection highlighting the Naramata Bench terroir. The on-site bistro, open spring through fall, offers a terroir-to-table dining experience, along with seasonal events throughout the year.

Onwards as you delve into the world of white wine at Terravista Vineyards. Their unique small-lot wines include Spanish varietals and select reds. Their En Terre series inspired Canada’s first plantings of Mencía, Syrah, Cinsault, and Cabernet Franc. Get a taste of Terravista and sip four unique varietals on the “crushpad” which overlooks Okanagan Lake, or take an interactive cellar tour with plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Be sure to say hello to their sheep, who live on the farm.

Photo: Deep Roots Winery

Day 2: Naramata Bench – Wander the Aikens Loop Walking Tour

One day on the Naramata Bench is never enough. So why not make a second day of it? This time, with new views and wineries to explore with a walking tour. The Aikens Loop is a cooperative of wineries located within a 700-metre radius. Buy a tasting pass, enjoy giveaways, and taste the terroir interpreted in many different ways.

Perched in the shadow of dramatic clay bluffs, Deep Roots Winery is a family-owned, winemaking powerhouse that received the 2023 Best Performing Small Winery Award. Having grown on this land for four generations, the Hardman family does indeed have “deep roots” here. Visit their wooden farmhouse-style tasting room to sample a bold Malbec or a bright Rosé.

Another family-owned producer, Elephant Island Winery serves wine and cider from its light-dappled farm. Warmed by sunshine and nurtured by glacial soils, the lineup includes fruit-forward whites, characterful reds, sparkling and rosé. Reserve a tasting, tour the farm, and time your visit with a new release. Events run throughout the year, from markets to winemakers’ dinners, and guests can stay overnight in a charming on-site cabin called The Tree House.

Look for the bright red farmhouse at JoieFarm Winery, a beacon for tastings with indoor space and a lush garden with picnic benches. You might be of drinking age, but you’ll certainly find your inner child in their Hot Dog Lounge, which serves gourmet wieners to pair with your wine at lunchtime. From vintage movie nights to summer concerts, Joie hosts a range of programming year-round. The winery is also deeply entrenched in BC’s culinary scene, so keep your eyes peeled for recipes and tasting dinners both at the farm and partner restaurants throughout the province..

Photo: Grizzli Winery

Day 3: Westside Wine Trail – Explore the Boucherie Multi-Use Path

Farther south in West Kelowna, the Westside Wine Trail is a wine-lover’s paradise where 16 wineries harvest some of the Okanagan’s oldest vines. The new Boucherie Multi-Use Path is a 4.8-km off-road path for walking and biking, with easy access to several wineries along the route.

Begin your tasting journey at Grizzli Winery, known for its bold architecture and welcoming tasting room. The spacious patio and manicured grounds make it an ideal place to ease into the day with a guided tasting of expressive Okanagan Valley wines, from vibrant whites to structured reds. Celebrate life’s simple delights and dine family-style at Grizzli’s restaurant, 31 Charkay, which brings local ingredients to the forefront. Throughout the year, Grizzli also hosts art exhibitions and seasonal markets, adding a cultural layer to the experience.

Photo: The Hatch

Just down the trail, Volcanic Hills Estate Winery offers a relaxed atmosphere and sweeping vineyard views. Their wines reflect the region’s volcanic soils and sun-soaked slopes, producing everything from crisp aromatic whites to robust reds. Settle in for a tasting flight on the patio and enjoy the easygoing pace of West Kelowna wine country. Starting in spring and running through summer, wellness-minded folks can enjoy the ‘Yoga & Bubbles’ experience.

Finish your ride at The Hatch, a winery that embraces creativity and irreverence in equal measure. Known for its playful labels and lively tasting room, The Hatch focuses on small-lot wines that highlight the personality of the region. It’s the perfect spot to raise a glass and celebrate the final stop of your people-powered wine adventure. Many wineries, including The Hatch, are pet friendly, but this stop takes it a step further with a dedicated Instagram account celebrating their four-legged visitors. If your pup is along for the adventure through West Kelowna wine country, you can join the fun at @hatchdoggos. Just a few blocks off the path, you can also explore more favourites, including Little Straw Vineyards, Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery, and Black Swift Vineyards. Both Little Straw, and Mt Boucherie boast dine-in restaurants, and Black Swift offers a beautiful view of Kelowna-proper across the lake.

Photo: The Restaurant at Poplar Grove

Where to Dine in the Okanagan Valley

After a day of walking, cycling and tasting, the Okanagan’s culinary scene offers plenty of ways to refuel. Many wineries across the region offer patios and light fare, making it easy to linger over a glass while soaking in vineyard views.

The Restaurant at Poplar Grove Winery in Penticton highlights seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and producers. Each dish is thoughtfully paired with the winery’s portfolio of wines, all served with panoramic views overlooking Okanagan Lake and the Naramata Bench.

Photo: Therapy Vineyards

Where to Stay in the Okanagan Valley

Stay close to the vineyards to make the most of your wine country escape. In the heart of Naramata, Therapy Vineyards offers scenic suites perched above the lake, delivering an experience just like the name reflects. With expansive views and a tranquil setting, it’s a peaceful retreat after a day spent exploring local wineries. Grab a bottle of their crisp white, kick back and savour the surroundings.

Getting Here

The Okanagan Valley is easily accessible from major centres in British Columbia and beyond. From Vancouver, the drive to Penticton or Kelowna takes four to five hours via Highways 1 and 97, crossing mountain passes before descending into the sunny valley. Alternatively, daily flights from Vancouver and Calgary arrive at Kelowna International Airport and Penticton Regional Airport, where car rentals are available.

Discover more incredible BC wineries and experiences on the Winery Finder.