From rolling benchlands to towering peaks, British Columbia is a vast land with distinct geography, carved by fertile valleys and snaking rivers. But the land is only the beginning of this story. Take a road trip through four wine regions, where boutique vineyards offer intimate tastings that bring the terroir to life. These lesser-known wineries are sprinkled along winding country roads and along rivers, set in agricultural communities that pride themselves in quality ingredients and sustainable farming.

Explore beyond the well-travelled wine routes, stopping to savour local ingredients, soak in cultural activities, and a pour a glass of BC’s best. These hidden gems invite you to take the scenic route and savour bright, acidic cool-climate wines along the way.

Photo: Fort Berens Estate Winery

Day 1 – Lillooet Wine Region: From Gold to Grapes

Your first stop is the Lillooet wine region, a place that may not be top of mind for wine tasting, but will quickly earn your approval. Lillooet has traded gold prospecting for a different kind of treasure: wine, led by Fort Berens Estate Winery. The town, at the confluence of four rivers, is a hub for ranching, farming, and an emerging wine scene that began in 2004.

Surrounded by mountains, Fort Berens is on the sagebrush-covered benchlands overlooking the industrious community. Their reds are aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, while whites are served fresh, dry, and fruit-forward. Visit their modern space for a drop-in, or book ahead for a more immersive guided tour.

Beyond the vineyard, the rugged wilderness that surrounds Lillooet is an outdoor-lovers’ playground. Wander through forest and mountain, embark on a whitewater rafting experience, or try your hand at gold panning. This is the territory of the St’át’imc Nation, who have stewarded the rivers and sweeping plateaus since time immemorial. Connect with their living culture on Xwísten Experience Tours, where you’ll visit traditional fishing territories and learn about their deep connection with the land.

Day 2 – Thompson Valley Wine Region: Follow the Kamloops Wine Trail

Next, head east to the Thompson Valley wine region, where the Kamloops Wine Trail beckons. The trail, which features three wineries and one meadery, highlights the breadth of cool- and mid-climate varieties. Kamloops itself is the largest urban centre in the area, is the heart of local food, community events, and artwork, all grounded in the culture of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc.

The award-winning Privato Vineyard & Winery, on the banks of the North Thompson River, is a scenic 20-minute drive from downtown Kamloops. The family-owned vineyard boasts a cozy and welcoming tasting room and intimate garden that plays host to live concerts, markets, and other pop-up events. Sip a vibrant flight that includes effervescent bubbles, bold reds, and whites with a hint of citrus.

Sagewood Winery, another Kamloops favourite, is a boutique winemaker focused on sustainable practices and organic farming. Sample their small-batch varieties in an intimate setting, sipping and swirling fruity whites and rich reds, including their celebrated Merlot. You’re welcome to bring your pooch along for a visit, on-leash of course.

On the other side of the South Thompson River, Monte Creek Winery invites leisurely sips in their tasting room and terrace with spectacular views of the Thompson Valley. Their events calendar is filled with fun seasonal events, from live music to pop-up markets.

Between tastings, hike to the hoodoos, head for a bike ride, or paddle at a nearby lake. The Secwépemc Museum provides a chance to deeply connect with the lived experience of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc. Sun Peaks, just 45 minutes northeast of Kamloops, is a mountain town offering skiing in the winter and lift-accessed biking and hiking trails come summer.

Day 3 – Shuswap Wine Region: Cool Off By the Lake

Venture east toward the pristine lakes and waterways of the Shuswap wine region. Here, the H-shaped Shuswap Lake is a focal point for activities like houseboating, paddling, and swimming. The fertile farms, orchards, and vineyards in this area are cooled by the soft lake breeze, sustaining crops and rural communities for generations. These are the sacred lands of the Secwépemc people, including the Splatsin First Nations, who have cared for the water and land since time began.

Salmon Arm, one of the largest communities in the Shuswap, is home to Larch Hills Winery. Here, wine tasting is intimate, laid-back, and unhurried. Take a self-guided tour of the charming winery and sample their signature Ortega, among other varieties. The family-run producer also hosts several seasonal events throughout the year. 

About 30 minutes north, nestled on the lakeshore of Shuswap Lake at the base of Bastion Mountain, Sunnybrae Vineyards & Winery serves crisp, cool-climate wines. Pop into their tasting room to savour seven grape varieties, including Siegerrebe, Ortega, and Kerner. Pair your wine with a curated charcuterie platter and indulge on the lake view patio. During the summer months, watch for live music and handmade pizza.

Photo: Baillie-Grohman Estate Winery

Day 4 – Kootenays Wine Region: Rugged Landscapes and Fine Wines

At first glance, the Kootenays is a place known for big mountain adventure, but if you look a little closer, its agricultural roots shine through. The Creston Valley, wedged between the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges, is a fertile haven that yields wine, farm-fresh goods, spirits, and cider. With artisan products and award-winning wines, this little gem of a place makes for a remarkable gastronomic getaway.

Baillie-Grohman Estate Winery looks out over the bucolic views of the Creston Valley, with an open-air patio and large garden. Summer months are lively, with DJs, craft workshops, and special events. Visit for private tours and tasting flights of wine and mimosas (they even serve a kids’ juice flight). For the perfect pairing, order a grazing platter heaping with local delights. 

In the broader area, Creston proudly upholds the Kootenays’ reputation for outdoor recreation. Venture out on Kootenay Lake, explore the backcountry year-round, and take to the nature trails for wildlife viewing and bird watching. Round out your visit with local galleries, entertainment, and cultural experiences with the Ktunaxa Nation, who have been here since before time began.

Photo: The Terrace Restaurant at Monte Creek Winery

Where to Dine:

No visit to the Lillooet wine region is complete without homemade goodies from Abundance Bakery. As you journey to the Thompson Valley wine region, The Terrace Restaurant at Monte Creek Winery crafts an artisan menu for locally inspired alfresco dining, overlooking the vineyard, the South Thompson River, and Lion’s Head bluffs. 

In the fertile countryside of the Shuswap, make your way south to Farmstrong Cidery, a characterful barn serving up wood-fired pizzas, handhelds, and entrees made from the harvest. Meanwhile, in the Kootenays wine region, enjoy tacos on the patio of Nakusp Brewing Co. or make your way to the unique patio of the historic Jimmy’s Pub & Grill, which serves up oven-baked pizza and Greek comfort dishes.

Where to Stay:

In Lillooet, Texas Creek Campground and B&B is a rustic haven perched near the shores of the Fraser River just a few minutes away from Fort Berens Estate Winery. Sit back on the porch looking up at the commanding mountains and immerse the history of the Gold Rush Trail.

In Kamloops, the Delta Hotels Kamloops is situated in the heart of downtown Kamloops, and only a short drive to the local wineries.  

A land of lakes and waterways, the Shuswap wine region offers several tranquil accommodations, including Indigenous-owned The Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Golf Resort near Chase, which invites you to play a round of golf. Experience the area and learn the traditions and stories of the Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw (Little Shuswap Lake Band). 

In the heart of the Kootenays wine region, Meadow Creek Ranch is a working ranch between Creston and Yahk along Highway 3. The property is surrounded by trails, with rustic luxury and pastoral views.

Getting Here:

Your hidden gems winery road trip travels through three of BC’s most iconic places and routes: Rainforest to Rockies, Nature’s Heartland, and the Birthplace of Adventure. Begin your journey from Vancouver by driving up the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) to Lillooet. From Lillooet, head east toward Cache Creek, following the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) to Kamloops and the Thompson Valley. The Shuswap wine region follows the contours of the Trans-Canada, with detours along Highways 97 and 97A. Continue east toward the Kootenays, where you’ll pass through Revelstoke before turning south along Highway 23, and then the Crowsnest Pass Highway (Highway 3). Return to Vancouver along this southern route.