From arid deserts to cool coastal climates, BC wines are shaped by nine diverse wine regions, each a reflection of their distinct terroir. Back in 1994, Mission Hill Family Estate rocketed to international acclaim with the Avery Trophy for Best Chardonnay Worldwide. Since then, BC VQA wines have earned thousands of medals at national and international competitions. The Okanagan Valley, one of the oldest and largest wine regions in the province, is well-accustomed to the spotlight. But, there’s no shortage of award-worthy pours across British Columbia, including the Similkameen Valley and the Fraser Valley.

Tour celebrated wineries and see why British Columbia is considered a world-class wine destination. Pair your trip with outdoor endeavours and indulgent escapades for an itinerary rich in wine, playful adventure and delicious regional cuisine.

Photo: Orofino Vineyards

Day 1: Toast the Fraser Valley & Similkameen Valley

Start your wine tour in the Fraser Valley with a stop at Chaberton Estate Winery in Langley, which recently won silver for its non-traditional sparkling and judge’s pick for two white single varietals at the Best of the Northwest Wine Awards. Pair your tasting with fine dining at the winery’s Bacchus Bistro, where French-inspired dishes set the tone for the days ahead. 

From here, continue east to the Similkameen Valley, a sun-soaked region celebrated for its organic vineyards and relaxed pace. Pay a visit to Orofino Vineyards in Cawston, named one of Canada’s Top 10 Small Wineries and a Top 25 Winery at the WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada. The vineyard has won 10 medals for its Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Riesling. 

Between tastings, stretch your legs along the Similkameen Rail Trail, unwind with a game of golf at St. Andrews by the Lake, or browse roadside fruit stands and local markets brimming with seasonal produce.

Photo: Moon Curser Vineyards

Day 2: Savour the South Okanagan

Continue into the heart of the South Okanagan, where warm desert landscapes and some of British Columbia’s most celebrated wineries take centre stage. Begin with a visit to Hester Creek Estate Winery, a long-standing icon of the Golden Mile Bench. Their flagship Bordeaux-style blend, The Judge, has earned double gold honours at Best of the Northwest Wine Awards, a testament to the region’s ability to craft structured, world-class reds.

Nearby, Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery showcases the elegance of cool-climate whites, with their double gold-winning Riesling highlighting the elegance and freshness the South Okanagan is known for. Round out your tastings at Moon Curser Vineyards, consistently ranked among Canada’s Top 10 Small Wineries and Top 25 Wineries at the WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada, where bold, expressive wines are infused with experimentation and terroir-driven craftsmanship.

Beyond the glass, the south Okanagan offers plenty of ways to connect with the land. Learn about the area’s deep Indigenous history and desert ecosystem at the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, visit the wetlands along the Osoyoos Bird Trail or stretch your legs on a scenic climb up Giant’s Head. For a more leisurely pace, cap off the day with a round of golf, soaking in the landscapes that define this unique corner of BC wine country.

Photo: Meyer Family Vineyards by Travel Penticton

Day 3: Indulge in Central Okanagan

The next stage of the road trip invites you to slow down and savour the refined luxury of the Central Okanagan, where lakeside vineyards, cool-climate slopes and acclaimed winemakers define the experience. Laughing Stock Vineyards, on the Naramata Bench, is regarded for its reds; particularly Pinot Noir, Syrah, Portfolio Bordeaux-style blend and Blind Trust Red. In 2025, Laughing Stock was named Best Performing Small Winery at the WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada, and is consistently ranked among Canada’s Top 10 Small Wineries and overall Top 25. 

Nearby, Poplar Grove Winery continues to impress with judge-recognized Merlot and gold-winning CSM proprietary red blends, offering bold expressions rooted in the sub-region’s unique microclimate. Continue to Township 7 Vineyards & Winery, also ranked among Canada’s Top 10 Small Wineries and Top 25 Wineries, where curated experiences add a playful, immersive layer to your tasting journey. Think: wine and chocolate pairings and seasonal events. 

In Okanagan Falls, Meyer Family Vineyards is a must-visit for lovers of Burgundian-style wines. Regularly ranked among Canada’s Top 10 Small Wineries, with multiple top-tier national and international accolades, Meyer focuses on small-lot production, with a particular penchant for Pinot Noir. Tastings are by appointment in their striking rust-coloured building, and guests can extend their stay at the winery’s well-appointed on-site accommodation. Throughout the year, special events like live music, tastings and food trucks, add to the welcoming atmosphere.

Round out your stay at Stag’s Hollow Winery  & Vineyard, another National Wine Awards of Canada honouree, known for its hillside setting, winemakers’ dinners, and relaxed summer BBQs that celebrate food and community.

Outside of the tasting room, connect deeply with the region through an Indigenous-led experience with Moccasin Trails, or explore the beaches and bluffs along the old Kettle Valley Railroad.

Photo: Tantalus Vineyards by Tourism Kelowna & Shawn Talbot Photography

Day 4: Sip Through the North Okanagan

On your final day, travel into the North Okanagan, a region where vineyard-lined valleys meet rolling farmland and outdoor adventure is always close at hand. Begin with a visit to Peak Cellars Winery, where aromatic whites shine, earning Northwest Wine Awards gold medals for both Gewürztraminer and unoaked Chardonnay. The relaxed setting inspires lingering wine tasting experiences. 

A scene half-hour drive away, SpearHead Winery, named 2024 Winery of the Year at the WineAlign National Wine Awards, pairs acclaimed wines with a sprawling summer patio, making it an ideal stop for warm-weather tastings. Continue to Tantalus Vineyards, where contemporary design meets steep, dramatic vineyard slopes. Winner of nine medals at the 2025 WineAlign Awards, Tantalus shines with Syrah, Riesling and Blanc de Noir, as well as its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reserves. Time your visit to coincide with their popular Fondue Happy Hour or a lively country concert, blending wine, food, and music against a stunning Okanagan backdrop.

No journey through BC wine country would be complete without a stop at Mission Hill Family Estate, where awards run began in earnest. Continuing its long-standing tradition of accolades, Mission Hill was recognized as one of The World’s 50 Best Vineyards in 2025, and continues to break records by winning Winery of the Year at WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada. With its iconic architecture, manicured grounds, and consistently celebrated wines, Mission Hill offers a fitting finale to your multi-day adventure.

Between tastings, hop on an e-bike and cruise the Okanagan Rail Trail between Coldstream and Lake Country, passing lakes, orchards, and pastoral landscapes. For those seeking more elevation, SilverStar Mountain Resort and Big White Ski Resort deliver powder turns in winter, and hiking and biking trails throughout the summer months.

Where to Dine in the Fraser Valley & Okanagan Valley

Since you’re spending time in three of BC’s most fertile valleys you’ll want to sample the bounty. From markets to restaurants, the Fraser Valley, Similkameen Valley and Okanagan Valley are brimming with fruit, veggies, meats and locally produced ingredients.  

Fraser Valley communities offer a bounty of local ingredients, reflected in the abundance of farm-to-table dining options. Discover local honey, artisan cheese, regional produce, fresh-baked goodies and, of course, wine. Several wineries also have dining offerings, including the Barrel Room at Seaside Pearl Farmgate Winery in Abbotsford, where you can enjoy small bites paired with their finest pours. A short drive away in Chilliwack Fortitude Wine Bar serves up a European-inspired menu of tapas and mains, paired with a robust wine list.

In the Similkameen Valley, Row Fourteen at Klippers Organics in Cawston serves up a seasonal menu that reflects the winery’s deep commitment to regenerative farming and organic winemaking. Dishes are a creative collaboration between chef and farmer, inspired by ingredients grown just 500 metres away.  

With hundreds of wineries and restaurants dotted throughout the wine region, the distinct flavours of the Okanagan Valley are on full display. In Oliver, Terrafina Restaurant at Hester Creek Estate Winery crafts Tuscan-style cuisine, showcasing wines crafted from some of the oldest vines in the area. During the summer months, you can dine al fresco on their sun-drenched patio.

Voted the Best Outdoor Dining Experience in BC by Lux Magazine, the Vineyard Kitchen & Patio at Nighthawk Vineyards in Okanagan Falls delivers perfect pairings during the spring and summer months. Savour local, seasonal ingredients in their open-kitchen patio for lunch and dinner, plus Sunday Waffles and Wine. They’re best-known for their wood-fired pizzas, baked in an imported Portuguese oven.

Photo: Corcelettes Estate Winery

Where to Stay in the Fraser Valley & Okanagan Valley

One of the most exciting parts of touring wine country is staying at a winery. Wake up with the birds and get a front row seat to the winemaking process while taking in incredible views of verdant valleys, towering mountains, and sparkling lakes.

In the Similkameen Valley, large picture windows at Orofino Vineyard Suites and Guest House overlook the vines and mountain backdrop. From your luxurious perch, you can explore the surrounding area, wander the vineyards, or cozy up on the porch and watch the world go by. Book a private Winemaker’s tour and tasting during your stay. On the Upper Bench of Keremeos, you can visit and stay at Corcelettes Estate Winery, a decorated winery perched on 170 acres of paradise. The aptly named Sunshot Vineyard Guest House is just minutes from their wine shop, a gateway to sun-drenched wine adventures. 

In the Okanagan Valley wine region, lakeshore mansions, charming cabins, and modern abodes are in high supply. Nestled in Oliver in the South Okanagan’s Golden Mile Bench, the Guest House at Tinhorn Creek offers private access to the vineyard estate. Perfect for group stays, the property has a fully equipped kitchen, pool table, outdoor lounge area, and three spacious bedrooms. 
A Central Okanagan gem, the Parlour House near Dirty Laundry Winery in Summerland, is perched above Okanagan Lake, directly across the lake from Naramata Bench. Rest your head in a serene setting, surrounded by fertile vineyards and orchards. Further north, the family-run Niche Wine Company in West Kelowna operates Outside Inn, a string of contemporary cabins with laid-back luxury, including deep soaker tubs and incredible valley views.

Getting Here

The journey to BC wine country is an experience unto itself. If you’re driving, take the Rainforest to Rockies route via the Trans-Canada (Highway 1) and the Crowsnest Highway (Highway 3) for a leisurely road trip that winds past fertile agricultural land and jaw-dropping mountain passes. The Okanagan Valley, a centrepiece for the iconic Valleys & Vineyards area of BC, is accessible by car or by flying into Kelowna International Airport. 

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