Follow the sun to Canada’s pocket desert in the South Okanagan, where the aptly named Golden Mile lays claim to fruit-forward reds and balanced whites. Nestled in the Valleys & Vineyards of BC and deeply rooted in Indigenous cultures, this area is a hub for one-of-a-kind adventures that bring you closer to the land.

With contrasting landscapes of lush valleys and desert bench, the sun-kissed communities of Oliver and Osoyoos are the heartbeat of the south Okanagan Valley wine country. Plan your visit around wine-forward events and linger longer for ingredient-driven cuisine, nature activities, and plenty of lake time.

Photo: Tinhorn Creek Vineyards

Day 1: Immerse Yourself in Oliver, Canada’s Wine Capital

Fruit farms, orchards, and wineries dot the verdant valley surrounding Oliver, a small town with big winemaking ambitions. Known as Canada’s Wine Capital, this region is home to one of the highest concentrations of vineyards and wineries in British Columbia.

Perched along the Golden Mile Bench, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards places sustainability at the forefront of operations and is Canada’s first certified carbon-neutral winery. Their sun-drenched estate produces thoughtful varietals rooted in Pacific Northwest terroir. Visit for an introductory tasting, tour the estate, and learn about the science of stemware. Top your experience off with a decadent chocolate pairing or stay for an Italian-inspired meal at Miradoro Restaurant with sweeping views of the vineyard. The winery hosts a variety of seasonal events, including a summer sunset concert series. Extend your visit and book the guest house to immerse yourself in life at the winery.

Photo: Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery

Family-owned Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery is among the first group of wineries to settle in the region back in 1985. Their diverse wine portfolio runs the gamut from crisp whites to fruity reds, and Icewines. The winemaker has won the most platinum awards in the Pacific Northwest and is renowned for their whites, in particular. Visit for a tasting to see why the accolades keep rolling in. When the sun is shining, you can play lawn games and picnic.

The vibrant yellow villa at Cassini Cellars is an homage to its European roots. Cool off in the tasting room on a hot summer’s day, or take in the beauty of wine country from the patio. Cassini is best-known for bold reds, including award-winning Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Visit for a tasting and stay for the spectacular surroundings.

Beyond the pour, Oliver offers much more than award-winning wine. For active wine lovers, nature experiences are abundant. Climb from desert to the treeline on one of the well-maintained biking trails with the scent of sagebrush hanging in the air. Or, tee off at Indigenous-owned Nk’Mip Canyon Golf Course and Fairview Mountain Golf Course. Vaseux Lake, between Oliver and Okanagan Falls, is a prime hotspot for aquatic adventure and hiking around McIntyre Bluff. Wind the day down with a visit to fruit stands and eateries to sample the local bounty.

Photo: Bartier Bros. Vineyard and Winery

Day 2: Spend a Day on Black Sage Bench

Located on the east side of the valley, across from Golden Mile Bench and Golden Mile Slopes, Black Sage Bench captures the late hours of sunshine. You can spend an entire day here, tasting sunsets in a glass, especially Bordeaux red varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah

Family ties run deep at Bartier Bros. Vineyard and Winery, where lifelong Okanagan residents, Don and Michael Bartier bring their passion to every pour. Swing by during the spring and summer months for tastings with a mountain backdrop. Elevate your wine journey with the Signature Experience wine and cheese pairing or the Discovery experience, where you can enjoy a bottle on the picturesque patio. Under the heat of the Okanagan sun, embrace the whimsy with tongue-in-cheek events like Wieners and Wine (hot dog pairings) and play a game of bocce. Summers also bring Ask Me Anything Happy Hour events, a chance to bring your burning wine questions to the winemakers.

At Church & State Wines, the open-air Coyote Bowl tasting room frames a dynamic landscape as you sip the latest releases under desert skies. The winery, which has a sister location in Victoria on Vancouver Island, produces an array of expressive varietals that reflect the unique local terroir.

Domaine Artema Winery aims to reimagine the terroir and pave their own path. Producing Beaujolais-style wines, they are South Okanagan’s first winery to focus on Gamay and Chardonnay, and also produce sparkling wines. Be sure to grab a few handcrafted chocolates to pair with your wine tasting.

Oliver is also a hub for wine events, from long table dinners to the Half Corked Marathon, a pre-registered running event taking place every May with wine tastings at each kilometre. Also in may, the annual Pig Out Festival is a beloved celebration with winery stations, unique culinary menu twists, and family activities. As the days turn cooler, the Winter in Wine Country event, held every November, toasts the holiday season and local winemakers.

Photo: Nk’Mip Cellars

Day 3: Wine Tasting Under Desert Skies in Osoyoos

As we move south toward the British Columbia – Washington State border, the arid climate and landscapes of the Great Basin Desert become more pronounced.

Begin your day at Nk’Mip Cellars, which is owned by the Osoyoos Indian Band. As the first Indigenous winery in North America, they have a longstanding goal of bridging the connection between culture and land stewardship. Try their new Saddle Up & Sip tour, a full-day horseback tour that includes wine tastings and four-legged fun. While you’re in the area, you can also visit the N’k’Mip Cultural Centre to further your learning and understanding of their vibrant culture.

Set against sagebrush-sprinkled benchlands, Bordertown Vineyards & Estate Winery produces a portfolio of wines full of intense flavour, character, and interesting complexity. From a Pinot Gris with hints of spice and tropical fruit to an award-winning Merlot, their varietals will keep your taste buds in overdrive. Visit their tasting bar for a flight and chat with the friendly team behind the wine.

Nestled just north of the Canada–US border in Osoyoos, Lariana Cellars is a family-run boutique winery known for its handcrafted, small-lot wines that reflect the desert-bench microclimate. Their signature Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carménère are the perfect inspiration for a tasting.

Wrap up the day exploring the Osoyoos area. With sparkling Osoyoos Lake as its crown jewel, the town is a hub of water activities, from paddling to swimming and boating. On dry land, you can bike, hike, and take part in a variety of events and activities year-round

Where to Dine in the South Okanagan

Every stop in the South Okanagan is an opportunity to taste the flavours of the land. Ground yourself in Indigenous culture at The Bear the Fish, the Root & the Berry, the restaurant at Nk’Mip Cellars, where the terroir influences both wine and food. Their Indigenous-inspired cuisine reimagines traditional ingredients used by the Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation.

On Black Sage Road in Oliver, Burrowing Owl’s Sonora Room invites diners to experience cuisine and wine through the senses. They often host long table dinners throughout the year, celebrating the distinct flavours and unique terroir of the region through Okanagan food and wine pairings.

Photo: The Villa at Hester Creek Estate Winery

Where to Stay in the South Okanagan

The South Okanagan is the only place in Canada where you can experience the beauty and magic of desert life, all while tasting BC’s finest pours. Stay on a winery property to fully immerse yourself in desert living.

In Oliver, River Stone Estate Winery is an idyllic setting, tucked amidst forest, vineyards, and mountains. Stay in their quaint two-bedroom cottage located just steps from the winery. The warm family atmosphere will make you feel right at home, while the scenic patio offers a chance to sit back and take it all in (with a glass of their award-winning Syrah, of course).

Get a taste of European luxury at Hester Creek Estate Winery, where six Mediterranean-style suites are perched high atop the hill. Adorned with terracotta design accents and stone terraces that overlook the Golden Mile, the villas harken to the Old Country. The perfect addition to your stay, Terrafina Restaurant, takes your taste buds on a tour of Spain and Italy.

Burrowing Owl’s Guest House is more than a room with a view. The property’s 10 spacious deluxe rooms boast fireplaces and private decks that look out over the vineyard. Enjoy the scent of blossoms and take in bustling vineyard life, or gather in the Fireside Lounge to have a glass of wine with fellow guests.

Getting Here

Take the road less travelled to the South Okanagan. Road-trip from Vancouver to the Okanagan Valley via Highway 97 or scenic Highway 3 (also known as the Crowsnest Highway). Highway 3 winds through the Similkameen Valley wine region, a treasured wine tasting area with hidden gems to uncover. Be sure to stop at the District Wine Village to sample local goodies and regional wines on your way in or out of Oliver.

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