8 Best Wineries in Kelowna & Nearby
What’s a vacation without a little vino? You can’t visit the Okanagan without hitting at least one winery.
With countless vineyards within a 30-minute drive of Kelowna, you’re almost guaranteed to find at least one near you.
Whether you’d rather opt for the classy experience at an urban winery, or get up close and personal with nature at a vineyard, there’s something for everyone here.
So, if you love a glass (or two) of wine as much as we do, keep reading for our list of 8 of the absolute best wineries in Kelowna.
1. Ex Nihilo
Situated a mere 30 minutes’ drive from the city of Kelowna, Ex Nihilo is a magnificent 14-acre vineyard that is famous for its drool-worthy Icewine.
And that’s not all – the highly knowledgeable and friendly staff offer tours of the premises which are not only educational as heck, but also provide visitors with insight into the interesting backstory of how this world-renowned winery came to be.
What’s more, there’s an onsite eatery called Chaos Bistro which serves up some of the best pizza in town.
Combine your wine-tasting tour with a casual lunch as you gaze out into Okanagan Lake.
And we would be remiss not to mention the wine and cheese pairing – this heavenly combo brings out the true flavors of Ex Nihilo’s award-winning wines, making for a truly unforgettable experience.
2. Arrowleaf Cellars
Arrowleaf Cellars is one of the most visually striking wineries in Lake Country, with astounding views of the vineyards, Okanagan Lake, and a classy tasting room.
The family-owned (and run) winery boasts a huge list of easily drinkable and award-winning wines, 60% of which are white.
If you enjoy premium whites such as Pinot Gris and Riesling, Arrowleaf is one of the best places to visit.
They don’t have an onsite restaurant, but they have a nice picnic box that you can buy to stave off the munchies. You can opt for light desserts, cheese, or charcuterie plates.
They also have a beautiful dog-friendly picnic area that’s accessible if you buy a glass or a carafe of wine (purchased bottles don’t count).
If you visit on a weekend during the summer months, their custom-made cream puffs are a must-try.
Kelowna Wine Tasting Tour
Cheers to Okanagan wines! On this half-day winery tour in Kelowna, you'll sip and savor some of the Okanagan Valley's best vintages.
This is a rare opportunity to taste wines from four different vineyards, all while learning about the area’s rich viticulture history.
The area’s volcanic soil gives the grapes a truly unique flavor – you’ll be able to taste the difference in the wines made here.
This is a must-do for any self-proclaimed wine connoisseur!
3. Blind Tiger Vineyards
Nestled on a ridge between the hamlets of Okanagan center and Winfield, Blind Tiger is the only organic winery in Lake County.
If you’re looking for a remote, quaint location for your wine tasting, this hidden gem offers the perfect small winery vibes, plus awe-inspiring views of the vineyards, acres of beautiful orchards, and rolling hills.
Flaunting a relaxing rustic farmhouse ambiance, a great selection of organic wines, and a nice on-site restaurant, this family-owned vineyard offers everything you’d wish for in a wine-tasting adventure.
And their restaurant has the best wood-fired pizza, charcuterie plates, and wine slushies.
So if you’re ever in the area, be sure to check out Blind Tiger – you won’t be disappointed!
4. The Vibrant Vine Winery
In most cases, wineries and long wait lines go hand in hand. There’s nothing worse than wasting time, but it’s completely a different story at The Vibrant Vine Winery.
They’ve come up with a solution that will keep you entertained while you wait: a paging system that allows you to explore the premises until it’s your turn to taste the wine.
As soon as you walk through the door, you’re handed 3D glasses, which come in handy for viewing the elaborate 3D artwork on display.
You can browse the art gallery, which encapsulates everything the winery is about.
And when it’s finally your turn to taste the wine, you won’t be disappointed.
The Vibrant Vine has an excellent selection of white wines, including their signature ‘Woops’ wine, which comes with its own interesting story.
During summer, they have live music playing in their outdoor space which elevates the laid-back atmosphere.
Next time you’re looking for a winery that won’t make you wait, head to The Vibrant Vine.
5. Tantalus Vineyards
Set against a backdrop of rolling hills and stunning Okanagan Lake views, Tantalus Vineyards is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of world-class wine.
This family-owned and operated winery focuses on producing exceptional Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay wines – and they definitely deliver!
While the building is not much to look at from the outside, the interior holds a pleasant surprise.
Bright and spacious, the floor-to-ceiling windows invite you to gaze out at the rolling vines and sparkling lake.
The staff are incredibly knowledgeable about the vineyard and the history of the winery, which makes for a well-rounded and informative tour.
And because they limit the number of guests, you can expect a nice, personalized experience.
Just be sure to make reservations in advance, as Tantalus is pretty popular!
6. CedarCreek Estate Winery
CedarCreek Estate Winery is one of the oldest wineries in Kelowna, and it’s a great place to learn about the wine-making process.
The winery is located approximately 15 minutes from downtown Kelowna, and it’s one of the few wineries that are forward-looking when it comes to innovative wines and sustainable wine production practices.
In addition to the state-of-the-art tasting room where you can sample a wide range of wines, CedarCreek Estate Winery has one of the best restaurants in the country.
Who can say no to wine tasting paired with excellent food? We sure can’t.
They also have a wine club you can join – get exclusive access to their pre-released wines, customizable orders, complimentary shipping, plus many more benefits.
7. Summerhill Pyramid Winery
If you’re in the mood for some world-class wine and breathtaking views, Summerhill Pyramid Winery is the place for you.
This popular Canadian winery is known for its vegan, organic, and biodynamic options, and its outdoor seating area offers stunning views of the lake, vineyards, and rolling hills.
But the highlight of any visit to Summerhill Pyramid has to be the organic restaurant, where you can taste some of the freshest and best farm produce that the Okanagan Valley has to offer.
Be sure to check out the pyramid where they keep their wine to ferment – it’s believed to intensify the flavor of the wine, so all of the bottles spend some time here before making their way to the tasting bars.
Whether you’re a fan of red or white, Summerhill Pyramid is sure to have a wine that suits your taste.
8. Volcanic Hills Estate Winery
Located at the foot of picturesque Boucherie Mountain, Volcanic Hills Estate Winery offers a stunning backdrop for an afternoon of wine tasting.
The extensive list of award-winning wines means there’s something for everyone, and the knowledgeable staff are on hand to help you make your selection.
Top picks include the Volcanic Hill Rose, 2013 Reserve Chardonnay, and Lava Red.
Best of all, they offer tastings by walk-ins so you can easily squeeze them into your schedule without having to worry about making reservations.
After tasting all the incredible wines on offer, be sure to browse through the huge wine shop or the charming gift shop.
And if you’re looking for a bite to eat, be sure to check out Blu Saffron Bistro – one of the best winery restaurants in the region!
