Discovering British Columbia’s Remarkable Okanagan Valley: Canada’s Wine Country 

Listen up as we’re about to let you in on perhaps one of Canada’s best-kept wine-inspired travel secrets – that of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.  

Imagine venturing out to tour the region’s sun-soaked vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see, whose grape bounties are said to rival those of Bordeaux and the Napa Valley. Whether you’re planning a detour destination road trip to British Columbia, or just fancy a weekend away with your friends, if you’re on the lookout for a wine-themed bucket-list escape, then look no further – the Okanagan Valley has you covered. 

A Valley with a Story in Every Vineyard 

Granted, long before Okanagan became the storied wine capital of Canada, the land was managed and sustained for millennia by British Columbia’s indigenous people who first recognized the land’s astonishing potential.  

Tapping into this knowledge and expertise, early pioneers and settlers soon discovered the terrain also possessed all the conditions perfect for winemaking, with the Okanagan Valley’s first vineyard being planted in Kelowna in 1859 by French missionary Charles Pandosy. Despite the growing number of vineyards, the practice was forced to survive a four-year prohibition era in the early 1900s, but it didn’t take long for the valley’s winemaking production to quickly blossom again. 

Today, the Okanagan is now home to more than 200 stunning vineyards and over 120 wineries, famed for producing everything from exquisite Pinot Noirs and crisp Chardonnay to bold Merlot, refreshing Riesling, and award-winning sparkling wines. Blessed with long, warm summer days, cool evenings, and an ever-present water source in the region’s myriad of pristine lakes, vineyard tours and wine tasting just don’t get any better than this. 

Vernon: The Ultimate Small-Town Charm Experience with a Big Wine Personality 

We kick-start our rundown of the best Okanagan Valley wineries by heading to Vernon, the most northerly stop on our shortlist of wine-led destinations. Surrounded by turquoise lakes, mountain-based adventures, and a warm welcome from the locals, Vernon is the ideal spot to start your wine tasting journey. Here, you can also paddleboard across Kalamalka Lake, opt to cycle the gorgeous Okanagan Rail Trail, or, if you happen to be visiting in February, be sure to check out the incredible Vernon Winter Carnival Hot Air Balloon Glow. 

Now, if you are a firm believer in enjoying environmentally responsible wines, then the family-run estate of The Perch Winery offers a masterclass of specialist disease-resistant grape varieties, reducing the need for pesticides, to produce beautifully aromatic, flavor-packed wines. With a hearty range of rare varieties including Regent, Corivese, La Crescent, and L’Acadie Blanc, you can sip away until your heart is content, doing so with amazing panoramic lake views, while fully immersed in Okanagan’s striking vineyard-laden surrounds. 

Socialize with fellow wine lovers in the treasure trove of tasting rooms and wineries that surround Vernon, British Columbia, and ensure you get a cozy night’s sleep at the Best Western Premier Route 97 Vernon every night.  

Kelowna: Fine Wines and Picture-Perfect Lakefronted Sunsets 

We head south to our next Okanagan Valley winery hotspot to the city of Kelowna, a location best known for its laid-back city life, magnificent outdoor adventure playground, and of course, its world-class vineyards. No matter your preferences, be it a casual walk across town or a rejuvenating paddle across Okanagan Lake, wherever you are in the city, the fragrant orchards that surround Kelowna are impossible to miss.  

That being said, enjoying Kelowna’s epic outdoor pursuits is one thing, but we’re here to sample the very best wines the city has to offer. So, for us, a visit to Kelowna just wouldn’t be complete without paying a visit to Quails’ Gate Winery, home to some of the best Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs on the planet. With an estate that overlooks Okanagan Lake, patrons are invited to join in on a guided vineyard walk, an exclusive library of tastings with expertly paired wine-and-cheese experiences, not to mention dining out at the superb Old Vines Restaurant onsite. 

Enjoy sampling the first-class wines available from the vineyards around Kelowna, British Columbia, and unwind in style and comfort at the Prestige Beach House, WorldHotels Crafted while you’re here. 

Penticton: Revel in the City’s Two Lakes, Endless Adventures, and Seriously Good Wines 

You couldn’t ask for a more picturesque setting as we head south again to the wonderful city of Penticton, conveniently sandwiched between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. Sharing a marvelous vibe, the city naturally encourages visitors to float down the famous Penticton Channel or bask on Penticton’s multiple beaches, before you head off to discover why the Okanagan Valley has become Canada’s premier wine tasting destination. 

If you’re on the lookout for a wine experience that is loaded with genuine personality, then join us as we head to the beautiful Naramata Bench to visit the Red Rooster Winery made famous for its award-winning white wines and vintage rosés. Add a dash of friendly hospitality and spectacular vineyard views, and you’ll soon see why everybody raves about this provincial winery in the heart of the Okanagan Valley. 

If you love trying out new wines while surrounded by dazzling landscaped vistas in every direction, then a trip to Penticton, British Columbia is essential, ideal when you book your stay at the Best Western Penticton. 

Osoyoos: Canada’s Desert Oasis with a Glass of Wine in Hand  

Our final stop on our exceptional tour of the Okanagan Valley’s best vineyards sees us heading south again to the lakeside town of Osoyoos, close to the US-Canadian border, flanked by golden hills, Canada’s warmest freshwater lake, and not surprisingly, plenty of wineries to visit. Osoyoos also offers countless opportunities to go swimming and boating, while those interested in learning more about the town’s stirring historical connections to the Syilx Nation will also find it to be a cornerstone destination to explore Western Canada’s inspiring indigenous tourism landmarks. 

Ending the trip on a high, you’ll be in for a treat when you visit the family-owned and pet-friendly gem better known as the Night Bird Winery, which boasts a range of superb, handcrafted wines that impeccably capture the authentic spirit of the valley. Graced with a spacious 3,000-square-foot tasting room, a trip to the Night Bird Winery undoubtedly makes for a fitting finale to an unforgettable wine excursion to British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. 

Indulge your curiosity – and your taste buds – at all of Osoyoos’ top wineries, where every tasting reveals something new, before enjoying a restful stay every night at the Best Western Plus Osoyoos Hotel & Suites.