How to Plan a Self-Guided Wine Tour in the Okanagan

The Okanagan Valley is one of the best places in Canada to enjoy local wine. With that comes lots of beautiful wineries to explore. When you visit a local winery you will be able to tour the facilities and sample all kinds of wines. This is great, because some smaller wineries don’t have mass distribution so you will be able to taste award winning wine that you might not have known before. The prime wine tasting season runs from April through October. This is when you can count on the most wineries being open for the season. The weather is mild enough to enjoy walking through the outdoor areas of the vineyard as well. Usually wine shops are open from 10-5 daily, but make sure you check before you go. If you are wondering how to plan a self-guided wine tour in the Okanagan, keep reading!!

Research wineries

With over 200 wineries in the Okanagan there are tons of choices to make. The South Okanagan region is able to grow more red wine grape varietals because of the hot and dry climate. Kelowna can grow both reds and whites. Lake Country is more focused on white wine grapes.

Maybe you already know which ones are your favorites. If not, I suggest using the Wines of BC app. Try to keep the wineries in the same area of the region if possible to cut down on driving time. If you plan on driving yourself, I wouldn’t recommend more than two or three wineries in a day. If you have a designated driver you might be able to get to five.

Book tastings ahead of time

You can usually book online or call in to the winery directly if you aren’t sure. When you book ahead of time you might be required to pay a small tasting fee (i.e. $5). The tasting fee is usually refunded if you purchase one bottle of wine per person or more.

Some wineries do not require reservation and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. This was more so true in pre-COVID times however. It is best to book ahead if possible. Plan for about 30 minutes at each winery plus driving time in-between. Some wineries offer ‘signature’ tastings or facility tours which can be up to an hour long or more.

Book hotel

Depending on where you are touring, you may need overnight accommodations. There are lots of great local hotels, chain hotels, and AirBNBs to choose from in the area. Some wineries even offer on-site accommodations.

Pick a cute outfit

A must in the Okanagan – a cute outfit! I would recommend something cute and comfortable as you will likely be taking lots of selfies along the way. Consider bringing a light sweater as some of the facility tours and wine shops can have air conditioning on high in the summer months. Also, it can get pretty chilly when you head into a subterranean wine cellar.

Eat

It’s a great idea to have a snack packed with you or enjoy a meal at one of the winery restaurants along the way. This can break up the wine consumption and give you more energy to get to the next winery.

I would recommend to book ahead so you know that you’ll have a spot for lunch. Menus are usually available online so you can check it out before you go.

Buy wine

Support the local winemakers and grab a bottle (or a case) of your favorite wines along the way! If you aren’t local – some wine shops will offer shipping directly to your home so you don’t have to travel with bottles of wine. If you really enjoyed a particular winery, you should ask about their wine club. Typically you will be sent a shipment of a variety of wines four times a year.

Other options:

Guided tours

There are tons of local tour companies that would love to take you on a tour throughout the Okanagan! You can get private, semi-private, or a small group tour through many operators. These typically cost $150+ per person, which includes wine tasting fees and transportation. They will take you to between 3-5+ wineries and you don’t have to worry about indulging in too much wine.

Helicopter wine tours

This is such a cool option! Take a helicopter to your favorite wineries. These tours start at $399+ per person or can be booked in groups of 4-6. Check out OK Heli, Valhalla Helicopters, or Ikon Adventures.

Stay at a winery

Immerse yourself in wine country! Stay at a winery or resort. Usually these options have great amenities like spas and outdoor pools. After your wine tasting you can walk right back to your room. Some of your options are: Hester Creek Estate Winery, Spirit Ridge Resort, and Burrowing Owl Estate Winery.

If you’ve fallen in love with the region and need help on finding your dream home, please reach out to me!!

Whitney Walker

250-801-5266