West Kelowna Wineries Map & Guide: Your Ultimate Wine Trail Adventure
Nestled along the western shores of Okanagan Lake, West Kelowna boasts a vibrant wine scene characterized by stunning lake views, volcanic soils, and a mix of family-owned estates and innovative newcomers. We have lived in the area for over 3 years now, and with the wine trail being just a few kilometers away, we have become frequent visitors. So we put together this guide with a West Kelowna wineries map, highlights of must-visit wineries, and tips to enhance your wine-tasting journey.
Interactive West Kelowna Wineries Map
You can find our custom map here, or play with it below.
Top Wineries to Visit in West Kelowna
West Kelowna features a diverse array of wineries as shown on our West Kelowna wineries map. A lot of these fall on the Westside Wine Trail.
Here are some notable ones to include in your itinerary:
Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
Perched atop a hill with panoramic views of Okanagan Lake, Mission Hill is renowned for its architectural grandeur and award-winning wines. The estate offers guided tours, tastings, and a fine dining experience at the Terrace Restaurant. This winery is a great one to visit even if you don’t drink wine! We take all our visiting guests here as there grounds and gift shop are magnificent.
Wine Specialties: Oculus (flagship Bordeaux-style blend), Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling
Quails’ Gate Winery
A family-owned estate since 1989, Quails’ Gate is celebrated for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. We have visited for the quails, the beautiful winter decor and mulled wine (if you happen to be around at the time), and of course for regular tastings with panoramic lake views and dine at the Old Vines Restaurant, known for its farm-to-table cuisine.
Wine Specialties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Riesling
Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery
Situated on the slopes of an extinct volcano, Mt. Boucherie offers a diverse portfolio of wines reflecting the unique terroir of the region. The modern tasting room provides a welcoming atmosphere to sample their selections. And we are in love with the restaurant at this winery, and visit it fairly regularly.
Wine Specialties: Cabernet Merlot, Reserve Syrah, Chardonnay, Riesling
The Hatch
An unorthodox and artistic winery, The Hatch embraces a laid-back approach to winemaking. To be honest, we felt a bit ignored on our first visit here, but all our experiences since then have been good. Known for its quirky labels and eclectic atmosphere, it’s a favorite for those seeking a unique tasting experience.
Wine Specialties: Small-batch, award-winning wines with unique character Varietals vary by vintage
Frind Estate Winery
As North America’s first beachfront winery, Frind Estate offers a unique setting on the historic Bennett Property. We don’t go here for exquisite wines, but instead we go to enjoy wines crafted with cutting-edge technology and have pizza while relaxing by the lake.
Wine Specialties: Red, White, Rosé, Sparkling, and Dessert wines
Volcanic Hills Estate Winery
Family-owned and operated, Volcanic Hills benefits from rich volcanic soils, producing a range of wines that capture the essence of the Okanagan. We have been here once, and our experience was good enough for us to plan a second trip soon!
Wine Specialties: Gewürztraminer, Rosé, Red and White blends, Late Harvest and Icewines
Off the Grid Organic Winery
A solar-powered, straw bale-constructed winery, Off the Grid offers organic wines in a rustic setting. On our visit last year, we enjoyed the company of goats on the roof and the relaxed, eco-friendly atmosphere. And of course, the wine!
Wine Specialties: Wildy Ever After Bubbly Rosé, Riesling Gewürztraminer, Unplugged White Blend, Icewine
Black Swift Vineyards
Specializing in single-vineyard, bold red wines, Black Swift provides a modern tasting room with expansive views. Their wines reflect the unique characteristics of each vineyard site. We have heard great reviews from others, but are yet to visit this one by ourselves.
Wine Specialties: Single-vineyard Syrah, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Ciao Bella Winery
A family-owned winery with Italian roots, Ciao Bella offers a warm, hospitable environment. We always love a nice picnic area, and this winery provides just that, where you can enjoy Italian-style wines and relax amidst the vines.
Wine Specialties: Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir), Pinot Grigio, Pinot Rosato (Rosé)
Rollingdale Winery
This certified organic, family-owned winery offers a down-to-earth tasting experience. This is a perfect place to enjoy a picnic with views of the vineyard and Okanagan Lake.
Wine Specialties: Organic Pinot Gris, Blanc de Blancs, Merlot, Akina Rosé, Riesling, Pinot Blanc Icewine
Little Straw Vineyards
There is nothing crazy about this one, but it is just simple and perfect. One of West Kelowna’s oldest wineries, Little Straw is known for its exceptional Sauvignon Blancs and has ventured into sparkling wine production. The winery offers a cozy tasting room and a seasonal bistro.
Wine Specialties: Maréchal Foch, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Rosé
Beaumont Family Estate Winery
This is a boutique winery producing wines from certified organic grapes grown in their estate vineyards. (One of the few with Gamay, a grape we learned about in New Zealand). Beaumont focuses on capturing the character of the region in every bottle.
Wine Specialties: Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Gamay Noir, Pinot Noir
Kalala Organic Estate Winery
An award-winning winery located on the upper bench of West Kelowna, Kalala is committed to organic farming practices and producing wines that reflect harmony with nature. To be absolutely transparent, we are yet to visit this one, but again, we’ve friends who rave about this winery.
Wine Specialties: Light-to-crisp white wines, Bold red wines, Organic Icewines
Grizzli Winery
Rooted in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, Grizzli Winery offers a range of wines and hosts various events. The family and pet-friendly winery features an art gallery and is open year-round. (Don’t miss their movie nights. We went for a recent one, and it was so much fun!)
Wine Specialties: Muscat, Viognier, Gewürztraminer, Rosé, Late Harvest Riesling, Icewines
Crown & Thieves Winery
Perched atop a hillside in West Kelowna, Crown & Thieves is a winery that defies convention. Housed in a structure resembling a crumbling four-story ruin, it offers an ambiance that’s both rebellious and regal. Inside, guests can sample bold, small-batch wines in a tasting room rich with character. We happened to find this by chance when visiting nearby cidery, and it was such a happy find!
Wine Specialties: The Arch Doxy Cab Franc, Broken Wing Merlot, Broken Hearts Pinot Noir, The Dimber Damber (Red Blend)
Indigenous World Winery
The unique part about this winery is that it seamlessly blends modern winemaking with Indigenous heritage. Owned and operated by Robert and Bernice Louie, descendants of the Syilx people, the winery sits on Westbank First Nations territory. This was the first winery we visited in the Okanagan 5 years back, and we enjoyed tasting a range of wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys
Wine Specialties: Red and white varietals, Icewines, Traditional method sparkling wines
Suggested Wine Trail Routes
Half-Day Tour (3-4 Wineries):
- Start: Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
- Next: Quails’ Gate Winery (or Mt Boucherie for lunch)
- Then: The Hatch
- Finish: Frind Estate Winery (ideal for a lakeside sunset)
Full-Day Tour (5-7 Wineries):
- Morning: Off the Grid Organic Winery → Ciao Bella Winery → Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery (maybe grab lunch here?)
- Afternoon: Or grab lunch at Old Vines Restaurant (Quails’ Gate) → Volcanic Hills Estate Winery → Black Swift Vineyards → Frind
Tips for a Seamless Wine Tour
- Transportation: Consider booking a guided wine tour or arranging a designated driver to ensure safety.
- Reservations: Especially during peak seasons, it’s advisable to book tastings and dining in advance.
- Tasting Fees: Many wineries charge a nominal fee, often waived with a purchase.
FAQs
Are West Kelowna wineries open all year?
Most of the major wineries we listed are open year-round. But we highly recommend you check the opening hours of the winery you plan to visit!
How much does a wine tasting cost?
Wineries offer tastings for around ~$10-20. However, fancier wine tastings or premium ones can be much higher.
Can you just walk into a winery?
Yes! You can, in most places. But if you are looking for a nicer sit down tasting experience, then you should reserve in advance.
How long do you need in each winery?
If you are just doing a quick tasting, probably 30-45 minutes. But for longer experiences, plan to spend an hour and a half.
How can I go from one winery to another?
We now have Uber, so you can definitely use that. We also have Current Taxi, more expensive, but a nicer ride! Or, there is URide you can use. The last option is to ask the winery to order a taxi for you!
Can I walk from one winery to another?
Not unless you are in for a hike. The four that are walkable from each other are Mt Boucherie, Volcanic Hills, Little Straw and Beaumont.
Which wineries have the best restaurants?
Glad you asked! You can read our dedicated post on best Kelowna wineries with restaurants here.
Final Thoughts
Our home, the Okanagan valley, has a lot to offer in terms of gorgeous landscapes and some of the best wines. We encourage you to try all the different areas, like these wineries in Naramata bench. Just be responsible, and don’t drink and drive. Please!
