April is BC Wine Month, making it the perfect time to raise a glass to the incredible wines of the Okanagan. 🍷
Penticton sits at the heart of Okanagan wine country, surrounded by world-class wineries. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just discovering your love for BC wine, there’s no better place to start your BC wine adventure than Penticton. Here’s your guide to celebrating BC Wine Month in and around Penticton.
Why Celebrate BC Wine Month?
BC Wine Month is a time to recognize and support the incredible wineries, vineyards, and winemakers that contribute to British Columbia’s thriving wine industry. The Okanagan Valley is known for its unique climate, diverse terroir, and a winemaking culture that continues to push boundaries and produce world class award winning wines. Spring has sprung and our wineries are opening their doors to welcome guests to enjoy all they have to offer. It’s the perfect excuse to get out, explore, and indulge in some of Canada’s most celebrated vintages.
Naramata Bench: A Scenic Wine Lover’s Paradise
Just minutes from downtown Penticton, the Naramata Bench is home to over 40 wineries, each offering spectacular views of Okanagan Lake and unique expressions of terroir. Be sure to visit long standing favorites like JoieFarm Winery, Hillside Winery, and La Frenz Estate Winery, where you can sip award-winning wines while soaking in the breathtaking landscape and winery grounds. For some of the best lake views, you don’t miss a visit to Poplar Grove Winery, and if your seeking some funky nostalgia vibes, a stop at Ruby Blues Winery will provide you with some amazing wine and photo ops! Whether it’s a wine and cheese tasting at Upper Bench Winery & Creamery, or a fruit wine tasting flight at Elephant Island Winery, you are sure to come across some amazing wines, stories, and places during your adventures through the Naramata Bench.
Summerland: Hidden Gems and Boutique Finds
Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive is a must-visit for those looking to explore boutique wineries with a warm, welcoming vibe. The name comes from the winding road that connects the wineries, offering a relaxed and scenic drive through the vineyards. Be sure to include Dirty Laundry Vineyard on your itinerary, known for its playful atmosphere and excellent Gewürztraminer! Other highlights include Lightning Rock Winery, a family run winery crafting fine wines with sustainability and community in mind, and Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery for delicious wines made from BC grown tree fruit and berries. 8th Generation Winery is another stand out, with 242 years of wine making history behind this family run winery.
Okanagan Falls: Bold Reds and Stunning Views
Located just south of Penticton you’ll find a number of wineries overlooking Skaha Lake, and into the mountains of Okanagan Falls. The Okanagan Falls/Skaha Lake Wine Region is known for producing some of BC’s best Pinot Noir and bold reds. Blasted Church Winery offers an origin story just as interesting and complex as their wines, and is definitely worth a visit. Deeper into Okanagan Falls make sure to stop by Meyer Family Vineyards as well as Mayhem Wines – sister wineries located on the same property, nestled amidst the vineyards! Nighthawk Vineyards is a must-visit boutique, family owned winery with a patio restaurant and unique tent house accommodations. Noble Ridge Winery offers a spectacular view of Vaseaux Lake, and regularly host fun events and workshops that pair perfectly with a glass of wine!
Oliver & Osoyoos: Savour in Wine Country
With its warm climate and diverse terroir, The Oliver/Osoyoos wine region excels in full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot. In Oliver, don’t miss a day trip to the District Wine Village. This unique property features 13 wineries, and a large plaza where you can catch outdoor concerts and entertainment. Burrowing Owl Estate Winery offers incredible wine and an upscale dining experience with incredible vineyard views, and Phantom Creek Estates, a luxury winery known for its meticulous attention to detail in winemaking and stunning architectural design.
The Golden Mile Bench, located within Oliver, was the first sub-appellation recognized in BC, showcasing the distinct microclimate that sets this region apart. Hester Creek Estate Winery, Tinhorn Creek Winery, Road 13 Vineyards, Culmina Family Estate Winery and Checkmate Artisinal Winery are perfect examples of the exceptional quality found here.
Further south to Osoyoos you’ll find Lakeside Cellars, where you can enjoy a glass of wine in their welcoming picnic area, just steps away from Osoyoos Lake.
Similkameen Valley: Rugged Landscapes and Dramatic Wines
Just 40 minutes southwest of Penticton, you’ll find this sun-drenched wine region of the Similkameen Valley, boasting dramatic landscapes, and some of the most intense terroir-driven wines in British Columbia. With hot summer days, cool nights, and mineral-rich soils, the valley produces bold, expressive wines that reflect the land’s wild beauty. Here, you can sip and savour in a more intimate, laid-back setting, often chatting directly with winemakers who are deeply passionate about their craft.
Exploring with Wine Tour Companies
With so many wineries to discover, a guided wine tour is one of the best ways to experience BC Wine Month without worrying about transportation. Discover a range of wine tour experiences from the providers below:
- Grape Escapes Wine Tours: Amazing value all-inclusive wine tours in comfortable, air conditioned Mercedes Sprinter vans.
- Sagebrush Tours: Fun-loving, expert wine guides offering relaxed and informative full-day or half-day tours for groups small or large.
- Unique Blend South Okanagan Tours: A boutique tour company offering curated wine tour experiences for up to 4 people.
- Grape Friends Lounge and Tours: A husband and wife team specializing in smaller more intimate tours the South Okanagan wine and craft beverage scene.
- Farm to Glass Wine Tours: Eco-friendly and sustainability focused wine tours (up to 4 people), with your fun and expert guide – Jess Hopwood.
- Lust 4 Luxury Tours: 100% customizable wine tours in a comfortable and luxurious Mecedez-Benz SUV.
- Cheers! Okanagan Tours: Cheers! boats an extensive fleet to cater to both large and small parties. “Customer Enthusiasm Is Our Obsession”.
- Grape Savvy Trolley Co.: A pioneer in Okanagan tourism, Grape Savvy Trolley Co. is aimed to be the most convenient and affordable way to experience Penticton and Naramata wine country.
Whether you prefer a private tour or a group adventure, there’s an option to suit every style. Many tours include transportation, tasting fees, and even gourmet lunch stops, making it easy to relax and enjoy the full wine country experience.
For those who prefer a more adventurous approach, there are a variety of specialty wine tours that include transportation by bike, kayak, or sailboat! Check out these special experience wine-tours from local companies like Epic Cycling, Hoodoo Adventures and Winds of Change Experiences.
Celebrate BC Wine Month in Style
Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a full wine-focused getaway, Penticton and its surrounding wine regions offer endless opportunities to sip, savour, and celebrate the best of BC wine. So grab your glass and toast to another incredible season in BC’s wine country—cheers!
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