West Kelowna Wineries: A comprehensive guide by a local

Which West Kelowna winery should you visit? Here’s a guide with helpful suggestions to direct you to the best West Kelowna wineries curated by a local.

West Kelowna Wineries have so many options for the connoisseurs, the boutique wine lovers, the big names and views for days.

West Kelowna wineries are very distinct from their counterparts across the Bennet bridge. West Kelowna has its own unique terroir being made up of extinct volcanoes and slopped hills with their backs to the sun come Spring and Summer evenings.

There are 18 West Kelowna wineries you can visit with a tasting room, 1 without visiting space and 1 liquor store to get all the wines and local beers. Some wineries have restaurants, others have food trucks and others solely focus on their wines. I’ve created this comprehensive guide to focus on what each winery does well and why you’ll want to visit. But I do have to be honest, some wineries are producing wine that I simply don’t enjoy. That’s not to say you won’t enjoy them. Everyone’s pallets are different and each year wines can vary greatly from one vintage to the next. This guide is for those who want to narrow down which wineries they should visit based on their own tastes, preferences and desired amenities. Let me know which is your favourite in the comments below!

Please note, due to the pandemic many West Kelowna wineries are now requiring reservations, although all will allow for walk-ins if the tastings rooms aren’t busy. To avoid disappointment I suggest booking ahead and leaving approximately 30-45 minutes per tasting at each stop. The reservations allow guests to receive more of the narratives behind the wine which has been an advantage for everyone involved. 

1. Ciao Bella

Which West Kelowna winery should you visit in the Okanagan wine valley of British Columbia, Canada? Where to go, what to taste, iconic views and which have restaurants?  West Kelowna wineries are worth a tour ~ Foodietown.ca

Italian Vibe↗

A fascinating Italian family history.

Families Welcome

Family friendly with a swing set & play area. Kiddo’s can sip on Italian sodas. Espresso & Italian sodas for DDs.

Other Useful Info

Charcuterie (sputini) available for picnic with a glass of vino.

Quaint & informal. but big on taste, this small winery offers tastings out of their family home. The Fiume family runs all facets of the winery from pouring tastings to bottling to harvest. Growing wine is in their blood with family having produced wine in the Naples area of Italy. After immigrating to Canada’s Arctic and residing there for 30 years it wasn’t until 1986 that the family planted roots here in the Okanagan. Little did they know it at the time but their property was one of the first parcels of land to have grapes planted upon it in West Kelowna. Go figure!

2. Kalala Winery

Which West Kelowna winery should you visit in the Okanagan wine valley of British Columbia, Canada? Where to go, what to taste, iconic views and which have restaurants?  West Kelowna wineries are worth a tour ~ Foodietown.ca

Harmony↗

Family owned and operated, this is a charming boutique winery with reasonable prices.

Great Wine

Specializes in Pinot Noir & Pinot Gris.

Other Useful Info

Occasional events including outdoor music with food trucks. Wines available by the glass for patio sipping.

Another family owned winery is Kalala which means Miracle Place, a fitting name for the Okanagan! This winery offers real bang for your buck with reasonable prices and delicious organic wines. Sip among the vines on their estate with the occasional food truck that may make an appearance. In 2021 Kalala offered an outdoor theatre with a local food truck.

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3. Off The Grid Winery

Which West Kelowna winery should you visit in the Okanagan wine valley of British Columbia, Canada? Where to go, what to taste, iconic views and which have restaurants?  West Kelowna wineries are worth a tour ~ Foodietown.ca

Perfect for Families ↗

This working farm has adorable goats to keep the kiddos preoccupied while you slip in for a tasting.

Excellent Wine

Something for everyone at this local favourite.

Other Useful Info

Grab a picnic spot with a gorgeous view of West Kelowna and the lake. PS. Paynter’s Market is nearby & owned by the same family.

Off The Grid is a West Kelowna winery favourite with my family. We like to take the kiddos there so they can watch the goats and spot the turkey. The view of West Kelowna and the Okanagan Lake is the perfect backdrop for a small picnic to pair with a bottle of their chilled wine on an Okanagan summer day.
The tasting room itself is an architectural gem it being straw bale construction and is solar powered. You can’t go wrong with their wine selection and I highly recommend the orange wine if they have it open to taste. But the Heritage Pinot Gris has my heart and if you’re looking for a truly delicious Zweigelt then the Blauer Montag will impress any wino.

4. Crown & Thieves

Which West Kelowna winery should you visit in the Okanagan wine valley of British Columbia, Canada? Where to go, what to taste, iconic views and which have restaurants?  West Kelowna wineries are worth a tour ~ Foodietown.ca

Speakeasy & Wine ↗

Speakeasy in the basement with full bar. Events held there often, sometimes exclusive for wine club members.

A Line Out the Door

A tasting includes a tour of all 3 floors which is a great way to spend the time waiting for a tasting spot.

Dinner on Top

Reserve dinner on top of it all and skip the line! Patio is coming soon too!

2021 brought us the opening of this truly unique West Kelowna winery by Jason Parkes (a name to know in the Okanagan wine scene). Anything he touches turns to liquid gold and I haven’t found a wine he makes that isn’t worth sharing. The vibe is Peaky Blinders meets Medieval church with reliquaries, altars, portraits to the criminally infamous and above all great wine. 

I hail from two generations of antique enthusiasts. Crown & Thieves is a marvel for the eyes and a logistical feat (how did he obtain a bench that survived the Windsor Castle fire of 1992?) that speaks to the soul of each individual who passes through the door.

 

5. Frind Winery

Which West Kelowna winery should you visit in the Okanagan wine valley of British Columbia, Canada? Where to go, what to taste, iconic views and which have restaurants? ~ Foodietown.ca

Beach Access ↗

There are a lot of wineries that have views of the lake but this is the only one in North America both on a lake AND has beach access. Want to fight about it? Oddly, some do.

Onsite Dinning

Wintertime brings outdoor bubble dinning experiences. Summertime is patio season. Either way the food at Annie’s is good.

Other Useful Info

Reservations always recommended in summer months. Try the bubbles!

Frind is North America’s only waterfront winery with beach access and a gorgeous fire pit. If you enjoy sparkling wines then you’ll probably enjoy this stop. Their winemaker hails from Summerhill Pyramid Winery but has since made the switch to Frind bringing his expertise. Annie’s cafe is a great spot for outdoor dinning! If you’re looking for a great view you’ll find it at many West Kelowna wineries.

 

6. Mission Hill Winery

Which West Kelowna winery should you visit in the Okanagan wine valley of British Columbia, Canada? Where to go, what to taste, iconic views and which have restaurants? ~ Foodietown.ca

Religious Experience ↗

It’s a Tuscan inspired winery modelled after grand European churches and it shows.

Bougie

If you’re looking for luxe this is it. The restaurant, the events, the culinary classes in winter…It’s noice.

Other Useful Info

Summer concerts series are always anticipated and sell out. Reservations always.

Who doesn’t visit Mission Hill during a wine tour in West Kelowna winery trail? Perhaps the most iconic Okanagan winery, it can get very busy but be sure to make reservations for both the dinning space (The Terrace restaurant) as well as a wine tasting experience on their website to maximize your time here. There is a cellar built beneath the winery utilizing the coolness of the damp cave-like atmosphere blasted into the extinct volcanic mountain.

The most incredible antique display of wine vessels and very old, prized wines rest within the side-altar space. It’s a bucket list experience!

7. Quails’ Gate

Which West Kelowna winery should you visit in the Okanagan wine valley of British Columbia, Canada? Where to go, what to taste, iconic views and which have restaurants? ~ Foodietown.ca

Iconic Site ↗

Historic site and killer view.

Excellent Restaurant ↗

Stay updated and see our current exhibitions here.

Other Useful Info ↗

Consider booking a tour prior to arrival to get the most without waiting.

In peak season many West Kelowna wineries have line ups out the door. This is one of those places. I absolutely love the fact that Guinness’ gardeners, The Stewarts, bought this property way back in the 1950s when looking for an ideal plot of land. Prior to them it was owned by the Allison’s and you can still find their home today which is used for wine pick up parties. In fact, Susan Allison, early settler believed she saw the Ogopogo monster one night as her husband crossed the lake. There is an unfinished opera I had the pleasure of experiencing on the actual property in 2014.

So the property has some great history as well as views. Lunch or dinner here is a favourite of my family’s and many celebrations have been had here. Reservations are required during the on season! The word seems to be out on the Okanagan wine region.

8. The Hatch

Which West Kelowna winery should you visit in the Okanagan wine valley of British Columbia, Canada? Where to go, what to taste, iconic views and which have restaurants? ~ Foodietown.ca

Cool Vibe ↗

This is the least stuffy stop you’ll find along the Westside Wine Route. They are serious about their wines but chill.

JPC Trail Bonus

Another Jason Parkes stop. If you get the JPC Trail ticket you can pop a bubbly with a shovel! Sabres are so pre-pandemic.

Other Useful Info

No onsite restaurant but occasionally there are food trucks or a pizza oven. Reservations recommended.

Jason Parkes has three West Kelowna wineries on this list. Not far from Quails’ Gate is The Hatch. One of my top offbeat picks in the Okanagan wine region, this winery has some character as do their wines. It’s a lighthearted favourite for both the experienced wino and those who just like to drink good wine.

The Hatch is part of the Jason Parkes family of wineries which also include Black Swift and Crown & Thieves as well as Truck 49 Cider. You gotta try all Parkes’ wines to know he’s a genius at what he does and makes some really interesting results that will turn you into a wino!

9. Little Straw

Which West Kelowna winery should you visit in the Okanagan wine valley of British Columbia, Canada? Where to go, what to taste, iconic views and which have restaurants? ~ Foodietown.ca

Boutique ↗

Family owned winery with old vines and delicious wines. Hey, that rhymes!

Reserve a Tasting ↗

This is popular winery to stop at so I do recommend a reservation. It seems to be a pandemic trend that has stuck.

Other Useful Info

Their onsite restaurant is no more but you can snag a picnic spot – no reservations required.

I love to pop into Little Straw Vineyards or bring guests here. It is a surprise because you probably haven’t heard of them and their wines are delicious. Like most wineries in the area, Little Straw is the result of the Salmka family, immigrants who moved here looking to create their own Canadian piece of heaven. Barb Hall is the wine maker and has a list of impressive accolades. Try the Sauvignon Blanc, a local Okanagan wine varietal I am really enjoying right now! I love to compare varietals between the North Okanagan and the South Okanagan wineries vs what is being grown at West Kelowna wineries (central Okanagan).

10. Volcanic Hills

Which West Kelowna winery should you visit in the Okanagan wine valley of British Columbia, Canada? Where to go, what to taste, iconic views and which have restaurants? ~ Foodietown.ca

Something for everyone↗

They do offer a good variety for you to try. I enjoy the Lava White.

Don’t miss the gift shop

Very well stocked gift shop for locals and tourists.

Other Useful Info

Great views from the onsite restaurant. Reservations recommended during summer months.

Volcanic Hills is a popular winery and even better gift shop. I never turn down a peruse through their awesome shop filled with Indian spices and fun wine related gifts. Where else can you find a parrot wine holder? 

11. Mt Boucherie

State of the Art ↗

The views, the aesthetic and architecture coincide to create a luxury wine tasting experience.

Reservations

I highly recommend not only a dinning reservation but also a wine tasting reservation!

Other Useful Info

Popular with influencers taking pics of themselves sitting on a wine barrel with a view. Just watch.

The new building that is the Mt Boucherie Tasting room and restaurant is very modern and impressive. A far cry from the smaller boutique style tasting room they had before. You’ll find plenty of visitors posing ‘for them gram’ with the impressive backdrop of the Okanagan Lake, vineyard and mountains behind them. Delicious wines and food await. Nothing that disappoints about Mt Boucherie unless you can’t get in. It is one of the most popular West Kelowna wineries so get that reservation in asap!

12. Beaumont

Boutique Winery ↗

Fun atmosphere with passionate owners who take a fun approach to wine tasting.

Vibe

Fans of old cars and music will enjoy this stop. Makes me feel like I am wine tasting in Jay Leno’s garage…or one of them anyways.

Other Useful Info

No restaurant but there are plenty in the area to choose from.

I love Beaumont. It is a small boutique winery running out of a revamped garage. Sometimes you’ll get the winery owners pouring your tasting and I hope you do, they’re so much fun! Delicious wines at excellent price points and retains that boutique winery feel. Aside from the big names of Mission Hill and Quails’ Gate, West Kelowna wineries also provide these quality boutique stops for those who like something different than what you can already get at the liquor store.

 

13. Rollingdale

Boutique Winery↗

The best thing about this winery is its picnic area.

Sweet Wine

This winery tends to make sweeter wines so if this sounds good to you…go!

Fun Fact

Jillian Harris lives in the neighbourhood.

Again, not going to beat around the bush. These wines are too sweet for me but if you enjoy that then you must go! It is a favourite with many locals who prefer sweeter wines. It’s a small winery and the tastings are inside the very room the wine making process occurs. That’s a redeeming quality for me as it qualifies as a boutique in my books. I love great wines that are hard to come by. They make for great gifts and fun finds for out of town guests. And maybe that’s why it is a favourite for some who are also connoisseurs of  West Kelowna wineries

 

14. Grizzli

Best for Icewine ↗

A variety of wine is on offer but it is a popular stop for their icewine.

Architecture

Its size and style call you to you as you drive by which makes you think…We gotta stop here!

Other Useful Info

I do not enjoy their wine but you might!

Ask a local wine expert and you might get a sigh when you ask if they recommend West Kelowna winery Grizzli. Aside from their news making owner who is currently stuck in China for tax fraud the wines themselves are unlike anything I’ve tried before and that can come with a wide variety of reactions and opinions. I personally do not enjoy the wines but again that’s me. I wouldn’t be opposed to trying their wines again but I haven’t tried one that I enjoy yet. However, ice wine is huge here and general opinion is that this is what they excel at. So if you like ice wine or trying something very different then go for it!

15. Black Swift

Jason Parkes has a few wineries in West Kelowna you should know about including the coolest winery with a speakeasy! ~ Foodietown.ca

Jason Parkes Brand ↗

This winery is part of the Jason Parkes Brand which means you’ll be tasting wines that are unusual or against the norm. Take the DIY JPC trail for the ultimate experience!

Views for Days

Grab a bottle and sit at the window or outside to enjoy an afternoon with the view of downtown Kelowna.

Food Truck ↗

No restaurant but a killer food truck called Bun Intended can occasionally be found on site.

A new and premier West Kelowna winery. A must stop for any wino who’s a sucker for a good view and interesting wines. Again, part of the Jason Parkes family and there’s something to impress any level of wine drinker. Added bonus, you can find wines from The Hatch and Crown & Thieves here, so three birds with one stop.

16. Indigenous World Winery

Indigenous winery in West Kelowna worth a stop ~ Foodietown.ca

First Nation Owned

This is the Okanagan’s only 100% owned and operated Indigenous winery.

Location

Its proximity from the bridge is ideal for a quick stop on your way into or out of Kelowna on the West side.

Other Useful Info

Their restaurant was closed during the pandemic unfortunately but check out their picnic area!

Within the coming years I expect to see more Indigenous wine makers, restaurants and other businesses in the Okanagan come to the forefront. In West Kelowna, just across the bridge Indigenous World Winery used to have the excellent Red Fox Club restaurant but the pandemic forced them to close. I do hope they return with another winery but time will only tell.

These wines, particularly the red options, are excellent!

17. The Gallery Winery

Family Owned

The first vines were planted in 2015, despite owning the property since 1980.

Location

Tucked away just off of the highway behind the McDonalds. You’d miss it if you didn’t know it was there. A great little add on if you’re going to Frind Winery.

Other Useful Info

The winery features art made by co-owner Natasha Campbell. The winery can and will shut down for private events, weddings, etc. so be sure to check their social media for any updates.

The Gallery is a local’s winery. Small, unassuming and likely overlooked by your guide. It’s well worth stopping especially if you enjoy lesser known boutique style wineries. Offering red, white, rose and bubbles there truly is something for everyone at this West Kelowna Winery. However, no food is offered on site.

Niche Wino Co. doesn't have a tasting room yet but that doesn't mean it isn't worth a try! ~ Foodietown.ca

18. Niche Wine

Sadly this winery is temporarily closed due to the 2023 winery scorching their backyard. You can read about their harrowing experience here. Stay tuned for updates on their social media and be sure to buy their wines at local liquor stores!

Favourite Wines

Love their Small Batch Bubbles & red selection is well worth a taste!

Boutique Style

Family owned and smaller winery that makes for a great host/ess gift.

Other Useful Info

No tasting room yet! Purchase at local liquor stores that feature local selections.

Cask & Barrel

The best liquor store in West Kelowna ~ Foodietown.ca

Ok so this isn’t a winery but if you’re in need of a quality liquor store that features both world and local Okanagan wine selections then head to Cask & Barrel. This is the Okanagan’s best liquor store and their staff are incredibly helpful. It is so much fun to peruse through the selection, some of which are very rare and hard to find so it’s a perfect stop for gifts.

 

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