Do Kelowna wineries charge for wine tasting?
Do Kelowna Wineries Charge for Wine Tasting?
Yes, most Kelowna and Okanagan wineries charge a tasting fee, although the amount varies by winery and by the type of tasting experience. Standard tastings are often in the $10–$20 CAD per person range, while premium or specialty tastings can cost more.
Tasting fees help wineries cover the cost of providing the tasting experience and the staff who guide you through the wines. Some wineries may waive the fee when you purchase wine, while others charge the tasting fee regardless of whether you buy a bottle.
What is included in a winery tasting?
A typical wine tasting gives you the opportunity to sample several wines while a tasting-room presenter explains the wines, winery and region. The number of wines and the tasting format can vary considerably from one winery to another.
You can learn more about what to expect during a wine tour in our FAQ What to Expect on a Wine Tour in Kelowna?.
Do you have to buy wine after a tasting?
No. You are not obligated to purchase wine after a tasting. You can enjoy the tasting, learn about the wines and leave without buying anything.
Some wineries may offer to waive or refund the tasting fee when you purchase wine, but policies vary. If you are visiting wineries on your own, check the winery’s current tasting policy before your visit.
Are tasting fees included on a Red Dog wine tour?
Yes. Tasting fees are included in the price of Red Dog’s standard public wine tours. You don’t have to pay an additional tasting fee at each winery during the tour.
Our public afternoon tour visits four wineries. We select wineries based on the overall guest experience, including the tasting experience, wines, setting and how well the winery works as part of a relaxed route.
See How Many Wineries Do We Visit? for more information about our four-winery public tours.
How much time do you spend at a winery?
On a Red Dog public wine tour, we generally allow about an hour at each winery. This gives you time to enjoy the tasting, listen to the presenter, ask questions and browse the wines without feeling rushed.
For more information, see How Long Does a Winery Tasting Take on a Kelowna Wine Tour?.
What about tipping the tasting-room presenter?
Tipping winery tasting-room staff is optional. If a presenter provides particularly good service or makes your tasting especially enjoyable, you can choose to leave a tip, but there is no requirement to do so.
Tipping your Red Dog guide is also completely optional. We have no expectation of a tip. If you would like to know more, see How Much Do You Tip a Wine Tour Driver/Guide?.
Can you visit Kelowna wineries without paying tasting fees?
Some wineries offer different tasting options, promotions or circumstances where a tasting fee may be waived, but you should not assume that tastings are free. Policies can change depending on the winery, season and type of tasting.
If you are planning a self-guided wine tour, check the individual winery’s current website or contact the winery directly for its tasting fees and reservation requirements.
You can also research the cost of different tasting experiences before building your itinerary. Our related FAQ looks specifically at Kelowna Wineries With the Lowest Tasting Fees.
Is a wine tour worth it when tasting fees are included?
When comparing wine tours, don’t look only at the advertised price. Consider what is included in that price, including winery tasting fees, transportation, pickup and drop-off, the guide and any other advertised inclusions.
With Red Dog, the tasting fees at the four wineries on our standard public tour are included, so you don’t have to keep track of additional tasting charges as you travel between wineries.
If you’re deciding whether a guided wine tour is worth the cost, our KelownaGuide article Is a Kelowna Wine Tour Worth the Money? looks at the overall value of taking a professionally guided tour.
People also ask: Are Kelowna Wineries Open for Tasting?