The Best Time of year to visit a Kelowna Winery?
When Should You Go to a Kelowna Vineyard?
My personal opinion as a longtime Kelowna wine tour guide is that late September and early October is the absolute best time to visit a Kelowna vineyard — and here’s why it’s my top pick:
- The grapes are still on the vines — They are loaded and approaching harvest, so you can see the vineyards at one of their most interesting stages of the year.
- Harvest is underway — Trucks arrive with bins of fresh grapes, crushing happens on-site, and juice gets pumped into the cellar. It gives you a behind-the-scenes look at winemaking that you don’t see during much of the rest of the year.
- The scenery is spectacular — Fall colours, vineyards, clear skies and crisp temperatures make this one of the most scenic times to explore Kelowna wine country.
- Crowds are generally more manageable — Summer is the busiest period, while late September and early October can offer a more relaxed tasting experience.
If you’re wondering what the experience is actually like once you arrive, see What to Expect on a Wine Tour in Kelowna? for an overview of what happens during a typical afternoon.
Second-Best Window: May and June
- Fresh spring growth — New buds are emerging and the vineyards are beginning to turn green after winter.
- Fresh white and rosé wines — Wineries often have newer releases available, making this a great time to explore crisp, fresh wines.
- Milder conditions — The weather is generally comfortable, crowds are lighter than during July and August, and winery patios are beginning to come alive.
For more information about how the vineyards change throughout the year, see What Months Are Vineyards Green in Kelowna?.
Kelowna Wine Country by Season
- Late September – early October: My #1 choice — harvest activity, grapes on the vines, fall colours and an energetic winery atmosphere.
- May – June: A strong #2 — fresh vineyard growth, new wine releases, comfortable temperatures and fewer summer crowds.
- July – August: Peak summer tourism — warm weather, long days and full winery patios, but also the busiest time of year. If you’re planning a wine tour during these months, see Is Summer Too Busy for a Kelowna Wine Tour? for more information about what to expect.
- March – April and November: Shoulder season — quieter, with some wineries operating reduced hours or requiring appointments.
- December – February: Winter — some wineries remain open with shorter hours, but the vineyards are dormant and there is much less vineyard activity.
Another factor to consider is how many wineries you want to visit. A good wine tour isn’t necessarily about visiting the maximum number of tasting rooms. Allowing enough time at each winery makes it easier to enjoy the wines, scenery and presentation without feeling rushed. See How Many Wineries Do We Visit? for more information.
When Does Red Dog Wine Tours Operate?
Red Dog Wine Tours operates from early May through the end of October, which covers the main wine-tour season in Kelowna and the Okanagan.
Late September and early October is my favourite time to guide because the harvest energy is contagious. Guests get to see the vineyards at an important point in the winemaking cycle while enjoying the scenery and generally more relaxed pace of the fall season.
Our public afternoon tours visit four wineries, with transportation, tasting fees, bottled water and light snacks included. You don’t have to worry about driving between wineries or planning the route yourself.
What Does a Wine Tour in Kelowna Include? explains what is included in the Red Dog experience.
Ultimately, there isn’t one perfect month for everyone. If you want to see harvest and experience the vineyards at one of their most interesting times of year, I’d choose late September or early October. If you prefer fresh spring growth, mild weather and fewer visitors, May and June are excellent choices.
People also asked: What to Expect on a Wine Tour in Kelowna?