How do I find the best wine in Kelowna?
There is no single “best” wine in Kelowna — it depends entirely on your personal taste, the occasion, and what you’re looking for (e.g., red vs. white, bold vs. crisp, everyday vs. special). That said, the Okanagan (and Kelowna area) produces many wines that consistently win awards, score high in competitions, and get rave reviews from locals and visitors alike.
Here are some of the standout categories and wines that often top the list as “best” in Kelowna/Okanagan:
Top red wines (frequently called “best” by critics and guests):
- Merlot — The Okanagan’s signature red. Soft, plush, and fruit-forward with plum, black cherry, and chocolate notes. Wineries like Mission Hill, Quails’ Gate, and CedarCreek make award-winning versions.
- Cabernet Sauvignon — Bold and structured with blackcurrant, cassis, and firm tannins. Excellent examples from Burrowing Owl, Painted Rock, and Tinhorn Creek.
- Bordeaux-style blends (Meritage) — Rich, complex reds blending Cab Sauv, Merlot, Cab Franc, etc. Many consider these the “best” Okanagan reds for aging and depth — try Osoyoos Larose, Le Vieux Pin, or Red Dog tour favorites.
Top white wines:
- Pinot Gris — Crisp, aromatic, and versatile — pear, apple, citrus. Often called the Okanagan’s best white style. Gray Monk, Summerhill, and Mt. Boucherie are standouts.
- Chardonnay — From fresh/unoaked to rich/barrel-fermented. Quails’ Gate and Mission Hill produce top-rated examples.
- Riesling — High-acidity, aromatic (lime, peach, petrol). Excellent dry or off-dry styles from 50th Parallel or Ex Nihilo.
Top rosé & sparkling:
- Rosé — Dry, crisp, strawberry-citrus. Very popular in summer — try Nichol Vineyard or Tantalus.
- Sparkling — Traditional method bubblies from Summerhill Pyramid or Blue Mountain are frequently praised as “best in Canada.”
My take as a guide: On Red Dog tours, I always say there’s no single “best” wine — the best one is the one you love in the moment. Guests often leave with a new favorite Merlot or Pinot Gris they never expected. The beauty of Kelowna is the variety — bold reds, aromatic whites, refreshing rosés — all from the same sunny, semi-arid valley. Ask your guide during the tour — we’ll point you to what’s shining that day.
As of 2026, Okanagan wines (especially from Kelowna-area wineries) continue to win international awards and gain global respect — the “best” is whatever you discover and enjoy most.
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