KELOWNA’S FAB FIVE WINE TRAIL
Kelowna’s Fab Five Wine Trail is charming, intimate, funky and fun. The perfect words to describe the five boutique wineries along the FabFive Wine Trail. Find it in the rolling hills of East Kelowna, the FabFive consists of The View, Spierhead, The Vibrant Vine, Camelot. Within kilometers of each other, they are an alluring group of family owned and operated wineries. They highlight what the Kelowna area has to offer in terms of wine and hospitality. A knight in shining armour, a giant psychedelic bottle, a twenty foot high rose and a sexy red shoe are just a few discoveries you will make along the way. It’s a truly unforgettable afternoon of wine-tasting on Kelowna’s doorstep.
Camelot Vineyards – FAB FIVE WINE TRAIL
At Camelot Vineyards you will be joyfully greeted by their German short haired pointer. Take a photo beside the giant sword in a stone outside. The tasting room doors are made from a 1000 year old fir. The tasting table emulates King Arthur’s round table making it perfect for easy conversation. Take a picture around the full size suit of armour, “Dennis The Conqueror”. You can also enjoy wine and a cheese plate in their picnic area.
Camelot Vineyards, is an award winning, family owned by Rob and Denise. The current owners purchased in 1970 as an orchard, unofficially calling it “Camelot Orchards”. In 1996, Rob and Denise made it into a winery. They decided to keep the name Camelot, in memory of Rob’s late father. They hired an award winning winemaker and apprenticed under her over the next 5 years, learning hands on techniques. The wines are carefully crafted using traditional methods. Don’t miss their Medieval Event held early in August each year.
Open daily May to October 11 to 5 (till 6 on Fridays and Saturdays) at 3489 East Kelowna Road. www.camelotvineyards.ca
The Vibrant Vine -FAB FIVE WINE TRAIL
The Vibrant Vine was winner of “The Best White Wine in the World” at the 2013 World Beverage Competition. This is the world’s largest beverage competition in Geneva Switzerland.
Rated the #1 Winery Experience in BC in both 2012 and 2013 by Trip Advisor. The Vibrant Vine Tasting Room has extensive picnic lawns and live music on weekends, July through September. The Tasting Room, a 1937 heritage building. It is full of 3-D art and every guest receives a pair of 3-D glasses upon arrival! Open daily May to Oct 11 to 6 pm at 3240 Pooley Road. www.vibrantvine.ca
The View Winery -FAB FIVE WINE TRAIL
The View Winery sits on land that has been in the Turton/Ward family for 5 generations. Historically, apples were grown on the property. In the mid 1990’s a transition began and Spartan and McIntosh apples gave way to wine grapes. Gewurtzraminer, Ehrenfelzer, Optima and Pinotage grapes. In 2007, The View started producing their own premium wines and cider. The beloved old packinghouse built by Great Granddad Ward in 1922 transforming it into a winery.
Their quality wine and cider portfolio offer something for everyone, including BC’s only wine in a can appropriately called BLING. The original farmhouse for the property still stands beside the winery along with a huge walnut tree. Original plans were to build a new retail store and tasting room at the top of the property; hence the name, “The View”. Upon some reflection, the point of view changed to a love of the unique historical qualities of the old packinghouse. The View has an eye on the future and sense of celebrating the past. The View share their part of Okanagan history with all. Find them on the corner of Spiers Road and Ward Road, just look for the Red Shoe!
Open daily April to October 15th 11:00 to 6:30 and in the winter by appointment at #1 – 2287 Ward Road. www.theviewwinery.com
SpierHead Winery -FAB FIVE WINE TRAIL
SpierHead Winery and Vineyard is on Spiers Road on the benchlands of south east Kelowna. It is just nine kilometres from downtown and still within city limits. They have a licensed picnic area and tasting room where you can sip wine while admiring the scenery. Bring a picnic lunch and see why SpierHead was named one of the twenty best picnic spots by the Vancouver Sun.
SpierHead prides itself in producing premium quality wines, both from its estate vineyard and from selected vineyards within the Okanagan. They were proud to be named the Best New Winery at the 2012 B.C. Wine Awards.
Open weekends April and May and daily June thru October, 11am to 5:30 pm 3950 Spiers Road www.spierheadwinery.com
Priest Creek Estate Winery
The name Priest Creek pays tribute to the heritage of the land. It was known to be farmed by the Missionaries in the mid 1800’s. Priest Creek runs behind the property and runs into Mission Creek. Father Pandosy planted the first grapes in the valley for wine.
Inspired by Jason Parkes a few years ago, a vision for this boutique family winery has come to life. From that encounter grew a friendship that blossomed into something much, much more. Darren is the Priest Creek winery’s head winemaker. Darren started out making wine by taking classes at Washington State University. He also worked with the head wine makers at Jason Parkes Customs. Our renowned wines are produced using non-interventionist techniques. This is minimal and mild pressing, specialized yeasts, extensive manual must punching, and 100% gravity flow.
Open Thursday thru Monday 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. 2555 Saucier Road https://priestcreekwinery.com/
