West Kelowna
No Kelowna wine tours blog would be complete without a dedicated post focused on the West Kelowna wine route. The third installment in our 4-part series is all about one of the largest wine routes in Kelowna. With over 20 unique wineries and growers, West Kelowna is a wine lover’s dream. Spectacular views, delicious wines and endless rolling hills of vineyards make up this must-see wine route. From small family to large estate wineries, there’s truly something for everyone on this Okanagan wine tour.
The Route
Otherwise known as the Westside Wine Trail, this route features some of the oldest and most established vineyards and wineries in the Okanagan Valley. Many are gathered around Mount Boucherie, an extinct volcano with rich volcanic soil. Kelowna wine tours are known for their delicious wines and spectacular views, and the Westside Wine trail is no exception. While there are a number of wineries on this route, let’s dive into the top 13.
1. Frind Estate Beach
Frind Estate is the first beachfront winery in North America and is one of the most advanced wineries in the world, using cutting edge technology to create distinctive and delicious wines. The breathtaking lakefront scenery is unlike any other, making it truly a must-see on any private wine tour in Kelowna.
2. Kalala Organic
This certified organic winery is a producer of wines made with 100% organic grapes and is located on the upper bench of West Kelowna. From light and crisp white wines to bold red wines they have something for everyone. They even have one of the largest portfolios of organic icewines in B.C.
3. Off the Grid
The rich history of the Off the Grid winery is what makes this winery a truly special place to be. Nestled between the two houses of the Paynter brothers, this winery is a testament to this family’s 100 years and five generations of farming in West Kelowna. This small, family owned fully certified organic winery is unique and a must-see on your wine tour. With a straw-bale building, solar power and goats living on the grass roof, you won’t want to miss this one! Map of this section of route.
4. Volcanic Hills
Volcanic Hills Winery is situated on the southeastern slope of Mount Boucherie, a dormant 60-million-year-old volcano that has inspired their name. The beauty of growing and cultivating grapes at the foot of a once active volcano lies in the dirt – allowing Volcanic Hills to sustainably grow grapes to produce wines that require minimal intervention in the winery. Map of this section of route.
5. Mount Boucherie Estate
This West Kelowna vineyard is located on the eastern shadow of the dormant Mount Boucherie volcano. The soils in and around the dormant volcano offer a soil unlike any other, perfect conditions for grape growing. They take pride in knowing they are one of the few premier wineries that use grapes grown exclusively from their own vineyards. Map of this section of route.
6. The Hatch
The Hatch is home to a wide variety of eclectic wines made with grapes sourced from vineyards throughout the valley. As one of the newer wineries on the West Kelowna wine route, this fun and funky winery is unlike any other, making it a must-see on one of your Kelowna wine tours. Map of this section of route.
7. Ciao Bella
Ciao Bella brings a little bit of Italy right to West Kelowna! This family owned and operated winery proudly produces award winning Okanagan wines with Italian flair. At Ciao Bella Winery, you’re a part of the family! Map of this section of route.
8. Grizzli
Grizzli Winery features one of the largest wine boutiques and tasting rooms. Award winning architecture is paired with a portfolio of award-winning wines that highlight the unique characteristics of the Okanagan Valley. Map of this section of route.
9. Little Straw Vineyards
At Little Straw Vineyards three generations of grape expertise make up this family owned and operated winery that specializes in small lot wines. The winery is renowned for their Pinot Noir, and Canada’s only producer of Auxerrois Icewine. Map of this section of route.
10. Rollingdale
This family-owned organic winery offers a delicious range of wines, with spectacular lake views from their inviting picnic area. Map of this section of route.
11. Beaumont Family Estate Winery
Beaumont Family Estate Winery combines ingenuity, innovation and modern wine making techniques with flavourful, 100% certified organic grapes. Each wine label includes a musical staff and a musical reference on the back. Map of this section of route.
12. Quail’s Gate
For over 30 years, Quail’s Gate Winery has been making some of the best wines in the Okanagan Valley. Enjoy the spectacular vineyard views while you sip the fruit-forward wines of this Okanagan gem. Map of this section of route.
13. Indigenous World
As B.C.’s only 100% Indigenous owned winery, this winery blends the traditional Syilx culture with modern style. Take in spectacular views of Lake Okanagan while you enjoy a variety of award-winning VQA wines. Map of this section of route.
14. Black Swift Vineyards
Black Swift Vineyards, also known as “the hatch in a tuxedo.” Boucherie Roads newest winery! You may have tasted this wine at “the Hatch” The tasting room is open on a first-come first-served basis. Map of this section of route.
15. Mission Hill Estate
Mission Hill Family Estate is a family-owned winery that is well-known for its exceptional wines, beautiful setting, and Terrace Restaurant. The winery’s dramatic architecture is surrounded by scenic lake views and lush vineyards, culminating in a setting that celebrates wine, food, and the arts Map of this section of route.
16. Crown and Thieves
Crown and Thieves Wines. Made by Scoundrels Sipped by Kings & Queens. The setting and furnishings evoke a speakeasy and a haunted mansion parlour from the Prohibition era. The exterior of the building is strange and unusual. Crown and Thieves Winery is next to Truck 59 Cider House, which also provides tastings. Map of this section of route.
When you think of the best wine tours in Kelowna B.C., the West Kelowna wine route should definitely be at the top of that list. With so many amazing wineries to choose from, you just can’t go wrong!
