Looking for something to keep you warm on these cold winter nights? We got you covered. While there are many places in British Columbia to get a winter drink, we know our guests are looking for something special, and something local! Here’s a list of some of the best places for a weekend wine tour, a brewski, a nightcap, or some bubbly, all in Prestige communities. No matter what town you are searching for a winter hangout spot, you’re sure to find one.
The Thompson Okanagan Region
Kelowna – The View Winery – Is there anything more charming than a historical building covered in snow? What about a 1920s apple packing house full of intriguing and inviting wines for you to taste? We definitely have you hooked now! While Kelowna has many superb wineries, there’s just something so special about the View Winery in the winter. Make a whole day of it and go to Priest Creek Family Estate Winery, Meadow Vista Honey Wines, and The Vibrant Vine Winery.
Kelowna – Rustic Reel – Enjoy a pint of Gingerbread Cookie Ale next to an outdoor fire pit as the snow slowly blankets the valley. Rustic Reel perfectly encompasses all there is about the Okanagan life from beaches and sunshine, to snow and bonfires, so if you only have time for one stop it has to be here. If you have time for more than one, you’re in luck. Vice and Virtue, The Office, Unleashed Brewing Co., Red Bird Brewing, and more are within walking distance of each other!
Vernon – Marten Brewing Co. – Marten Brewery and Pub is located in the heart of Downtown Vernon, ready to satisfy your thirst and hunger! The team at Marten Brewery invites you to gather and mingle in their newly renovated space, inspired by the offbeat nature of Vernon and its people. Come in from the cold, and enjoy a local beer brewed in-house!
Vernon – Long John’s Pub – Chances are, if you’re in Vernon in the winter, you’re up at Silver Star Mountain Resort. Where’s the best place to warm up after shredding that fresh mountain powder? Long John’s Pub. This cozy pub is a local favourite, and it’s easy to see why. Pair your poutine with a local craft beer and see where your night takes you.
Salmon Arm – Larch Hills Winery – Nestled in the hills of Salmon Arm is Larch Hills Winery. A family-owned and operated winery that does things a little differently than your typical winery. The grapes that make it into their wine have proved themselves by thriving in the unusual conditions of a cool climate. The winery is enchanting when the early afternoon sun hits the snow-covered vines!
Salmon Arm – Barley Station Brew Pub – Cocoa and caramel pair so well with the frosty winter months. If you’re in Salmon Arm, stop by the Barley Station Brew Pub and try their Belgian Style Dubbel. The brewpub frequently has many other seasonal specials to keep you warm.
Kamloops – Privato Vineyard and Winery – If you’re looking for a unique winter experience, Privato Vineyard and Winery is the place to go. This quaint winery is nestled in a Christmas tree farm! Appreciate the view of rows of snow-capped trees as you sip a fragrant Merlot inside their inviting tasting room.
Kamloops – Alchemy Brewing Company – Sometimes the best thing to do in the winter is to stay inside. That’s easy to do at Alchemy Brewing Co. They have live music, trivia, a pool table, pinball, and custom beer pong! You’ll quickly forget how cold it is out there as you enjoy their wide array of taps.
Kootenay Rockies
Rossland – Rossland Beer Company – Small in size but big in flavour, Rossland Beer Company is here to welcome you to their hometown with a pint of their quality handcrafted beer. Rossland is an authentic mountain town, and while we suggest visiting at all times of the year, it really comes to life in the winter. Thankfully, the Rossland Beer Company is conveniently located across from Prestige Mountain Resort Rossland. Just don’t forget your toque!
Nelson – Torchlight Brewing Co. – Named after the Christmas classic, Oh Baby It’s Cold Outside is a winter ale offered at Torchlight Brewing Company. It pairs perfectly with a winter day in Nelson (maybe after hitting the slopes?). If a winter ale isn’t what you’re looking for, don’t worry! They have many innovative craft beers. We suggest getting a flight!
Cranbrook – The Heid Out Restaurant And Fisher Peak Brewery – With 6 of their brews going straight from the tanks to the taps, Fisher Peak Brewing knows how to deliver the perfect fresh brew. Stop by when there’s live music and get a taste of that Kootenay scene as you warm up by the fire. Their inviting space is truly a haven on cold winter nights.
Golden – Whitetooth Brewing Co. – Golden is all about adventure, and Whitetooth Brewing Company is all about the perfect beverage for after. If you’re in Golden in the winter, we will assume you’re all about adventure too. Try their Sickbird North West Pale Ale, a beer reserved for the rowdiest adrenaline junkies. You’ll fit in great at Whitetooth Brewing Co. if you see winter as a welcome challenge.
Radium – Radium Brewing – We bet you didn’t know Radium has its own brewery. It’s a well-kept secret right on Main Street. Inspired by the nature surrounding Radium, the brews at Radium Brewing are locally inspired and crafted with confidence. Watch the local mountain goats cross the snowy street as you enjoy their Kootenay Park Pale Ale. Radium Brewing is simply good beer, by a good town.
The Island
Sooke – Sooke Brewing Company – Vancouver Island is known for its mild winters (compared to the rest of Canada), but that doesn’t mean you won’t find some delicious winter drinks. The owners of Sooke Brewing Company invite you to experience their carefully crafted brews, no matter the weather. Their goal is to raise the bar for great beer in B.C. If you’re in Sooke, you can’t miss this!
Northern BC
Prince George – Northern Lights Winery – Located on the bank of the Nechako River, Northern Lights Winery is the largest fruit winery in British Columbia. The gooseberries, raspberries, apples, rhubarb, black currants, cherries, and blueberries used in their wine are produced right on the property. They have mulled wine kits made with their Bumbleberry wine available for purchase! Is there any better drink for the winter season?
Smithers – Smithers Brewing Company – A little snow-covered timber-framed brewery awaits you in Smithers. Could it get more picturesque than that? Their objective is to make the best beer possible, leading them to create some of the funkiest flavours you’ll find. Their winter ale is boiled for 8 hours to caramelize the malt sugars and has prominent notes of caramel, toffee, and toasted bread. Toasted bread? You’ll have to taste it to believe it.
Prince Rupert – The Wheelhouse Brewing Company – The northern coast of British Columbia has some of the most beautiful, untamed nature. What goes best with that? A beer that is produced locally and is inspired by the people and the historical culture of the northern coast. They create a winter ale to celebrate the brewery’s anniversary every winter. If you’re in Prince Rupert, you must stop by and join in on the celebration!