Are you planning a trip to visit wineries in Kelowna this summer? Are you overwhelmed by the number of choices? We know it can be a lot, so we took the time to research and gather a list of the best wineries in Kelowna based on the awards they have won! These wineries are all within a short drive from Prestige Beach House Kelowna. Don’t want to drive? We’ve compiled a list of wine tours at the bottom of the blog that will pick you up right at the hotel.
Spearhead Winery – Kelowna
Winner of the Kelowna Business Excellence Awards 2022 and the National Wine Award for Best Performing Small Winery of the Year 2022
With a focus on crafting exceptional cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Spearhead Winery has become a destination for wine lovers seeking wines of extraordinary quality and elegance. In 2022, Spearhead Winery was recognized as the Best Performing Small Winery of the Year at the National Wine Awards and received the Kelowna Business Excellence Award. While this winery may be small in size, it has clearly made a significant impression on the Kelowna wine scene; with the number of wineries in Kelowna, this is no easy feat!
Spearhead Winery was founded in 2008 by Bill and Diana Knutson, who were drawn to the Okanagan Valley by its exceptional climate and soil for grape growing. The winery is located on the former site of the pioneering Becker Vineyards, which was established in the early 1990s. The Knutsons were committed to crafting wines of exceptional quality and chose to focus on cool-climate varietals such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. They worked closely with acclaimed winemaker Grant Stanley, who helped them develop their signature style of elegant and complex wines.
Reservations are required for a wine tasting, be sure to book ahead!
Meadow Vista Honey Wines – Kelowna
Gold Medal Winner of the World Mead Championship 2022
Meadow Vista Honey Wines in East Kelowna is home to world-class honey wines. Their exceptional craftsmanship and passion earned them the prestigious World Champion Gold Medalist title in 2022. Savour the harmonious blend of locally sourced honey, fruits, and botanicals, creating a symphony of flavours in every sip. Experience their warm hospitality in the inviting tasting room, and be sure to enjoy their beautiful grounds with happy bees buzzing around the flowers. Of course, they have so much more than just mead! They have honey, candles, and a variety of lotions and tinctures.
Meadow Vistas works with 150 hives of buzzing honey bees and their hard-working beekeepers. In an effort to support our vital bee population, Meadow Vista has devised a remarkable way to nurture these essential pollinators. With every bottle of their honey wines, they attach bee-friendly seeds grown right there on the farm, ready for you to plant in your own garden. By cultivating bee-friendly flowers, you play a crucial role in providing abundant food sources for bees.
Reservations are not required for tastings or for their onsite bistro, but be aware it can get very busy in the summer months. The grounds have many places to relax, including outdoor fire pits. They even sell smores kits!
CedarCreek Estate Winery – Kelowna
Winery of the Year from WineAlign National Wine Awards 2022
CedarCreek Estate Winery was recognized as a beacon of winemaking excellence in 2022. Recently named Winery of the Year at the WineAlign National Wine Awards, CedarCreek epitomizes passion, innovation, and uncompromising quality. CedarCreek Estate Winery merges tradition with innovation to craft extraordinary wines that capture the essence of the Okanagan Valley. Their prestigious Winery of the Year accolade reaffirms their commitment to exceptional craftsmanship.
CedarCreek Winery released its first bottle of wine in 1987. With a foundation built upon three decades of winemaking tradition, winemaker Taylor Whelan is embarking on an exciting new chapter at CedarCreek Estate Winery. Embracing the spirit of innovation, Whelan is crafting a collection of vibrant and expressive Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and aromatic white wines that showcase the unique character of the north Okanagan region. Under Whelan’s guidance, CedarCreek is poised to redefine excellence and leave a mark on the world of winemaking.
Their tasting room is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, so no matter where you sit for your tasting, you are in for a view! Their onsite restaurant is the perfect place for your next special occasion. At Home Block Restaurant, Chef Neil Taylor welcomes guests to celebrate the abundance of the Okanagan Valley. Embracing a farm-to-table ethos, the menu showcases ingredients sourced from their own gardens, local farmers, foragers, and ranchers. With a wine-centric philosophy, Chef Taylor creates rustic and unforgettable dishes.
Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery – West Kelowna
Winner of many Silver and Bronze medals from WineAlign National Wine Awards
Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery had many of its wines recognized with prestigious awards in 2021 and 2020 from Wine Align’s National Wine Awards of Canada.
Their unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional wines has earned them recognition as a trailblazer in the industry. From accolades for their rich reds to praise for their crisp whites, Mt. Boucherie’s award-winning collection exemplifies the finest flavours of the Okanagan Valley. Experience the excellence and indulge in their celebrated wines, transporting your senses to a world of distinction and delight.
The winery traces its origins back to the 1960s when the Gidda family, pioneers in British Columbia’s wine industry, first planted vineyards on the slopes of Mount Boucherie. They recognized the exceptional potential of the region for grape cultivation and winemaking. Over the years, the winery has evolved and expanded, embracing new techniques and technologies while honouring the legacy of the land. In 2001, the Gidda family established Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery.
Walk-ins are welcome at Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery, but reservations are highly recommended, especially in the summer months.
Quails’ Gate Estate Winery – West Kelowna
Certified Sustainable by Sustainable Winegrowing BC 2022
Quails’ Gate Estate Winery is an extraordinary winery where exceptional wines and sustainability intertwine. In 2022, they proudly earned the coveted Certification of Sustainability from Sustainable Winegrowing BC Awards, solidifying their commitment to environmentally conscious practices. With every sip, you can taste the harmony between their award-winning wines and the sustainable practices that shape them. From elegant Chardonnays to luscious Pinot Noirs and beyond, Quails’ Gate Estate Winery offers a diverse portfolio of wines that embody the Okanagan Valley.
The winery has a remarkable history that dates back to 1956 when the Stewart family purchased a rustic orchard on the slopes of Mount Boucherie in the Okanagan Valley. Led by Richard Stewart and his wife, Tony, they embarked on a journey to transform the land into a thriving vineyard. With dedication and vision, the Stewarts planted their first vineyards in 1961, focusing on cool-climate grape varieties. They were among the pioneers of the wine industry in the region and played a vital role in establishing its reputation for producing exceptional wines.
Quails’ Gate Estate Winery will accommodate walk-ins as best they can, but they highly suggest making a reservation to guarantee your spot. Their onsite restaurant is one of the original winery restaurants in West Kelowna. Old Vines Restaurant is renowned and well-known for its exceptional cuisine. Their talented, award-winning culinary team creates menus that showcase the authentic flavours of the Okanagan. They support local farmers and are committed to sustainability through their partnership with Ocean Wise, offering a dining experience that combines traditional Okanagan charm with innovative culinary delights.
50th Parallel Estate Winery – West Kelowna
Platinum Winner of WineAlign National Wine Awards 2022
50th Parallel Estate Winery is the proud platinum winner of the WineAlign National Wine Awards. Located in a picturesque setting, their passion for winemaking shines through in every bottle. Committed to excellence, they craft exceptional wines that capture the region’s essence. Experience the pinnacle of quality and indulge in the award-winning wines of the 50th Parallel Estate Winery, where every sip tells a story of unparalleled craftsmanship and taste.
In 2009, Curtis Krouzel and Sheri-Lee Turner-Krouzel embarked on a journey to create a world-class winery in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. Inspired by their shared passion for wine, Curtis and Sheri-Lee acquired a stunning parcel of land located on the 50th parallel north, an ideal latitude for grape growing. Recognizing the site’s potential with its special climate and fertile soil, they carefully developed a state-of-the-art winemaking facility. The winery’s modern design complements the surrounding nature, creating a harmonious blend of aesthetics and practicality.
Reservations are required for a tasting. Don’t miss the unforgettable dining experience at 50th Parallel Estate Winery, where BLOCK ONE stands out as something truly unique. The restaurant is named after the first vineyard planted back in 2009. This special vineyard block now produces some of the estate’s finest fruit for their acclaimed wines. The outdoor seating area features an impressive design, recognized with international architecture awards, while a remarkable indoor space awaits during winter months. Indulge in a menu focused on wood-fired dishes cooked to perfection in their beautiful Woodstone oven, offering incredible flavours and enticing aromas.
Take The Stress Away – Book a Tour!
Drink responsibly and leave the driving to the pros! Kelowna has many wine tour options available to you. We highly suggest booking in advance if you can. Book your stay at Prestige Beach House Kelowna and enjoy special savings! Many of these trusted companies are Prestige Rewards Partners. That means Prestige Rewards Members have a variety of discounts available to them. Not a Member? Don’t worry; you can sign up here. See a list of our Rewards Partners here.
Visit Kelowna Concierge here.
Phone number: 250-863-4213
Visit Sip & Anchor here.
Phone number: 778-583-5555
Visit Sip Happens Wine Tours here.
Phone number: 778-212-2134
Visit Wicked Tours here.
Phone number: 250-864-9453
Visit Vivid Tours here.
Phone number: 1-855-753-1996