The Okanagan Valley is Canada’s most important wine region. Over 200 wineries operate across the valley, from Osoyoos in the south to Kelowna in the north, with most of the top producers concentrated along two iconic routes: the Golden Mile Bench in Oliver and the Naramata Bench near Penticton.
The wine touring here is genuinely world-class, and unlike Napa or Tuscany, you can still walk into most tasting rooms without a reservation and have a personal conversation with someone who actually made the wine.
Let Someone Else Drive
Guided wine tours from Penticton, Oliver, and Osoyoos. Skip the logistics, taste more wines.
The Three Wine Regions to Know
Golden Mile Bench (Oliver)
The Golden Mile Bench AVA runs along the east side of Highway 97 in Oliver. It is the most concentrated collection of high-quality wineries in BC, known particularly for bold Bordeaux and Rhone-style reds. Burrowing Owl, Road 13, Tinhorn Creek, Hester Creek, and Black Hills are among the must-visits. Budget a full day here.
Naramata Bench (Penticton)
The Naramata Bench is more intimate than the Golden Mile, with smaller producers and sweeping views down Okanagan Lake. Over 40 wineries line the 15-km bench road north of Penticton. Therapy Vineyards, Laughing Stock, Poplar Grove, Kettle Valley, and Wild Goose are standouts. The scenery alone makes it worth the drive.
Osoyoos Area
The area around Osoyoos has its own excellent producers, particularly Nk’Mip Cellars (the first Indigenous-owned winery in Canada) and Tinhorn Creek. The desert climate here produces some of the most heat-loving varietals in BC.
Self-Drive vs. Guided Tours
Self-Drive Winery Tour
The most popular approach. You drive the bench road yourself, stopping at whichever wineries appeal. Works best with a designated non-drinking driver or by splitting a day between two vehicles. Tips for doing it well:
- Limit to 4 or 5 wineries per day. More than that and the experience degrades.
- Book lunch at a winery restaurant in advance for July and August.
- Start at 10 or 11 am when tasting rooms open and crowds are thinnest.
- Have a list but stay flexible. Roadside signs for small producers you haven’t heard of are often worth the detour.
- Most tasting fees ($10 to $25) are waived with a purchase.
Guided Wine Tours
Several operators run half-day and full-day guided wine tours from Penticton, Oliver, and Osoyoos. A driver handles transport while you taste freely. Often includes winery introductions and food pairings. Best option for groups who all want to drink, or for visitors who want local knowledge baked in.
Browse Wine Tours on Viator → Browse Wine Tours on GetYourGuide →Local operators: Red Dog Wine Tours (Kelowna, Viator award winner) • Vivid Tours (e-bike wine tours, Kelowna) • Epic Cycling (e-bike rentals + self-guided Naramata Bench tours, Penticton)
Top Wineries in the South Okanagan
These are the wineries that belong on every serious visitor’s list:
Winery Tasting Tips
- Spit or pace yourself. Tasting rooms encourage you to try everything. You don’t have to finish every pour.
- Eat before you go. A good breakfast or snack before the first tasting makes a real difference.
- Ask questions. Staff at smaller wineries are usually extremely knowledgeable and happy to talk. It’s how you find the wines that aren’t on the tasting flight.
- Check wine club memberships. Many Okanagan wineries offer visitor-only club perks or discounts during your visit.
- Ship or check wine home. BC wineries can ship within BC. If you’re driving back to Alberta or beyond, you can bring wine across as personal use.