Best Wineries in the Okanagan

The Okanagan Valley is Canada’s most important wine region, with over 200 wineries stretching from the desert-edge vineyards of Osoyoos north to the cool-climate estates near Vernon. The range of styles is remarkable: bold Bordeaux and Syrah from the Golden Mile Bench, elegant Pinot Noir from Naramata, crisp aromatic whites from the North Okanagan. This guide covers the top producers by region.

Osoyoos & Area Wineries

Nk’Mip Cellars

The first Indigenous-owned winery in Canada, operated by the Osoyoos Indian Band. The tasting room overlooks the lake and desert. Qwam Qwmt Syrah and Merlot are the standouts — bold, warm-climate reds that reflect the unique desert terroir. The cultural connection to the land is tangible here in a way that distinguishes it from any other winery in BC. Staff are knowledgeable and welcoming. Don’t skip the outdoor patio.

Don’t miss: Qwam Qwmt Syrah, Dreamcatcher white blend

Reservations: Walk-ins welcome, busy on summer weekends

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery

One of BC’s most celebrated producers. The tasting room is architecturally striking, the wines are consistently excellent, and the Sonora Room restaurant attached to the winery is one of the finest dining experiences in the South Okanagan. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah are highlights. The guesthouse accommodation is lovely if you can get a room.

Don’t miss: Athene (flagship red blend), Cabernet Franc

Reservations: Recommended for tastings; required for restaurant

Oliver / Golden Mile Bench Wineries

The Golden Mile Bench AVA is BC’s most concentrated wine region — a 10 km stretch along the east side of Highway 97 in Oliver producing some of the country’s best red wines. Budget a full day here.

Road 13 Vineyards

Consistently award-winning producer on the Golden Mile. The Jackpot series offers excellent everyday drinking value; the reserve reds — Syrah, GSM, Cabernet Sauvignon — are world-class. The tasting room staff are among the most knowledgeable on the bench. A must-visit for serious wine lovers.

Don’t miss: Jackpot Syrah, Fifth Element red blend

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards

A large, well-established producer with an excellent tasting room experience and one of the best winery restaurants in the South Okanagan (Miradoro). The amphitheatre hosts concerts in summer. Consistently good across their entire range — reliable entry point for visitors new to Okanagan wine.

Don’t miss: Oldfield Series Merlot, 2Bench Red

Hester Creek Estate Winery

Italian-influenced producer with beautiful vineyards on the Golden Mile. Trebbiano and Pinot Grigio whites stand out as unusual varietals for BC, and they do them well. The Il Carino restaurant has excellent pizza and pasta with vineyard views. Boutique villa accommodation on site.

Don’t miss: Trebbiano, Character Red

Black Hills Estate Winery

Cult status in BC wine circles. Nota Bene — their flagship Bordeaux blend — sells out before release every year. Tasting appointments required. The wines justify the fuss. If you can get in, do.

Don’t miss: Nota Bene, Alibi white blend

Reservations: Required, book weeks ahead

Covert Farms Family Estate

Certified organic farm and winery north of Oliver — one of the largest certified organic farms in BC. U-pick available in season. The wines are honest and food-friendly rather than flashy. The farm experience sets it apart — combine a winery visit with a farm tour and fruit picking.

Don’t miss: Amicitia red blend, farm tour experience

Naramata Bench Wineries

The 15 km bench road north of Penticton holds over 40 wineries in one of the most scenic wine routes in Canada. Intimate producers, sweeping lake views, and a relaxed pace distinguish this area from the Golden Mile.

Poplar Grove Winery

One of the Naramata Bench’s original producers, with spectacular views over Okanagan Lake from the tasting room. Consistently excellent across reds and whites. The Benchmark wines are the top tier; the cheese and charcuterie pairing in the tasting room is one of the best wine experiences on the Bench.

Don’t miss: Benchmark Merlot, The Legacy red blend

Laughing Stock Vineyards

Boutique producer with a devoted following. Appointment-only tastings in an intimate setting. Portfolio red blend and Blind Trust white are their flagship wines. The personalized tasting experience is worth the booking effort — you’ll learn more about Okanagan wine here than in most crowded tasting rooms.

Don’t miss: Portfolio, Blind Trust White

Reservations: Required

Therapy Vineyards

Known for playful labels and genuinely good wines. The tasting room has a warm, relaxed atmosphere and one of the better vineyard patios on the Bench. Freudian Sip white blend is a perennial bestseller for good reason. Accessible and fun without sacrificing quality.

Don’t miss: Freudian Sip, Pinot Noir

Kettle Valley Winery

Small family operation at the north end of the Bench. Old vines, low yields, concentrated wines. The reds — particularly Pinot Noir and Syrah — punch above their price point. One of the Bench’s hidden gems; gets less traffic than the better-known names.

Don’t miss: Old Main Red, Pinot Noir

Wild Goose Vineyards

Family-run producer in Okanagan Falls (just south of the Bench). Excellent Riesling and Gewurztraminer — some of the best aromatics in BC. The lakeside tasting room and picnic area make it a lovely stop. Very friendly atmosphere.

Don’t miss: Mystic River Riesling, Autumn Gold white blend

Kelowna & West Kelowna Wineries

Mission Hill Family Estate

The most visually dramatic winery in BC — a Roman-inspired complex on a hilltop above Okanagan Lake with a bell tower, amphitheatre, and sweeping views. The wines are excellent across the board, particularly the Oculus flagship Bordeaux blend. The winery restaurant is outstanding. Worth a visit purely for the architecture even if you don’t drink wine.

Don’t miss: Oculus, Perpetua Chardonnay, the architecture

Quails’ Gate Estate Winery

One of Kelowna’s most beloved producers, on the shores of Okanagan Lake in West Kelowna. Old Vines Foch — made from one of the oldest vine blocks in BC — is a remarkable wine. The Old Vines Restaurant is excellent. Consistent, friendly, and genuinely impressive across the range.

Don’t miss: Old Vines Foch, Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay

CedarCreek Estate Winery

Organic certified producer on the Kelowna lakeshore. Platinum Block wines are the flagship — single vineyard expressions of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling. The restaurant on site (Home Block) serves some of the best food in Kelowna. A complete experience.

Don’t miss: Platinum Block Pinot Noir, Home Block Chardonnay

Summerhill Pyramid Winery

A unique biodynamic producer near Kelowna with a genuine pyramid structure used to age wines. Sparkling wine is the specialty — the Cipes Brut is BC’s most awarded sparkling wine. The organic restaurant has panoramic lake views. Polarizing in its approach but the wines are genuinely distinctive.

Don’t miss: Cipes Brut sparkling, Ehrenfelser white

Ex Nihilo Vineyards

Small-batch producer in Lake Country between Kelowna and Vernon. Exceptional Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. The tasting room has a relaxed, personal atmosphere far from the crowds of the bigger Kelowna names. One of the best introductions to North Okanagan wine.

Don’t miss: Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir

North Okanagan / Vernon Area Wineries

Gray Monk Estate Winery

One of BC’s oldest and most respected producers, in Okanagan Centre near Vernon. The cooler North Okanagan climate produces exceptional aromatic whites — Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Auxerrois are the strengths. The lakeview patio is one of the most scenic spots in the entire valley to enjoy a glass of wine.

Don’t miss: Odyssey White Brut, Pinot Gris, the patio view

O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars

Hilltop location above Okanagan Lake north of Kelowna. Modern tasting room, great views, and well-made cool-climate whites. Newer producer growing quickly in reputation.

Don’t miss: Riesling, Chardonnay

Intrigue Wines

North of Vernon, this small family operation produces excellent Riesling and Gewurztraminer in one of the valley’s coolest growing zones. Worth a detour for aromatic white fans.

Tasting Tips

• Limit to 4–5 wineries per day. More than that and palate fatigue sets in and you stop appreciating what you’re drinking.
• Start south, drive north. Beginning in Osoyoos and working up through Oliver, Penticton, and Kelowna means you follow the progression from hottest to coolest climate — which mirrors the wine styles nicely.
• Book restaurants well ahead. Winery restaurants like Miradoro, Sonora Room, and Home Block book out weeks in advance for summer weekends.
• Most tasting fees ($10–$25) are waived with a purchase. One bottle usually covers it.
• Ask about the wine club. Many Okanagan wineries offer visitor-only perks or discounts at the time of tasting.