Summer in British Columbia is truly a one of a kind experience, especially when it comes to discovering premium wine in the heart of the province’s wine country. The Okanagan and Thompson Valleys are home to some of BC’s best wineries, each offering its own unique taste, scenery, and charm. Here are the top winery destinations to explore this summer!

Kelowna

Kelowna is home to some of Canada’s most renowned wineries in the Okanagan Valley, drawing visitors from all over the world. The region is home to more than forty wineries, ranging from sleek, modern estates to cozy, family-run farms steeped in history. With many of them just a short drive apart, visitors can easily spend the day “winery hopping” to explore different vineyards during their stay. Kelowna’s reputation as a top wine destination comes from its winemaking excellence, robust wine tourism infrastructure, and thriving culinary scene that pairs perfectly with the local wines. In Kelowna, wine is more than a drink, it is a way of life, surrounded by rolling vineyards and stunning views of Okanagan Lake.

Penticton

Penticton is another celebrated wine destination in the Okanagan Valley, anchored by the renowned Naramata Bench, a scenic wine sub-region stretching along the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake. From the edge of Penticton to the town of Naramata, this winding road is lined with dozens of wineries, many of them just a short walk apart. Thanks to this close proximity, Penticton offers a tighter, more personal wine touring experience near Canada’s only desert region. For wine enthusiasts, the region is especially known for its excellent Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Syrah.

Kamloops

In 2018, Kamloops was officially recognized as one of British Columbia’s newest wine destinations, home to four wineries within the Thompson Valley. This smaller, more intimate region offers a markedly different experience from the Okanagan, where visitors often get to meet the winemakers themselves and tour the vineyards firsthand. With a relaxed, community-driven atmosphere, Kamloops invites wine lovers to slow down and connect with the people behind every bottle.

Whether you are a regular or a first-time visitor, British Columbia’s wine country is a place for everyone. From bold and crisp to light and fresh to fruity, our province offers something for every palate. This summer is the perfect chance to explore at least one of these renowned wine regions, or maybe all three. So let us take you there, to Kelowna, Penticton, or Kamloops!

 

Photo Credits: Super, Natural British Columbia