Local Winter Flavours
Winter in the Thompson Okanagan brings shorter days, cooler temperatures, and amazing local food and beverage festivals, events, and markets.
Post-ski meal at Sun Peaks Resort by Destination BC/Reuben Krabbe
With its snow-capped mountain landscapes and cozy valley vibes the Thompson Okanagan invites you to enjoy the season and the local flavours of the region. Winter brings shorter days, cooler temperatures, and amazing local food and beverage festivals, events, and markets.
The region is home to the second-largest wine-producing area in Canada. Following the fall harvest, the wineries, cideries, breweries, and local food producers are ready for you to taste their incredible offerings.
Festivals, events, and markets are a great way to experience several different food and beverage options at once, and there is a variety to attend this winter season.
Food
Apex Mountain Resort, Hoodoo Adventure Company, Maple Leaf Spirits, and Lake Breeze Winery are pairing up to create the ultimate winter adventure and dining experience. After a two-hour guided snowshoe along the beautiful snowy trails at Apex, snuggle up and enjoy a delicious farmstead-to-table dinner while sipping beverages by the fire. This event is happening on January 24, 2024.
Dine Around the Thompson Okanagan features BC VQA wines, BC Beer and Spirits, and delicious food from restaurants in and around Kelowna. This 17-day event offers three-course dining menus from over 50 local restaurants at price points starting at $25-$65 per person. With so many options, there is something for everyone! Dine Around the Thompson Okanagan is happening from January 17 to February 2, 2024.
The Vernon Winter Carnival has been an annual celebration of the season since 1961, with the historical event estimated to have started in the late 1800s. The carnival combines winter activities with delicious food and beverages. With 10 days of entertainment, art, and food and beverage events the Vernon Winter Carnival is an amazing way to celebrate the wonders of winter while enjoying the region’s local flavours. The events start on February 2, 2024.
Beverages
WINTER SIPS - South is happening on January 20, 2024, at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. This event kicks off the Okanagan Winter Wine Festival and features BC VQA wine tasting from regional producers, small bites, and live entertainment. The following weekend, head up to Kelowna’s food and music hub - The Revelry, for WINTER SIPS - North, on January 27, 2024. There is no better way to spend a cool Thompson Okanagan afternoon than sipping on BC wines paired with entertainment and great food.
The Okanagan Winter Wine Festival continues down further south at District Wine Village with Winterfest at the District. On January 20 and 21 head to Oliver with your TASTE Passport, to explore the district and enjoy and explore BC wines from the southern part of the region.
If you’re looking to pair up your tasting experience this season with a bit of adventure, look no further than Apex Mountain Resort in Penticton. There is a wine-tasting adventure and a brewery adventure both happening this winter up at The Gunbarrel Saloon. On February 3 join in some après-ski wine tasting with paired appetizers from The Gunbarrel Saloon during the Vertical & Vintages event. If your after-adventure beverage choice is a local craft beer, join them on March 2 for Brewski, featuring samples from over 20 breweries.
Farmers Markets
One of the best ways to celebrate and enjoy the flavours of the region is by supporting local and attending farmers’ markets. The Thompson Okanagan has several farmers’ markets that feature produce, baking, and other local goods. Some of these markets offer an indoor, winter version, so you can enjoy the local flavours of the Thompson Okanagan even in the winter.
About the author
Nadia is a proud former Thompson Okanagan tourist who now lives in beautiful Kelowna, BC. She hopes to tell the stories of the region’s beauty and hidden treasures while rediscovering the destination she spent enjoying on family vacations.
Touring Okanagan Wine Country: Where to stop, what to expect
The Okanagan is teeming with vineyards, wine shops, and restaurants ready to pair Okanagan grown food with a glass of wine. The Valley has eleven sub-regions, each with distinct soil and climates, or what the French call terroir. Find wines unlike any other popular wine destination. In the Okanagan you can find natural sparkling wine like Pét-Nat or traditional sparkling wine, to Frosé, big bold reds, orange wine, and everything in between. Here's a guide and suggestions to trying the best wine that the Okanagan Valley has to offer.
The Okanagan Valley
The Okanagan is teeming with vineyards, wine shops, and restaurants ready to pair Okanagan grown food with a glass of VQA (vintners quality alliance) British Columbia wine. The Valley has eleven sub-regions, each with distinct soil and climates, or what the French call terroir.
Because the Okanagan wine industry is so young, you will find wines unlike any other popular wine destination. In the Okanagan you can find natural sparkling wine like Pét-Nat or traditional sparkling wine, to Frosé, big bold reds, orange wine, and everything in between. Every winery is unique with their own take on what their wine should taste and how it should be made.
With so many wines to try, ways to drink it, and places to go, how can you possibly decide where to start? Here's a guide and suggestions to trying the best wine that the Okanagan Valley has to offer.
Photo by Destination BC/Andrew Strain
The Central Okanagan
In the Central Okanagan you can enjoy wines with high acidity that are crisp and refreshing. Grapes grown here are usually white, sweet, off-dry or dry, and maintain a refreshing, light, flavour. However, as you continue South the bigger, bolder wines will surface. Many wineries in the Central Okanagan will grow their white and lighter red grapes on property, and source reds and bolder wines from the South Okanagan.
Lake Country
Specializing in white wine, the dominant varietals here are Riesling and Pinot Gris. Lake Country is a great place to try crisp, high acidity, dry white wines, as well as some Pinot Noir.
A Must Stop: A winery worth checking out in Lake country is 50th Parallel Estate Winery. Their 61-acre property highlights white wines and Pinot Noir. 50th Parallel’s wine and dining experience is one to remember. The endless lake views and exceptional service experience will keep you coming back for more.
Photo by @50thparallelwine and @jonadrian
Some other notable wineries in Lake Country
Kelowna and West Kelowna
The Kelowna wine region is home to some of the first families who established the wine industry in the Central Okanagan. The region is made up of more than 900 acres of vines with old and young vineyards offering a wide range of styles.
A Must Stop: While in Kelowna, add tasting at Summerhill Pyramid Winery to your list. As one of the oldest wineries in Kelowna, Summerhill has maintained their commitment to growing organic grapes and encouraging biodiversity since the beginning. So, take in the view of the lake and try their world-famous traditional method sparkling wine.
Photo by @summerhillwine
Some notable wineries in Kelowna and West Kelowna
Peachland and Summerland
This older region is known for its fruit production, especially peaches. If you can grow peaches, you can definitely grow grapes, and Peachland as well as Summerland is covered in over 300 acres of vines. Delicious blends and rosés can come from these regions!
A Must Stop: Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards winery is embedded in the rich Peachland history. Ross and Gordon Fitzpatrick, the founder of CedarCreek and Fitzpatrick winery, first tried peaches on the well-known Greata Ranch property decades ago and fell in love. Now, years later, in replace of the peaches, they have 25-year-old vines that comprise their traditional method sparkling planted.
Photo by @fitzwine
Some other notable wineries in Peachland and Summerland
The South Okanagan
In the South Okanagan you can enjoy wines that are rich and bold with lots of red grapes and classic blends. Grapes grown here are usually deeper red, rich, dry, and maintain a savoury, oaked, flavour. Many wineries in the South Okanagan grow white and red grapes, and have lots of French inspired blends.
Naramata and Penticton
Bordering on Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake, Naramata and Penticton are the perfect places to grow grapes. Nowhere else in the Okanagan will you find so many wineries packed into one place with over 600 acres of vines.
A Must Stop: Poplar Grove Winery continues to create great wines as a staple of the Naramata Bench. They alone own over 100 acres of vines planted in Naramata, and feature eight key varietals from bright whites to deep reds.
Photo by Destination BC/Kari Medig
Other notable wineries in Naramata and Penticton
Okanagan Falls
Located on the southern tip of Skaha Lake, Okanagan Falls is a unique place to taste wine. The versatility and location of Okanagan Falls produces award-winning wines from rich white wines and bright acidity whites, to juicy Pinot Noirs and complex Syrahs with almost 400 acres of vineyards.
A Must Stop: Try wine the way it was intended, with food pairings at Liquidity Wines. Here, you can taste estate grown grapes alongside locally grown food and herbs from their herb garden. All while looking out over their vineyards.
Photo by @liquiditywines
Other notable wineries in Okanagan Falls
Oliver
As Canada’s Wine Capital, Oliver is home to the Golden Mile Bench and Black Sage Road where half of British Columbia vines are grown. This rich area is ideal for red varietals and savoury whites. Oliver has over 40 wineries to stop and taste at, with some providing one-in-a-life-time accommodations.
A Must Stop: This winery is known for traditional French winemaking in the Okanagan. With an eye towards sustainability Le Vieux Pin offers elegantly crafted wines. Considered by the national wine industry to be a leading Syrah producer, Le Vieux Pin creates unforgettable, beautiful wines.
Photo by Thompson Okanagan/ @meghan_reading
Other notable wineries in Oliver
Osoyoos
As one of the warmest areas of Western Canada, the Osoyoos region’s wineries are full of bold red wines – this is Canada’s red wine country. With 1,500 acres of vines in this region, Osoyoos has no shortage of grapes to provide different styles, influences, and flavours to impress their guests with.
A Must Stop: As the first winery in Osoyoos, Nk’mip Cellars holds a unique understanding of the land. Nk’mip Cellars is the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America and has been maintaining a standard of winemaking that is award winning. With a world-class restaurant offering locally sourced food, Nk’mip Cellars an all-encompassing experience.
Photo by @nkmipcellars
Other notable wineries in Osoyoos
For more wineries option in the Thompson Okanagan check out TOTA’s Biosphere committed wineries:
Written by Caroline Peterson
A BC local who went from the lower mainland to the Okanagan. A student with a passion for tourism, she aims to highlight the Thompson Okanagan experience with a fresh, adventurous perspective.
Accessible Scenic Sips Wine Tour
Sonja takes you along on a Scenic Sips Tour including four of Lake Country’s beautiful wineries, highlighting accessibility features so you can plan ahead and enjoy this scenic Okanagan wine route to the fullest.
There’s nothing quite like wine touring along a scenic route on a sunny Okanagan day with your closest friends, catching up and enjoying the spectacular vistas that each winery has to offer. Read on for some Staycation and Vacation inspiration featuring beautiful wineries with great accessibility features in Kelowna and Lake Country.
“Accessibility can mean many different things to people with accessible requirements. When businesses take simple action in designing space, services, products and experiences that are usable by people of any age, size or ability, inclusion and enjoyment by all becomes possible.”
Image by Arrowleaf Cellars
Start your day enjoying your packed charcuterie picnic on the patio overlooking Okanagan Lake at Arrowleaf Cellars, or purchase your ingredients and bring them. Relax, unwind, and sip on any one of their fabulous wines, the perfect pairing for conversations on a sunny afternoon.
Accessible Features:
Image by Arrowleaf Cellars
Paved level parking lot
Two large accessible parking spaces
Wide main entrance
Great wheelchair accessible washroom
No-step level patio
Open concept tasting room
Friendly and accommodating staff
Level grass picnic area
Photo by Sharla Pike
Experience the European ambiance and find some of your favourite gifts in the fabulous wine and gift shop at Gray Monk Estate Winery. Gray Monk's name comes from one of the first grape varieties they produced, Pinot Gris or “Grauer Mönch” in German, hence the translation to Gray Monk.
Accessible Features:
Image by Gray Monk Estate
Paved parking lot - slightly sloped
Accessible parking space
Level main entrance
Good wheelchair accessible washroom
Large open tasting room - lower tasting counter available
Restaurant and patio - elevator access
Image by Peak Cellars
Next stop is O’Rourkes’ Peak Cellars. Request to experience your wine tasting at one of the bistro tables out on the vineyard-side patio as you take in another breathtaking view of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding orchards and rolling mountains. This is the perfect place to compare notes on some of the favourite wines you have tasted thus far!
Accessible Features:
Image by Peak Cellars
Level paved parking lot
Accessible parking stalls
Level main entrance
Good accessible washroom - heavy door
Open concept tasting room
Accessible tables for tasting experience
Accessible restaurant & outdoor patio area.
Image by Jon Adrian
Be WOWED as you approach 50th Parallel Estate Winery, an architecturally designed winery second to none! Experience your tasting in their large open spaced tasting room at a lowered tasting bar if you choose. This is a great place to wrap up a fabulous day with dinner at their open air restaurant. Consider anyone of their delicious menu options, perhaps a Forno Oven Wood Fire pizza paired with their award winning Pinot Noir and more great conversation to finish off!
Accessible Features:
Image by Jon Adrian
Level paved parking lot - north entrance
One accessible parking space
Level paved sidewalk from parking stall to main entrance
Wide main level entrance to restaurant and wine tasting room
Tasting room - two lower tasting bars
Great accessible washroom
Restaurant - lower & higher height tables
Enjoy the Okanagan’s first Urban Winery located in the north end of Downtown Kelowna. Sandhill features a trendy tasting lounge that fills with natural light from their high ceilings of the renovated industrial building. Try their delicious red and white varietals grown throughout the South Okanagan and the Similkameen Valley.
Accessible Features:
Paved level parking lot
Accessible parking spaces
Automatic Door
Wheelchair accessible washroom
Lower & higher height tables
Open concept tasting room
Friendly and accommodating staff
… Enjoy!
Wine tours can be done independently or you can book an accessible tour with our friends at Cheers Okanagan.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sonja Gaudet is a retired 3x Paralympic Gold Medalist and World Champion. She lives in Vernon with her golf-obsessed husband Dan and two adult children Alysha and Colten. Sonja has a passion in locating and creating accessible experiences in the Okanagan region. Some of her adventures include kayaking, exploring the accessible hiking trails with her dog Lina, and enjoying Charcuterie with her most recently discovered favorite glass of red wine, more than likely from somewhere in the South Okanagan or Similkameen region!
IG @sonjagaudet
Similkameen Valley: The Hidden Gem
Visit the Similkameen Valley, a unique and hidden region unlike any other in Canada. Whether you’re visiting Keremeos, Hedley, Princeton, or Manning Park, you’re sure to find something that will put you in a state of awe.
Visit the Similkameen Valley, a unique and hidden region unlike any other in Canada. Whether you’re visiting Keremeos, Hedley, Princeton, or Manning Park, you’re sure to find something that will put you in a state of awe.
Boasting both the Organic Capital of Canada and the Fruit Stand Capital of Canada in Cawston and Keremeos, the area is overflowing with organically produced fresh fruit and unique experiences. The agricultural scene in this region is incredible with many multigenerational farms calling this valley their home. The farmers continue to contribute to the community, and are more neighbours and friends than they are big-company agriculturalists.
Often overlooked because of the Okanagan Valley, the Similkameen Valley’s wine scene is vibrant and unique. Locations like Corcelettes Estate Winery, Seven Stones Winery, Vanessa Vineyard and Rustic Roots Winery & Cidery all have original and different experiences, wines, and tastes. From Seven Stones’ caves to Corcelettes’ view, there’s something for every wine snob and wine rookie alike.
Though the agriculture and wine are incredible in the valley, that just scratches the surface of what this beautiful region has to offer. The outdoor experiences are top notch on their beautiful stretch of Kettle Valley Rail Trail, connecting them to the rest of the Okanagan. You could also explore the incredible provincial parks like Bromley Rock and the ever-impressive Manning Park and go hiking, paddling, camping, or just relaxing. Finally, the Similkameen River is well known for its fishing, both fly and normal.
Whether you’ve never been to the Similkameen or you live in the area, we encourage everyone to discover (or re-discover) this beautiful, unique and often overlooked region of the Thompson Okanagan. These hidden, vibrant communities are all locally run and supported, and give an honest and real experience of what life in the Similkameen valley is like.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alastair is a Canadian writer and blogger. He grew up in Oliver and has settled in Kelowna with his wife, Adrienne. When he isn’t typing up a blog about the newest thing in the Okanagan, you can probably find him on a local patio with a cold-brew in hand (either coffee or beer).
Sustainable Ways to Wine Tour
One of my best ways to experience the Thompson Okanagan is through wine touring. In this article Meghan Reading highlights a few ways to support wine tourism while promoting long-term use and enjoyment of the region.
Try Walking, Biking or an Electric Car
Destination sustainability has many factors. Whether it be socio-cultural or environmental, there are many ways in which operators in the Thompson Okanagan are working towards a responsible tourism system.
One of my favourite ways to experience the Thompson Okanagan is through wine touring. Here, I want to highlight a few ways to support wine tourism while promoting long-term use and enjoyment of the region.
TAKE A WALKING WINE TOUR
In Kelowna (Kilawna), Sandhill Wines and Ricco Bambino are both located within walking distance of most downtown hotels. TIME Winery is located right in downtown Penticton (Sn'pink'tn) or Perseus, Monster Vineyards and Poplar Grove make for a 5 km round trip walk starting from Penticton Lakeside Resort.
For an even shorter commute, check out a winery that has accommodation on-site like Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, Hester Creek Estate Winery, Silver Sage Winery, Therapy Vineyards & Guesthouse, Elephant Island Orchard Wines, Vineglass Vintner’s Resort and Crowsnest Vineyards.
If you’re feeling particularly energetic, sign up for the Kelowna Wine Country Half Marathon or the Half Corked Marathon in Osoyoos (Sẁiẁs).
BOOK A WINERY BIKE TOUR
There are a variety of different bike tours available throughout the region. I have taken excursions with HooDoo Adventures - which I can highly recommend. Next time I’m in the South Okanagan I’d like to check out G.O. Cycling Experiences - their Cycle and Savour trips sound wonderful.
TRY A UNIQUE TRANSPORTATION OPTION
Check out a unique Kayaking Wine Tour with Hoodoo Adventures.
Visit an Eco-Friendly Winery
Many wineries have been recognized for environmental actions throughout the province. Green Tourism Canada put together a list of Movers and Shakers in Sustainable Tourism who have provided leadership in the industry. A few of these businesses include Summerhill Pyramid Winery whose Kelowna vineyard is certified Organic and Biodynamic, Burrowing Owl who commits 100% of their tasting fees to their namesake Owl Conservation Society and Saxon Estate Winery who extracts their grape seeds from wine production to produce local Grape Seed Oil.
Visit an Indigenous-Owned Winery
Celebrate the land and rich culture of the Syilx people by visiting Nk’Mip Cellars in Osoyoos and Indigenous World Winery in West Kelowna. Both wineries celebrate authenticity and a long-standing commitment to the land and remarkable history of which their wines are inspired by.
There are so many ways to experience the bounty of the Thompson Okanagan. Reach out on social media if you have any questions about visiting this robust and thriving wine region.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Meghan Reading is a Canadian travel photographer. She grew up in the rocky mountains of Alberta but now calls British Columbia home. While she looks forward to continuing to explore the world with her camera, her favourite destination will always be her own backyard.