Wind Your Way Through Lake Country for Fabulous Wines Paired with Stunning Views
Embark on a journey north of Kelowna to Lake Country, where stunning vineyards meet serene waters, creating the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable wine experience. Here’s your guide to discovering the wineries of this picturesque region.
As you head north, make your first stop Ancient Hill Estate Winery. Specializing in small-lot wines made exclusively from grapes grown on its own estate, visitors can enjoy stunning views from the charming patio, overlooking vineyards and the majestic mountains surrounding Kelowna. The European-style wine shop also offers a selection of cheese, crackers, and non-alcoholic beverages for enjoyment on-site or on the pet-friendly patio.
Next, visit Arrowleaf Cellars, with a modern tasting room, patio, and pet-friendly picnic area, visitors have plenty of ways to enjoy the wine and views. Arrowleaf sources 90% of its grapes from Lake Country, with the remaining 10% from Kelowna, meaning the focus is on cool-climate varietals like Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Zweigelt, in addition to more rare (for the Okanagan Valley) varietals like Bacchus and Petite Arvine. Visit on a weekend this fall or winter to book a Wine & Cheese Paired Tasting or get your holiday shopping done at their Winter Market, November 23 & 24.
Afterwards, cross the road to Ex Nihilo Vineyards. Established in 2008, Ex Nihilo places emphasis on crafting wines from sustainably farmed vineyards that are a true expression of the terrior. Visit for the Signature Tasting at the tasting bar or the seated Memor Vivo Tasting for a guided experience featuring their top-tier wines. Through the fall a variety of eventsare being held at the winery, including their Dinner Series every other Saturday featuring a different theme.
Down the road is one of the Okanagan Valley’s pioneering wineries, Gray Monk Estate Winery. Established in 1972, the winery was the first to bring Pinot Gris to the Valley and continues to be a leading winery in cool-climate wines. Open year-round, Gray Monk offers a variety of tasting experiences and features The Lookout Restaurant, open Friday to Sunday through fall and winter, where you can enjoy a meal while soaking in the beautiful views from the patio. Gray Monk also hosts events throughout the year like Paint & Sip Nights, a book club, and special tasting events.
Finally, take a scenic drive along Carrs Landing Road to reach 50th Parallel Estate, located on a stunning 61-acre site overlooking Okanagan Lake. The expansive tasting room features floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing guests to fully appreciate the surrounding beauty of the vineyards and lake. You can enjoy tastings and immersive experiences while enjoying 50th Parallel’s select wines through one of five tasting or tour experiences. The winery’s restaurant, BLOCK ONE, is open year-round features dishes meant to be cooked in the high heat of a wood-fired oven, which is at the centre of the restaurant.
With the driving necessary to visit the wineries in Lake Country, plan a safe ride by booking a guided tour. With various options available, you can join a group or arrange a private tour to explore at your own pace. If you choose not to book a tour, always remember to have a designated driver.
Lastly, don’t miss the chance to sign up for the #exploreKelowna Wineries Pass during your visit! As you explore the wineries, you can earn points toward exciting prizes and be entered into a quarterly draw for a wine-themed prize pack valued at over $350.
