The Westside Wine Trail Wineries are open and that means that you've got 15 reasons to travel the Trail.
"From all of us along the Westside Wine Trail, thank you so much for your continued support over the past few months! As we enter this new phase, let’s keep that local love going and support our community’s tourism businesses, which can help us reconnect to the places where we live and discover new ways of exploring and enjoying our own backyards."
As member tasting rooms reopen, each winery wants to ensure that their families, staff and customers have a safe, comfortable and welcoming experience, so they've prepared a few things to keep in mind as we navigate this new normal together.
Enjoy this alphabetical scroll through the Westside Wine Trail and know that along with the list below, the City of West Kelowna has a lot to experience, including hiking and biking trails, beaches and parks, restaurants and more Westside fun. To add to your Westside Wine Trail adventure, you can find new ideas for a great summer #stacation online at visitwestside.com and thewestsidewinetrail.com.
Looking for wine made from certified organic grapes? This stop along the trail has been 100% certified organic by the Similkameen Okanagan Organic Producers Association (#456) since 1995.
Of the three Beaumont vineyards, the first was established in 1995. Here, the Homeplace Vineyard grapes enjoy a spectacular southern view of the lake and Okanagan Valley. This location produces excellent Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Gamay Noir and Pinot Noir.
The second, which was planted in 1998, has 11.5 acres of Pinot Gris and Gamay Noir. Known as the Mori Vineyard, it's the helm of the winery due to its lush and fertile south-sloping land that creates a fruitful wine.
The third, Douillard Vineyard, was planted in 2000 and it is where the Westside Wine Trail will show you a picture-perfect Pinot Noir that was created on land known for award-winning wines and blocks specially reserved for ice-wines.
Travel along the Westside Wine Trail and stop into the Beaumont Family Estate wine shop daily between 11 am and 5 pm.
For groups of more than five people, please book ahead by sending an email to info@beaumontwinery.com or by calling 250-769-1222.
Address: 2775 Boucherie Rd
As you travel the Westside Wine Trail, come experience a taste of Italy in the Okanagan at Ciao Bella Winery.
At this winery, you'll get to mingle with a family who originate from Southern Italy while you enjoy award-winning Okanagan wines with Italian flair.
Check out their bubbly Pinozannte, which pairs perfectly with sunshine and smiles, or the always perfect, award-winning Pinot Nero (Noir).
You can come by their wine shop and tasting room Thursday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm and Sunday from noon to 5 pm. Appointments are strongly recommended as drop-ins cannot be guaranteed a timely tasting.
Monday through Wednesday tastings are currently by appointment only, which you can make by calling 778-754-3443 or sending an email to info@ciaobellawinery.com.
Please note that a maximum of six people, all of whom must be from the same group/family, can be accommodated in the wine shop. For social distancing, please stay six feet apart in both the wine shop and picnic area.
Address: 3252 Glencoe Rd
To get to know more about Ciao Bella, watch this video below:
One of the newer wineries on the trail is a breathtaking lakefront winery known as Frind Estate Winery. The property, previously owned by former BC Premier, Bill Bennettt, was purchased in 2017 by Markus Frind after he sold his company, Plentyoffish.
With a history of farming in the family of over 500 years, Markus wanted to combine his two passions: technology and agriculture. Today Frind Estate Winery is one of the most advanced wineries in the world, using cutting-edge technology to create truly distinctive wines.
When you travel along the Westside Wine Trail, make sure you visit this lakefront winery so you can enjoy some wine on their beach!
The wine shop and tasting room are open daily from noon to 6 pm. However, tastings are currently by appointment only. If you'd like to book a tasting, call 778-754-1118 or send an email to tastingroom@frindwinery.com.
Address: 3725 Boucherie Rd
At this Westside Wine Trail destination, you'll get to experience how a combination of traditional and newly-inspired winemaking methods produce a world-class range of wines that highlight the unique characteristics of the Okanagan Valley region.
What makes this stop unique is that each bottle of wine is made with grapes that are hand-harvested and pressed with Grizzli Winery's two state-of-the-art German presses, which just so happen to be the largest in British Columbia.
This technology is leading the way for Grizzli's continual growth and it's something that the team will gladly tell you more about while you enjoy a varietal and vintage that proudly stands among the world’s finest. One that we recommend is their multiple-time award-winning 2014 Reserve Cabernet Franc, with aromas of cocoa, plum and blackberry. Etched real gold and silver, this Special Reserve Cabernet Franc will be a great souvenir from your trip along the Westside Wine Trail.
Step into this gorgeous facility anytime between 10 am and 6 pm daily. That's right, this Grizzli doesn't hibernate. They're open 365 days a year, including all holidays.
Address: 2550 Boucherie Rd
As BC's first fully aboriginal-owned BC VQA winery, they're merging modern culture with Indigenous history in a way that pays respect to those who protected these lands for thousands of years.
By sharing the land and its rich history with travellers along the trail, Indigenous World Winery is producing world-class wines in a respectful way to the environment and its people. And the way that they're accomplishing this, is by carefully selecting grapes from vineyards in both the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys.
They pride themselves on the close partnerships that they've established with the grape growers, who are dedicated to producing only the highest-quality fruit. And because of their commitment to these standards, every new vintage’s expression of the land can be found in each aroma and taste of the wine as the final product. This is something that the entire team recognizes and appreciates at the Indigenous World Winery. Come by for tastings and to shop anytime between 11 am to 6 pm daily. But before you visit, please view their COVID-19 protective measures here.
For those who would like to enjoy a special dining experience, the Red Fox Bistro has reopened Wednesday to Saturday. Come experience an exquisite meal between noon to 8 pm.
Address: 2218 Horizon Dr
This peaceful winery got its name from a legend told by the owner, Karnail’s grandparents. They told the story of how the village where he was born came to be.
Long ago in Northern India, farmers working in the beautiful and distant flatlands came upon a wolf and lamb sitting peacefully together. They believed this coexistence to be so inspiring that they moved their village to this very spot, in hopes that the same harmony would be reflected in their village, and named it Kalala, meaning Miracle Place.
Feeling that this story was reflective of the Okanagan Valley and Karnail's pursuit to grow grapes in harmony with nature, he named his winery after this miraculous place, Kalala.
It's a destination along the Westside Wine Trail that you simply must experience. Stop into the wine shop and tasting room anytime from 11 am to 5 pm daily.
Address: 3361 Glencoe Rd
When you see the incredible view of the lake and surrounding vineyards, you'll thank yourself that you made the trip.
You'll be even more grateful to know that more recently, Little Straw Vineyards has been producing exceptional Sauvignon Blancs and ventured into white and rosé sparkling wine production, all of which you can enjoy in the renovated tasting room.
Stop into this winery lounge for a light meal and wine by the glass. The Slamka family and team at Little Straw will be happy to host you while you travel along the Westside Wine Trail. Visit the wine shop from noon to 6 pm Friday through Sunday.
Address: 2815 Ourtoland Rd
The moment you enter the gates and walk underneath the archway, you'll feel as if you've entered the crown jewel of the Westside Wine Trail.
From the bell tower to the impressive architecture that surrounds you as you gaze upon Okanagan Lake, you can enjoy a multitude of wine and culinary experiences from a vantage point that rests high above West Kelowna.
You really don't need a reason to experience Mission Hill Family Estate, Canadas' only five-time winery of the year, but the view and quality of wine certainly are persuasive.
Visit Mission Hill's wine shop anytime between noon and 6 pm. If you would like to come for a tasting and tour, you'll need to make a reservation. To do that, click here.
For a splendid dining experience, the Terrace Restaurant is now open from noon to 3 pm for lunch daily and for dinner on Thursday to Monday between 5 pm and 8 pm. To reserve your table, click here.
Address: 1730 Mission Hill Rd
What was once an active stratovolcano, Mt. Boucherie has become a favourite place to visit along the Westside Wine Trail. This historic BC wine company is booming with fresh energy, resources and ideas — just like the bold red colour of their Rosé!
The vision of this winery is to continue providing fantastic British Columbia wines while implementing sustainable farming practices and enhancing guest experiences with outstanding hospitality and good times.
The collection of wines are erupting with flavour: they're crisp and refreshing.
Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery is a vineyard where you will enjoy a truly unique guest experience so step into the wine shop and tasting room daily between 10 am to 8 pm.
You can even enjoy a dining experience at the Modest Butcher, which is now open for small bites and flights.
Address: 829 Douglas Rd
Who knew that the Westside Wine Trail went Off the Grid?
This winery has picnic tables that overlook West Kelowna and they'll provide you with the solitude to enjoy a truly unique Off the Grid experience. This is a place where you'll feel soothed and relaxed as you sip fantastic creations of this family-owned and operated organic winery.
Oh, and there are goats on the roof.
Off the Grid's wine shop is open and food trucks are there daily with walk-ins welcome. If you prefer to book a reservation, you can do that too. Just click here to book. If you travel the Westside Wine Trail on Sunday, you can join a yoga session too. Sign up by reservation.
Address: 3623 Glencoe Rd
Great wines begin in great vineyards.
One of the Okanagan's greatest treasures, Quails' Gate, is a family-farmed winery that provides nothing but an exquisite experience to travellers of the Westside Wine Trail.
It all began in 1989 after the Stewart family produced their first Pinot Noir vintage and in 2019, Quails' Gate celebrated their 30th anniversary of viticultural and winemaking excellence.
So when you step near these historic vines, you can enjoy a collection of award-winning wines, dine at the Old Vines Restaurant, rest and rejuvenate at two vacation getaways or attend any of their many classy events.
You can visit the wine shop and tasting bar daily from 11 am to 5 pm. Tastings will be for a maximum of six people so appointments are highly recommended, but walk-ins will be welcome based on availability. To book a tasting, click here.
In addition to wine tastings, Old Vines Restaurant is offering an all-day à la carte menu to a maximum of six people per table. Reservations are required.
Address: 3303 Boucherie Rd
Located less than 10-minutes from downtown Kelowna, Rollingdale Winery is nestled in Lakeview Heights in West Kelowna.
As you can see from this list, the theme "family," is important and here at Rollingdale, they're no different. This 100% family-owned and operated winery focuses on producing fine wines using only premium grapes made from the most conscientiously cultivated vines they can find.
Come see this relaxing atmosphere at Rollingdale Winery and they'll give you a tasting and a tour of the wine cellar.
The wine shop and tasting room are open daily from noon to 6 pm.
Address: 2306 Hayman Rd
To see why Rollingdale Winery is a great reason to travel the Trail, watch this video below.
Wine in a casual, fun and unique atmosphere? Yes, please!
Here at the hatch, you'll get to try some incredibly tasty wines to go with their artwork and stories, like the one about Pamela Anderson collaborating with the hatch winemaker, Jason Parkes. They created their first release, Contempt Brut Rosé. And although it's no longer available, we encourage you to go ask about it while you sip on some Octobubble Brut Rosé.
Visit the wine shop for curbside pick-up and enjoy the outdoor tasting room from 11 am to 5 pm. All tastings will be conducted outdoors and be contactless. Plus, you can get a free mask with your tasting!
Address: 3225 Boucherie Rd
One reason to visit Truck 59 Ciderhouse is that it is the lone cidery on a list of 14 wineries.
Another reason is that Truck 59 is about more than just creating outstanding ciders. Owners Russ and Helen are giving back to the community.
For every bottle cap brought back to the cider house and for every bottle opened in the tasting room, Truck 59 donates 10 cents to the West Kelowna Firefighters’ charity of choice! Truck 59 wanted to not only showcase firefighter memorabilia in their tasting room but also align themselves with the kinds of charities that the Firehall would support.
If that isn't enough of a reason to get some cider while you travel the Westside Wine Trail, then here's one more: the tasting room is open every day of the week. Come by Monday to Friday anytime between 10 am to 4 pm and on weekends from 11 am to 6 pm for flights and pick-ups.
Address: 3887 Brown Rd
"A Father’s Dream, a Family’s Journey."
Like the vines at Volcanic Hills Estate Winery, family roots in the Okanagan run deep. In 1958, Mehtab Gidda came to our “Land of Wonder” with a dream of farming and only $5 in his pocket. In 1978, the family officially began growing grapes and after three generations and 60 years, this family is proud to share with you what happens when you pursue a dream.
Situated on the SE slope of Mt. Boucherie, a 60 million-year-old dormant volcano, Volcanic Hills Winery takes its name from the rich volcanic soils surrounding it. This is a land of opportunity. This is the terroir of the western shores of Okanagan Lake.
Stop on the trail to visit the wine shop and tasting room open daily between 11 am and 5:30 pm.
Address: 2845 Boucherie Rd
Ever wish you had a friend with a comfy home on a beautiful hillside in the Okanagan Valley, one who knows the best local restaurants, wineries and attractions? Well, now you do.
A View to Remember Bed & Breakfast has two rooms available for rent to ensure social distancing and for the time being, breakfast will be served outside or in guestrooms only. For more details, click here.
Address: 1090 Trevor Dr
When available, they're currently shuttling wine tours of six people or less. To see the available tours, click here or contact them via email from info@uncorkedokanagan.com to get specific details.
These guided tours along the Westside Wine Trail are built on insider knowledge of the region and they'll give you a front-row seat to a picturesque journey full of memorable sights, sounds and sensations.
To learn more about one of their most popular tours, the Westside Wine Tour, click here.
This gem is the quintessential lakeside retreat.
The Cove is quiet, relaxing and located on the shores of Okanagan Lake with 100 spacious, residence-style suites tucked among beautiful gardens.
It’s a place that feels completely removed from the modern world yet you’re just a short drive from the Westside Wine Trail.
Your Okanagan outdoor adventure begins here.
Casa Loma Lakeshore Resort is a historic resort that offers 29 individually-designed and owned condo units with one, two and two plus den bedrooms.
Located on the shores of Okanagan Lake, Casa Loma is one of the most beautiful places to relax after a day of travelling along the Westside Wine Trail.
There you have it!
15 reasons to travel along the Westside Wine Trail along with a few bonuses to help you make the most of your adventure.
But before you go travelling the trail, here is one last thing to help you explore: below is a list of wineries with links to their restaurants.
The Westside Wine Trail is home to some of the oldest and most well-established vineyards and wineries in the Okanagan Valley. It is a place where the tasting room experiences are diverse and moments turn into lifelong memories. Located in the City of West Kelowna, just 10 minutes from Kelowna and 35 minutes from Penticton, BC, the Westside Wine Trail is a must-see excursion.
In collaboration with Visit Westside, this content was designed to further promote the activities available to you when you visit West Kelowna & Westbank, there are lots to see and do; from the beautiful waterfront beaches and parks to running and cycling routes, to hiking in the mountains. Share your experiences with #visitwestside.
NowMedia sponsored content is written and posted in partnership with participating businesses. While NowMedia retains editorial control of sponsored content, the content is created in collaboration with the sponsor.
If you get value from KelownaNow and believe local independent media is important to our community we ask that you please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter.
If you appreciate what we do, we ask that you consider supporting our local independent news platform.
