Boutique wineries are on the rise in Kelowna, and so are wine tours that focus on these smaller, more intimate winery stops. This could be because they offer a more unique wine tour experience compared to what the average tourist might expect. There’s also a more intentional feel when it comes to visiting boutique wineries, as you get a quaint, intimate experience that you might not always find at larger wineries.
Boutique, which is defined as a small store or business establishment, fits the bill for many wineries throughout the Kelowna region.
The majority of the 277 licensed grape wineries in B.C. are small, family-run estates, making the options for boutique wine touring throughout the province almost endless!
There are tons of amazing small wineries in the Okanagan, specifically in and around the Kelowna area. We’re here to chat about four of our favourites, what makes them great stops for your next boutique wine tour, and the best wine tour companies for boutique wine tours in Kelowna, B.C.
SpearHead Winery
Picture this: you’re driving through Southeast Kelowna, surrounded by endless views of nearby vineyards, orchards, and farmland. Nestled among the vineyards, you notice a quaint-looking yellow house with the most gorgeous patio. That’s where you’ll find SpearHead Winery, which was also named Winery of the Year at the 2024 National Wine Awards of Canada and the number one small winery in 2022 and 2024.
Although this is a smaller winery, it packs a lot of punch with its list of awards and cozy atmosphere. When you think of a boutique winery, this place has everything you could picture. A perfect little patio with a pergola and vineyards nearby. Amazing events for you, your friends, and family to enjoy. And stunning views of the surrounding vineyards paired with amazing wines to try.
Their wine portfolio includes their Pinot Noir Rosé, which is a personal favourite of ours, along with Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Pinot Noir.
The winery and its wines have been covered in the news and recognized with plenty of awards over the years, including features in notable wine and lifestyle publications. When you visit here, you’re visiting a place that produces some of the most celebrated wines in the valley.
Tastings are seated and led by a knowledgeable member of their team, making the experience feel even more personal. It’s especially beautiful during the summer months when you can sit outside on their patio and soak in all the amazing Kelowna views.
Overall, this is easily one of the top boutique wineries you can visit in Kelowna.
Ancient Hill Winery
One of our next top picks when it comes to boutique wineries in the Kelowna region is Ancient Hill Winery. This family-owned winery is located in North Kelowna, directly across from Kelowna International Airport, on land originally planted with grapes more than 60 years ago. In 2005, the Ancient Hill vineyard was planted with varietals including Baco Noir, Lemberger, Zweigelt, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir.
One of the first things you may notice about this property is its European charm. In 2008, a well-known architect from Penticton was asked to design a winery building that matched the name and concept behind Ancient Hill. This winery does exactly that, capturing its European charm while being surrounded by beautiful gardens that make you feel like you’re in a fairytale, all while offering some of the best winery views overlooking Kelowna.
Its patio is one of the best spots on the property, and they welcome you to bring your own picnic to enjoy with your wine tasting. You’ll notice the countryside charm here that really brings out the natural landscape and cozy feel of the property.
Guests often remark on this place being very sweet and welcoming, offering an overall enjoyable experience where you can soak in a stunning view and enjoy a glass of B.C. wine with amazing hospitality.
With quaint vibes and noticeable touches of natural wood, pergolas draped in vines, string lights, metal garden patio furniture, and chandeliers hanging from the outdoor pergola, the entire property feels like you’re tucked into a little fairytale right in the heart of Kelowna. All of this easily earns Ancient Hill Winery a spot on our list of the top four boutique wineries to visit in Kelowna, B.C.
The Gallery Winery
If you’re looking for a stop with a view, The Gallery Winery is the perfect boutique winery for you. Located in West Kelowna, this estate-grown, small-lot winery offers a lot of charm and uniqueness wrapped into one hidden gem of a spot.
Perched right on top of a hill, this location has stunning views of Okanagan Lake, the surrounding mountains, and the estate vineyards. You’ll also find their hidden Sanctuary Gardens, which are well known for hosting small private weddings and photo shoots thanks to the stunning views and beautiful gardens.
The Gallery Winery features an amazing outdoor space that gives guests the perfect picture moment with their picture frame sculpture. It perfectly frames the Okanagan landscape surrounding you and serves as a reminder that the view itself looks like something straight out of a painting.
People are known to pose in front of this sculpture, as it makes for the perfect backdrop and reminds you that you’re standing right in the middle of a picture-perfect scene, all from their patio.
Their patio features a few tiers. The upper part offers a shaded area where you can enjoy your wine tasting. Or, if you prefer a more traditional patio experience in the sun, you can head down to their picnic tables, where umbrellas allow you to choose your own adventure when it comes to how much of the Okanagan sunshine you want to soak up.
Down below on their lawn, you’ll find a pergola with picnic tables and Adirondack chairs that give you a more level view of the vineyards on the property and truly make it feel like the perfect lakeside escape.
Right now, some of their releases include one of our personal favourites, their rosé, along with Riesling, red blends, and sparkling B.C. wine.
Overall, West Kelowna is a great area to go wine touring, as it’s home to so many beautiful wineries, from large luxury estates to smaller boutique wineries. Be sure to check out the rest of the area while you’re here, as it’s a treasure trove of stunning landscapes and gorgeous, unique estates.
The Gallery Winery is also a top pick for boutique wineries because it offers a more unique experience compared to other wineries in the area. It’s a winery and an art gallery all wrapped into one, which is exactly where it gets its name. One of the co-owners is the artist behind the artwork you’ll find on the walls inside the gallery, as well as on the wine labels, adding her own unique artistic flair throughout the winery.
Safe to say, when it comes to the uniqueness of a boutique winery, paired with the views, stunning wines, and one of the best patios you can enjoy during the summer, this is a winery stop you won’t want to miss.
Hidden Vines Family Estate Winery
Tucked into the east farmlands of Kelowna is Hidden Vines Family Estate Winery.
This boutique winery has a unique charm thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and warm hospitality. When you arrive at the property, you’ll notice a small, hangar-style wine tasting room with a gorgeous patio, making it the perfect stop during the summer.
The patio sits under a gorgeous natural wood awning and features eclectic, European-inspired patio furniture mixed with modern, homemade B.C. touches around the lawn area, like their upcycled ski chair. You’ll also find fun games for guests to enjoy while hanging out on the property.
The patio overlooks the vineyards and offers the perfect backdrop for a summer wine tasting in Kelowna. They have a delicious selection of wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, white and red blends, rosé, Merlot, and Viognier.
If you’re looking for a quieter spot off the beaten path with a cozy atmosphere, this is definitely the place for you. We highly recommend visiting in the warmer months so you can sit back and relax on their patio. It really makes you feel like you’re tucked into the countryside, far away from town, even though downtown Kelowna is only about 20 minutes away.
Another perk of visiting a boutique winery like this is that you’ll often have the opportunity to chat with the owners and learn more about their history and wines directly from them. You might also be lucky enough to meet their friendly winery dog, who loves hanging out on the property and visiting with guests during wine tastings.
Overall, this is a great place to visit on a boutique wine tour in Kelowna, especially if you’re looking for a smaller, quieter experience that you might not get at larger wineries.
Where can I reserve a wine tour in Kelowna that focuses on boutique wineries?
Vivid Tours offers exceptional boutique wine tours in and around the Kelowna area. We recommend booking ahead of time to help secure reservations at these smaller wineries, as many have limited capacity and can only accommodate smaller group sizes.
Are there Okanagan wine tours that include visits to boutique wineries?
Yes, Vivid Tours offers several Okanagan wine tours that visit small, boutique style wineries that offer intimate tastings and access to vineyard staff, winemakers and highly educated sommeliers. Each region of the Okanagan wine country is well represented by small wineries, typically family owned for several generations. Wine tours include access to several of these boutique style wineries throughout each tour.
Your Next Boutique Wine Tour in Kelowna
If you’re looking for your next boutique wine tour in Kelowna, Vivid Tours would be happy to take you around to some of the best spots. We have an amazing roster of beautiful boutique wineries where you can enjoy local B.C. wines and create lasting memories with your crew. For more information on the amazing options available, we encourage you to visit our Kelowna Wine Tours.
