If you’re planning a wine tour through the Okanagan with Vivid Tours, you already know you’re in for a day of incredible sips, great company, and breathtaking scenery. But knowing what to pack (and what not to) can make the difference between a flawless wine tasting experience and a few “oops” moments along the way.

We’ve created a guide to packing smart, staying comfy, and making the most out of your day in the Okanagan wine region.

Essential Items to Pack for Your Wine Tour

1. A Refillable Water Bottle

Tasting wine is divine, but staying hydrated is essential. Don’t forget to bring a refillable water bottle so you can sip water between tastings. (Pro tip: it also helps you taste the wines better by clearing your palate.) Our buses also have complimentary chilled bottled water if you don’t bring your own!

2. Sunscreen or a Big Hat

When you’re travelling between tasting rooms under the glorious Okanagan sun, a little protection goes a long way. A stylish hat or a good sunscreen is your best friend on a long day outdoors, and means that you won’t look sunburnt in your pictures.

3. Fun Props or Costumes (Optional, but Highly Recommended!)

Heading out for a bachelorette party, birthday, or just a girls’ day? Bring a few fun props or matching outfits! (Vivid Tours loves a little spirit.) Think feather boas, colourful sunglasses, or cute photo props. Here’s a Kelowna-based source for some bachelorette-specific ideas!

4. A Bottle Protector (If You Plan to Bring Wine Home)

If you plan on scooping up a few bottles of wine (trust us, you will), consider bringing a bottle protector to safely transport your favourites back home in your suitcase. It’s a small thing that can save a lot of heartbreak.

5. An Open Mind

Maybe you’re a die-hard red wine fan. Maybe you swear you only like whites. Wine tours are the perfect time to branch out! Wineries offer so many unique varieties, blends, and surprises—you never know what you’ll fall in love with.

What NOT to Bring on Your Wine Tour

1. Alcohol for the Bus

We know, we know, it sounds fun. But in British Columbia, it’s against the law to drink alcohol while on the tour bus. Save the pours for the tasting rooms where the good stuff flows freely (and legally).

2. A Box for Your Wine Purchases

Thinking of bringing your own box to haul around your wine haul? No need! Most wineries supply proper packaging when you buy a few bottles of wine. Plus, our guides are pros at helping you store everything safely for the ride home.

3. Pets

As much as we love furry friends, wine tasting adventures are best left to humans. Wineries typically don’t allow pets inside tasting areas, and tours can be a long day for animals. Best to leave the four-legged family members at home with a cozy bed and a treat. We recommend Kelowna Pet Resort and Bark n’ Fly if you’re staying in Kelowna.

4. Tight, Uncomfortable Shoes

Scenic hills in wine country mean you should plan your footwear for comfort and style that you can move in. A lot of wineries have gravel paths, rolling lawns, or vineyard walks. Your feet will thank you if you skip the heels and opt for cute flats, sandals, or comfy sneakers.

Some Extra Tips When Planning Your Wine Tour

Dress for comfort (and for all the Instagram-worthy backdrops you’re about to find). You’ll want to bring layers for moving between the outside and the air-conditioned bus.
Bring a bag to stash your essentials, but pack light as you’ll be tasting, walking, and socializing all day.
Eat a good breakfast! Touring and sipping wine is better with a little food in your belly. And if you’re wondering is lunch included with my wine tour? All half-day wine tours are four hours in length and do not offer time to stop for a meal. Full-day wine tours are designed to allow time for a leisurely lunch stop and we make those reservations on your behalf at a winery bistro.
Most importantly, relax, explore, and enjoy the incredible wine tasting experience that Vivid Tours is all about.
Pack a jacket if needed. You may be wondering, does my wine tour still run if it’s raining? Yes! Vivid wine tours operate rain or shine. Wine tastings are usually offered outdoors in the summer months and indoors during the shoulder season. In the case of rain or inclement weather during the summer, wineries will move your tasting indoors or beneath covered patios. Rainy days are always a great time to tour.

Whether you’re planning to enjoy wine in Lake Country or West Kelowna, the Okanagan wine scene has something unforgettable waiting for you. Pack smart, bring your best energy, and get ready to sip your way through some serious sunshine.

Ready to plan your next wine tasting adventure? Vivid Tours has your spot waiting!