Just a short drive from Kelowna, located north of the Kelowna International Airport, the Lake Country wine region welcomes wine lovers! An area full of small town charm and mouth watering wines. Not to mention the scenery that some say is “out-of-this-world”.
A collection of 9 world-class wineries makes up the Scenic Sip Wine Trail, the Okanagan Valley’s newest and most anticipated wine region. An area formerly dominated by Cherry and Apple Orchards, has given way to thousands of acres of vineyards.
Known for award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the Lake Country wine region also produces exceptional Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Bacchus and even some Syrah!
While the region is famous for its long summers and endless sunshine, the slightly cooler temperatures of this region and proximity to Okanagan Lake produce some of the finest Canadian wines available.
Whether you are a seasoned oenophile or just someone looking for a beautiful afternoon of grapes and views, this region offers one of the most charming, relaxed, and visually stunning wine touring experiences in Canada.
As the name suggests, Lake Country is defined by water. The region is among three distinct lakes: Okanagan, Wood, and Kalamalka. The Scenic Sip Wine Trail itself winds through rolling hills, lush orchards, and steep vineyards that seemingly plunge right into the waters of Okanagan Lake.
The wineries located in Lake Country include: Arrowleaf Cellars, Gray Monk Estate Winery, 50th Parallel Estate Winery, Blind Tiger Vineyards, Intrigue Wines, O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars, O’Rourke Family Estate, Ex Nihilo Vineyards and Ancient Hill Winery.
Unlike some of the busier, heavily trafficked wine hubs to the south, Lake Country has a distinctly laid-back and unhurried feel. The country roads are quieter, the tasting rooms are welcoming. It’s a great place to slow down and simply enjoy the moment. In Lake Country, a wine tasting isn’t just about swirling and sipping; it is about sitting on a sun-drenched patio or spreading out a blanket in a vineyard picnic area while soaking in panoramic, postcard-worthy views.
The magic formula comes down to the lakes and the land. Okanagan Lake acts as a massive temperature regulator. It cools the vineyards during the scorching heat of the mid-summer and insulates them from early frosts in the fall, allowing for a long, slow growing season. Combined with west-facing slopes that catch the warm afternoon sun and ancient, well-draining pre-glacial soils, the conditions are absolutely perfect for growing specific grapes.
The Scenic Sip Wine Trail is currently home to a tight-knit collection of nine exceptional wineries, each offering a completely different experience. You can step back in time at Ancient Hill Estate Winery, which features a rustic cobblestone courtyard that feels like a European castle. If you prefer modern luxury, 50th Parallel Estate is the place to go with jaw-dropping, sleek architecture and a world-class bistro. On the other hand, places like Arrowleaf Cellars are famous for their welcoming picnic grounds. Intrigue Wines and Blind Tiger Vineyards, meanwhile, offer intimate, boutique experiences focused on approachability and organic farming.
If you want to experience the Okanagan Valley’s natural beauty and cool-climate wines at a wonderfully relaxed pace, the Lake Country Scenic Sip Wine Trail deserves a spot at the very top of your itinerary.
For travellers looking for the top tour options along the Scenic Sip Wine Trail, we encourage you to explore our Lake Country Wine Tours.
