Wine Culture Magazine
Wine Culture Magazine
The trail features some of the valley’s oldest and newest wineries as well as beautiful views of Okanagan Lake. Photos courtesy of Westside Wine Trail
Almost in the very centre of the Okanagan Valley, in West Kelowna, a few minutes’ detour off busy Highway 97 brings you to the more tranquil Westside Wine Trail—and some of the oldest plantings of vitis vinifera in the valley.
It was here, back in 1961 (just three years after the completion of the first bridge joining Kelowna) that visionary Richard (Dick) Stewart planted vines on the slopes below once-volcanic Mount Boucherie. Those vineyards eventually became Quails’ Gate Winery, founded by the Stewart family. Close by, vineyards originally planted in 1966 were later purchased (in 1981) by Mission Hill founder Anthony von Mandl. Others followed, including early plantings at present-day Little Straw, Mt. Boucherie and Volcanic Hills wineries.
Today the area is home to some 15 wineries (linked by the Westside Wine Trail), whose myriad styles and personalities very much reflect the remarkable diversity that defines the Okanagan at large. They range from longtime organic and biodynamic pioneers such as Kalala, Off the Grid and Beaumont to expansive Frind Estate (located lakeside on the onetime estate of former B.C. Premier Bill Bennett), Italian-inspired Ciao Bella, farm-style Niche Wine Company, and relative newcomers The Gallery and Tender Hope.
In the glass you’ll taste an impressive cross-section of everything the Okanagan has to offer, from vibrant sparklers to contemplative red blends, with an emphasis on cooler climate varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling, which thrive in this more moderate part of the valley.
Along the way, a winery lunch or dinner takes wine touring to the next level, with no shortage of flavourful options, from scenic rooms with lake panoramas to handy food trucks serving casual local fare right at the winery.
Accommodations, too, come in all shapes and sizes. Tempting pillow options range from under-the-radar vineyard escapes to top-tier hotels and tucked-away, quiet B&Bs.
The Westside Wine Trail, truly, is yours to discover.
Morning (9 AM): Check into your accommodation. Enjoy luxurious waterfront amenities at The Cove Lakeside Resort or charming, intimate hospitality at A View to Remember B&B. Settle in and enjoy the lake views.
Late Morning (11 AM): Start at Off the Grid Organic Winery. Enjoy a tasting of their minimal-intervention, certified-organic wines. Savour lunch from the Roots Food Truck, and enjoy the funky, eclectic vibe and family-friendly atmosphere.
Afternoon (2 PM): Visit Volcanic Hills Estate Winery for their unique volcanic terroir wines. Appreciate the stunning architectural design and panoramic views. Stop at Tender Hope Winery for a boutique winery experience and small-lot wines.
Late Afternoon (4 PM): Head to Frind Estate Winery. Explore the beautiful lakeside grounds, and enjoy a tasting of their innovative wines.
Evening (6:30 PM): Dine at Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate Winery, savouring regional cuisine with lake views in a refined and elegant setting.
Morning (10 AM): Visit Quails’ Gate Winery for a tasting and explore their historic site, known for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Late Morning (Noon): Visit Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, and enjoy the iconic architecture and world-class wines.
Lunch (1:30 pm): Enjoy lunch at The Terrace at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, with its panoramic views.
Afternoon (3 PM): Explore Little Straw Vineyards, known for its unusual varieties, and enjoy the intimate tasting experience. Visit Niche Wine Company for a boutique winery experience with handcrafted wines.
Late Afternoon (5 PM): Stop at Ciao Bella Winery, and enjoy the Italian-inspired wines and atmosphere. Visit The Gallery Winery, and enjoy the unique blend of art and wine.
Evening (7 PM): Dine at The Modest Butcher at Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery, enjoying delicious, locally sourced cuisine. If staying at Mt. Boucherie accommodations, enjoy the evening at the winery.
Morning (10 AM): Visit Kalala Organic Estate Winery, and enjoy their certified organic and biodynamic wines. Visit Beaumont Family Estate Winery, and experience their family-owned, organic, small-production wines.
Late Morning (NOON): Check out of accommodations.
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