Follow the wine trail to tasty bites and seasonal sips

Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate Winery is one of the oldest winery restaurants in B.C.

There’s a lot to be thankful for here in West Kelowna, where vines sprawl from the shores of Okanagan Lake right up the sides of Mt. Boucherie, the extinct volcano that gives the wines so much of their character.

There are 17 wineries in this small region, ranging from the small and quirky to the grand and impressive, including some of the oldest, best-established estates in all of B.C. And the best way to discover them is to follow the Westside Wine Trail, which winds its way through tastings, dining, live music, art shows, special events and some of the most spectacular scenery you’ll find anywhere.

Thanksgiving is one of the best times to visit West Kelowna. Harvest is well underway, and the weather is still warm and sunny. It’s a perfect time for enjoying a glass of wine on a patio and, if you’re not in the mood to roast a turkey, for enjoying the exceptional dining options offered by many of the wineries.

The Terrace at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery and Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate Estate Winery are among the oldest and most highly regarded winery restaurants in all of B.C. ​​TULA, which serves refined Indian cuisine at Little Straw Vineyards, is among the newest. But there is also The Modern Butcher at Mt. Boucherie, the Beach Café at Frind, 31 Charkay at Grizzli Winery and the gourmet poutine and milkshakes at the Roots Sustainable Eats food truck at Off the Grid Organic Winery.

Then again, if you do plan to enjoy the full Thanksgiving feast, there is no better place to find a wine that pairs perfectly with the big bird and all its accompaniments. (See the sidebar for a handy pairing guide.)

It’s not just the wide range of grapes grown here, which range from elegant expressions of the familiar Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris to the lesser-known Chasselas, Lemberger and Zweigelt. It’s also the long, hot sunny days, the cooling effect of the lake and a unique soil that’s loaded with mineral deposits as well as glacial till, volcanic rock and large boulders. It all combines to create characterful wines that are juicy and refined, bright with acidity, and perfectly food friendly.

It’s fair to say that a day spent on the Westside Wine Trail, tasting wines and stocking the cellar, is a day very well spent.

For more ideas and information, or to plan your journey, be sure to visit thewestsidewinetrail.com.

Westside wine trail pairings for your holiday feast

Ciao Bella Winery 2023 Pinozannte
Pairing: Smoked salmon canapés

Mt. Boucherie Reserve Syrah 2022
Pairing: Cheese and charcuterie boards

Niche Wine Company 2024 Sauvignon Blanc
Pairing: Oysters with green apple mignonette

Tender Hope Winery 2020 OH! Honey! Riesling
Pairing: Zucchini leek gratin

Mission Hill Family Estate 2022 Perpetua Chardonnay
Pairing: Brown butter gnocchi

Crown & Thieves 2019 Broken Wing Merlot
Pairing: Chorizo and red sauce rigatoni

Black Swift Vineyards 2023 Braided Hill Chardonnay
Pairing: Sablefish with mushroom risotto

The Hatch Winery 2024 Dynasty White
Pairing: Lemon and dill roast chicken

Kalala Organic Estate Winery 2015 Aspire
Pairing: Grilled marbled steak with brown butter

Beaumont Winery 2020 Gamay Noir
Pairing: Venison stew

Quails’ Gate Estate Winery 2022 Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir
Pairing: Roasted turkey and cranberry sauce

Volcanic Hills Estate Winery 2022 Eruption
Pairing: Red-wine-braised short ribs

Little Straw Vineyards 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon
Pairing: Herb-crusted rack of lamb

Off the Grid Organic Winery 2021 Blauer Montag-Zweigelt
Pairing: Mushroom chorizo flatbread

The Gallery Winery 2019 Inspiration Sparkling
Pairing: Cream puffs

Frind Estate Winery NV Sparkling Brut
Pairing: Triple cream brie and honeycomb

Grizzli Winery 2018 Late Harvest Riesling
Pairing: Caramalized pear bread pudding

Vitis Magazine

Vitis is is an indispensable seasonal guide for vintners, sommeliers and weekend imbibers alike that is dedicated to British Columbia’s rapidly evolving wine culture.