Most wine tourists to Kelowna often let the famous vineyards of East Kelowna and West Kelowna overshadow all others. Throughout Central Kelowna and beyond, however, are hidden treasures that offer unique experiences and some exceptional wines. These less popular wineries should be added to anyone’s Kelowna wine tour itinerary, from casual tasters to dedicated oenophiles alike.

Sperling Vineyards

Sperling Vineyards is a family-owned winery with its rich heritage beginning in East Kelowna more than a hundred years ago. It indeed is a secret jewel, but not just for the history; rather, it’s about crafting biodynamic and organic wines that personify the uniqueness of the terroir of Okanagan. Noted for its Rieslings and popping natural wines, Sperling offers an authentic wine experience as it fuses tradition into innovation for its visitors.
This is a quaint stop if you are on a wine tour of East Kelowna. You could plop yourself into the winery’s rich heritage, sipping some of the best organic wines in the area.
Meadow Vista Honey Wines

Next, travel to East Kelowna and find a very different wine experience at Meadow Vista Honey Wines. Production at this winery has resulted in the finest meads from bone dry to sweet, sourced with local honey. If you’re looking for something a bit different to open up your mind and palate to wines other than grape wines, try Meadow Vista.
With its peaceful garden patio and farm-to-table offerings, this winery makes for a lovely escape, including it in any Kelowna wine tour. Enjoy their offerings of sparkling mead on a sunny afternoon—perfect to sip while taking in the beauty of Okanagan.
Nagging Doubt

Nestled within the rolling hills of East Kelowna, Nagging Doubt is a boutique winery producing small lots of wines by hand. Quality over quantity, every bottle has a certain passion behind it. From rich reds to crisp whites, there’s a story in every wine here.
This winery has a very charming, rustic feel inside and offers an intimate wine tasting, which is great for those who really want to find some hidden gems in East Kelowna
Ciao Bella

This is a family-run treasure that brings Italy to the West Kelowna wine scene, with Ciao Bella Winery specializing in varietals traditional to Italy. From Pinot Grigio to their Barbera—most favored, Ciao Bella presents a taste of Italy’s winemaking heritage right in the heart of the Okanagan.
This stop must be situated within an intimate and inviting atmosphere with dazzling sightings of the surrounding vineyards to capture the perfect personal and unique experience one often looks for when taking a West Kelowna wine tour. This is just the perfect stop for those who crave something different from the regular Okanagan fare.
Little Straw Vineyards

Also in West Kelowna, Little Straw Vineyards is a small, family-run winery that has been turning out great wines with little hype for years. It’s an artisanal approach to winemaking, producing everything from crisp Pinot Gris to full-bodied Merlot—an exceptional sparkling wine, too.
This place is a bit of a hidden gem in the West Kelowna wine tour circuit mainly because of the winery’s laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
Kalala Organic Estate Winery

If it’s sustainability you’re after, add Kalala Organic Estate Winery in West Kelowna to your bucket list. This boutique winery focuses on organic and biodynamic farming practices. Wines are earth-friendly and delectable. The result of their organic practices are exemplified in their Gewürztraminer and Merlot.
A visit to Kalala is an opportunity to taste great wine and its philosophy, thus being a meaningful stop on any West Kelowna wine tour.
The View Winery

Nestled high on the hills of East Kelowna, The View Winery boasts spectacular views and provides a unique taste experience for visitors. This winery is one of the few remaining historic apple packinghouses and holds a certain distinctive charm not often found in other wineries. Add The View to your list for aromatic whites and Pinotage—one that’s sure to be a little different.
Supplementing their wine tastings with their ciders, however, makes this a varied stop on any wine tour of East Kelowna wine. Whether one enjoys bold reds, crisp whites, or refreshing ciders, The View has something to satisfy just about any taste.
Spearhead Winery

Spearhead Winery in East Kelowna is also rapidly earning status for producing some of Okanagan’s best Pinot Noir. Its small-batch bottlings also include Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, all award-winners, yet this winery hasn’t lost its quiet, boutique feel.
The picturesque vineyard surroundings and a cozy, welcoming tasting room make Spearhead a perfect fit for those seeking to indulge in a relaxed afternoon of wine tasting on a wine tour of East Kelowna. Fairly high on the list of places to visit if you are a cool-climate varietal wine connoisseur and appreciate craftsmanship.

Why These Wineries Deserve a Spot on Your Kelowna Wine Tour

Such hidden gems offer an authentic and intimate wine-tasting experience that larger commercial wineries often cannot provide. Whether one is exploring East Kelowna, Central Kelowna, or West Kelowna, each of these wineries showcases the diverse talent present in Okanagan Valley winemaking.
Rich in character, smaller productions, and a unique story behind each winery—the personal touch of visiting these wineries is an integral part of the discovery process that will be necessary to uncover the lesser-known side of Okanagan wines. With their unremitting focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation, a tasting well out of the ordinary is sure to be delivered.

Plan Your Next Kelowna Wine Adventure

Not to say the usual stops shouldn’t form a part of your next wine tour of Kelowna, but stray from the beaten path and check out these hidden talent businesses offering something unique in their own right. From creative meads at Meadow Vista Honey Wines to Spearhead Winery‘s award-winning wines, every stop will add a new dimension to your Kelowna wine-tasting adventure.