The Okanagan Wine Tours Valley has taken its place, rather quickly, as one of the world’s great wine destinations. It attracts visitors from every far-flung corner of the globe.
Unlike those other famous wine-growing areas that first spring into mind, such as Napa Valley, Bordeaux, and Tuscany, what really sets the Okanagan apart is the dramatic topography and diversified microclimates with pride for smaller, boutique wineries making unique, handmade wines.
A Unique Wine Region
From Lake Country’s Scenic Sip region through the rolling hills of East Kelowna and WestKelowna out to the sun-kissed vineyards of the Naramata Bench, Oliver, and Osoyoos, Okanagan is very distinct. This array of terroirs enables the winemaker to produce everything from crisp, cool-climate whites to bold, full-bodied reds.
While large wineries constitute part of the attraction, much of the essence of the Okanagan is actually captured by small, boutique, family-run vineyards. Many of the smaller producers in these areas are committed to sustainability, along with focused and often personalized experiences that set them apart from many of the more commercialized destinations.
Scenic Sip: Lake Country’s Hidden Gem
Lake Country’s Scenic Sipregion boasts cooler weather and lakeside vineyards. Ex Nihiloand Arrowleaf Cellars provides boutique wineries with stunning views of the lake and small-batch wines featuring the interior of the area. Much like finding those hidden gems that one might possibly bypass in larger regions, one can enjoy a relaxed scenic tour through vineyards.
East Kelowna and West Kelowna: Artisanal Wines with Panoramic Views
Think boutique wineries in East Kelowna, like The View Winery and Sperling Vineyards, with their organic farming and small-batch production. West Kelowna’s wineries look out with spectacular views over Okanagan Lake and place like Little Straw Vineyards together with TheGallery offer award-winning wines, obviously made with passion for the craft.
Naramata Bench: A Boutique Wine Lover’s Paradise
The NaramataBench is iconic for workmanship in winemaking, hosting a number of boutique vineyards along the bench. Places such as the Mocojo and Three Sisters produce small batches of highly valued artisan wine that has received international critical acclaim, makingNaramataBench a destination wine tourists need to go in order to get something special.
Oliver and Osoyoos: The Golden Mile
Oliver and Osoyoos are at the south end of the valley, housing the Golden Mile Bench, with some of Canada’s most full-bodied reds. The smaller, boutique wineries, such as Bartier Bro and Vin Amite, make use of the hot weather to produce deep, bold wines with a lot of character.
These smaller, usually family-run places offer a more intimate experience where clients can meet the winemakers and learn the stories behind each bottle.
Why Sip Happens Wine Tours is the Best Way to Experience the Okanagan
This truly allows visitors to experience the best that Okanagan’s boutique wineries have to offer on a guided tour. Sip Happens Wine Tours offers bespoke, private tours of smaller, more included wineries in the region, hosting wine enthusiasts at their own pace and personal interaction or take a part of one of their public tours that can take one through the region at reasonable costs and allow you to cultivate new relationships with fellow wine aficionados
Book your unforgettable Okanagan wine experience today with Sip Happens Wine Tours and explore the boutique wineries that are putting Okanagan on the global wine map!
