A Culinary Journey Through B.C.'s Okanagan: Wineries and Dining Gems
As preparations intensify for the 2026 tour of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, part two of our exploration begins in the charming town of Summerland. Once merely a drive-through destination, Summerland has blossomed into a hub for small-scale producers cultivating human-sized vineyard plots. Visitors could easily dedicate a day or two to discovering this transformed region.
The Unique Terroir of Summerland
The Summerland sub-region occupies a distinctive climatic niche—warmer than Lake Country yet cooler and less extreme than Oliver and Osoyoos. This area is officially recognized through three designated sub-Geographical Indications: Lakefront, Bench, and Valleys, each showcasing diverse soil compositions that contribute to exceptional wine production.
From picturesque lakefront properties to the elevated Garnet Valley, Summerland offers an impressive array of quality Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and sparkling wines. Visitors often encounter owners or winemakers personally, particularly at notable establishments like Haywire, Dirty Laundry, Solvero, Garnet Valley Ranch, Lightning Rock, Lunessence, and Summergate.
West Kelowna: Architectural Wonders and Sustainable Practices
Traveling north toward West Kelowna, a recommended stop between Summerland and Peachland is Fitzpatrick Winery. Here, guests can savor serious, long-aged sparkling wines and enjoy a meal at 19 Bistro @ Fitz. This beautiful location combines wine tasting with fine dining, and visitors should explore the impressive cellars.
Wining and dining form integral parts of the West Kelowna experience, where several wineries feature striking architecture, sustainability initiatives, and diverse culinary offerings. Mission Hill stands as a must-visit destination for wine, food, architecture, and curated experiences. Nearby, Frind Winery has significantly improved wine quality under former Mission Hill chief winemaker Corrie Krehbiel, offering a family-friendly, beachfront atmosphere with daily pizza oven operations.
In the same area, Quails' Gate—a pioneer in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir production—maintains a consistently busy dining room and spacious outdoor patio open for lunch and dinner. Adjacent, The Hatch presents an eclectic mix of winemakers, storytellers, and chaos coordinators with a distinct millennial/Gen Z edge, creating a unique Canadian experience.
Mt. Boucherie offers an eclectic selection of labels from across the valley, with staff eager to share stories about each wine. The winery restaurant, Modest Butcher, remains a local favorite renowned for its on-site aged beef. For those interested in organic and sustainability initiatives, Off the Grid and Kalala wineries provide excellent exploration opportunities.
East Kelowna and Lake Country: Cool-Climate Focus
Across the lake in East Kelowna, the emphasis shifts to cool-climate wines. The View Winery & Vineyard offers a casual, quirky, and intimate atmosphere with a solid selection of aromatic labels. Meanwhile, Wards Cider pays homage to family business traditions and apple orchards that have been local landmarks since 1922.
Tantalus Vineyards emerges as a must-visit for art and Riesling enthusiasts. Visitors should not miss the Old Vines Riesling or the exquisite art exhibition featuring Indigenous masks carved by Tahltan/Tlingit artist Dempsey Bob. This combination of viticulture and cultural artistry creates a memorable experience.
As the journey continues toward Lake Country, the Okanagan Valley reveals itself as a premier destination for culinary tourism, blending exceptional wines with diverse dining experiences across its unique sub-regions.
