The Okanagan Valley is an absolute gem, offering gorgeous weather, friendly faces, and dozens of award-winning wineries. This area was recently voted one of the best wine regions to visit by USA Today and 10Best, second only to Alentejo, Portugal.
The Kelowna area is home to many award-winning wineries with beautiful scenery
In Kelowna, winery tourism is becoming an increasing popular reason for visitors to relax and unwind in the city. With more than twenty wineries located within a thirty-minute drive of our downtown Kelowna inn, and many more just a scenic drive away, it’s easy to see why many of our guests are choosing to make wine tasting a part of their Kelowna vacation.
Here are 5 great tips for wine tasting in Kelowna
- Consider a tour
Paying a little bit extra to have a professional driver escort you to multiple wineries is a great idea. You don’t have to worry about directions and navigating the summer traffic and you can enjoy your wine tastings without determining a designate driver in your group. Best of all, most wine companies have experienced staff on hand who can tell you more about the history of the area and the wineries that you will be visiting. - Try a bit of everything
Each wine and each winery is different. Try to stay open minded and sample everything on offer. You might just find a merlot that you love or find that all rieslings are not created equal. - If you like it, buy it
Each vintage is different, so if you like a particular wine, be sure to purchase a bottle or even a case. Not only will you be getting the best pricing available because you are purchasing direct, but you are also helping to support the winery in a more tangible way. Plus, there are no guarantees that you will find that wine in a liquor store later. - Get ready to learn
Even seasoned wine lovers find that they are constantly learning about the wines that they drink, so listen to the proprietors, winemakers, and servers carefully. They can give you tips for tasting the wines and enhancing flavours as well as information on the growing conditions of the grapes and what makes a particular vintage different from the prior year. - Have fun
Kelowna is a laid-back place and though you may be sipping wine, most people aren’t taking it too seriously. It’s ok if you don’t like the wine that recently won 8 international medals and it’s also ok if you love the $12 bottle of wine that’s won nothing. Take some photos, share a laugh and enjoy yourself.
Our staff at Prestige Inn Kelowna would be happy to recommend excellent wineries in the area, or a wine tour company that can help you relax and enjoy your time in our city. Our downtown location is conveniently located on Highway 97 across from Kelowna’s stunning City Park and Okanagan Lake, making it the perfect place to stay for your Okanagan wine vacation.