The Okanagan region is home to over 180 wineries, making it a destination location for wine enthusiasts. Enjoy breathtaking views, beautiful patios, and a unique peek into the world of wine. With many wineries offering tours and samplings, exploring some of the local vineyards is also a great way to find new restaurants.
With so many wineries, finding just a few to try during your visit can be a difficult choice. Sparkling Hill offers a curated selection of local wines in our restaurants, as well as the opportunity to enjoy a bottle privately in your room with our room service menu options.
In moderation, there are benefits of enjoying a glass or two of wine that go beyond the fact that you are drinking wine. Red wine has antioxidants that can help plump your skin by stimulating blood circulation, whereas white wine is full of antioxidants such as epicatechin, quercetin, and resveratrol, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
In excess, like all good things, wine can cause more harm than good. Moderation is important, and Sparkling Hill does not condone, or support binge drinking or driving under the influence of alcohol. If you are planning on leaving the resort to explore some of the Okanagan’s local wineries, please drink responsibly, and ensure you have a safe mode of transportation.
Elite Mile Shuttle Service
In order to help you get the most out of your stay, Sparkling Hill has partnered with Elite Mile Shuttle. Elite Mile not only can take you from the airport to our resort, but also offers a variety of wine tour packages. Ranging from a few hours to full-day events, featuring one or more wineries, Elite Mile Shuttle’s tours give locals and visitors alike a taste of British Columbia wine country. Drink in the views, and a glass of caringly crafted BC wine while enjoying a curated tour.
Elite Mile Shuttles offer the convenience of door-to-door service. Upon request, all tours can be made into private events. Due to the popularity of these tours, it is recommended that you book in advance to ensure availability.
Six wineries to visit in the Okanagan
With so many wineries to visit, we have selected six to mention in this post, in no particular order.
For anyone who does not wish to leave the resort, or does not want to cut into their stay, Sparkling Hill offers a selection of local wines in our restaurants. Enjoy a pairing of wine and fresh, wholesome meals paired by our sommeliers at PeakFine. Our sommeliers are available to answer any questions in order to help you find the perfect sipping companion for your stay.
Gray Monk Estate Winery
Planted in 1972, Gray Monk Estate Winery is a mainstay in the Okanagan. Gray Monk was the first winery in Canada to plant Pinot Gris grapevines. In 1982, Gray Monk opened its doors and quickly established its reputation for having quality wines. Known especially for their fruit-forward white wines, Gray Monk’s winery is host to several events throughout the year, as well as daily walk-in tastings.
Ex Nihilo Vineyards
Over fifteen years ago, two founding families came together to create a vineyard in Lake Country inspired by Fredrick Hart’s sculpture, Ex Nihilo, Latin for ‘Out of Nothing”, a depiction of the creation of mankind. Since 2018, proprietors Mike and Janet Azhadi have carried on the tradition, with premium vines planted on twenty acres of property with a southwest-facing view of Lake Okanagan. Ex Nihilo offers tastings, a bistro, dinner events, and workshops.
Peak Cellars
Peak Cellars, owned by well-known local entrepreneur Dennis O’Rourke, offers high quality wines on over hundred acres in Lake Country. Come for a tasting and tour the half-acre organic vegetable garden, which supplies fresh produce for the Garden Bistro. The winery also offers music nights.
Arrowleaf Cellars
Named after the Arrowleaf Balsamroot flower, more commonly known as the Okanagan Sunflower, Arrowleaf Cellars is home to terroir-driven wines. A family-run business started by the Zuppiger family in 2001, Arrowleaf started by growing grapes for Gray Monk Winery for the first five years of their business, with the goal of establishing their own winery. Officially opening its doors in 2003, Arrowleaf Cellars became the second winery in Lake Country, after Gray Monk and started with a modest selection of six wines that has now nearly quadrupled.
50th Parallel Estate Winery
50th Parallel Estate Winery is a world-class destination for wine lovers, located in Lake Country. Known for their Pinot Noir, which is the only red wine they produce and makes up 35% of their wine, 50th Parallel offers a fine-dining restaurant, tastings, and tours.
Intrigue Wines
Intrigue Wines was established in 2008, founded by two families joining together to explore their passion for wine, bringing their complementary experiences to the table. Intrigue offers tastings, music, yoga and other events, and a picnic area with food items available for purchase in their store.
Unwind and relax at KurSpa
Sparkling Hill has a variety of relaxing spa treatments perfect for unwinding after a day spent outside enjoying delicious wines. Enjoy a massage, or kick back and rejuvenate in our steam and sauna complex. Featuring several hydration stations and a tea room, KurSpa offers guests over 100 spa treatments and services, perfect for unwinding after a day spent exploring what the Okanagan has to offer. Book your wine tour with us today!
