Kelowna Wine Tour – Okanagan Vineyards

Explore Kelowna’s Award-Winning Okanagan Vineyards at a Glance

The Kelowna Wine Tour by Canadian Craft Tours offers an engaging 6-hour 30-minute exploration of five distinguished wineries in the Okanagan Valley, one of North America’s top wine regions. Priced at $133.61 per person, this small-group experience is tailored for wine enthusiasts eager to sample a variety of high-quality offerings while enjoying stunning scenery and expert guidance. The tour departs from 1301 Ellis St, Kelowna, at 10:00 am, with pickup included and a light lunch to complement the tastings.

This tour is designed for those who want to indulge in educational wine tastings, learn about local viticulture, and enjoy convenient transportation—all while avoiding the hassle of driving. With an average booking window of 31 days in advance, it’s a popular choice among visitors seeking a relaxed yet comprehensive wine experience in the Kelowna area. The tour’s steady pacing and small group size—maximum 13 people—enhance the intimacy and personalized feel.

Key Points

• Price: $133.61 per person, including tastings and light lunch
• Duration: Approximately 6 hours 30 minutes
• Stops: Five renowned wineries—Cedarcreek Estate, Tantalus Vineyards, Summerhill Pyramid, The View Winery, and Sandhill Winery
• Transportation: Air-conditioned van with pickup and drop-off at the meeting point
• Highlights: Organic vineyards, sustainable practices, iconic pyramid cellar, and boutique tasting rooms
• Age Restriction: Must be at least 19 years old to participate

The Start: Convenient Meeting at Kelowna’s Ellis Street

The tour begins promptly at 10:00 am at 1301 Ellis St, Kelowna. The air-conditioned van picks up groups here, making transportation comfortable for the entire day. This central location makes it easy for travelers to access from nearby accommodations or public transportation. The small group size ensures an intimate atmosphere, facilitating personalized attention and relaxed interactions with the guide.

Visiting Cedarcreek Estate Winery: Organic Excellence and Award-Winning Wines

The first stop is Cedarcreek Estate Winery, located in the scenic Okanagan Valley. Established in 1987, this family-owned winery is celebrated for its organic vineyards and award-winning wines. Visitors typically spend about an hour here, exploring the estate and tasting a variety of wines. The focus on organic practices means that guests can appreciate wines made with environmentally friendly methods, adding an extra dimension to the tasting experience.

The winery’s reputation for quality makes it a compelling start, and its scenic setting provides a perfect backdrop for beginning the day. The admission to the winery is included, allowing guests to fully enjoy the tasting without extra costs.

Tantalus Vineyards: Hillside Views and Sustainable Practices

Next, the tour heads to Tantalus Vineyards, perched on a hillside overlooking Kelowna. Known for its commitment to sustainability, Tantalus specializes in Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. The one-hour visit here offers a chance to taste these renowned varieties, with a focus on high-quality production and environmentally conscious practices.

Guests appreciate the spectacular hillside views that accompany the tasting. Tantalus’s dedication to sustainability makes it a notable stop for those interested in eco-friendly viticulture. The winery’s reputation for crafting premium whites and reds ensures a memorable tasting.

Summerhill Pyramid Winery: Unique Pyramid Cellar and Organic Sparkling Wines

The third stop is Summerhill Pyramid Winery, famous for its pyramid-shaped wine cellar and organic approach to winemaking. Located on Kelowna’s slopes, Summerhill provides a distinctive sparkling wine tasting experience. Visitors spend about an hour exploring the pyramid structure, which influences the wine’s aging process, and sampling organic sparkling wines.

Summerhill’s organic practices and the visual appeal of the pyramid make it a highlight. The winery’s focus on organic sparkling wines offers a different dimension to the tasting, appealing to those interested in bubbly wines with a sustainable twist.

The View Winery: Boutique Charm and Aromatic Whites

The fourth stop is The View Winery, set in a historic apple packing house. This boutique winery is known for its aromatic whites and expressive reds. The one-hour tasting here offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere, allowing visitors to savor locally crafted wines with character.

Guests can enjoy the charming setting and learn about the winery’s history and production methods. The focus on aromatic whites makes this stop particularly appealing to those who prefer lighter, fruit-forward wines.

Sandhill Winery: Downtown Kelowna’s Single Vineyard Wines

Finally, the tour visits Sandhill Winery, situated in downtown Kelowna. Known for its single vineyard wines, Sandhill offers a sit-down tasting that lasts about an hour. This winery emphasizes expressing the characteristics of the Okanagan terroir through its wines.

Sandhill’s location in Kelowna allows for a relaxed final stop, and its focus on single vineyard production showcases the purity and uniqueness of the region’s grapes. Guests typically get the opportunity to sample a range of whites and reds that highlight the diversity of local viticulture.

Included Experiences and Practical Details

Throughout the tour, guests enjoy tastings at all five wineries, led by a local guide knowledgeable about the region’s wine production. The air-conditioned van offers comfort and convenience, and pickup is included at the central meeting point.

A light lunch is part of the experience, with considerations for dietary restrictions. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with a minimum drinking age of 19. It’s recommended to wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes for comfort and safety during winery visits. The tour operates most days of the week and requires advanced booking, with an average booking window of 31 days.

How the Pacing and Group Size Enhance the Experience

The tour’s steady pace balances enough time at each winery to enjoy the tastings without feeling rushed—though some reviews note a slight sense of rushing in certain stops. The small group size of up to 13 participants fosters a friendly atmosphere, enabling easier interaction with the guide and fellow wine lovers.

The guide Cam is praised for being super knowledgeable, adding value through storytelling and wine education. The overall flow allows for a relaxed yet comprehensive exploration of Kelowna’s top wineries.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility for changes in plans. To secure a spot, travelers are encouraged to book well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

If the minimum number of participants isn’t met, the experience may be canceled or rescheduled, with options for a full refund or an alternative date. This ensures a dependable experience for all attendees.

Who Will Appreciate This Wine Tour Most

This Kelowna Wine Tour suits those looking for a well-organized, educational, and relaxing day of wine tasting. It’s ideal for visitors who want to explore multiple wineries without the stress of transportation or planning. The small group setting appeals to those who prefer a more personal experience.

Wine enthusiasts interested in organic and sustainable practices will find the stops at Cedarcreek, Tantalus, and Summerhill particularly engaging. The inclusion of a light lunch also makes it suitable for a full-day outing.

Final Thoughts on the Kelowna Wine Tour by Canadian Craft Tours

At $133.61, this tour delivers a comprehensive and high-quality experience of Kelowna’s finest wineries. The five stops provide a diverse taste of the region’s wine offerings, from award-winning reds to organic sparkling wines. The expert guide and comfortable transportation make the day smooth and enjoyable.

While the schedule may feel slightly rushed at times, the small group size and variety of wineries make this a worthwhile choice for anyone eager to discover the best of the Okanagan Valley’s wine scene in a single day. This tour is especially recommended for those who value educational insights and scenic vineyard views.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tour price and what does it include?
The cost is $133.61 per person and includes wine tastings at five wineries, a light lunch, transportation in an air-conditioned van, and the services of a knowledgeable local guide.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 6 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 10:00 am and concluding at the initial meeting point.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, participants must be at least 19 years old to enjoy the wine tastings.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at 1301 Ellis St, Kelowna, and returns to the same location at the end of the day.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and transportation are included in the tour price, with a comfortable air-conditioned van.

Can the itinerary be customized?
The provided data does not specify customization options, but dietary restrictions are accommodated with prior notice.

How far in advance should I book?
It is recommended to book at least a month in advance, as the tour is quite popular and booked about 31 days ahead on average.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before are non-refundable.

Is the tour suitable for all weather conditions?
Guests should wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes—the tour operates in various weather, but comfort depends on proper attire.

Who is the tour provider?
The tour is operated by Canadian Craft Tours.

This Kelowna Wine Tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to experience the region’s best wineries, combining educational insights, scenic views, and excellent wines—all in a relaxed, small-group setting.