Summerland Half Day Wine Tour (Incl. Tasting Fees & Guide Grat!)

Explore the Summerland Half Day Wine Tour: An Intimate Okanagan Experience

The Summerland Half Day Wine Tour offers an engaging taste of the Okanagan Valley’s boutique wineries for $118.02 per person, with a tour duration of approximately 4 hours. The tour is designed for those seeking a relaxed yet comprehensive wine tasting adventure, visiting 8 distinctive wineries with up to 20 wines to sample. With pickup and drop-off included within the Summerland area, the experience emphasizes comfort, convenience, and a focus on local charm.

The tour is highly popular, typically booked 41 days in advance, reflecting strong interest among wine enthusiasts. The journey is led by a knowledgeable wine concierge, ensuring guests receive personalized attention, insights into each winery, and a smooth, enjoyable day. The inclusion of tasting fees, bottled water, and air-conditioned transportation makes this a practical and enjoyable way to explore Summerland’s wine scene, especially for those wanting to avoid the hassles of driving or planning logistics.

While the tour is packed with visiting award-winning wineries, it’s worth noting that wine purchases are not included. This allows you the flexibility to buy what you love at your leisure. The tour’s small group size—capped at 14 travelers—ensures a more personalized experience, with friendly guides making sure everyone feels well looked after.

Key Points

• Cost: $118.02 per person, including tasting fees and gratuity
• Duration: 4 hours, making it a perfect half-day outing
• Stops: Visits to 8 boutique wineries with up to 20 wines tasted
• Transport: Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with door-to-door pickup and drop-off in Summerland
• Guide: An engaging wine concierge with excellent knowledge and humor
• Booking: Usually booked 41 days in advance, so early reservation is recommended

Discover Summerland’s Top Wineries on the Tour

Visiting Dirty Laundry Vineyards for a Quirky Start

The tour begins at Dirty Laundry Vineyards, known for its own story and unique name rooted in the 1800s, when a railway worker’s story inspired the name. Guests spend 30 minutes here, where tasting fees are included, and can enjoy the winery’s colorful history and award-winning wines. The winery’s story adds an extra layer of charm to the tasting experience.

Lunessence Winery & Vineyard for Harmony and Craftsmanship

Next, Lunessence Winery & Vineyard welcomes visitors with a focus on creating wines that reflect the land. Since 2014, this winery has been committed to producing wines that embody the essence of the Okanagan, making it a prime stop to appreciate local terroir. Tasting here also lasts 30 minutes, with fees covered as part of the tour.

Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards and Its Historical Roots

The third stop is Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards, founded in 1895. Its story involves a fruit orchard on a water-scarce site, illustrating resilience and vision from over a century ago. This winery offers 30 minutes for tasting, giving guests a chance to sample wines crafted from a family with deep roots in the region.

Thornhaven Estates with Scenic Views and Santa Fe Style

Thornhaven Estates has been producing quality wines for over 20 years. Established in 1999, it stands out for its Southwestern Santa Fe architecture and stunning views from Little Giants Head Mountain. The visit here includes 30 minutes of tasting, allowing guests to enjoy both the scenery and the wines.

Passionate Winemaking at 8th Generation Vineyard

At 8th Generation Vineyard, every vintage reflects care and tradition, with a focus on hand-harvesting and meticulous pruning. This stop emphasizes the vineyard’s dedication to crafting wines that showcase the seasons. Guests spend 30 minutes sampling wines that highlight both tradition and innovation.

Heaven’s Gate Estate Winery: A Slice of Paradise

Heaven’s Gate Estate Winery is situated in the heart of Summerland on a site that was once a peach orchard. Its name perfectly captures the experience of tasting small-batch wines crafted in a paradise-like setting. The tasting here lasts 30 minutes, offering a peaceful environment to enjoy the wines.

SummerGate Winery: Estate Grown and Natural

SummerGate Winery, started in 2009 by Mike and Gillian Stohler, focuses on premium estate-grown grapes. They embrace natural winemaking methods, including reduced crop yields, to produce wines that emphasize purity and flavor. The 30-minute tasting includes a look at these sustainable practices.

Back Door Winery with Historic Charm

Back Door Winery offers a glimpse into Summerland’s Prohibition-era history, when the town was a dry town with a secret. Known for its sunny exterior and historic roots, this stop enhances the experience with a story of local resilience. Tasting fees are not included at this winery, but the visit adds depth to the tour’s historical narrative.

Practical Logistics and Comfort Amenities

The pick-up and drop-off service in Summerland makes this tour convenient, removing the need for self-driving or navigating. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable ride through the vineyards, while bottled water keeps guests refreshed. The wine concierge adds a layer of friendliness and expertise, making every stop informative and enjoyable.

Since the tour is limited to 14 participants, it maintains an intimate atmosphere where questions are welcomed and personalized attention is assured. The start time at 11:00 am is ideal for those wanting a leisurely late-morning start, with plenty of time to enjoy each winery without feeling rushed.

An Engaging and Humorous Guide

Guest reviews highlight Bernie the Bernster, affectionately called Bern-dog, as an exceptionally knowledgeable and humorous guide. His ability to keep the group engaged, while providing insightful information about each winery and its wines, is often praised. His attentive care, including helping carry wine bottles, adds to the relaxed and friendly vibe of the tour.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Reservations are typically made around 41 days in advance, with confirmation received within 48 hours. The tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed, so planning ahead is key. If minimum participation is not met, the booking is canceled, but a full refund or alternative dates are offered.

Final Thoughts: A Relaxed, Well-Curated Wine Experience

The Summerland Half Day Wine Tour shines as a comprehensive yet intimate way to sample the best of the local wineries without the fuss of planning or driving. Its carefully selected stops—ranging from historic vineyards to modern estates—offer a well-rounded view of Summerland’s wine diversity.

The inclusion of tasting fees, bottled water, and friendly guide service provides excellent value for a 4-hour experience. The small group size ensures a warm, personalized atmosphere, making it ideal for wine lovers who appreciate storytelling, scenic views, and excellent local wines.

This tour suits those looking for a relaxed, informative outing with a touch of history and community spirit. It’s especially perfect for visitors wanting to experience boutique wineries beyond the larger commercial labels while enjoying convenient logistics and expert guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tour cost and what does it include?
The tour costs $118.02 per person and includes tasting fees, bottled water, air-conditioned transportation, a wine concierge, and door-to-door pickup and drop-off in Summerland.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 4 hours, providing ample time to visit 8 wineries and taste up to 20 wines.

Are wine purchases included in the tour price?
No, wine purchases are not included, giving guests the freedom to buy wines they love afterward.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 14 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. However, the focus is on wine tasting, so age restrictions naturally apply.

What stops are included in the itinerary?
Stops include Dirty Laundry Vineyard, Lunessence Winery, Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards, Thornhaven Estates, 8th Generation Vineyard, Heaven’s Gate Estate Winery, SummerGate Winery, and Back Door Winery.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather and sunglasses are recommended. Tasting stops are outdoors or in scenic winery settings.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed. Cancellations are only accepted if minimum participants are not met, in which case a full refund is issued.

What is the best time to book this tour?
Since bookings are often made around 41 days in advance, early planning is advisable, especially during peak seasons.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is operated by Sip Happens Wine Tours, known for their engaging guides and well-curated wine experiences.