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The Lake Country Full Day Lunch Wine Tour, priced at $144.55 per person, offers an immersive 6-hour experience in the Okanagan Valley near Kelowna, Canada. This tour is renowned as the most popular option from Sip Happens Wine Tours, with a perfect 5-star rating based on 23 reviews and a recommendation rate of 100%. It features visits to 5 distinguished wineries, with up to 24 wines tasted, along with scenic views along Lake Okanagan. The tour departs at 10:30 am, with door-to-door pickup and drop-off in Vernon or Lake Country, making it highly convenient.
One of the tour’s big strengths is the carefully curated stops at notable vineyards, combined with ample tasting time, and the opportunity to enjoy delicious, scenic vineyard lunches (lunch costs are not included). The guides are frequently praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to enhance the experience, making it ideal for wine enthusiasts or those seeking a relaxing day with beautiful vistas. Keep in mind, the tour is limited to 13 travelers, ensuring a comfortable, intimate atmosphere.
Key Points
- Includes tastings at 5 unique wineries with up to 24 wines sampled.
- 6-hour full-day experience with door-to-door pickup.
- Guided by knowledgeable hosts, often praised for their friendliness and local expertise.
- Two vineyard lunches at Gray Monk and Peak Cellars, with scenic dining settings (lunch is not included in the price).
- Visits to Gray Monk Estate Winery, Ex Nihilo Vineyards, and other notable wineries.
- Flexibility at certain stops to buy your favorite wines directly.
- Highly rated with a perfect 5/5 score from past participants, many emphasizing the quality of guides, views, and wine selection.
Lake Country Full Day Lunch Wine Tour: An Overview
This tour offers a comprehensive look at the Okanagan wine scene, combining stunning lake views, top-notch vineyards, and expert guidance. It’s designed for those who want to sample a wide variety of wines while enjoying delicious meals in beautiful outdoor settings. The $144.55 price includes tasting fees, bottled water, air-conditioned transport, a wine concierge, and gratuity for the guide. It does not include lunch or wine purchases, so guests can plan accordingly.
The tour starts at 10:30 am, with pickups arranged in Vernon or Lake Country. It is particularly popular, often booked 22 days in advance, indicating strong demand among wine lovers in the area.
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Exploring the Wineries on the Itinerary
The tour begins at Gray Monk Estate Winery, known for its charming origin story involving Austrian-German founders George and Trudy Heiss. The winery features views of Lake Okanagan and offers a 30-minute tasting session included in the tour. Guests enjoy learning about the winery’s history and sample some of their best vintages.
Next, the group visits Ex Nihilo Vineyards, inspired by a Fredrick Hart sculpture symbolizing creation. Here, the focus is on crafting wines inspired by the creation story, with 30-minute tastings and a chance to appreciate the dedication to land and climate.
Intrigue Wines is the third stop, where a blend of two families has created a dynamic winery in 2008. With 30-minute visits, guests get to explore innovative blends, and the guide shares stories about the winery’s unique background.
Peak Cellars follows as Lake Country’s newest hotspot. The modern winery inspires guests with its estate-grown lineup and adventurous spirit. The 30-minute tasting here is an opportunity to explore the innovative wines and enjoy scenic vistas.
A longer stop at Ancient Hill Estate Winery allows for 4-5 wine tastings over 45 minutes, plus time for guests to shop for their favorite bottles. This winery emphasizes heritage and craftsmanship, making it a favorite for those interested in local wine stories.
The tour concludes at Arrowleaf Cellars, a family-owned winery with Swiss roots. Founded in 2001, Arrowleaf offers a 30-minute tasting, highlighting estate-grown wines and the family’s connection to the land.
Vineyard Lunches with Scenic Views
The tour includes lunch breaks at Gray Monk’s Lookout Restaurant and Peak Cellars Garden Bistro, both praised for delicious meals and breathtaking scenery. Gray Monk’s restaurant serves shareable dishes and entrées, with a 46-minute stop, while Peak Cellars’ patio offers 60 seats overlooking vineyards, orchards, and Lake Okanagan, with a 45-minute visit.
While lunch costs are not included in the tour price, these stops provide relaxed, scenic dining experiences that complement the wine tasting. Past feedback highlights the quality of the meals and views as a standout feature.
The Role of the Guides in Creating a Memorable Experience
Guides like James, Athena, Penny, and Nick are frequently mentioned for their knowledgeability, friendliness, and attention to detail. Reviews praise guides for taking photos, sharing local stories, and ensuring timely, smooth transitions between stops. Many travelers comment that guides help make the tour feel personal and relaxed, adding value beyond just wine tasting.
Mike, the driver appreciated for going above and beyond with photo compilations and attentive service, exemplifies how the tour elevates ordinary transport into an enjoyable part of the experience.
Logistics and Group Size
The tour operates with a maximum of 13 travelers, keeping the experience intimate and personal. It features door-to-door pickup and drop-off in Vernon or Lake Country, which adds significant convenience. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort throughout the day, even on warmer days.
Participants are generally most travelers, with accessibility considered as service animals are allowed. The start time of 10:30 am allows for a relaxed pace and ample time at each winery.
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What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
This full-day experience excels in its carefully selected wineries, scenic lake views, and personalized service. The balance of tastings, meals, and sightseeing offers a well-rounded day for wine lovers and casual enthusiasts alike.
The strong reviews highlight the guides’ expertise and friendliness, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. The delicious lunches paired with spectacular scenery create a memorable day that often exceeds expectations.
Potential Considerations for Participants
While the tour is highly praised, guests should note that lunch is not included in the price, and wines are available for purchase at each stop. The tour requires pre-booking, often well in advance, due to its popularity. The cancellation policy is non-refundable, so travelers should be certain of their plans beforehand.
The pace is relaxed but busy, and participants should be comfortable with standing, walking, and tasting wines at multiple venues.
An Authentic and Enjoyable Okanagan Wine Day
The Lake Country Full Day Lunch Wine Tour offers a comprehensive, relaxed way to explore the region’s best wineries. Its careful itinerary, beautiful vistas, and friendly guides make it a top choice for wine enthusiasts, groups celebrating special occasions, or anyone seeking a scenic, wine-filled day.
While lunch costs are separate, the quality of winery visits and scenic stops more than compensate. The small group size and personalized service create an inviting atmosphere where learning, tasting, and enjoying are the priorities.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious beginner, this tour is designed to deliver a memorable day of fine wines and stunning views in the heart of Canada’s premier wine region.
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Lake Country Full Day Lunch Wine Tour-Incl. Tastings & Guide Grat
“We had a great time sampling the wines, and the lunch at Gray Monk was excellent. Our tour guide and driver James, was very entertaining, attentiv…”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $144.55 per person, including tasting fees, bottled water, transportation, and gratuity for the guide.
How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 6 hours, starting at 10:30 am.
Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included in the price but is served at two wineries with scenic views, and guests have ample time to enjoy and purchase food.
What wineries are visited?
Stops include Gray Monk Estate Winery, Ex Nihilo Vineyards, Intrigue Wines, Peak Cellars, Ancient Hill Estate Winery, and Arrowleaf Cellars.
Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle for door-to-door pickup and drop-off.
Can I buy wine during the tour?
Yes, each winery offers wine for purchase, and guests are encouraged to shop for their favorites.
Is this tour accessible for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.
How far in advance should I book?
The tour is often booked around 22 days in advance, so early reservations are recommended.
What makes this tour different from others?
Its small group size, scenic lake views, highly praised guides, and well-planned winery visits make it stand out.
Can I customize the stops or timing?
The itinerary is generally fixed, but guides are flexible with the order or duration at stops, depending on group preference.
What is the cancellation policy?
This experience is non-refundable; cancellations or changes are not permitted once booked.
This Lake Country Full Day Lunch Wine Tour from Sip Happens offers a balanced, scenic, and educational introduction to the Okanagan wine region, perfect for those looking to spend a memorable day sipping and sightseeing.