The Two Best Distilleries in Kelowna, BC

Posted by Dave Kotler on Friday, January 21st, 2022 at 1:34pm.

Best Distilleries in the Kelowna AreaKelowna, a picturesque city in British Columbia, is home to many excellent tourist attractions.  Though Kelowna is known for its wineries, it also has a great selection of distilleries that offer visitors unique experiences and delicious alcoholic beverages that can't be found anywhere else. Here are two of the best that anyone visiting Kelowna—or any residents of the city—should check out, but they're certainly not the only options.

Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery

An internationally acclaimed distillery and winner of the 2014 Certificate of Excellence, Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery is located near Okanagan Lake's shores.

Learn the Art of Craft Distilling

Visitors at Okanagan Spirits can observe the fine art of craft distilling. Using traditional copper pot stills is how they create magic. Employees share the delicate process of making gin, whiskey, liquors, and vodka. Sit at the tasting bar and enjoy a taste of a hand-picked spirit selection at no charge.

Farm to Table

The only distillery in the area that produces fruit spirits, Okanagan Spirits uses only carefully selected local fruits. This creates a wonderful farm-to-table experience for those wishing to indulge themselves in the tantalizing creation.

The Spirit Store

Not sure what to choose in the Spirit Store? Never fear! The staff at Okanagan Spirits in Kelowna is knowledgeable and friendly. They are always ready to share what they know and make recommendations based on your specific needs.

Are you visiting from out of town? Purchase three bottles or more and Okanagan Spirits will ship your delicious selections for free. You can fly home and expect your spirits to arrive safe and sound without the burden of transporting them through the airport.

Bring your entire group of friends for a fun outing. The Distillery requests to call ahead for parties of six or more, and groups are welcome anytime. You can enjoy a taste of "just picked" fruit freshness when you try their fruit spirits and leave with a wealth of knowledge of the art of craft distillery.

Urban Distilleries

Urban Distilleries is a very popular tourist destination in Kelowna. Of all the craft distilleries in British Columbia, this one is considered the oldest and the largest. This small-batch craft distillery produces some of the best premium handmade spirits in the world. This includes whisky, moonshine, vodka and gin.

Tours

If you want to get a first-hand look at how ultra-premium spirits are produced, be sure to check out the tours offered at Urban Distilleries. The most popular tour is the Signature Tour & Tasting tour. This comprehensive guided tour will give you an in-depth look into the makings of a variety of different spirits.

You will also get the opportunity to taste all of the spirits currently being made in the distillery. One of your last parting gifts will be a souvenir glass from Urban Distilleries.

Tours take place every day. If you have a group of 10 or more, an appointment will be required. The cost is $10 per person, and those under the age of 18 are admitted free. Expect the tour to last about an hour.

Tasting Bar

The tasting bar is available every day, all year round. Here you will be able to get a single tasting on the house. You can also take a tasting flight which will allow you to taste all fine wares for $5. All proceeds from tasting flights go to the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition, so you will be drinking for a good cause. And don't worry, these tastings are very small. All in all, you'll consume no more than one drink.

Enjoy a Day at One of Kelowna's Distilleries

Between tours, tastings, and stores, there are plenty of activities to enjoy at Kelowna's distilleries. Both Urban Distilleries and Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery are excellent choices for anyone who's looking to spend some time around drinks.

Dave Kotler

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