6 Best Wineries in Lake Country BC

If you're craving a glass of wine with a view that stops you in your tracks, head to Lake Country in the Okanagan Valley—just a quick drive from Kelowna and packed with charm. 

The town is home to cozy, family-run wineries, award-winning vintages, and rolling vineyards. Whether you're into crisp whites, easy-drinking reds, or that perfect summer rosé, you'll find a sip that hits just right. And you don’t need to live in Lake Country to enjoy its wineries (though you may want to afterward!).

It’s the kind of place where wine tasting feels like a mini vacation—and you’ll want to come back again and again.

Highlights of Lake Country Wineries

• Lake Country sits between hills and Okanagan Lake, creating unique terroir for stellar wines.
• If you're a fan of Pinot Noir, 50th Parallel is THE place to be.
• Pack a picnic for Arrowleaf's picnic area with lakefront tables.
• Ex Nihilo has an on-site bistro with dishes tailored to complement the wines.
• Want to taste a bit of history? Gray Monk's Pinot Gris was the first such wine planted here.
• New to the wine scene? Intrigue Winery focuses on being an approachable experience.
• Enjoy farm-to-table dining? You don't get much fresher than Peak Cellars' on-site garden.
• Book wine tastings ahead and consider a guided tour so everyone can enjoy the glass or bottle safely.
• The region offers amazing food pairings at on-site restaurants that highlight local varietals.

What Makes Lake Country Wine Special?

Lake Country's soil dates back to pre-glacier times. This unique terroir makes the wine taste different from anywhere else. The cool Okanagan Lake air keeps vines happy, perfect for light-bodied reds and crisp whites that taste amazing.

The experience here goes beyond wine tastings. Picture yourself sipping a glass of Riesling while looking out over calm blue water or enjoying a picnic lunch right in the middle of vines stretching to the horizon. Summer visits are especially popular when the Okanagan Valley shows off its natural beauty.

The hills here aren't just pretty—they help the grapes, too. The slopes create good drainage and catch perfect sunlight. With around 247 acres of vineyards, Lake Country packs tons of wine variety into a small area. 

The much smaller Lake Country can compete with the bounty of wineries in Kelowna, which is a testament to its wine-making prowess. That said, winemakers in the region focus on quality over quantity.

Want more than just wine? Most wineries here serve fantastic food too. From casual tastings with food pairings to dinner at an on-site restaurant, these experiences improve wine tasting. Many guests indulge in both during their visit to make the most of their Lake Country adventure.

50th Parallel Estate: Home of Amazing Pinot Noir

50th Parallel stands out as one of the best wineries in the Okanagan. Their Pinot Noir? Simply incredible. It's deep ruby-red with rich flavours that will make you want to buy a bottle or even a case.

The building, located near the eastern bank of Okanagan Lake in Northwest Lake Country, will grab your attention right away—it has sharp angles and a modern design. Inside, the tasting room feels welcoming but upscale. The winemakers have mastered Pinot Noir, capturing every glass's unique Lake Country taste.

Even if you're new to wine tastings, 50th Parallel makes the experience fun and easy. From your first step into their stylish tasting room to your last sip, you'll see why everyone talks about this place. 

The winery, conveniently located in Lake Country between Downtown Kelowna and Vernon, also hosts special events throughout the year where guests can celebrate love, birthdays, or simply the joy of great wine.

Arrowleaf Cellars: Best Picnic Spot With a View

This family-run winery in Southwest Lake Country makes white wines that win awards year after year. But the real star might be the view—the outdoor seating looks right over Okanagan Lake.

Want the perfect summer afternoon? Bring a picnic to Arrowleaf's picnic area. They have tables set up among the vines where you can enjoy your lunch with a bottle of their amazing Riesling or other varietals. Don't pack dessert though—their wine shop and café makes cream puffs that are worth saving room for.

Arrowleaf isn't just about wine tastings and leaving. It's a place to slow down, enjoy nature, and taste some of the best wines in the region. Their tasting room staff are happy to explain how their organic vineyard practices contribute to the wine quality. The combination of great wine, tasty treats, and that jaw-dropping view of the lake makes for a perfect afternoon.

Ex Nihilo Vineyards: Passion in Every Bottle

At Ex Nihilo, passion drives everything. This winery focuses on letting the unique terroir of Lake Country speak through its wines. The result? Bottles that truly capture what makes the Okanagan Valley special.

Hungry? CHAOS Bistro inside the winery is a must-try on-site restaurant. They use local ingredients paired perfectly with Ex Nihilo wines. From fresh salads to hearty main dishes, every bite complements what's in your glass. The food pairings here are designed to showcase how wine and food can elevate each other.

Whether you're just starting to explore vintages or looking for an amazing dinner with perfect wine pairings, Ex Nihilo delivers on both counts. Their tasting room offers a comfortable space to discover both classic and experimental wines from passionate winemakers who love sharing their craft.

Gray Monk Estate: The Original Okanagan Winery

Gray Monk holds a special place in Canadian wine history. The Heiss family founded it and planted Canada's first Pinot Gris vines here. That pioneering spirit continues today in every bottle they produce from their focus on quality.

The view alone is worth the trip, and several of Kelowna’s best wine tours include stops at Gray Monk Estate. The tasting room overlooks Okanagan Lake, giving you breathtaking scenery while you sample their wines. It's hard to imagine a more perfect setting to enjoy a glass of their signature varietals.

Don't miss The Lookout Restaurant while you're there. This on-site restaurant serves seasonal farm-to-table dishes that pair perfectly with Gray Monk wines. Whether you visit for lunch or dinner, the combination of food and lake views is unforgettable. With its history, amazing wines, and stunning views, Gray Monk is a must-visit on any Lake Country wine tour and a key part of British Columbia's wine legacy.

Intrigue Winery: Great Value and Tasty Pairings

Intrigue Winery makes fun, approachable wines that won't break the bank. Their tasting room feels welcoming rather than pretentious, perfect if you're new to wine tastings or looking to explore different varietals.

Make your visit special by adding one of their famous charcuterie boxes. These boxes of meats, cheeses, and snacks make the perfect food pairings for their wines and help you taste the subtle flavours better. Summer visits are especially nice when you can enjoy these pairings outdoors.

With affordable prices, unique tastes, and delicious food pairings, Intrigue Winery deserves a spot on your Lake Country winery list. Their wine shop offers great bottles to take home at reasonable prices. Here you get great wine, tasty food, and beautiful views without the high-end price tag.

Peak Cellars: Fresh Finds and Garden-Fresh Food

Though newer to the Lake Country scene, Peak Cellars has quickly become a favourite stop. They offer innovative wines that surprise and delight first-time guests. The winery has a modern tasting room where you can sample its unique collection.

The Garden Bistro here is something special. This popular on-site restaurant grows vegetables in its own greenhouses and uses them in fresh, seasonal dishes. Imagine eating vegetables harvested just hours before, paired with wines made right there. Whether you come for lunch, dinner, or happy hour, the food pairings impress as much as the wine.

With their commitment to quality and fresh ideas, Peak Cellars is perfect for discovering new favourites in Lake Country. Their focus on both the vines and the kitchen makes this winery a complete experience for visitors to the region.

Tips to Make Your Wine Tour Amazing

Planning a wine tour can be overwhelming, but a few simple tips make it easier. 

• Consider joining a guided tour—you’ll learn from knowledgeable guides (and there’s no need to get behind the wheel)
• Book wine tastings and tours in advance
• Enjoy the region along your way

Some of the best scenic drives from Kelowna travel through Lake Country, so stopping off at a winery or two is a great way to enhance the drive. Several wineries also offer special events like harvest celebrations or winemaker dinners that let you indulge in even more immersive experiences.

Ready for an Unforgettable Wine Adventure?

Lake Country wineries offer something for everyone. From Gray Monk's pioneering history in Canada to Peak Cellars’ garden-fresh innovation, each stop tells its own story. They also offer views that compete with the most stunning waterfront homes in Lake Country.

Taste award-winning Pinot Noir at 50th Parallel, enjoy farm-to-table meals at an on-site restaurant, or simply take in those lake views with a glass in hand. The Okanagan Valley's unique terroir produces wines that showcase the best of British Columbia's growing conditions. 

Your perfect wine country adventure awaits in Lake Country. Bring friends or celebrate love with a partner at these amazing destinations. Cheers to that!

If the opportunities in Lake Country excite you, contact the agents at KelownaHomes.ca at 250-999-9844 to get in touch with a local real estate agent who can help you find the perfect home in Lake Country today.