6 Best Wine Tours Near Kelowna: Enjoy the Views & Wines

The lush vineyards of Kelowna offer guided wine tours that tantalize your tastebuds while expanding your wine knowledge. Visitors are captivated by knowledgeable guides who not only share the intricacies of winemaking but also recount historic events that paint a vivid picture of the region's viticultural history. Each tour offers something unique, whether it's a serene boat ride between tastings or a panoramic view from a helicopter. Let’s explore some of the fantastic guided wine tours in the Okanagan Valley, and discover which one of these explanations is right for you—and how they all enhance the experience of living in Kelowna. 

Keys to Kelowna’s Top Wine Tours

• Kelowna offers a variety of wine tours, ranging from half-day to full-day experiences, emphasizing local culture and history.
• Tour providers like Cheers! Okanagan Tours, Treehouse Wine Tours, and Vivid Tours offer customizable and thematic wine touring experiences.
• Luxury options include Valhalla Helicopters for aerial views and BARE Wine Tours for all-inclusive packages with tasting fees covered.
• These tours have won awards like TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence and are highly rated for their knowledgeable guides and quality service.

Cheers! Okanagan Tours and Transportation

At the heart of Kelowna's vibrant wine tour scene, Cheers! Okanagan Tours and Transportation stands out as a top choice for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The company has built a reputation for offering immersive experiences that showcase Kelowna’s best wineries. You’ll learn about the rich tapestry of local vineyards and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes that surround them.

The company is headquartered near Kelowna International Airport in the Ellison neighbourhood. Cheers! tours aren't just about tasting wine, but about creating a connection between the visitors and the region's culture and history. The knowledgeable guides ensure that each guest leaves with a deeper understanding of the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of the Okanagan terroir.

What sets Cheers! apart is its commitment to comfort and style. Its fleet of vehicles ranges from cozy minivans for small groups to luxurious coaches for larger gatherings, each ensuring a smooth and relaxing journey through the scenic routes.

Cheers! caters to a variety of preferences, and offers everything from half-day excursions to full-day adventures, with options to customize your experience for the most curated experience. Cheers! makes sure their guests aren't just spectators but active participants in the Kelowna wine story.

Treehouse Wine Tours

Treehouse Wine Tours offers a personalized service that sets the stage for unforgettable adventures in the Okanagan Valley. With a keen focus on world-class boutique wineries, the company promises a fun yet relaxing experience.

Tours typically last between five and six hours, ensuring that visitors have ample time to savour the vineyard landscapes and taste the exquisite wines. Knowledgeable guides lead each tour and enhance the overall experience with their insights and expertise in the region's viniculture.

Visitors can expect to visit five preselected wineries, each offering a unique charm and an array of fine wines. For those looking for a tailored experience, Treehouse Wine Tours—located across Okanagan Lake in West Kelowna—provides private tours specifically designed for groups of friends, family, or colleagues.

Their commitment to excellence is evident not only in their tours but also in their recognition within the industry. Treehouse Wine Tours has been honoured with TripAdvisor's 2019 Certificate of Excellence and the 2020 Travelers Choice Award, underscoring its reputation for quality and customer satisfaction.

For those eager to explore the heart of Canada's wine country, Treehouse Wine Tours ensures a memorable and sophisticated adventure.

Vivid Tours

Vivid Tours explores the heart of Kelowna's wine country with an array of engaging and personalized wine tour options. They offer half-day tours ranging from $149 to $169 for a four-hour journey that accommodates between two and 28 guests.

Vivid Tours is based near The Okanagan Golf Club, home to two of the best golf courses in Kelowna. Their full-day tours, which host between two and 14 guests, cost between $159 and $239 and provide a more intimate setting that lasts between six and seven hours. 

Specialty tours like the Sunset Sip Wine Tour and Bachelorette Wine Tours, ranging from $159 to $169, mix wine tastings with food and scenic views, while the $379 Kelowna Platinum Wine Tour offers an elevated, private experience.

The Kelowna Mystery Wine Tour adds an element of adventure with its surprise destinations, and the Jason Parkes Trail Westside Tour combines wine, cider, and BBQ for a unique tasting journey.

Vivid Tours has a reputation for excellence, helping make local wine tours one of the top things to do in Kelowna. Tours are conducted in stylish, comfortable vehicles, and round-trip transportation is provided from accommodations. They're passionate about providing a professional and engaging experience, ensuring high customer satisfaction. 

Valhalla Helicopters Heli-Wine Tours

Valhalla Helicopters, based near West Kelowna’s Lakeview Heights neighbourhood, takes your wine-tasting experience to the next level by combining luxury helicopter travel with exclusive vineyard visits through their Heli-Wine Tours.

This unique service allows up to four passengers, or a total load of 800 lbs, to journey through the skies of Kelowna, landing at meticulously selected wineries. The half-day tour, priced at $1799, offers a concise yet unforgettable glimpse into the region's viniculture, albeit with tasting fees not included in the base price.

Geographical proximity dictates the winery options available, ensuring that travel time is minimized and enjoyment maximized. This tailored approach not only showcases the scenic beauty from above but also immerses guests in the refined tastes of local wines.

While their luxury helicopters are the main draw, the company’s location along the Westside Wine Trail, one of the top scenic drives near Kelowna, provides motivation to extend your stay. For a more extensive exploration, the full-day tour, at $3499, allows guests to choose four wineries to visit, providing a deep dive into the Okanagan's renowned wine offerings.

With aircraft specifically designed for comfort during wine tours, Valhalla ensures a smooth ride. Its helicopters offer panoramic views that highlight why the Okanagan is celebrated globally, making each flight not just a transfer, but a key part of the sensory experience.

Vines & Views

Established in 2013, Vines & Views has already become a top choice for those who want to experience Kelowna's rich viticultural landscape. The company offers an array of tours that combine wine tasting with stunning sightseeing, providing an unforgettable journey through the Okanagan Valley. Their diverse wine selection from local vineyards ensures every palate is catered to.

The West Kelowna Gallery of Grapes Tour is their most popular choice among visitors and costs $169 per person. It includes tastings at five different wineries over approximately five to six hours. For those who want a shorter experience, the West Kelowna Half Day Tour offers a condensed experience, with tastings at four wineries for $139 per person.

The Lakeshore Escape and Lake Country Swirl, Sip & Savour Tours, both available for $169 per person, provide extensive explorations and tastings at five wineries. Visiting wine aficionados are encouraged to experience the wineries in Lake Country and Summerland, and Vines & Views is a good option for both.

Vines & Views doesn't just guide guests through wine tastings; they unpack the educational aspects of winemaking. Tours feature discussions about the winemaking process and the region's terroir, enhancing guests' appreciation for the craft.

Additionally, the tours highlight the scenic beauty of Kelowna, from pristine lakes to majestic mountains, complemented by local culinary delights, making each outing a comprehensive sensory experience.

BARE Wine Tours

BARE Wine Tours stands out as a top choice for those seeking immersive experiences in Kelowna's wine country. Whether you’re looking to experience Summerland’s wonderful wineries or head north to Vernon, BARE Wine Tours is an excellent option. They've consistently received accolades for their quality service, ensuring a top-tier experience for all visitors.

The all-inclusive offerings set BARE apart, with tasting fees covered and enjoyable extras like Spotify music to enhance the mood. Guests can savour delicious snacks perfectly paired with wine, stay hydrated with bottled water, and benefit from convenient pick-up and drop-off services. These features exemplify their commitment to hassle-free, enjoyable tours.

Guides at BARE are locals with a deep understanding of Okanagan's vineyards and wineries. Their engaging personalities and insider knowledge help to create the perfect touring experience, ensuring a relaxing and fun experience. 

BARE also offers flexible booking options that offer guests added peace of mind. These include full refunds for cancellations up to seven days in advance and easy rescheduling, making planning worry-free. Their wide range of tour options caters to various needs, from budget-friendly public tours to customized private experiences, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Explore Kelowna with Your Favorite Guided Wine Tour

In Kelowna, guided wine tours are the best way to experience the Okanagan Valley Wine Country. Companies like Cheers! Okanagan, Treehouse, and Vivid Tours provide personalized journeys through scenic vineyards with educational insights into winemaking. For those seeking something unique, Valhalla Helicopters and Vines & Views will take your wine-tasting experience to new heights, while BARE Wine Tours focuses on intimate, memorable tastings. Whether by land or air, these guided wine tours promise an enjoyable experience that you won’t soon forget.

If the opportunities in Kelowna 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 Kelowna today.