As summer comes to an end, wineries begin uncorking bottles of the previous year’s vintages, offering up sips of beloved varietals and brand-new blends. Alongside the autumn colours that take over the Okanagan Valley and the crisp, cool weather — perfect for vineyard strolls — fall marks the perfect time for city folk to take a trip to the Okanagan Valley.
Flavours abound in the Valley — Kelowna was recently named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy — and harvest season is a peak period of flavour and fun. With fall festivals, fresh harvest produce and tasty new wine releases, West Kelowna offers a scenic backdrop to a variety of harvest season excitement.
Here are some events, offerings and things to know about West Kelowna’s wineries to help you plan your trip.
Black Swift Vineyard:
Located just eight minutes from downtown Kelowna, Black Swift Vineyard’s outdoor, dog-friendly patio offers stunning views of Okanagan Lake. Stop by for a drop-in wine tasting, or book the Bad & Bougie Vines and Wine Tasting experience, an in-depth experience that offers a flight of five of Black Swift’s most sought-after wines.
Crown & Thieves:
For those who like their wines with a bit of edge, Crown & Thieves offers the “rebellious” side of wine. Sample a glass of the “Scoundrels Punch” from the Barrel Thief Collection, a series of wines made from barrels of wine spanning multiple vintages, all blended together for an irreplicable taste. Sip while watching one of many shows (including music, drag and magic events) this fall in Crown & Thieves’ prohibition-era speakeasy, the Broken Hearts Club.
Grizzli Winery:
Celebrate the Thanksgiving weekend at Grizzli Winery’s annual Grizzli Fall Fest, offering a free, family-friendly afternoon overlooking the vineyard. Shop at the artisan market, listen to live music and partake in a variety of family activities like crafting, apple bobbing and a scavenger hunt. Be sure to sample the wine and seasonal drinks while you’re there — Grizzli’s ice wine has won multiple awards over the years.
The Hatch:
For lovers of the weird and the wonderful, The Hatch is the place to visit. A winery that doesn’t take itself too seriously, The Hatch offers a tasting experience that’s unique, fun and a little bit messy — the sabre experience. Open up your bottle of bubbly Hatch-style with a sabre, before enjoying it in the stunning picnic area in the West Kelowna hillside.
Mission Hill Family Estate:
A beacon of excellence in the Canadian wine world, Mission Hill Family Estate won the WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada for the sixth time in 2025. Sample the estate’s award-winning wines in a guided tasting, complete with a winery tour and curated food pairings.
Niche Wine Co.:
Niche Wine Co. knows its specialty: small-batch wines served with farmhouse hospitality. The unique approach allows the winery to experiment and use innovative techniques in every small batch. Taste the originality in its wines, like the 2025 Pinot Noir — its grapes were brought from the vineyard to the winery within five minutes of picking.
Quails’ Gate Winery:
Quail’s Gate was the first winery in the Okanagan Valley to plant pinot noir, back in 1975. Over the past 50 years, Quail’s Gate has become known for this delightful red wine. Experience this signature varietal with the newly released Founders’ Collection 2023 Richard’s Block Pinot Noir, named after founder Richard Stewart, who played an instrumental role in bringing pinot noir to the valley.
Volcanic Hills Estate Winery:
Volcanic Hills Winery has several new releases this year, including the 2025 Malbec. Perfect for sitting outside on a mild fall afternoon, this juicy and bright wine pairs beautifully with a laid back meal with friends.
To learn more about Kelowna’s must-visit wineries, visit tourismkelowna.com/explore/spots/wine/
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