Kelowna & West Kelowna: Afternoon Wine Tour with Pickup

Summary

Kelowna vineyards and lakeside tastings with local stories

You’ll spend your afternoon winding through Kelowna or West Kelowna’s best wineries with a local guide—tasting crisp whites and earthy reds, soaking up lake views, hearing little stories behind each bottle. There’s no rush: just easy pickup after lunch and plenty of time for wandering vineyards or chatting on sunny patios. It’s relaxed, real—something that lingers long after you head back.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I thought a wine tour would feel a bit stuffy, but the afternoon we spent winding through Kelowna and West Kelowna’s wineries was just… relaxed. Our guide, Mark (he grew up here — you could tell by the way he talked about the lake), picked us up right after lunch. No early rush, no big bus crowds. The van smelled faintly of lavender from someone’s hand cream, and I remember thinking how nice it was not to be herded anywhere. We had a choice between the Kelowna wine route or heading over to West Kelowna — we went west because someone in our group wanted to see Mount Boucherie. Good call.

The first stop was Quails’ Gate. There’s this moment when you step out and the air is just thick with grass and something sweet — maybe wildflowers? I’m not sure. Mark explained how the volcanic soil shapes the taste of their pinot noir (I pretended to understand). We wandered through rows of vines after tasting; I tried to pronounce “Gewürztraminer” right and got a laugh from one of the staff. The view over Okanagan Lake is ridiculous — but not in that postcard-perfect way, more like you want to sit there for hours with a glass and do nothing.

We hit a few more places — Frind Winery was right on the beach, which felt odd at first (wine with sand underfoot?), but it worked. The tasting rooms ranged from super modern to this one old barn full of weird art at The Hatch. Someone played guitar quietly outside while we sipped something white and zippy; I still think about that sound mixing with all the laughter from our group. At Indigenous World Winery, Mark pointed out artwork by local First Nations artists — he seemed proud of that part, which made me pay attention differently.

The whole day trip from Kelowna for wine tasting was only about four hours, but it felt longer in a good way. Maybe it’s just being driven around in that Mercedes van (I could get used to that), or maybe it’s how each winery had its own vibe — family-run places where someone’s nonna waves at you from behind the counter, or big patios where strangers start chatting about what they’re drinking. So yeah, if you’re looking for an afternoon without any pressure to “do” too much, this private wine tour around West Kelowna is kind of perfect… even if you can’t pronounce half the varietals.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — West Kelowna Wine Route Tour

• Afternoon pickup after lunch
• Drive to Quails Gate winery
• Wine tasting and vineyard stroll
• Visit Frind winery by the beach
• Wine tasting and picnic area visit
• Stop at Indigenous winery on First Nations land
• Wine tasting and gift shop browsing
• Visit Mt. Boucherie winery slopes
• Wine tasting and enjoy lake views
• Stop at Volcanic Hills winery
• Wine tasting and patio restaurant visit
• Visit Hatch winery in antique farm building
• Wine tasting and view eccentric artwork
• Stop at Rollingdale winery
• Wine tasting of unique wines
• Visit Ciao Bella winery amid orchards
• Wine tasting of Italian flair wines
• Stop at Little Straw Vineyards on Mt. Boucherie
• Wine tasting and enjoy vineyard views

Top questions

How long does the Kelowna wine tour last?

The tour takes up to 4 hours in total.

Is hotel pickup included for this wine tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel, home or B&B in Kelowna or West Kelowna is included.

How many wineries do we visit on this day trip?

You’ll visit four wineries during the tour.

Are tasting fees included in the price?

Yes, all winery tasting fees are included in your tour fee.

Can I choose between Kelowna and West Kelowna routes?

Yes, you can pick either the Kelowna wine route or West Kelowna wine route when booking.

Is there a minimum age for this private wine tour?

The minimum drinking age is 19 years old.

What kind of vehicle will we travel in?

You’ll travel comfortably in a Mercedes Benz van or minibus.

Are snacks or meals provided on this afternoon tour?

No meals are included; tastings are provided at each winery.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Kelowna or West Kelowna, all transportation by comfortable Mercedes van, live commentary from your local guide along the way, entry into four selected wineries on your chosen route (with all tasting fees covered), plus time to stroll vineyards or relax on patios before heading back as evening settles in.