This BC Wine Month, we invite you to a slower, more intentional way to explore wine country, and there’s no better place to begin than Penticton.
Perfectly positioned among several of British Columbia’s most distinctive wine regions, Penticton offers easy access to a diverse range of tasting experiences, from the sloping vineyards of the Naramata Bench to the dramatic landscapes of the Similkameen Valley, it’s the ideal starting point for discovering just how varied wine country can be.
Within an hour or two of Penticton, you can move from cool-climate, mineral-driven whites to bold, sun-soaked reds that rival some of the biggest wine regions in the world.
Here’s your guide to the distinct wine regions surrounding Penticton, what makes them unique, and how to start planning the perfect BC Wine getaway.
🌿 Summerland
Scenic, small-scale, and seriously underrated
If you want to ease into BC Wine Month with minimal crowds, this is your spot. Summerland leans quieter, more intimate, and a little under the radar, in the best way.
Cooler temperatures here mean wines with bright acidity and freshness, especially sparkling and aromatic whites. It’s also home to a high concentration of boutique, often winemaker-owned operations, so your tasting feels a lot more personal.
You’re not just being poured a wine, you’re hearing the story behind it.
Start with:
- Lightning Rock Winery for delicious low-intervention wines made with natural, organic practices (plus an unreal view!)
- 8th Generation Vineyard for estate-grown varietals and deep local roots, and a beautiful tasting garden.
While you’re in town:
Finish your day at Zia’s Stonehouse Restaurant – a beloved family-run restaurant that has been serving the community for generations. Set inside a beautifully preserved heritage building, it delivers more than just an amazing meal… it’s an experience steeped in history.
For more information on the Summerland wine region, check out Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive Association.
🍇 Naramata Bench
The classic, for a reason
This is the Okanagan wine experience most people picture, and it delivers. Rolling vineyards, lake views, and a lineup of wineries close enough to make exploring easy.
Naramata’s east-facing slopes soak up long hours of sun, creating ideal conditions for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and rosé. The range here is part of the appeal, you can go from a casual patio tasting to a full sit-down dining experience without leaving the Bench.
It’s polished, but never pretentious.
Start with:
- La Frenz Winery for a relaxed tasting at a family-run winery that prides themselves on producing premium wine from the ground up.
- Nichol Vineyard – a pioneering Naramata Bench winery known for small-lot wines, and home to Canada’s oldest Syrah vines.
While you’re in town:
When you’re hungry for lunch, meander down to Naramata Village. The Naramata General Store has fresh made sandwiches, baked goods, individual charcuterie boards, fruit, and more. Stock up, and enjoy a DIY picnic lunch break at Manitou Park before heading back on the wine trails.
For more information on the Naramata Bench wine region, check out the Naramata Bench Wineries Association.
☀️ Okanagan Falls, Skaha Lake & Kaleden
Where things get interesting
This is where the landscape really starts to show its range. Around Okanagan Falls and Skaha Lake, a diverse mix of soils, elevations, and microclimates creates noticeable variation in the glass, even within a short drive.
You’ll still find standout Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but what makes this area compelling is the range of styles, shaped by subtle shifts in terrain and climate. That same diversity carries through to the different atmospheres, from wineries tucked deep within the vines to others perched above quiet lakes or opening out to sweeping valley views.
Slow down, explore a little more, and see appreciate just how much diversity can exist within one region.
Start with:
- Lakeboat Vineyard & Winery for an intimate tasting experience of exquisite small-batch wines crafted from exclusively from Kaleden-grown grapes.
- See Ya Later Ranch Winery for a fun, pet-friendly winery with expressive wines, and an expansive outdoor space with yard games and lounge areas.
While you’re in town:
Cap off your adventures with a visit to the original Tickleberry’s location in OK Falls. More than just an ice cream shop, Tickleberry’s is home to a wide selection of novelty gifts, toys, home decor, plus homemade fudge, kettle korn and chocolates.
For more information on the Okanagan Falls/Skaha Lake wine region, check out The Heart of Wine Country: Okanagan Falls | Skaha Lake Winery Association.
🌵 Oliver & Osoyoos
Canada’s desert wine country
Yes, desert. And it shows in the wine.
This is the warmest part of the valley, known for producing bold, structured reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Bordeaux-style blends. If you’re someone who gravitates toward bigger wines, this is a great place to be.
It’s also home to some of the most established and iconic wineries in the province, making it a must-visit if you’re looking to understand the full scope of BC wine.
Start with:
- Burrowing Owl Estate Winery for powerful reds and a destination-worthy experience.
- Nk’Mip Cellars, North America’s first Indigenous-owned winery.
While you’re in town:
Experience the beauty and diversity of this unique desert environment at the Osoyoos Desert Centre, a 67-acre nature interpretive facility. Enjoy a guided or self-guided tour along a 1.5 km elevated wooden boardwalk through the natural desert landscape and ecosystem.
For more information on the Oliver & Osoyoos wine region, check out Uncork the Sun: Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association.
🌄 Similkameen Valley / Keremeos
Wild, remote, and seriously good
If you want something that feels a little more off-the-beaten-path, head west.
The Similkameen Valley is rugged and dramatic, with intense sun, cool nights, and a strong focus on organic and low-intervention winemaking. The result is wines that are often more mineral-driven, structured, and expressive of the land.
It’s less about fancy tasting rooms and more about the experience as a whole.
Start with:
- Clos du Soleil Winery for wines borrowing an aesthetic derived from the great wines of Bordeaux, but stamped with the flavours and aromas of the Similkameen.
- Orofino Vineyards to taste terroir-driven, minimal intervention wines in Canada’s first energy-efficient, fully solar powered strawbale winery.
While you’re in town:
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the Grist Mill & Heritage Gardens, where you’ll find a working 1877 waterwheel powered flour mill, heritage farm buildings, beautiful gardens, and a quaint restaurant serving up homemade sandwiches, soups and snacks just like grandma used to make.
For more information on the Similkameen wine region, check out Similkameen Independent Winegrowers.
So… where do you start?
Whichever region calls to you, we highly recommend exploring with a local guide, and luckily there are some great local wine tour operators who are happy to not only drive, but lead you through a customized wine tour experience. Read more on Wine Tour Operators here.
BC Wine Month is the perfect time to explore thoughtfully, and gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of the region. With several distinct wine routes nearby, each shaped by its own environment and approach to winemaking, there’s a natural opportunity to experience more than one during your stay in Penticton.
Ready to start planning your spring getaway? Explore Penticton accommodation packages here.
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