5 Amazing BC Wineries That Everyone Should Visit

When we first moved to Canada, we had absolutely no idea that it had an internationally renowned wine industry and even less idea that we were moving just a four hour drive from one of the most incredible wine producing regions.

The most well-known wine making area in BC is the Thompson-Okanagan region, in the interior of the province, approximately four hours east of Vancouver, BC and eight hours west of Calgary, AB. There are also multiple other wineries located across the province, the northernmost is in Prince George, BC, which specialises in fruit wines as the weather is too mild to support grapevines.

Since we have lived in BC, we've been fortunate enough to visit 14 amazing BC wineries and here are five of our favourites that are definitely worth a visit...

Burrowing Owl

We loved Burrowing Owl so much on our first visit, we actually ended up planning a whole road-trip weekend around returning there! Located in Oliver, BC, this winery is best seen in the summer months, when the vines are at their most alive and colourful. There is a wine shop and restaurant on site and, quite unusually, a 10 room guesthouse that we have not yet had the pleasure of staying in.

Fort Berens

Moving out of the Okanagan, Fort Berens is located in the small town of Lillooet, BC. We visited this winery when we took an amazing road trip in July 2020. This winery is situated roughly halfway between Kamloops and Whistler and I would thoroughly recommend anyone to do the drive, even if they don't stop at the winery. It really is one of the most beautiful, winding roads.

During our stop for lunch, we shared a delicious charcuterie plate and had a glass of wine each. Neither of us usually drink rosé wine, however it was the recommended pairing with the meal so Rich opted for it and we were both pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it was. We definitely choose the suggested wine anytime we go for lunch at a winery now.

Quails' Gate

Located on the west side of Okanagan Lake, Quails' Gate is another winery with incredible views. When we visited in November, there was snow on the ground around the vines and over the mountains surrounding the lake. We opted for a window seat so we were able to enjoy the winter wonderland whilst staying toasty - the amazing food and white wine flight helped to keep us warm too!

See Ya Later Ranch

After spending six months living at Myra Canyon Ranch, we couldn't pass up a chance to visit the See Ya Later Ranch winery during our last month in the Okanagan. We couldn't stay long as we already had a lunch reservation at the Burrowing Owl, but we had enough time to try a quick tasting, take a stroll around the grounds and purchase a bottle to enjoy later in the evening.

The drive to See Ya Later Ranch is not for the faint of heart, the ranch is located almost 2000 feet above sea level on Hawthorne Mountain, but the views of the Okanagan Valley make it well worth the trip. As a nice touch, many of the wines produced by the winery are named after dogs that have worked on the ranch - our favourite is the "Nelly".

The Vibrant Vine

Located on the east side of Kelowna, The Vibrant Vine Winery is probably one of the most unique wineries in BC, certainly one that left a huge impression on us. This is a small, predominantly family run operation. What makes this winery stand out from the rest, is the incredible 3D Art that adorns almost everything in the shop. From paintings, to silk window hangings and even their wine bottles, the art produced by the owners son, Phil Lewis, is worth the visit alone.

Try an elevated tasting for a interesting guided tour that explains the impact that different food has on the taste of wine and be sure to ask about how their flagship wine 'Woops' accidentally won the award of 'Best White Wine in the World' in Geneva, Switzerland in 2013...

And there you have it, five of the amazing wineries that we have so far visited in British Columbia. We have many more to try out, if you've been to any BC wineries I'd love to hear where we should try next. Drop your suggestions in the comments box below :)