You know that if I’m within a two-hour vicinity of any winery, I’m going to want to go. Naturally, whenever I’m in BC, the Okanagan is like a magnet. With my passion for discovering hidden gems and a thirst for delicious wines, I decided to seek out some lesser-known wineries on this latest adventure. The day was filled with charming vineyards, delightful wines, and some unexpected animal encounters (which is always the cherry on top for me). I thought I would share some of the highlights from my day, so maybe the next time you’re in Kelowna, you can add these to your list.

Stop One: Off the Grid Winery: A Quirky Kelowna Gem

This past weekend, I set out on a wine-tasting adventure in Kelowna, determined to explore some new spots. Let me tell you about one that left a lasting impression – Off the Grid Winery.

Off the Grid Winery gets bonus points right off the bat for opening at 10 am. I mean, waiting until 11? No thank you, my wine-loving self can’t handle the extra hour. It’s a cozy, family-owned spot with a lot of character packed into a small space… oh and did I mention to you… The tasting room is made out of straw bales (hidden inside of the wall) and has a living roof.

I kicked off the visit with a tasting of six wines, the first paired perfectly with cheese and the last with chocolate. These wines are also organic, so basically a health beverage… (my body is a temple).

But what really sets Off the Grid apart is its menagerie of animals. They had a boatload of goats but also bunnies, chickens, a turkey, and sheep, each with their own little sign detailing their personalities and quirks. It’s like a wine-tasting and a petting zoo rolled into one delightful experience.

Now, I’ve always thought of myself as a bit of an animal whisperer, but I met my match with one particularly sassy sheep. When I say the sheep whipped its head around and gave me a look of such utter disgust… stood up… and sauntered all the way off until she was hidden inside of her shed… If she had the ability to stick her little hoof out and shut that shed door, I guarantee you she would have. Like, Jesus, I just came here to drink wine, lady, not be insulted.

Finally, there was a food truck dishing out what smelled like heavenly pizza. Although I was more focused on befriending the animals than my appetite, the ambiance was inviting, with a sunny patio perfect for soaking up the atmosphere.

In terms of value, you can’t go wrong here. The basic tasting flight was just $10, but I opted for the upgraded experience at $20, which included extra tastings plus the cheese and chocolate pairings. Totally worth it, especially since I found a wine I couldn’t resist bringing home.

Off the Grid Winery isn’t just a place to taste wine; it’s a place to unwind, meet some furry friends, and enjoy the laid-back vibes of Kelowna.

Welp, time to head up the street to Ciao Bella Winery.

Stop Two: Savouring Italy in Kelowna: Ciao Bella Winery

My next stop on the Kelowna wine adventure took me up the street to Ciao Bella Winery, and let me tell you, as soon as I hopped out of the truck, it felt like I had stumbled into a slice of Italy.

Ciao Bella isn’t your grand, sprawling vineyard estate; it’s a cozy, family affair deeply rooted in their Italian heritage. They greeted me with such warmth that I felt like part of their extended family and maybe should have brought a lasagna for family dinner. They whisked me away to a comfy spot where the wife of the proprietor guided me through a tasting. For just $10, I got to taste four generous pours.

She wasn’t just pouring wine; she was a walking encyclopedia of their vineyard’s history and the stories behind each bottle. The labels themselves showcase family photos spanning generations, really driving home the point that this winery isn’t just about business; it’s a labor of love and tradition.

The setting was equally charming – a small, picturesque yard with views stretching out over the vineyards. Despite its size, Ciao Bella exudes a laid-back charm that makes it easy to kick back and relax. After the tasting, I couldn’t resist grabbing a glass of my favourite wine from the tasting to soak up the warm Kelowna sunshine.

From what I gathered, Ciao Bella is relatively new to the wine-making game. They used to supply all their grapes to Arrowhead Winery, one of the bigger names in the area. Seeing them strike out on their own to craft their own wines was clearly a passion project, and you could taste that dedication in every sip.

In a nutshell, Ciao Bella Winery won me over with its adorable vibe and the genuine energy of everyone there. Supporting small wineries like this isn’t just about enjoying great wine; it’s about backing a family’s dream and honouring their heritage. I’m happy I stumbled upon this hidden gem.

One of My Favourites, Hatch Winery

For my third stop on the Kelowna wine tour, I just had to swing by Hatch Winery. Although I’ve been there before, its quirky little charm lured me back for round two.

Hatch Winery isn’t your average vineyard experience. As soon as you roll up, you’re greeted by a bustling scene: food truck, ladder golf, cornhole — you name it. The vibe? Completely laid-back and inviting. Yup, sign me up, you know I can’t resist a good round of cornhole.

There’s an outdoor patio too, but after my freckled fair-skinned self realized I was on the highway to the danger zone of turning into a lobster, I opted for the comfort of the indoors.

And let me tell you about the inside of Hatch. It’s like half a winery and half an art gallery. The walls are adorned with super cool surreal style artwork (my fave!) that sparks conversation, and rustic décor pieces tie the whole atmosphere together in a cozy yet eclectic way.

The tasting experience at Hatch is where the magic really happens. For $15, you get to sample 5 wines, but here’s my favourite part: that fee is waived if you decide to take home a bottle. Ugh yeah, ok, twist my rubber arm! Each wine label has a story behind it, and during the tasting, they take the time to share those stories with you. It’s like sipping on creativity in a bottle.

Hatch always has some seriously cool merchandise to offer. I was seriously tempted by their hats, but my bank account had other plans. Instead, I opted to take home a bottle of their Muscat wine. Not to be confused with Moscato, the super sweet wine I think we all drank back in college (or was that just me… I thought I was such a classy little bitch). Muscat is on the drier side, just like my personality but a little more delightful.

Choosing just one bottle to take home was a challenge because honestly, I didn’t taste a single bad wine there.

Hatch Winery has a knack for creating wines that hit all the right notes. The only problem I have is that the artwork on the wine bottles is usually so neat-o you’re not going to want to get rid of the bottle after.

It wasn’t my first, and it certainly won’t be my last time visiting Hatch Winery.

Take These Tips And Run…

…run straight to a winery when you’re in the Kelowna Area. My wine-tasting adventure in Kelowna turned out to be a perfect blend of delicious wines, chill vibes, and unique experiences (minus the asshole sheep). From the quirky Off the Grid Winery with its organic wines and adorable animals, to the Italian charm of Ciao Bella Winery with its rich family heritage, and finally to the artistic and laid-back vibe of Hatch Winery, each stop offered something special. These visits highlighted not only the diverse flavours of Kelowna’s wine country but also the passion and stories behind each bottle. If you’re a wine enthusiast looking for a memorable outing, Kelowna’s wineries won’t disappoint.