Rome has the Colosseum, New York has Times Square, Paris has the Eiffel Tower, and West Kelowna – well, West Kelowna has wine. Amazing wine, and lots of it.
Over the past decade or so, the words “West Kelowna” and “wine country” have become synonymous. One of the Okanagan’s most well-known wine tasting spots is the Westside Wine Trail, sitting upon a former volcano on land rich with minerals.
Photo Credit: KelownaNow
This trail features 13 local wineries, each with their own tasty wines and unique style. Perhaps you’ve made the Wine Trail trek already (and if you haven’t, you definitely should), but you may still be unaware of some of these interesting facts about a few of the wineries you can find along the trail.
Off the Grid Organic Winery
Off the Grid is a small but mighty family-run winery. They are all about sustainability, and not only grow organic grapes for their wines, but educate their visitors about sustainable farming practices.
“Our building is built from straw and our roof is covered in solar panels,” said Nigel Paynter, one of the four proprietors of the winery.
Their commitment to helping the environment isn’t the only thing that makes Off the Grid special – they also have some furry friends on the property!
“We have goats roaming around on the north side of the wine shop on the green roof, as they can run up and down a ramp from the ground level,” said Paynter.
Quails' Gate
Quail’s Gate Winery is one of Kelowna’s most well-known wineries, boasting breathtaking views and consistent, high-quality wines.
"We have been family farmed since 1956. The Stewart Family purchased our beautiful property on Boucherie Road in 1956 and still own and operate the winery today," said Lindsay Kelm, Communications and Marketing Manager at Quails' Gate. "Since opening the winery doors in 1989, the goal was to create memorable experiences for our guests. Today, we are able to offer our guests year-round full service winery experience with our Wine Shop and Old Vines Restaurant and onsite accommodations."
With a legacy like that, it's no surprise that Quails' Gate has made such a name for itself in the Okanagan. Some may be surprised, however, to discover that Quails' Gate also has two lakefront rental accommodations on the property.
"The Lake House and The Nest are located at the bottom of our vineyards right on the shores of Okanagan Lake so you can wine, dine and stay with us!" said Kelm.
the hatch
It’s more difficult to point out what isn’t unique about the hatch, than to point out what is. It’s a modern-rustic style winery along the Westside Wine Trail that has been getting quite a bit of attention lately.
“We boast British Columbia’s most diverse collection of antique shovels. We’re the only winery in the Central Okanagan to hang a copy of the ‘Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms’ within its hallowed halls. Also of note, we’re the only winery this side of the Mason-Dixon line where you can find a Unicorn, a hobo moth and a cigar smoking dinosaur all in the same place and at the same time,” said Andrew Melville, Chief Steward of the hatch, when we asked what he thinks makes the hatch so unique.
Many people are also unaware of how the idea of the hatch was born.
“The concept for our liquid emporium came to us while on a working/educational visit to a tea plantation deep in the jungles of Ceylon,” said Melville.
These are just a few of the many amazing wineries along the Westside Wine Trail. The entire trail includes:
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Indigenous World Winery
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Rollingdale Winery
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Grizzli Winery
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Beaumont Family Estate Winery
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Mt. Boucherie Winery
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Volcanic Hills Winery
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Little Straw Winery
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the hatch
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Quail’s Gate Winery
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Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
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Off the Grid Organic Winery
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Kalala Organic Estate Winery
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Ciao Bella Winery
There aren’t many places where you can live just minutes away from the heart of wine country, a beautiful lake and the city’s centre. West Harbour, however, offers just that.
West Harbour is a community that can be found just across the highway from the famous Westside Wine Trail, and offers lakeside living in the heart of the Okanagan. It features its own outdoor pool, a private marina, a fitness room and more.
Phase three of West Harbour’s homes is currently selling, so if you want to live just minutes away from these awesome wineries, check out your options here.
