Visit Penticton
For Kelowna residents, "heading south" is the classic weekend escape. But if you haven’t ventured past the city limits lately, you might be missing the incredible evolution happening in the South Okanagan and Similkameen.
This spring, we’re advocating for a "hub and spoke" approach to your tasting tour. By basing yourself in Penticton, you’re perfectly positioned at the center of five distinct wine regions. From the iconic cliffs of Naramata to the rugged "organic capital" of the Similkameen, here is how to navigate the diverse terroir of the south.
Summerland: The Hidden Gem
Visit Penticton
The Vibe: Scenic, small-scale, and refreshingly underrated. If you’re looking to dodge the crowds, head to Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive, just 15 minutes north of Penticton. The cooler microclimate produces wines with bright acidity—think crisp sparkling and aromatic whites. It’s a region dominated by boutique, winemaker-owned shops where the person pouring your glass likely grew the grapes.
- Don’t Miss: Lightning Rock for low-intervention, natural wines with a view, or 8th Generation for classic estate-grown varietals and a beautiful tasting garden.
- Local Tip: Grab dinner at Zia’s Stonehouse Restaurant. It’s a family-run restaurant in a heritage building with a massive local following.
Naramata Bench: The Classic
Visit Penticton
The Vibe: Polished, easily accessible, and world-class. There’s a reason the Naramata Bench is a bucket-list destination. The east-facing slopes maximize sun exposure, making it the premier spot for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Rosé. It’s the perfect blend of casual patio vibes and high-end sit-down tastings, with wineries lining the way from Penticton to Naramata.
- Don’t Miss: La Frenz for a tasting of premium family-run winemaking, and Nichol Vineyard for small-lot wines and to see the oldest Syrah vines in Canada.
- Local Tip: Skip the formal reservation and do a DIY picnic. Grab charcuterie from the Naramata General Store and head to Manitou Park.
Okanagan Falls, Skaha Lake & Kaleden: The Heartland
Visit Penticton
The Vibe: Diverse, scenic, and soulful. As you move toward Skaha Lake, at the south end of Penticton, to The Heart of Wine Country, the geology gets complex. You’ll find everything from lakefront estates to wineries tucked deep into hidden vines. This region is all about variety—shifting from elegant Pinots to bold blends, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay within a five-minute drive.
- Don’t Miss: Lakeboat Vineyard & Winery in Kaleden for small-batch excellence, or the pet-friendly, expansive grounds at See Ya Later Ranch in Okanagan Falls.
- Local Tip: No trip to "OK Falls" is complete without a massive scoop of ice cream from the original Tickleberry’s.
Oliver & Osoyoos: Canada’s Desert
Visit Penticton
The Vibe: Bold, structured, and sun-soaked. Welcome to the hottest spot in BC wine country to Uncork The Sun, just 30 minutes south of Penticton. This is "Big Red" territory. If you love a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah that packs a punch, this is your destination. It’s home to some of BC’s most historic and prestigious labels.
- Don’t Miss: The iconic Burrowing Owl Estate Winery for a destination-worth experience or Nk’Mip Cellars, North America’s first Indigenous-owned winery.
- Local Tip: Take a break from the glass and walk the boardwalk at the Osoyoos Desert Centre to see the unique ecosystem and natural desert landscape.
Similkameen Valley: The Wild Frontier
Visit Penticton
The Vibe: Rugged, organic, and off-the-beaten-path. Just 30 minutes southwest of Penticton lies a valley shaped by dramatic mountains and wind. The Similkameen Independent Winegrowers famous for having a high concentration of organic vineyards. The wines here are mineral-driven, honest, and deeply expressive of the rocky soil.
- Don’t Miss: Clos du Soleil for Bordeaux-style elegance, and Orofino, which features a unique solar-powered strawbale winery and terroir-driven wines.
- Local Tip: Visit the Grist Mill & Heritage Gardens for a taste of history (and some incredible homemade soup). You’ll find a working 1877 waterwheel powered flour mill, heritage farm buildings, and beautiful gardens.
How to Plan Your Trip
While Penticton is the ultimate home base, the best way to enjoy these regions is to let someone else handle the navigation. Booking a local tour operator allows you to customize your route, whether you want to hit the "heavy hitters" or discover the newest "garagiste" wineries.
Ready to head south? Check out the latest accommodation packages in Penticton and make this spring one to remember.
