There is a belief all winery owners, management and staff share while operating a tasting room – they expect their guests to employ basic etiquette when visiting. 

While mistakes and oversights happen, don't be "that" person this summer – a drunk, rude customer the staff regale about.

The first rule of thumb – book ahead! Wineries are commonly understaffed during the busy season.  From May through October, they often see upwards of hundreds of guests over the course of one weekend and sometimes even in one day. 

If you're planning a holiday to wine country this summer whether it's for a milestone birthday, bachelor party or annual trip with friends – give these wine tour companies a try for an upscale, VIP experience. Make sure to call now – they book up quickly!

If a tour isn't your flavour, call the wineries anyway and make an appointment. Whether you have four or sixteen people in your group, just be courteous. You will almost certainly get much better treatment than if you had just showed up.

Experience Wine Tours

If you enjoy high end vehicles, leather seats, rubbing shoulders with sommeliers, curated lunches of artisan bread, cheese and charcuterie – this is the tour for you. Expect to be treated like a VIP, and no detail to go unseen. 

Wicked Wine Tours

If you're looking for something a little more laid back, Wicked is your speed. The best part about their business – the ability to hire incredibly down to earth, friendly and fun guides you'll want to invite to dinner once the tour is over. 

Elite Mile Wine Tours

This female run company believes in exploring the Okanagan one sip at a time while thoughtfully curating tours to reflect what is best and most unique about the region. Elite Mile is a preferred partner of Sparkling Hill and Predator Ridge Resorts. Wine and stay packages with Sparkling Hill are available and can be booked here: www.sparklinghill.com/seasonal-offers