We went on our first Okanagan wine tour and found all the best secret spots, tasty sips, and photo moments that will have you booking your own trip instantly.
Credits
Wine Tour: Sip South East Kelowna
Transportation: Discover Okanagan Tours
Zeal Unity Models: Savjeet, Jenayah, Sydney, Shivana
Zeal Media Team: Autumn – Videographer & 1st Shooter, Shivana – 2nd Shooter & In-Person Reviews
Editing: All edits done in-house by Zeal
Our First Okanagan Wine Tour and Why It Was Pure Magic 🍷✨
Our community got the incredible chance to go on a wine and cider tour with Discover Okanagan Tours and Sip South East Kelowna, and honestly, it was everything we hoped for and more. We stopped at seven unique wineries, each with its own vibe and flavour, and had the ultimate excuse to just slow down, sip, and soak in the moment.
Reaching out to Alex, the marketing director for the tour, was such a delight. She and her team went above and beyond to make sure our group felt welcome. For many of us, it was our first-ever winery experience..some had just moved to Kelowna, while others simply hadn’t had the chance to enjoy something this fancy. From the tour driver to every stop along the way, the welcome we received was warm, personal, and totally memorable.
We met at our meetup spot around 8:45 AM, hopped onto the tour van, and off we went to our first stop: Hidden Vines. The drive was beautiful, the van was super comfortable, and the team made sure everyone got safely on and off the vehicle at every stop. Alex and the driver Cam were absolute legends, helping out wherever needed and keeping the energy fun and light.
Our review of the hosts – Discover Okanagan / Sip South East Kelowna:
Alex and Cam made the whole day effortless and enjoyable. Cam ensured we were comfortable getting in and out of the bus and always kept the vibe chill while heading to the next stop. Alex had a bubbly, fresh energy, supporting us behind the scenes and making sure everything ran smoothly. Honestly, we can’t imagine going on a wine tour without them!! They were the perfect hosts and made our first winery adventure unforgettable.
Hidden Hills – Hidden Vines: Where Wine Meets Fun 🍇✨
Hidden Vines is all about amazing wines and healthy vineyards. They farm sustainably, keeping their land thriving now and for the future. Their vibe is fun and approachable wines that actually reflect the beauty of their land with no stuffiness.
Trevor leads the winemaking with a solid crew by his side, experimenting, learning, and making every bottle tell a story straight from the vineyard. Their East Kelowna Riesling obsession is real. They see huge potential in this little corner of the valley and can’t wait to unlock all its flavors. Follow along as they grow, experiment, and share their love for wine, land, and family. It is a journey worth sipping along with.
Our community experience (written by Shivana, Community Model, Photographer, and Writer)
Hidden Vines is seriously cute with a comfortable atmosphere, fun outdoor activities, and a lovely dog named Willow keeping us company while we sipped their wines. We tried their Riesling and Farmhouse Red, and Trevor, the owner and winemaker, made everyone feel right at home. Even as a newer winery, their selection was solid and the outdoor area right by the vines was gorgeous, perfect for photos, chats, and soaking up the vineyard vibes.
Before we move on, here is a little insider info on what we told our members to pack and wear for the day, so you can nail the winery vibe and get those perfect shots.
Winery Outfit Inspo Look Effortless and Picture Perfect
Hair & Makeup
Keep it fresh, natural, and effortless. Think glowing skin and polished vibes—nothing too heavy that steals the spotlight from your wine glass. Neutral nails only and skip strong perfumes—let the vineyard do the talking.
Clothes
Smart casual meets winery elegance. Comfort and style are your best combo. For ladies linen pants, khakis, dresses, skirts, and non-branded tops are perfect. Subtle patterns like soft florals or stripes work, but skip sequins and lace. For guys golf pants, khakis, dress shorts, polos, or plain tees are the way to go. Dark, clean jeans work for anyone. Ripped jeans, leggings, gym wear, or cut-offs are a no.
Shoes
Clean sneakers, chic sandals, or fashion boots. Leave the heels, running shoes, and workboots at home.
Accessories
Keep it simple with tiny rings, bracelets, watches, and sunglasses. Sunhats are yes. Big chunky jewelry or baseball caps are a no.
Pro Tip
Think vineyard vibes not runway ready. You want to look effortlessly pulled together while sipping your favorite Riesling.
What We Told Our Models to Pack
Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and anything else you need throughout the day to stay comfortable and ready for fun.
Soma Craft Cidery and The Farm Inn – Sweet Sips and Cozy Vibes
Our community’s next stop was Soma Craft Cidery, and honestly it quickly became a favourite for everyone. We were greeted with big smiles and welcoming energy. They even opened the kitchen just for us, serving flights of their delicious ciders—including a non-alcoholic option—so everyone could join in.
The charcuterie board was a dream, filled with local cheeses, meats, fresh fruits, olives, nuts, crackers, and homemade jams. One of our members doesn’t eat meat or cheese, but the fresh fruit and bread options made sure everyone left happy and full. The warm energy, kind interactions, and stunning ciders made it feel like the perfect spot to unwind.
At Soma you can stay the night, rent the venue for events, enjoy a meal with friends, or just soak in the cider lounge vibes. Right above the cidery is The Farm Inn, a cozy countryside getaway in the heart of the Okanagan. With 10 boutique suites designed for comfort and charm, it’s the ideal spot to relax steps from the orchard, tasting room, and cider lounge. Alpacas graze nearby, the scent of apple trees fills the air, and rustic charm is everywhere.
Our tasting experience
We tried four amazing ciders: Apple, Blue Raspberry, Honey Lavender, and Tea, and each of us had a different favorite. Megan served us with such a cheerful spirit, making the experience even more memorable. The ciders paired perfectly with the charcuterie board, making every sip and bite a little moment of joy.
Wine vs Cider – Quick Tips
Wine is made from fermented grapes, letting the fruit shine in reds, whites, and rosés ranging from dry to sweet. Each sip reflects the vineyard it came from, giving you a taste of the land.
Cider is made from fermented apples or other fruits. Crisp, refreshing, and fruit-forward, it can be dry, sweet, or flavoured—like Soma’s Honey Lavender or Blue Raspberry. Think of it as sparkling fruit juice for grown-ups.
Nagging Doubt Winery Big Vibes and Even Bigger Flavours
Our next stop was Nagging Doubt Winery, and let me tell you, the energy was high. After all those ciders and snacks at Soma, our crew was feeling pretty stoked. It was the perfect way to celebrate the last days of summer, and having Discover Okanagan Tours take care of our community made everything feel so smooth and stress free.
We got a behind the scenes tour and even saw the big machines that help turn grapes into their famous wines. It is wild to see all the work that goes into every bottle. At Nagging Doubt, they believe anyone can be a wine lover, no fancy occasion needed. If you want to share a great glass of wine with friends just because, this is the place.
Nagging Doubt was started with a simple, totally reasonable goal: create amazing Okanagan wines that everyone can enjoy without breaking the bank. They focus on quality, flavour, and accessibility, so there is no need to second guess your love for wine.
Our Review
Nagging Doubt Winery is a total charmer with a spacious, open concept setup that is perfect for wine tours. The owners and winemakers, Abbey and Rob, were warm, welcoming, and super fun. They made the experience both entertaining and educational, walking us through how different wines are made and even showing us the difference between an American and a French barrel.
We all fell in love with the Sparkling Rosé, and honestly, wandering through the winery while sipping and learning felt like the perfect summer afternoon.
Wine Tasting 101 Tips and Tricks
Before we hit our next stop, let’s break down how wine tasting actually works and give you some first-timer tips. First things first, you do not have to finish the glass. Many wineries expect you to spit into small cups or pour some out so you can taste multiple wines or ciders without getting tipsy.
Order your tastings strategically. Start with lighter flavours and work your way to the heavier ones. Think of it as a flavour rollercoaster.
Alcohol effects, also known as don’t be that person. Even a few tastings can sneak up on you if you are not used to alcohol. Eat beforehand and keep sipping water between tastings. Pace yourself so you are enjoying the experience and not the karaoke session in the cider lounge.
Tasting room etiquette. Taste one glass at a time and follow staff cues. Do not grab the whole tray at once. Ask for pairing recommendations—cheese, charcuterie, or even chocolate. Staff love giving tips, and it makes the experience even more fun.
How to avoid looking awkward. Nod, smile, and ask questions. People overthink wine tasting, but curiosity is always cool. Do not stress if you do not know how to swirl or sniff—just try it and have fun.
Now that you have the basics and an idea of how our community felt trying new wines and ciders, let us move on to our next stop, just a quick five-minute drive away, Priest Creek Family Estate Winery.
Priest Creek Family Estate Winery
This stop was absolutely beautiful. Everywhere you looked was surrounded by lush green vines, and walking through the big doors to enter felt like stepping into royalty.
Our review of Priest Creek:
Priest Creek is a stunning location with a gorgeous indoor setting and an even more impressive outdoor space. The patio is shaded with grapevines heavy with fruit, creating a picture-perfect atmosphere. Alongside the winery, more grapevines frame a space designed for live music, cornhole, and even a giant Connect Four.
We had the joy of being served by Tyra and Courtney, who poured us two beautiful wines from the 2024 season: a crisp Pinot Gris and a bold Cabernet Franc. The views alone could take your breath away, but if that does not win you over, the wine certainly will.
The View & Wards Cidery
Our next stop was The View and Wards, and this one was easily another favourite for our community. Everyone sat outside, enjoying their “Wards Bites” and sharing a bottle of wine in the beautiful yard. It was stunning and magical, the kind of spot that makes you want to stay all afternoon. We would rate this location a solid 10/10. The staff were so kind, the food was amazing, and the collaboration between Wards Cidery and The View Winery is such a great mix for groups or solo travellers looking for a little variety.
The View Winery sits on land that has been in the Turton/Ward family for five generations. Originally, fresh market apples were grown here. In the mid-1990s, the family began a transition, planting vineyards and cider apples. Spartans and McIntosh gave way to Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Ehrenfelser, and Pinotage vines, along with cider varieties like Belle de Boskoop, Chisel Jersey, and Bulmers Norman.
In 2006, the family’s beloved packinghouse—built by Great Granddad Ward in 1922—was transformed into a winery and cidery under the direction of grandson Chris Turton and great-granddaughter Jennifer Turton-Molgat. Today, The View produces more than ten thousand cases each year. Their portfolio includes award-winning Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Ehrenfelser, Pinot Noir, and Pinotage, plus their signature rosé and Silver Lining Estate blends. In 2013, they even launched Canada’s first wine-in-a-can with their wildly popular BLING Sparkling Wine.
Why the Red Shoe Label?
Jennifer shares, “My husband and I went dancing. We danced until my red pumps started to pinch. After heading home and finishing a bottle of Merlot, he playfully removed my shoes and stuffed the heel of one shoe into the empty bottle. And there it was, with an overturned glass beside it, an image of our own making. It spoke to us of our love of wine, born by accident during a fun and carefree moment.”
Our review of The View / Wards
The View and Wards Cidery is a spacious venue with a charming atmosphere and an outdoor picnic area surrounded by apple trees. We were served by Calla, Krista, and Ellie, who were all kind, welcoming, and thorough with their tastings. Inside, we tried the Gewürztraminer, Rosé, and Black Rhino—all were delicious. Then we headed out for a picnic with Riesling and a charcuterie board. This is definitely a go-to spot; it really has it all.
Hidden Perks
Many wineries and cideries have lounges or patios that aren’t obvious from the entrance. Always ask to explore—you might stumble on something special. Some also offer members-only tastings or seasonal drinks that staff don’t advertise. If you’re curious, they might share the secret.
Secret Photo Spots
Vineyards and orchards are filled with beautiful photo backdrops, but not every path or gate is meant for wandering. Ask the staff—they often know the hidden gems. And resist the temptation to climb fences or get too close to farm equipment. Trust us, they’ll notice.
SpearHead Winery
By this point, our community was starting to feel a little tired, but the excitement was still there—just in a quieter, cozier way. Our next stop was SpearHead Winery, and it was the perfect way to wind down the day.
The community was asked to pick out a bottle of wine to give away to other members who couldn’t join us on the tour. It was such a thoughtful gesture that made the stop extra special. We sat outside under the red umbrellas on a warm afternoon, enjoying the view and great conversation.
Our review of SpearHead
SpearHead Winery is a scenic spot with rolling vineyards and a stunning backdrop. We sat on the patio and were served by Saori, who was so sweet and thorough with the tasting. She poured us a refreshing Rosé and a Pinot Noir with a beautifully layered flavour profile. Inside the shop, we found amazing prices and unique pairings, including chocolate bars chosen to match the wines. It was the kind of place that makes you want to linger and savour every sip.
Meadow Vista Honey Wines
After we loaded into the van with our new wine in hand, the community was buzzing with excitement for our final stop. And wow—it was another favourite. Meadow Vista Honey Wines was the sweetest way to wrap up the day, literally.
Nestled on a five-and-a-half-acre farm in East Kelowna, Meadow Vista is surrounded by orchards and home to over 150 hives of hardworking honeybees. These bees not only make the nectar for their meads but also play a vital role in pollinating local farms. It’s no wonder they say Meadow Vista tastes like “nature in a glass”—we couldn’t agree more.
Award Highlights You Need to Know
Meadow Vista isn’t just pretty—it’s decorated. Their meads have taken home:
✨ Multiple Golds at the World Mead Championships
✨ Best Mead Pairing at Osoyoos Oyster Festival
✨ BC Wine & Canadian Wine Awards medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze—you name it)
✨ Fan fave titles like People’s Choice Best Winery
From sparkling apple to blueberry-haskap to their iconic Mabon and Ostara, Meadow Vista has stacked over 50+ awards worldwide.
Our experience at Meadow Vista
To say this place was a highlight is an understatement. The food was fresh from the farm—cheeses, meats, fruits, and even quail eggs—all paired beautifully with their meads and honey. And the honey itself? Absolutely unreal. Sweet, smooth, and unforgettable. Every sip and every bite felt like a celebration of the land and the hardworking bees behind it.
It was the perfect way to end our community wine and cider tour—surrounded by lush orchards, sipping mead that’s been awarded time and time again, and sharing laughs and memories over food that felt like it came straight from nature’s table. Meadow Vista truly delivers on its promise of “nature in a glass.”
What’s Your Sip Personality
Okay besties, time to find out what drink was basically made for you. We put together a quick tasting table quiz so you can match your vibe to your glass. No gatekeeping here—this is your shortcut to choosing between wine or cider without overthinking it. Grab a pen, tally up your answers, and see what your taste buds are secretly craving.
OUR TASTING TABLE
| Question | Option A | Option B | Option C | Option D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Your ideal weekend vibe | Lounging in the sun | Exploring an orchard | Cozying up in a lounge | Dancing to live music |
| 2. Pick a snack | Cheese & crackers | Fresh fruit & charcuterie | Chocolate | Olives & nuts |
| 3. Your outfit | Flowy dress or skirt | Linen pants & top | Smart casual jeans | Casual sundress |
| 4. Your personality | Adventurous & curious | Calm & thoughtful | Sweet & fun | Trendsetter & playful |
| 5. Flavour preference | Bold & intense | Crisp & light | Sweet & approachable | Fruity & unexpected |
Results
- Mostly A’s → Bold Red Wine 🍷
You love classic, rich, and adventurous flavours. Perfect for sipping slowly while enjoying vineyard views. - Mostly B’s → Crisp Apple Cider 🍏
Refreshing and easygoing, just like you. Ideal for wandering the orchard or lounging on a sunny patio. - Mostly C’s → Sweet Riesling or Sparkling Wine 🍾
Sweet, playful, and totally approachable. You enjoy the lighter, brighter side of sipping. - Mostly D’s → Fruity or Flavoured Cider 🍓
Fun, trendy, and unique—always up for trying something new and Instagram-worthy.
The Final Pour
So, what’s in your glass? Whether you’re a bold red, a crisp cider, a sweet sparkling, or a fruity wild card, there’s a sip out there that was basically made for you. Next time you’re out in the Okanagan, order with confidence—and maybe try the one you didn’t get. Because honestly, every pour has a story, and yours is just getting started.
A Huge Thank You ❤️
We want to send a heartfelt thank you to Discover Okanagan Tours and Sip South East Kelowna for hosting us—it was such a beautiful experience! And of course, the biggest thank you goes out to our amazing community. This summer was unforgettable, and we truly wouldn’t be here without your love and support.
Wishing you all a cozy, joy-filled fall season. 🍂 Sending so much love from us to you!
