5 Day Okanagan Wine Trail

Day 1: Arrive in Kelowna, BC

Arrive in Kelowna for the start of your Okanagan journey. The first large scale Okanagan vineyards were planted in the 1920s. Early experiments in commercial wine production resulted in a startling diversity of product which was described by no one as a ‘fine vintage.’ Over the years, growers and wineries experimented with terroir, variety, and technique. Experienced wine makers moved to the Okanagan and the wine got better and better. Today, history is being made as the orchard and wine industries continue to shape the Okanagan Valley. Find out how each of us is part of that unfolding story. This evening you will meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers at the welcome dinner. ** Meet your Tour leader in the hotel lobby by 4 PM for meet & greet and for welcome dinner **

Overnight: Kelowna

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Kelowna, BC

Start the day off at serene Summerhill Pyramid Winery, known for its organic winemaking process. Taste some of their fine wins as you learn more about their traditional methods. Next, we visit Cedar Creek Estate Winery and enjoy a farm to table lunch made from fresh local ingredients. We drive to the Westbank on the other side of t lake Okanagan and to well-known Quails Gate Winery, internationally known as one of the country’s top Agri-tourism sites. Join a winery tour of the vineyard and sample some of the best wine in the Okanagan. Later, enjoy incredible panoramic views of the Okanagan Valley as we arrive at Mission Hill Winery. Experience the art of wine making at this state-of-the-art winery and wander through the lush and vineyards to have the chance to experience the wine making process firsthand. We return to our Kelowna hotel and have the evening free.

Overnight: Kelowna

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Summerland, BC

Today we drive to Summerland, BC where you will board the Kettle Valley Steam Train. Aboard a vintage passenger coach, experience riding on the only preserved section of this historic railway. Originally built in 1912, the authentically restored steamed locomotive will bring the Edwardian Era to life. Our 90-minute journey will take us along the only preserved section of the historic Kettle Valley Railway built during 1910 – 1915. The restored steam locomotive No. 3716 rolls through picturesque Prairie Valley dotted with orchards, vineyards, and fields of green and then onto the Trout Creek Bridge with a stunning view of Okanagan Lake and the canyon below. Lively music and historical commentary complete our railway adventure. The enclosed authentic vintage coaches are from the 1940’s they are tastefully restored to maintain their original look and feel. These coaches are not equipped with air conditioners however there are large sliding windows that open and close for your comfort. The open-air cars feature a roof to shelter from the hot sun, and the sides are open to allow the breeze to cool you down as you travel along the majestic tracks overlooking Summerland. We then drive to the Dirty Laundry Winery for a visit and lunch before ending the day at the Sumac Ridge Winery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Naramata & Kelowna, BC

We start our day with a visit to the Lang Vineyards, one of the oldest and most successful family estate wineries on the Naramata Bench. Guenther Lang, the founder, registered the winery as the very first Farm Gate Vineyard in B.C. in 1990. From the humble beginnings of working from his garage to the boutique operation of today, this winery has become a model for excellence in vineyard management and local wine making. If open, we continue the day with a visit to the Okanagan Wine and Orchard Museum. Embark on a grand winery tour today visiting some of BC’s most iconic and internationally recognized wineries. We then drive to one of the best wineries in Okanagan, the Bench 1775 winery located at the epicenter of the renowned Naramata Bench – a premier address and a must visit destination for those seeking breathtaking views, stunning vineyards, and distinctive wines. Their tasting room and wine shop are uniquely positioned on a spectacular 30-acre waterfront vineyard property, boasting stunning 180-degree views of Okanagan Lake. We see the patio Anthony Gismondi describes as “the best patio in the world.” We will then follow the shores of Okanagan Lake back to our Kelowna and have the evening free to explore the interesting town centre by foot.

Overnight: Kelowna

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Depart Kelowna, BC

After a final farewell breakfast, say goodbye to your new friends and to the beautiful Okanagan region as you make your way home.

Meals: Breakfast