South Okanagan
Osoyoos, Oliver, Okanagan Falls, Kaleden, Penticton, Naramata, Summerland and Peachland
Common Varieties Grown: Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer
Key Wine Events: Festival of the Grape (September), Half Corked Marathon (May), Okanagan Spring Wine Festival (May), Okanagan Fall Wine Festival (October)
South Okanagan Wine Country: Exploring Oliver & Osoyoos
The South Okanagan wine region, stretching just 33 kilometers from the Canada–U.S. border to the northern edge of Oliver, may be narrow—but it’s incredibly rich in viticultural significance. Nestled between mountain ranges, rivers, and lakes, this small strip of land is home to over 60% of British Columbia’s grape-growing acreage.
This area, known as the Wine Capital of Canada, has faced considerable challenges in recent years. Climate change brought record-breaking cold snaps in 2022 and 2023, severely damaging vineyards and dramatically reducing harvests—resulting in one of the lowest grape yields in decades. Despite this, the resilience and passion of South Okanagan winemakers remain as strong as ever.
A Unique Wine-Growing Landscape
The Oliver–Osoyoos region is part of a rare desert ecosystem—an extension of the Sonoran Desert that stretches north from Mexico. Cacti, rattlesnakes, and arid hills make this one of the most ecologically unique wine regions in Canada.
With the help of advanced irrigation systems, this dry terrain has been transformed into fertile ground for viticulture. Thanks to long, hot summers and intense sun exposure, this region supports warm-climate grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, and Zinfandel—types more often associated with California, Argentina, and Australia.
Wine Touring in Oliver & Osoyoos
Wine lovers visiting this region can explore over 60 wineries, many offering tasting rooms, vineyard tours, and stunning views of the surrounding desert and lake landscapes. The area is also home to British Columbia’s first official sub-GI, the Golden Mile Bench, recognized for its distinct terroir, soil profiles, and signature wine styles.
While some vineyards are still recovering from recent weather impacts, plenty of wine inventory remains, and cellar doors are open for visitors to enjoy world-class wine tasting experiences.
Discover The Wine Capital of Canada: Lakeside Leisure Meets Wine Country
Located at the southernmost tip of the Okanagan Valley, Osoyoos sits on the shores of Canada’s warmest lake, making it a perfect destination for sun-seekers and cross-border travelers. Just minutes from the U.S. border, it’s an ideal wine stop for American tourists looking for a quick and memorable escape north.
The town of Oliver is a short 18 minute drive north of Osoyoos. There are 35+ wineries along this stretch between the two town centres.
Despite the growth of luxury hotels and new residential developments, this area has preserved its small-town charm, offering a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Experience elevated dining that showcase regional, seasonal ingredients, along with family-friendly beaches, hiking and biking trails, and year-round outdoor adventures.
South Okanagan Wine Touring: Discover Okanagan Falls & Kaleden
Tucked just south of Penticton, the Okanagan Falls and Kaleden wine region is one of the most scenic and quietly compelling parts of the South Okanagan wine trail. The Okanagan Falls Skaha Lake sub-region is home to around 20 boutique wineries, nestled among winding country roads, lakefront benches, and desert ridges.
There are three main winery clusters in this area:
• Around the village of Kaleden, along the west shore of Skaha Lake
• Across the water, on the east bench of Skaha
• In and around Okanagan Falls, between Skaha Lake and Vaseux Lake
Since the area’s first winery opened in 1986, this region has earned a reputation for producing high-quality wines—from classic grape varietals to fruit-based blends, all deeply influenced by the area’s unique environment.
Terroir & Recognition
The terroir of Okanagan Falls is defined by its semi-arid steppe climate, with desert-like conditions ideal for growing select wine grapes. These characteristics led to the region being officially recognized as a Sub-Geographical Indication (Sub-GI) within the Okanagan Valley, a prestigious designation awarded by the BC Wine Authority.
Natural Beauty & Small-Town Charm
Okanagan Falls was named after twin waterfalls that once cascaded from Skaha Lake, but these falls disappeared in the 1940s after dam construction altered the flow. Still, the region retains its natural beauty and laid-back charm, offering an authentic escape from the busier cities.
Forget big-box stores—instead, discover a welcoming mix of antique shops, local artisans, and a popular weekly flea market. This is a place where visitors can slow down, savor the views, and connect with the land.
Outdoor Activities Near the Wineries
The region is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts:
• Skaha Lake is one of the warmest lakes in British Columbia, ideal for swimming, paddling, and beach days.
• Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park is renowned for rock climbing, hiking, and stunning lookout points.
• Vaseux Lake, just south of Okanagan Falls, is a haven for fishing and wildlife viewing, with large-mouth bassand rainbow trout drawing anglers from around the province.
• A bird observatory and interpretive center on the lake offers insight into local species—note that motorized boats and e-foils are prohibited here under Migratory Bird Sanctuary regulations.
Common Varieties Grown: Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer
Key Wine Events: Okanagan Spring Wine Festival (May), Okanagan Fall Wine Festival (October)
Common Varieties Grown: Merlot, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Syrah,
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Key Wine Events: Okanagan Spring Wine Festival (May), Okanagan Fall Wine Festival (October)
South Okanagan Wine Touring: Explore Penticton & the Naramata Bench
If you only have time to visit one destination in BC Wine Country, make it Penticton and the Naramata Bench. This region is a cornerstone of South Okanagan wine touring—offering the perfect blend of stunning lake views, exceptional wines, and outdoor adventure.
Wine Touring on the Naramata Bench
Home to more than 40 wineries, the area spans:
• The city of Penticton
• The Naramata Bench along the east side of Okanagan Lake
• The Skaha Bench on the eastern slope of Skaha Lake
The Naramata Bench is the most vineyard-dense subregion in the Okanagan, with grapevines blanketing the landscapefrom hillside to lakefront. Meandering the scenic, winding roads, visitors are treated to panoramic lake views, pastoral charm, and award-winning wine at nearly every stop.
The Bench is especially popular with E-bike wine tourists, thanks to its accessibility and the KVR multi-use hiking and biking trail, compact winery clusters, and mild terrain—perfect for a self-guided tasting journey on two wheels.
Discover Penticton: Festivals, Beaches & Adventure
Nestled between Okanagan Lake to the north and Skaha Lake to the south, Penticton is a vibrant city that offers both urban energy and small-town charm. As the third largest community in the Okanagan, it features:
• Excellent restaurants, wine bars, and a lakeside casino
• Public beaches with water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating
• The iconic Penticton River Channel float, a must-do summer experience featured in The Great Canadian Bucket List
Known as the Festival Capital of the Okanagan, Penticton hosts a variety of annual events including:
• Fest of Ale
• Peachfest
• Penticton Elvis Festival
• Penticton Hot Jazz Festival
• Signature events during the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival
Outdoor Adventure & Natural Attractions
For outdoor lovers, Penticton is surrounded by hiking and biking trails, plus Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park, an internationally recognized rock climbing destination just minutes from downtown.
The wine region also boasts two Sub-Geographical Indications (Sub-GIs) recognized by the BC Wine Authority:
• The Naramata Bench, known for its expressive Pinot Noir and aromatic whites
• The Skaha Bench, producing complex, structured reds and vibrant rosés
South Okanagan Wine Touring: Discover Summerland & Peachland
If the names Peachland and Summerland don’t already invite curiosity, their emerging wine scene and scenic lakefront charm will surely win you over. Located along Highway 97 between Kelowna and Penticton, these South Okanagan gems offer a delightful mix of boutique wineries, artistic flair, and laid-back lakeside living—perfect for a day trip, weekend getaway, or E-bike wine tour.
Boutique Wineries on Bottleneck Drive
The rolling hills of Summerland are home to more than a dozen wineries, many of which craft small-lot wines from both grapes and other regional fruits. These tasting rooms are often infused with local artistry, hosting musicians, craft vendors, and gallery-style spaces that highlight the area’s creative culture.
Just off the highway between Summerland and Peachland, you’ll find additional wineries bringing the total to around 20 wine, beer, cider, and spirit producers in the area.
Together, they form the Bottleneck Drive Wine Route—a local initiative offering curated wine and beverage trail maps that guide visitors through 18 unique tasting experiences across wineries, cideries, distilleries, and breweries.
Lakeside Charm Meets Artistic Spirit
Both Peachland and Summerland border the west side of Okanagan Lake, offering sandy beaches, waterfront parks, and access to boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The scenic surroundings also include hiking and biking trails, golf courses, and family-friendly activities just minutes from most winery stops.
The area’s grassroots, creative energy is present everywhere—from local live music and artisan markets to the farm-to-table restaurants embracing the 100-mile diet, which highlights local, seasonal ingredients.
Local Attractions & Family Fun
Beyond wine, Summerland and Peachland offer unique attractions that make the region perfect for multi-generational travel or family-friendly tours:
• Ride the historic Kettle Valley Steam Railway, featuring a 1912 steam locomotive
• Stroll through the 15-acre Summerland Ornamental Gardens, home to blooming flowers, butterflies, and perfect picnic spots
• Visit the Peachland Car Museum or meet exotic birds at a nearby parrot sanctuary
Common Varieties Grown: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Kerner
Key Wine Events: Grand Sommelier Express (June), Okanagan Spring Wine Festival (May), Okanagan Fall Wine Festival (October)
South Okanagan Greatest Hits
Featured People and Places
Okanagan Valley Regions and Maps:
9 Distinct Wine Region of British Columbia
Explore BC's wine regions by clicking these links: