Whether you're a wine connoisseur or ready to be initiated, there are tons of options for you to explore the age-old art of viticulture in your own backyard. Take in the breathtaking scenery of British Columbia's west coast while enjoying outdoor tours and tastings, or savour some extra time with your furry best friend with a picnic in the vineyard.
If you can't travel yet, you can learn more virtually about BC wine spring releases and where they come from with the Wines of BC Explorer App. But if you're lucky enough to live in one of BC's nine wine regions and are on the hunt for a relaxing way to celebrate BC Wine Month (in April!), here are some new outdoor experiences BC wineries are offering.
To make sure your visit is as safe as it is pleasant, make sure to consult and follow the current public health guidelines for the province.
Have A Picnic & Wine With Your Pup
Price: Free
Address: 2420 Miner's Bluff Road, Monte Creek, BC — Thompson Valley Wine
Wine Region: Thompson Valley
Why You Should Try It: The best part about Monte Creek Ranch Winery is that it's fur-baby friendly! Pets are often just another member of the family so having an option to drink your wine and take in an incredible view with your best fluffy pal is a plus.
Not only can you admire the sweeping scenery of the vineyards, but you'll also catch a glimpse of the South Thompson River. You can either bring your own picnic or pick up a convenient Grab & Go from the well-stocked on-location wine shop.
Picnic tables are available on a first-come-first-serve basis but don't fret if you don't nab one, you can bring a picnic blanket and sprawl out on the grass or lawn chairs to kick back, relax, enjoy the fresh air and fresh wines!
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Learn All There Is To Know About New Spring Releases While Enjoying Local Charcuterie On This Picturesque Patio
Price: $20
Address: 2182 Lakeside Road, Duncan, BC
Wine Region: Cowichan Valley
Why You Should Try It: Nothing says “springtime" like a glass of rosé on the patio and there are very few patios like the one at Blue Grouse Estate Winery in Duncan.
Enjoy the stunning view of the property from the balcony and then head to the outdoor tables to sip a flight of four wines and a delicious board for two featuring local salami, cheese, crackers and spreads.
COVID-19 protocols are in place with a maximum of six guests per table. Be sure to bring your mask and practice physical distancing
For every bottle sold at Blue Grouse throughout BC Wine Month, in April, $1 will be given to local charity Nourish Cowichan.
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Invigorate Your Taste Buds With This Tour That Includes A Five-Course Tasting Menu
Price: $225
Address: 4315 Black Sage Road, Oliver, BC
Wine Region: Okanagan Valley
Why You Should Try It: Wine, food and an IG photo op? Count us in.
This tour at Phantom Creek Estates includes an in-depth journey through their winemaking process, after which you'll be escorted to the Founder's Cellar, where you'll enjoy a delicious five-course menu paired with past vintages and hard-to-find library exclusive wines.
You'll be the envy of all of your Instagram followers with the spectacular views from the backdrop outside and inside the cellar.
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Start Your Day Off With A Mouthwatering Brunch
Price: $49
Address: 17403 British Columbia 97, Summerland, BC
Wine Region: Okanagan Valley
Why You Should Try It: There's nothing quite like a decadent brunch. It's cheerful, sociable, and the ambiance is next level. Plus, who doesn't love a few cocktails in the early afternoon?
What's cool about this brunch, which Sumac Ridge Estate Winery calls Sunday Bubbles and Brunch (so cute!), is that a chef created a delicious menu specifically to pair with their Steller's Jay Sparkling Wines.
There are both sweet and savoury options for you to choose from including West Coast Eggs Bennie and Crispy Duck with Waffles. Delish!
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Feel Like A VIP At This Boutique Winery
Price: $10
Address: 1548 Naramata Road, Penticton, BC
Wine Region: Naramata Bench
Why You Should Try It: If you're a local who wants to up your wine knowledge, check out a wine tasting at Laughing Stock Vineyards.
This winery on the Naramata Bench provides premium, seated tasting experiences for up to six guests per group. The experts will present to you five wines, showcased in varietally specific glassware. Of course, they will also tell you everything you need to know about the varietal, how it was made and why it's special. And the views just make the experience that much better!
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A Quick Tasting If You're Short On Time
Price: $10
Address: 2582 Upper Bench Road, Keremeos, BC
Wine Region: Similkameen Valley
Why You Should Try It: If you happen to live in the region but don't have a full day to spend at a winery but still want to enjoy a unique, premium experience, this tasting is for you.
Corcelettes Estate Winery is offering a 40-minute tasting for your group to sip on five different selections as you appreciate the stunning mountain views from their patio. Plus, 50% of the tasting fee is donated to a local charity.
On the other hand, if you do have a little more time to spare — say about two hours — and love to get a healthy dose of adrenaline, you can book a private ATV tour, a fun way to see the vines at a different speed.
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Plan A Fun Day Trip Perfect For The 'Gram
Price: $125
Address: 1140 27 Avenue S., Creston, BC
Wine Region: Kootenays
Why You Should Try It: If you feel like putting on your cutest sundress and enjoying a glass of good wine, Baillie-Grohman Estate Winery is a great option.
You can take a tour around the property, starting in the vineyard, and snap a few pictures for the 'gram. That way, every time you look through your feed, you'll be transported back to this gorgeous Kootenays landscape lined with crystal-clear rivers and snow-kissed mountain-tops.
You can get lost in the beautiful scenery or sit back and enjoy the sights as you savour a delicious charcuterie board made with the best local products. Then head inside to the cellar to check out how those grapes turn into the BC wine you'll eventually get to taste. It's a full-circle experience!
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Enjoy A Quiet Moment In This Winery's Pyramid
Price: Complimentary tasting with purchase
Address: 4870 Chute Lake Road, Kelowna, BC
Wine Region: Okanagan Valley
Why You Should Try It: Summerhill Pyramid Winery has a pyramid onsite where they recommend turning off your cell phone and letting yourself exist there for a moment. It's the ideal place to reflect and recharge.
Their wine is stored inside the pyramid, a perfectly geometric structure built with no metal or electricity, and aligned to the stars, as a place of sacred silence for the bottles to rest before they are ready for sale.
You can also get a chance to admire the work of local artists. Did we mention a complimentary wine tasting with any wine purchase?
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Wine Newbie? No Problem With This Tasting
Price: $5 or free if you purchase a bottle
Address: 1055 Camp Road, Lake Country, BC
Wine Country: Okanagan Valley
Why You Should Try It: If you've just started getting into wines and want to refine your palate, Gray Monk Estate Winery is just the place for you. It's home to some of British Columbia's finest Pinot Gris, the first plantings of their type in the region. The estate also features a killer patio from which you'll get a magnificent view of the lakes that set this landscape apart.
For less than your daily Starbucks, immerse yourself in many flavours with the aid of a team of expert wine consultants.
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Learn About The Rich History Of This Winery
Price: $5
Address: 1400 Rancher Creek Road, Osoyoos, BC
Wine Region: Okanagan Valley
Why You Should Try It: Located in North America's only desert, Nk'Mip Cellars is also the first Indigenous-owned-and-operated winery in North America and offers many culturally rich tasting experiences complete with bold red wines, refreshing whites and fragrant rosés to sample.
You can try a flight of four award-winning wines from their Winemaker's Series or from their ultra-premium Qwam Qwmt series ($10). If you're in the mood for some food, the Nk'Mip Cellars Patio Restaurant is now open for the season and taking reservations! The outdoor Patio Restaurant offers contemporary North American cuisine in a picturesque location, with fresh Farm-to-Table innovations.
We recommend calling ahead to reserve.
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Ride In The Back Of A Pickup Truck During This Private Tour
Price: $79 per person
Address: 300 Covert Pl, Oliver, BC
Wine Region: Okanagan Valley
Why You Should Try It: Ever wished you could ride around in the back of a retro pickup truck through wine country? Now is your chance to do so at Covert Farms Family Estate!
Jump in the back of a super cute, cherry red 1952 Mercury truck for a private, personalized tour through the 650-acre farm and vineyard. You'll learn about organic, sustainable farming, get to meet some adorable farm animals and taste grapes right off the vine!
After the tour, you'll head back to an outdoor patio where you can taste wine and munch on charcuterie, cheeses, farm-fresh veggies and edible flowers. Then hop onto the Wines of BC Explorer app to plan your next local vineyard visit!
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Whatever you're looking to do — a tour, a tasting or just spending some time with your favourite human being or pet — these unique experiences should be on the top of your to-do list.
To see all that BC wine country has to offer this spring, download the Wines of BC Explorer app. You can get personalized expert guidance with wine lists, find winery locations near you and have the option of taking a personal taste test to discover your flavour profile before you head off on your next winery adventure.
To learn more about BC winery experiences, check out Wines of British Columbia's website or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or YouTube.
