Swirl, slurp and savour a huge variety of award-winning wines on a British Columbia wine tour.
There are more than 150 wineries in BC, ranging from large, sprawling estates to small, boutique wineries. Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot are a few of the 60-plus varietals produced here, some of which are harvested to create BC’s famous icewine.
Most wineries have wine available for tasting and many offer tours of their winemaking process, vineyards or cellars. Combine good wine with delicious food and spectacular scenery, and nibble locally-made foods at a winery picnic area or enjoy gourmet lunch on a patio overlooking vineyards.
Spend a day popping into a few wineries or plan a week-long excursion. Some wineries welcome overnight stays and many are located near communities with plenty of accommodation.
Find out more about Wine Tours in BC:
Thompson Okanagan: The Okanagan Valley is home to the majority of BC’s wineries and vineyards (more than 100 and growing) and is fast becoming a major North American wine destination – Canada’s “Napa of the North”.
> Wine Tours in the Thompson Okanagan
> Wineries and Vineyards in the Thompson Okanagan
Vancouver Island
This large island and the smaller Gulf Islands are often referred to as the “Wine Islands”, thanks to a growing number of wineries and vineyards.
> Wine Tours on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands
> Wineries and Vineyards on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands
Vancouver, Coast & Mountains: Discover more than a dozen wineries in the Fraser Valley, located just one hour’s drive from downtown Vancouver.
> Wine Tours in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains
> Wineries and Vineyards in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains
Wineries to Visit
Part of the fun with wine touring is discovering new wines and unique wineries. Incorporate some of the following winery suggestions in your tour planning or design your own wine tour itinerary.
In the Okanagan Valley, stop by Mission Hill Family Estate; its impressive architecture and Terrace restaurant make it a “must-visit” on many itineraries. Step inside a scale model of Egypt’s Great Pyramid at Summerhill Pyramid Winery and taste organic sparkling wines. Or, head to Canada’s only desert and visit Nk’Mip Cellars, North America’s first Aboriginal owned and operated winery.
On Vancouver Island, sample award-winning blackberry dessert wines at Cherry Point Vineyards. Or, ferry to the southern Gulf Islands and soak in the sun and ocean views on Saturna Island Winery’s summertime bistro patio.
After a tasting and tour at Domaine de Chaberton (only about an hour’s drive from Vancouver), savour French cuisine at their Bacchus Bistro. Or, head to The Fort Wine Company and sample fruit wines made from cranberries, blueberries or strawberries.
Visit Wineries & Vineyards to learn more about wineries in British Columbia.
Self-guided or Guided Wine Tours
Plan your own route and take as much time as you’d like at particular wineries with a self-guided tour. Some wineries (especially the larger ones) offer informative tours of their own winemaking facilities, barrel rooms or vineyards, and finish with a wine tasting.
Order a free touring guide to British Columbia’s wineries, stop at Visitor Centres for winery information and maps, or browse the British Columbia Wine Institute’s online wine itineraries.
Or, relax and be escorted to wineries by car or van on a guided wine tour. These tours can be a good option for groups. Most operators offer half or full day tours and visit between three and eight wineries (depending on the tour). There are even wine tours by bicycle – a fantastic way to enjoy the fresh air and scenery!
> See all wine tours listings
Wine Festivals and When to Visit Wineries
Many wineries are open year-round for tours and tastings but there is a high season – usually between April and September, when the BC weather is at its best. If you’re visiting in the “off” season, call the wineries and see if they offer tastings and tours to suit your visit.
Wine festivals are an exciting time to visit; they tend to be popular (especially in the Okanagan), so plan in advance.
Practical Points
Visit Wine Touring and Tasting Tips for helpful information about booking tours, group travel, wine tastings, legal drinking age and more.