For those looking to experience the Okanagan wine region at their own pace, a self-guided wine tour is the perfect choice. This tour is about tasting the terroir and uncovering the unique character each vineyard and winemaker brings to the bottle. Starting with some planning tips and a route that highlights a range of wineries, this self-guided adventure offers flexibility, discovery, and memorable sips along the way.
Preparing for Your Wine Trail Adventure
Setting out on a self-guided wine tour requires some preparation. While wineries on the Scenic Sip Wine Trail in Lake Country are close together and a 20-minute drive or less south from Vernon, planning out your stops is still essential to avoid rushed visits and maximize your experience. Booking tastings ahead, particularly in summer when the wineries are busiest, ensures you’ll have a reserved spot and can enjoy your experience without waiting.
Transportation is key for a safe day on the trail. Designate a driver or, if everyone wants to sample the wines, consider renting a car service for the day or a tour company for those interested in a more structured day. Once you’ve secured your transportation and scheduled a few tastings, you’re ready to start your tour.
Stop One: Gray Monk Estate Winery
Gray Monk Estate Winery is a beautiful starting point. This winery, one of the oldest in the region, is known for its heritage and dedication to showcasing the unique qualities of Okanagan grapes. Founded in 1972, Gray Monk was one of the first in Canada to plant Pinot Gris, setting the stage for its iconic status. The winery has a range of offerings that represent the local terroir, from the bright, fresh whites to the rich, barrel-aged reds of its Odyssey series.
Tastings at Gray Monk are designed to help you explore their diverse wine portfolio. With a knowledgeable staff on hand, you’ll hear about each wine’s origin, tasting notes, and ideal food pairings. After tasting, enjoy lunch at the on-site Lookout Restaurant, where dishes made from local ingredients are paired with Gray Monk wines and served with stunning lake views. It’s an ideal way to set the tone for a leisurely day.
Stop Two: Ex Nihilo Vineyards
Just a short drive from Gray Monk, Ex Nihilo Vineyards offers an engaging mix of bold wines and artful ambiance. The name, meaning “out of nothing,” symbolizes the founders’ journey to build this winery from scratch. Their wines range from aromatic whites like Riesling to structured reds, including their bold and floral Pinot Noir.
Ex Nihilo’s tasting room has a modern, welcoming vibe, encouraging you to relax and enjoy the atmosphere while you sample their wines. The staff shares the vineyard’s story, giving insight into how the vineyard’s unique location and soil contribute to each wine’s character. If you’re there around mealtime, CHAOS Bistro offers farm-to-table dining with local ingredients that complement the wines beautifully. This winery combines taste, story, and scenery, making it a must-stop.
Stop Three: Arrowleaf Cellars
Continuing your self-guided tour, Arrowleaf Cellars is a peaceful retreat with many award-winning wines and a lovely picnic area. Arrowleaf is committed to quality, located on the slopes above Okanagan Lake, which shows in the care put into each bottle. Their wines range from the award-winning Pinot Noir to refreshing whites like Bacchus and Gewürztraminer.
A tasting at Arrowleaf offers insight into both the vineyard’s history and the winemaking techniques that define their wines. Arrowleaf’s picnic area is a great place to enjoy the wines you’ve selected alongside the winery’s seasonal charcuterie boards. It’s a spot to take in the peaceful vineyard and lake views and share the experience with friends.
Stop Four: Blind Tiger Vineyards
Blind Tiger Vineyards is a short drive from Arrowleaf and adds a touch of unique, laid-back fun to the tour. This family-owned, organic winery is known for its sustainable practices and casual approach to winemaking. The vineyard offers a variety of wines, including their bestselling Hush Up Blush, a refreshing rosé with notes of cranberry and raspberry, and the popular 2019 Pinot Noir, which aged in French and American oak barrels.
Blind Tiger’s tasting room is a relaxed space where you can explore their wines and learn about the organic methods they use to cultivate the grapes. In addition to tastings, Blind Tiger’s wood-fired pizza from Marno’s Woodfire Pizza makes for a tasty lunch break. You can enjoy artisan pizzas like their arugula flatbread, made with fresh, local ingredients and cooked beside a real wood fire, all while taking in the vineyard and lake views.
Optional: 50th Parallel Estate Winery
If time allows, 50th Parallel Estate Winery is worth the detour. While it’s slightly further from the rest, its focus on quality and attention to detail make it a top choice for those with a little extra time. Known primarily for their Pinot Noir, which comprises about 35% of their production, 50th Parallel also offers a range of whites, including Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Riesling, all of which reflect the cool climate of their estate.
The tasting room here provides panoramic views of the vineyard and lake, creating a serene setting for sampling their wines. For lunch or dinner, BLOCK ONE, the winery’s restaurant, offers wood-fired and locally sourced dishes that pair perfectly with their wines. The restaurant’s open, modern design and stunning views make it a memorable stop to end or extend your tour.
The Perch Winery: A Short but Memorable Visit
For those short on time or simply interested in a single stop, The Perch Winery in Vernon offers an intimate experience that can be enjoyed in an afternoon. The Perch is Vernon’s only winery, and its small, family-run atmosphere provides a different vibe from the more extensive vineyards. The estate focuses on a select few wines, each crafted to reflect the terroir and the care put into cultivation.
The Perch offers tastings in a cozy space, where you can sample their wines while learning about the estate’s approach to winemaking. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a quick but meaningful stop that captures the flavour of the region without needing an entire day to explore.
Choosing a Guided Tour Company
If self-guiding sounds overwhelming or if you’d like the added comfort of a planned route, Vernon’s local tour companies offer convenient options. Cheers! Okanagan Tours, MOJO Tours, and Sip Happens Wine Tours each provide guided experiences that cover the top vineyards. With their expertise, guests can sit back, enjoy the wines, and leave the planning and transportation to the professionals.
Cheers! Okanagan Tours offers custom wine tours tailored to your interests, covering everything from top vineyards to relaxing wineries. MOJO Wine Tours provides experiences focused on tasting the best of the Okanagan, while Sip Happens specializes in fun, casual tours for wine lovers looking to connect with the culture and community.
Making the Most of Your Wine Tour
A self-guided tour is a wonderful way to explore the Okanagan Valley and experience the diversity of its wine offerings. By carefully choosing each stop and taking time to enjoy each tasting, you’ll not only taste the terroir but also connect with the passion that drives each winery. From the history of Gray Monk to the organic practices at Blind Tiger, each winery offers a unique slice of the Okanagan.
So grab a map, book your tastings, and prepare for a day of discovery. This self-guided adventure is about immersing yourself in a region that has truly made its mark on the world of winemaking.
