Exploring wineries is about more than just tasting wine—it's about the whole experience, from the stunning landscapes to the local culinary delights. Lakefront wineries offer the ultimate setting to savour both for those who value a good view as much as a good vintage. The following lakefront wineries near Vernon combine excellent wines with breathtaking views, creating the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable wine-tasting journey.
Gray Monk Estate Winery: A Legacy of Flavours and Views
Gray Monk Estate Winery is a hallmark of Okanagan winemaking, located on slopes overlooking the pristine Okanagan Lake. Gray Monk was one of BC's first wineries to plant Pinot Gris, setting the stage for a trailblazing legacy in Canadian wine. Today, the winery invites visitors to explore its wines and scenic estate, with vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see.
A visit to Gray Monk is about immersing oneself in the heritage and craftsmanship that define the winery. Gray Monk offers a broad range of wines, including the crisp and refreshing Pinot Gris, the delicately aromatic Pinot Blanc, and the Odyssey Rosé Brut, which brings together old world traditions and new world creativity. Tasting experiences are varied, from the Estate Tour, which takes visitors through the vineyards and cellars, to a seated tasting with panoramic lake views. Each bottle tells a story of the Okanagan's terroir, crafted with meticulous care and a passion for quality.
For a more immersive experience, Gray Monk's on-site Lookout Restaurant serves dishes crafted to complement the wines, each made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant's expansive patio provides an ideal spot to sip wine while enjoying lake views, offering a relaxed setting for lunch or a romantic evening. The restaurant's thoughtful pairing of food and wine highlights the estate's flavours, making it a top choice for visitors wanting to explore the essence of the Okanagan in every glass and bite.
50th Parallel Estate Winery: Where Architecture Meets Winemaking
A relatively new name in the Okanagan wine scene, 50th Parallel Estate Winery has quickly made its mark with its distinctive architecture and dedication to cool-climate winemaking. Located on the shores of Lake Okanagan, the winery focuses on Pinot Noir, which comprises about 35% of its production, but also offers a range of whites, including Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, and Riesling. Each wine reflects the area's unique growing conditions, with a focus on purity and balance that has won 50th Parallel international acclaim.
The estate's modern Tasting Room offers panoramic views of the vineyards and lake, enhancing the tasting experience. For those seeking a closer look at the winemaking process, the Grape to Glass Tour provides a behind-the-scenes journey through the vineyard and production facilities, where visitors gain insights into each stage of the craft, from grape selection to bottling. This tour captures the essence of the winery's commitment to quality, allowing guests to appreciate the work and dedication that go into each bottle.
Dining at BLOCK ONE, the estate's on-site restaurant, is an experience in itself. Named after the first vineyard block planted by owners Curtis and Sheri-Lee, BLOCK ONE features a wood-fired oven at its centre, where dishes are created using fresh, local ingredients that enhance the flavours of the estate's wines. The outdoor seating area's unique cantilevered design provides stunning views of the lake and vineyards, making it a picturesque setting for enjoying the winery's food and wine pairings. Dining at BLOCK ONE adds a rich layer to the 50th Parallel experience, whether enjoying wood-fired flatbreads or seasonal dishes.
Arrowleaf Cellars: A Taste of Nature with Every Sip
Arrowleaf Cellars named after the Arrowleaf Balsamroot, also known as the Okanagan Sunflower, which grows on their hills offers a tranquil lakefront experience with award-winning wines. On the gentle slopes above Okanagan Lake, Arrowleaf's vineyards benefit from ideal sun exposure and temperature moderation, producing wines that reflect the region's unique microclimate. The winery is known for its diverse portfolio, including the award-winning Pinot Noir and vibrant whites such as Riesling and Bacchus.
The tasting experience at Arrowleaf is designed to connect visitors with the natural beauty of the area. The outdoor picnic area provides a serene space to enjoy a bottle of wine with friends or family, surrounded by lush vineyards and lake views. They offer specialty cheeses and preserves to build your own charcuterie board, and they have cream puffs with many flavours such as cappuccino, blackcurrant and passionfruit offered on the weekends. Visitors looking for a peaceful afternoon of wine-tasting will find Arrowleaf's combination of views, flavours, and philosophy makes for a memorable experience.
Ex Nihilo Vineyards: Art and Wine in Perfect Harmony
Ex Nihilo Vineyards, whose name means "out of nothing" in Latin, is known for its breathtaking scenery and carefully crafted wines that capture the Okanagan's terroir. Set on 20 acres of fertile land, the winery produces a range of wines, including the bold Pinot Noir, aromatic Riesling, and multi-layered Chardonnay. Ex Nihilo's wines are crafted to showcase the region's unique qualities, from the climate to the soil, with each bottle expressing the careful attention to detail that defines the vineyard.
The estate's modern tasting room provides a welcoming space for guests to enjoy wine tastings while overlooking the vineyard and lake. Beyond the wine, Ex Nihilo's on-site restaurant, CHAOS Bistro, offers a farm-to-table dining experience that pairs beautifully with the wines. The chefs at CHAOS use fresh, local ingredients to create dishes that highlight the flavours of Ex Nihilo's wines, making it an ideal spot for wine lovers and foodies alike.
With its dedication to quality, Ex Nihilo offers visitors a taste of the Okanagan that lingers long after the last sip. The scenic vineyard setting, combined with expertly crafted wines and thoughtfully prepared food, makes Ex Nihilo a destination that celebrates both the art of winemaking and the beauty of the region.
Blind Tiger Vineyards: Sustainable Wine with a Scenic Twist
Blind Tiger Vineyards is a small, organic winery offering a down-to-earth experience with stunning views of the Okanagan Valley. Certified organic, Blind Tiger takes an eco-friendly approach, using using naturally grown grapes, cultivated without any synthetic chemicals or pesticides to preserve the soil's biodiversity. This commitment to sustainability is reflected in each bottle, with wines that speak to the character of the land.
Blind Tiger's portfolio includes well-crafted reds and whites, such as Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. The tasting room provides a peaceful setting to sample these wines in an outdoor setting that is has a playful, unconventional charm. The tasting area's rustic vibe allows guests to relax and take in the beauty of the surrounding vineyards while enjoying a glass of wine.
Visitors to Blind Tiger can also enjoy authentic wood-fired pizza prepared on-site, along with live music events in the vineyard. The combination of good wine, live entertainment, and scenic views makes Blind Tiger a unique destination for those seeking an unpretentious, organic wine experience in a picturesque setting.
Conclusion
The lakefront wineries of the Okanagan Valley offer more than just tastings—they provide a complete experience that combines wine, scenery, and local cuisine. These destinations invite visitors to relax, enjoy the views, and discover the distinct flavours that make Okanagan wines unforgettable.
