Written By: Stacy Miller
After moving to Kelowna more than a decade ago for its natural beauty, I still find myself in awe of it. The last two summers I’ve worked as an e-bike tour guide at Lakeside Eco-Sports in the heart of downtown and a ten-minute walk from The Royal Kelowna. You might think riding the same routes all summer would get boring, but it never does.
I love starting my ride with feeling that warm Okanagan sun on my skin, the lake glistening beside me as a cool breeze rolls off the water. Cruising along Mission Creek, listening to birdsong as I pass horse ranches. At the crest of the hill when I see the lake stretching out below, it reminds me why I moved here in the first place.
If you want more out of your wine tasting than a van ride, Lakeside Eco-Sports offers a nature experience through Kelowna’s south-east wine trail. Paired with three truly local wineries, It’s the perfect activity to add to your vacation in Kelowna for a unique wine tasting experience. The bike tour takes four to five hours and includes three wine tastings and lunch.
The team at Lakeside Eco-Sports sets you up with everything you need for your day out. Each e-bike comes equipped with wine bottle carrying panniers and a phone mount with charger. You can choose self-guided or hire a guide. For self-guided, you are provided with navigation through an app. If you hire a guide they take care of navigation, check in at tastings, assist with the bikes, and offer full storytelling about Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley.
ABOUT THE ROUTE
The route departs from downtown and is designed to use bikes lanes, nature trails, and low-traffic roads. The ride starts along the waterfront and through lovely residential areas. You’ll connect to a nature trail following the creek that will lead you to vineyards and orchards. At the highest point of the ride there is a photo stop with a panoramic view of the city and lake. The ride is 30km, with 300m elevation, which feels like a breeze with the help of the e-bike.
During the tour, you will visit three locally owned winery stops, each run by passionate people who live and work in the Kelowna community. Every stop offers its own unique way to experience the flavors and lifestyle of the Okanagan. As well, depending on the time of year, there is an optional stop at a roadside farm shop to pick up some amazing Kelowna produce.
Hidden Vines Family Estate:
A small family run winery where you get to see everything about how they run their vineyard. They don’t book with large tour vans; this is exclusive to the Lakeside Eco-Sports bike tour. They offer intimate tastings, given by a member of the family, right where the wine is grown and made.
Spearhead Winery:
Winner of multiple best winery awards. Their outdoor terrace overlooks the lake and vineyards. Spearhead Winery is a laid-back wine tasting experience with award-winning wine and highly knowledgeable staff. The best of both worlds.
Meadow Vista Honey Wines:
For something a little different, Meadow Vista Honey Wines make mead, aka, honey wine. Departing from traditional mead, they make a variety of light honey wines blended with a variety flavours. Lunch is served at Meadow Vista’s farm-to-table bistro with sandwiches, pizza, and charcuterie made with locally sourced ingredients.
This experience is more than wine tastings. Each winery is an authentic and unique experience bringing insight into what Kelowna is growing in its community. You spend the day outside, in the fresh air, enjoying a bike ride. Taking in the sights, smells, and sounds that the countryside has to offer. It’s a day of exploration you won’t forget.
Images provided by Lakeside Eco-Sports
