A trip to Kelowna isn’t complete without spending time among its 40-plus wineries, and staying at The Royal Kelowna makes it easy.

Within minutes, you can walk to a tasting room, bike to a funky, art-filled estate, or drive to a world-class winery perched high above Okanagan Lake. The region's mix of iconic names and offbeat gems means there’s truly something for every type of wine lover—and even non-wine drinkers!

Some of the onsite restaurants and live entertainment offerings invite visitors to linger, regardless of what they drink (or don't).

Here are some of the best Kelowna wineries to put at the top of your list:

Best Kelowna Wineries to Visit

1. Sandhill Wines

Distance from The Royal: 5-minute walk

You don’t need a car to reach Sandhill—it’s the closest winery to The Royal Kelowna, just a short stroll downtown. Sandhill is best known as the first winery in the Okanagan to experiment with single-vineyard winemaking, producing bottles that highlight the distinct character of each growing site. Its popular Small Lots program still showcases these unique wines today. Visitors also love Sandhill’s relaxed tasting room, where you can order by the glass or catch Friday evening happy hour with live music.

Pricing: Tastings start at $16; wines are also available by the glass, and there are other 'Sip & Bite' options with food pairings

2. Mission Hill Family Estate

Distance from The Royal: (~16-minute drive)

Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com - Bergeron

It sounds cliché, we know, but it's accurate: Mission Hill isn’t just a winery, it’s a destination. Sitting high above West Kelowna with sweeping lake views, this estate has been named Winery of the Year multiple times in the WineAlign National Wine Awards. The property is expansive, with striking architecture, landscaped courtyards, and a museum-quality art collection worth browsing pre- or post-tasting.

Experiences range from seated tastings to in-depth tours, and the onsite Restaurant at Mission Hill offers fine dining on a terrace overlooking the valley. Plan to spend at least a few hours here.

Pricing: Seated tastings start at $40; tour and tasting $125

3. Quails' Gate Winery

Distance from The Royal: (~13-minute drive)

Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com - Quails' Gate Estate Winery

One of British Columbia's oldest wineries, Quails’ Gate, remains family-owned and continues to be a leader in the Okanagan wine scene. Their Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay is a standout, but you’ll find a wide range of reds and whites worth sampling.

Beyond the wine, the estate features pétanque courts (available by reservation) and a farm-to-table restaurant, Old Vines, with a seasonal wine-led menu inspired by local Okanagan producers.

Pricing: $20 Estate Series tasting; $35 Reserve Collection or Plume tasting; $50 Ailm Estate tasting

4. CedarCreek Estate Winery

Distance from The Royal: (~20-minute drive)

Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com - CedarCreek Winery

CedarCreek combines excellent wine with equally impressive views. The tasting room and terrace look out over vineyard rows and shimmering water, and the winery’s restaurant, Home Block, is a destination in its own right. In fact, you'll find many locals consider CedarCreek not only one of the best wineries in Kelowna, but also one of the best places for dinner. The menu is built around ingredients sourced from nearby farms, paired carefully with CedarCreek wines.

Keep an eye out for the Highland cows grazing on the property, adding a quirky, endearing touch that makes the experience even more memorable.

Pricing: Tastings start at $35; wines are also available by the glass for $15

5. Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Distance from The Royal: (~18-minute drive)

Summerhill is one of the Okanagan’s most visited wineries, thanks to its combination of lake views, sprawling property, and organic wines. Known for its Syrah and other bold reds, the winery is also certified organic and places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Visitors can enjoy tastings in the signature pyramid-shaped wine cellar, dine on the patio restaurant with lake views, or stroll the grounds.

Other experience highlights include sparkling wine sabering and a VIP sparkling wine tour.

Pricing: Tastings range from $15-25 per person

6. The Hatch

Distance from The Royal: (~12-minute drive)

If you like your wine with a side of personality, The Hatch is the place. This West Kelowna winery is known for its irreverent branding, eclectic decor, and friendly staff who make tastings as entertaining as they are informative.

The Hatch has a loyal following of locals and visitors who come for the lively hipster vibe, bold labels, and approachable wine list. It’s a casual, laid-back stop, one where you’ll feel just as comfortable hanging out for an hour (many people do!) as you will popping in for a quick flight.

Pricing: Tastings are $15 per person; waived with bottle purchase

7. The Vibrant Vine

Distance from The Royal: 15-minute drive/45-minute bike ride

True to its name, The Vibrant Vine is one of the most colourful and playful wineries in Kelowna. On arrival, you’re handed a pair of 3-D glasses to view the artwork displayed throughout the property, making this less of a tasting room and more of an immersive experience. The winery has earned international recognition, including producing the 2013 “Best White Wine in the World.”

With three performance stages, multiple food options, and a lively atmosphere, The Vibrant Vine is a great choice for groups or anyone looking for something beyond the traditional tasting.

Pricing: General tastings start at $13.91

Tips for Your Wine Tour

Plan transportation in advance. Kelowna wineries are spread out, and relying on cabs between them can be costly, time-consuming, and honestly, unreliable during busy seasons. Consider booking a wine tour, designating a driver, or even renting e-bikes if you’re only visiting one or two nearby wineries.
Reserve ahead. Many, if not most, of the best Kelowna wineries, including Mission Hill and Quails’ Gate, require reservations for tastings or dining, especially in peak summer season.
Stay central. Choosing accommodation like The Royal Kelowna puts you within easy reach of downtown wineries like Sandhill and a short drive from West Kelowna or Lakeshore estates.