Each year the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia gets thousands of visitors seeking the best in cuisine and wine. They will not be disappointed because there are so many award winning winery restaurants in the scenic Okanagan Valley. Our wine travels last June took us to a variety of wineries, ranging from boutique to large scale producers. In addition, foodie adventures were part our explorations. Dining at Okanagan Valley's winery restaurants is a must do. Winery restaurants are redefining gastronomy in wine regions around the world. In fact, no visit to the Okanagan Valley is complete, without dining at a winery restaurant. You will experience excellent cuisine with a regional flavor.
Welcome to Hester Creek Estate © Spaswinefood
Let's discover why the Okanagan Valley's winery restaurants are inspiring places to sip and dine.
Hester Creek Winery's TerraFina Restaurant
One of our first stops was Hester Creek Winery located on the Golden Mile Bench. Hester Creek was named British Columbia Winery of the Year for 2023. TerraFina Restaurant is also a very popular place to dine.
Hester Creek Estate Winery © Spaswinefood
This winery a very welcoming place and because of that we visited twice. The first time we did a wine tasting.
Wine Tasting, Hester Creek © Spaswinefood
When we returned the second time we enjoyed a bottle of Sémillon on the patio. We also picked up wine for our travels.
Wine Time, Hester Creek © Spaswinefood
Hester Creek, Sémillon, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley VQA 2022
Hester Creek, Sémillon, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley VQA 2022 © Spaswinefood
Terrafina Restaurant, Hester Creek © Spaswinefood
Wine Time, Terrafina Restaurant © Spaswinefood
We had a most delightful dining experience at Terrafina. It is the perfect place to sip and dine.
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery
The Burrowing Owl Winery, Black Sage Road is a beautiful 130 acre winery. It is located on the top of a hill overlooking the valley. It is a full service winery with a hotel (The Guest House) and restaurant (Sonora Room). The Burrowing Owl Winery is located in a most beautiful setting.
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery © Spaswinefood
Sonora Room, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery © Spaswinefood
We had visited this winery on an earlier wine trip, and it was such a delight to return. Since 2011, each time we return to the Okanagan Valley we delight in exploring its winery restaurants, which are some of the best in the world.
Burrowing Owl Estate Wine Flights © Spaswinefood
The restaurant has a very relaxed atmosphere.
Mushrooms with Polenta (Vegetarian) © Spaswinefood
Steak with Mushrooms & Onion Rings © Spaswinefood
The deck views from the restaurant are amazing. We so enjoyed our wine flights while dining here.
Taking in the Views, Burrowing Owl Estate © Spaswinefood
Sonora Room Restaurant was just as fabulous this time, as it was on our earlier visit here. The Burrowing Owl Winery has the most beautiful setting. It is the perfect place to sip and dine.
Wine Tasting, Black Hills Estate Winery © Spaswinefood
The vinous magic of the scenic Okanagan Valley is compelling. Spaswinefood visits to the Okanagan have given me the opportunity to check out some of British Columbia's best wineries. The Okanagan Valley vineyards: (1) lie within the same latitude, as some of the greatest European vineyards, and (2) has attracted winemakers from great wine regions of the world. The result is these winemakers have put their talents and passion into making today's Okanagan wines great. Moreover, we were not disappointed in the culinary offerings because there are so many award winning winery restaurants in the Okanagan Valley. The Okanagan Valley has attracted some of the best Canadian chefs. If you are interested in “a wine and food adventure” then put the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia at the top of your list. For us, last June's visit was so much fun, to explore the wine scene at the south end of the Okanagan Valley. Many of the Kelowna wineries also have vineyards in the Southern Okanagan. The temperature at the south end of the valley is reported to be up to four degrees warmer. This makes it so perfect for grape growing. In fact Oliver, the town at the south end of the Okanagan Valley, calls itself Wine Capital of Canada.
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View from Tinhorn Cellars, 2013 © Spaswinefood |
Here is some useful travel information to help you plan your wine country getaway to Okanagan wineries. Kelowna, the largest city in the Okanagan Valley is within driving distance from Vancouver (237 miles). Kelowna’s international airport has direct flights from Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Seattle.
Dining at the Okanagan Valley's winery restaurants is an absolute must do. No visit to the Okanagan Valley is complete without dining at a winery restaurant. Without a doubt, the vinous magic of the Okanagan Valley was an highlight of our Summer 2023 wine travels in British Columbia. If you are looking for an outstanding culinary adventure check out the Okanagan Valley's winery restaurants. I invite you to join me in my wine travels in Okanagan Valley and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing more on my vine-filled explorations in the Okanagan Valley.
CHEERS!
Sharon
Remembering June 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
© Spaswinefood
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Quails' Gate Vineyard © Spaswinefood |
Other Okanagan winery restaurants that we enjoyed dining at on prior visits include: Old Vines Restaurant(Quails' Gate Estate Winery), Patio Restaurant, (Lake Breeze Vineyard), Sunset Organic Bistro and Veranda Restaurant (Summerhill Pyramid Winery), Terrace Restaurant (Mission Hill Family Estates), and Grapevine Restaurant ( Gray Monk Estate Winery). Last summer we visited Phantom Creek Estates for a wine tasting however, regrettably due to scheduling problems we did not dine there. Their restaurant is at the top of my list for our next visit.
Phantom Creek Estates, June 2023 © Spaswinefood
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