I loved discovering the Okanagan Valley's most inspiring places to sip and dine. I am always happy to return because I still remember my earlier introduction to Okanagan winery's and winery restaurants. The Okanagan Valley, British Columbia gets thousands of visitors seeking the best in cuisine and wine. My wine travels have taken us to a variety of Okanagan Valley wineries, ranging from boutique to large scale producers. Winery restaurants, like those in the Okanagan, are redefining gastronomy in wine regions around the world. In fact, no visit to the Okanagan Valley visit is complete, without dining at a winery restaurant. Given there are so many award winning wineries and winery restaurants, sipping and dining in the Okanagan Valley is an absolute must do.
Let the Okanagan Valley's Vinous Magic Begin © Spaswinefood
This article will focus on our sip and dining experiences in the Kelowna area. A future article will highlight the Southern Okanagan. Let's sip, sip and dine in the Kelowna Area
There are around 40 wineries within 20-30 minute drive of Kelowna. This area has a number of wine trails to explore, including Sip South East Kelowna, Lake Country's Scenic Sip, Westside Wine Trail, Lakeshore Wine Route, and downtown Kelowna. Amongst the winery restaurants that we have enjoyed sipping and dining included: Old Vines Restaurant (Quails' Gate Estate Winery), Terrace Restaurant (Mission Hill Family Estates), Block One, 50th Parallel Estate, and Grapevine Restaurant ( Gray Monk Estate Winery).
1. Quails' Gate Estate Winery
When we returned to Kelowna last summer our first stop was Old Vines Restaurant at Quails' Gate Winery.
Quails' Gate © Spaswinefood
Quails' Gate © Spaswinefood
Arriving at Quails' Gate for dinner on a very hot June day.Quails' Gate Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
During our weekend visit last June our first stop was for dinner was at Old Vines Restaurant (Quails' Gate Estate Winery). We were so excited to return to Quails' Gate's Old Vines Restaurant. Upon arrival, on that very hot evening, we settled for a table inside.
Quails' Gate Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Quails' Gate Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Had it not been such a very hot day maybe, we would have preferred a table outside.Table Waiting, Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Even on that hot day, outside on the patio is where some guests chose to dine.
Patio, Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
We began with a wine flight before deciding on which wine to order for dinner.
Wine Flight, Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
We ordered some appetizers to begin.
Appetizer, Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Beside a platter we ordered a heirloom tomato platter. This was a great decision.
Heirloom Tomato Plate, Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
The wine we selected needed decanting.
Quails' Gate Queue, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2019
Quails' Gate Decanted © Spaswinefood
Quails' Gate Queue, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2019 © Spaswinefood
Quails' Gate Queue, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2019 (back label) © Spaswinefood
Quails' Gate Queue is part of new series of small-batch wines, the Distinction Collection. Like the pattern on a quail’s egg, no two are alike. The Upper Boucherie bench vineyard boasts a unique southern exposure and a series of vineyard blocks on volcanic soils spiked with mineral deposits. The vineyard is one of the few sites in the Kelowna area that ripens merlot, cabernet, and syrah, which appear in the 47/45/8 Queue mix.
Our main plate choices were so delightful.
Mushroom Plate, Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
For dessert we chose a cheese plate.
Cheese Plate, Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Later, we did take a walk outside.
Patio Dining, Quails' Gate Restaurant © Spaswinefood
One June Evening, Quails' Gate Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Before leaving we took a walk towards the vineyard. It is hard for me not to check out a vineyard whenever I visit a winery.
Quails' Gate Vineyard © Spaswinefood
Lake Views, Quails' Gate Vineyard © Spaswinefood
Taking in the Views, Quails' Gate Vineyard © Spaswinefood
It was great to take in the vineyard and lake views.
A Quails' Gate Pose © Spaswinefood
After exploring, soon it was time to leave.
Posing at Quails' Gate © Spaswinefood
For sure, this was the perfect spot to begin our most recent sip and dine experiences, in the Okanagan Valley.
2. Block One, 50th Parallel Estate
After looking at winery restaurant options the 50th Parallel Estate's Block One Restaurant sounded appealing for lunch. In Lake Country Curtis Krouzel and Sheri-Lee Turner-Krouzel have created a winery known for elegant cool-climate Pinot Noir and aromatic wines, and their Block One Restaurant offers wood- fired regional cuisine.
Yes, it was another very hot day when we arrived.
50th Parallel Estate © Spaswinefood
After parking we rushed to the restaurant to escape the heat.
Off to 50th Parallel Estate © Spaswinefood
Seeing the wine barrel along the way set the tone for a Block One, 55th Parallel dining experience.
50th Parallel Estate Wine Barrel © Spaswinefood
It was super hot day, and so we were in a rush to get inside.
Off to Lunch, 50th Parallel Estate © Spaswinefood
We decided to begin lunch with a wine flight.
Wine Flight, 50th Parallel Estate © Spaswinefood
After the flight we decided on a wine for lunch.
50th Parallel Estate, Pinot Noir in the Glass © Spaswinefood
50th Parallel Estate, Pinot Noir, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2022
50th Parallel Estate, Pinot Noir, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2022 © Spaswinefood
Pinot Noir, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2022 (back label) © Spaswinefood
For lunch we chose a number of small plates. one of these plates was a barrata plate.
Burrata Appetizer, 50th Parallel Estate © Spaswinefood
Burrata Appetizer, Block One, 50th Parallel Estate © Spaswinefood
Block One, 50th Parallel Estate © Spaswinefood
We both enjoyed our lunch visit to 50th Parallel restaurant.
Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
3. Mission Hill Family Estates, Terrace Restaurant
It was at the top of my list to return to Mission Hill Family Estates. Previously, we had visited Mission Hill Family Estates, and were very impressed with the site. I still remember my first visit to this stunning property.
Entrance to Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
Entering Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
For me, it was pure excitement to return to Mission Hill!
Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
Rather than riding I often walk down the driveway to the winery entrance.
Through the Arch, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
A Closer Look, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
After we walked through the arch, we arrive at the main patio area.
Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
We take a closer look at the Terrace Restaurant.Terrace Restaurant, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
Gazing towards the tower also brought back memories of our earlier visit.
Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
Then, we were off to the tasting room.Entrance to Mission Hill Family Estates Tasting Room © Spaswinefood
Upon arrival in the wine tasting area we were greeted by a friendly server.
Wine Tasting, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
Soon we sat down for a fabulous wine tasting.Wine Display, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
Here we met up with our hostess, and began the tasting with Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay.
Mission Hill Family Estates, Pinot Blanc 2022 © Spaswinefood
Mission Hill Family Estates, Perpetual Chardonnay 2021 © Spaswinefood
Then we began a side by side tastings of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Mission Hill Family Estates, Merlot Wines
Mission Hill Family Estates, Merlot Wines © Spaswinefood
Next, their Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Wine Tasting, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
Mission Hill Family Estates, Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (left)
Mission Hill Family Estates, Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (on the left) © Spaswinefood
It was great to be back at Mission Hill.John, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
This area not only offers wine tasting but many wines are on display for purchase.
Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
After the wine tasting we return outside.
Taking in the Views, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
While we did not dine at the Terrace Restaurant during this visit, we have the fondest memories of an earlier visit.
4. Gray Monk Estate Winery, Grapevine Restaurant & Patio
Grapevine Restaurant & Patio at the Gray Monk Estate Winery, was another restaurant we so enjoyed during prior visit. It was founded by the Heiss Family Gray Monk (now owned and operated by Andrew Peller Limited).Unfortunately, we did not have time to return for a sip and dine experience however, we did manage a quick drive by.
Gray Monk, 2024 © Spaswinefood
Gray Monk, 2024 © Spaswinefood
Gray Monk, 2024 © Spaswinefood
Gray Monk, 2024 © Spaswinefood
Vignette from an Earlier Visit to Gray Monk, May 2011
One of the first Okanagan Valley winery stop was the Gray Monk Estate Winery and Vineyard 1055 Camp Road, North Kelowna. Gray Monk is British Columbia's oldest estate winery. It has been owned and operated by the Heiss Family since 1972. The winery takes its name from Pinot Gris, which in Austria and Hungary is called " Grauar Mönch" meaning gray monk. The winery introduced the blue-gray colored Pinot Gris grape to Canada. The Heiss's also helped establish British Columbia's VQA designation. British Columbia participates in a Vitners Quality Allicance (VQA), an appellation of origin that is modelled after the European system. An Okanagan VQA certifies a wine is from this region and meets the quality standards. British Columbia's appellation has four "designated viticultural areas" (DVA's). These DVA's include Okanagan Valley, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island and Similkameen Valley.
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| Gray Monk Estate Winery & Grapevine Restaurant © Spaswinefood |
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| Gray Monk Estate Winery & Grapevine Restaurant © Spaswinefood |
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| Gray Monk Estate Winery & Grapevine Restaurant © Spaswinefood |
Gray Monk Estate Winery has a beautiful view of the lake and vineyards. Fifty acres of vineyards surround the winery.
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| Gray Monk Estate Winery & Grapevine Restaurant © Spaswinefood |
Gray Monk is home to the award winning Grapevine Restaurant. The culinary team at Grapevine Restaurant is lead by Chef Willi Franz, 2010 Okanagan Chef of the Year. Also, it was just announced that Chef Willi Franz was named Canadian Chef of the Year, by Canadian Culinary Federation of Chefs and Cooks (CCFCC).
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| Gray Monk Estate Winery & Grapevine Restaurant © Spaswinefood |
The food prepared at the Grapevine Restaurant uses ingredients from local farmers and producers. Spaswinefood visited this award winning winery restaurant for lunch during the Spring Wine Festival when they featured a special wine pairing menu.
Spaswinefood would agree with the restaurants description of its food as being simple, fresh, elegant; pleasing to eye and palate. Even on a grey May day the Grapevine Restaurant has a beautiful view to accompany your dining experience. It is easy to see why it was awarded Reader's Choice 2011 Best Patio Dining and Best Restaurant with a View.
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| Gray Monk Estate Winery & Grapevine Restaurant © Spaswinefood |
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| Gray Monk Estate Winery & Grapevine Restaurant © Spaswinefood |
After a delightful lunch, we visited the tasting room. Gray Monk's wine portfolio has three tiers (Estate, Latitude 50 Series and Odyssey). Gray Monk's wines are 100% VQA. The winemakers are George Heiss, Jr. and Peter Wong.
Gray Monk Estate Winery and Grapevine Restaurant is well worth a visit. If you are a Pinot Gris (Gruar Mönch) fan then Gray Monk is a must! Also, Chef Willi Franz was named Canadian Chef of the Year, by Canadian Culinary Federation of Chefs and Cooks (CCFCC). Congratulations Chef Franz!
Another on my list from earlier enjoyable visits was Sunset Organic Bistro and Veranda Restaurant (Summerhill Pyramid Winery).
The vinous magic of the scenic Okanagan Valley is compelling. Once you have discovered this wine region it will keep calling you back.
Without a doubt, the vinous magic of the Okanagan Valley was an highlight of our Summer 2023 and 2024 wine travels in British Columbia. If you are looking for an outstanding sip and dine 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
June 2023 & 2024
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
© Spaswinefood
Mission Hill Family Estates, June 2024 © Spaswinefood
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Quails' Gate Vineyard, May 2011 © Spaswinefood |
NOTES: The Okanagan Valley is where 86% of the British Columbia's vineyard acreage is located. Viticultural regions are defined in British Columbia as areas of Geographic Indication (GI). To be certified as coming from a GI, wines must adhere to VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) standards. There are nine GIs across British Columbia. They include Fraser Valley, Gulf Islands, Kootenays, Lillooet, Okanagan Valley, Shuswap, Similkameen Valley, Thompson Valley and Vancouver Island. These GIs participate in a Vitners Quality Allicance (VQA), an appellation of origin that is modeled after the European system. An Okanagan VQA certifies a wine is from this region and meets the quality standards. The Okanagan Valley GI has eleven official sub-regions, with each defined by its distinct soil and climate conditions. They include: Golden Mile Bench, Golden Mile Slopes, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Falls Skaha Bench, East Kelowna Slopes, Lake Country, South Kelowna Slopes, Summerland Bench, Summerland Lakefront and Summerland Valleys.
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.
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