Top Wineries to Visit in Lake Country 2022
Lake Country is the Okanagan Valley’s most northern sub-region, on the eastern side of Okanagan Lake.
This community is surrounded by shimmering lakes, beaches, and orchards that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Outdoor recreation is in abundance and there are endless opportunities for water activities, hiking, and cycling.
Lake Country has a unique terroir based on the cool, northerly latitude. The west facing vineyard sites provide excellent late afternoon sunshine and warmth.
Vineyards benefit from the proximity of the lake which moderates the temperature. The sloping hills toward the lake provide excellent airflow which helps to prevent disease such as mold or mildew.
These favorable conditions are best suited for light-bodied red wines, crisp, refreshing whites, and pleasant sparkling wines.
From my research, the most planted varietals seem to be Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Chardonnay.
Some of the larger wineries in Lake Country have fantastic restaurants boasting incredible views.
Most of the producers stay open year-round, however, a couple do close for a short period over the winter.
Here are my top wineries to visit in Lake Country for wine tastings in 2022.
This winery is a stunning piece of architectural design that is very impressive inside and out.
What’s interesting about this winery is that it’s located further north than the 50th parallel. Growing grapes further north than the 50th parallel is believed to be risky as the accepted range for winemakers is between 30 and 50 degrees north or south.
The 61-acre estate property overlooks a picturesque view of Okanagan Lake. Whichever way you look, you’re surrounded by vines.
BLOCK ONE, 50th Parallel’s restaurant, has a unique menu that changes seasonally and focuses with farm to table fare made with many ingredients grown in their organic culinary gardens.
Suggested wines – Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Noir.
Arrowleaf is a boutique winery that officially opened their doors in 2003.
This winery is owned and operated by the Zuppinger’s, who are Swiss immigrants that have lived in the Okanagan since 1997.
Their son, Manuel, is the winemaker, and he completed his training at one of the top wine schools in Switzerland.
I can see why this winery is also known as ‘picnic paradise’. I highly recommend a picnic in their garden while enjoying the spectacular view with a glass of your favourite Arrowleaf wine.
Suggested wines – Pinot Gris, Bacchus, Rosé, Pinot Noir.
A favorite sculpture called Ex Nihilo, inspired Jeff and Decoa Harder for the name of this winery.
It is a Latin term that means “out of nothing”.
That’s how the couple felt when they purchased this hillside orchard in Lake Country in 2004. It also reminded them of what happens in the vineyard, in that every year, a new vintage is created.
Their 8000sq. ft. Mediterranean style winery was designed by Jeff to reflect the meaning of Ex Nihilo and their wines, but also to provide guests with a unique Lake Country wine experience.
Something distinctive about this winery is they are one of the only producers in Lake Country to offer bold reds in their portfolio such as Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and a Bordeaux style red blend called “Night”.
Suggested wines – Riesling, Pinot Gris, Merlot, and Night.
Gray Monk is one of the first estate wineries to open in British Columbia with their inaugural vintage in 1981.
The Heiss family has had a tremendous impact on the industry as this winery was the first to plant Alsatian grapes including Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Auxerrois.
This winery offers a spacious tasting room, self-guided tours, and a restaurant called the Lookout Restaurant at Gray Monk.
The panoramic views of Okanagan Lake are stunning, and their seasonal farm-to-table creations pair perfectly with the wine.
Suggested wines – Odyssey Traditional Brut, Odyssey Meritage and Odyssey Cabernet Sauvignon.
Restaurants to eat at in Lake Country:
If you have any questions about Lake Country, please send me an email.
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