Considered one of the most underrated wine regions in the world, B.C.’s Okanagan is a truly special place for locals and visitors alike. No summer feels complete without a visit here, so that’s exactly why we ventured there earlier this month. Situated in the southern stretch of the Similkameen Valley in Canada’s only desert is Osoyoos, a hotspot for wine lovers, lake day enthusiasts, and anyone looking to unwind in the charm of small-town B.C.
And the ideal place to enjoy it all? Walnut Beach Resort in East Osoyoos, just under a five-hour drive away from Vancouver.
Home away from home
With rooms that ooze comfort and hominess, the resort is known for its relaxed, family-friendly vibe and amenities, and a friendly hospitality team that’s ready to assist you at every step of your visit.
Osoyoos’ only private beach
The resort itself sits right on Osoyoos Lake, surrounded by mountains and vineyards. Guests have access to a private beach (the only one in Osoyoos!) that boasts at least a dozen lounge chairs and umbrellas available at any time of day. Though during their peak season, we suggest heading down to the beach on the early side to snag a spot.
Looking to get out on the water before the speedboats? Just a short walk away, along Walnut Beach, is the resort’s rental shack, Wakepilot. Here, you can easily grab a kayak, paddleboard, wakeboard, or pontoon for an afternoon on the beautiful Osoyoos Lake. You can even opt for a Wine Tour By Water, which takes you to the nearby La Stella and Lakeside Cellars by boat for a unique tasting experience.
A poolside bistro
Back at the resort, a handful of BBQs available for guest use overlook the outdoor pool and two hot tubs, as does the resort’s onsite bistro, Pointe 49 Kitchen & Bar.
Whether you sit indoors in their air-conditioned restaurant or on their poolside patio, this is your place to go for a taste of all things local.
Guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast, the very best local B.C. wines, a mix of handcrafted cocktails, and a variety of lunch and dinner options that cater to every preference and showcase some of the best flavours that the Okanagan has to offer.
Authentic Indian flavours
For our first dinner in Osoyoos, we got to experience Manzil (meaning “home”) at Kismet Estate Winery, a delightful Indian restaurant situated in the heart of B.C.’s wine country. Created by the Dhaliwal Family, the menu showcases a diverse range of regional Indian dishes, with an emphasis on shareable plates to encourage diners to gather and indulge in something new together.
We talked to Restaurant Manager Bena Dheensaw, who shared that Manzil’s secret is in the spices. She explained that the restaurant uses whole spices as opposed to ground, imported directly from India to achieve the most authentic flavours possible down to the very last bite.
Each ingredient is carefully selected to highlight the richness of the dish and pair with the estate’s award-winning wines. So no matter if you’re a spicy food lover or not, you’re guaranteed a dish that is packed with flavour.
And if you’re someone with an irritable stomach who usually has to take baby steps with Indian cuisine, rest assured that the menu at Manzil is designed with you in mind. Despite feasting on achari prawns over lentils and rice, butter chicken, mussels and masala fries, and blue cod pakoras, we left the table feeling light as a feather — but incredibly satisfied!
Whether you’re dining indoors or out on their patio overlooking the vineyard, you’re in for a night of decadence, comfort, and a couple of surprises all rolled into one.
“Slow wine” — down to a science
Now, to the main draw of any summer staycation in the Okanagan: the wine. Like any good aspiring wine connoisseurs, we couldn’t help but dedicate an entire day to some tastings in the area. And boy, were there some seriously good sips!
Flash forward to day two of our three-day stint, following a restful sleep, a morning trip to the hot tub, and a paddle session on the lake. It was time for lunch and our first wine tasting of the day.
If there’s one place that has “slow wine” down to a science, it’s Maverick Estate Winery. They’re committed to crafting a diverse spread of wines with minimal intervention, ensuring you get a taste of the unique terroir of the South Okanagan in every sip.
Situated on the Golden Mile Slopes of Oliver, the estate winery might be smaller in size compared to some of the other winemaking giants of the region, but its portfolio is anything but. From refreshing and oaky whites to bright, fruit-forward reds, to summery Syrah rosés, Maverick has something for every palate, and then some.
True to its name, the winery upholds the passion and spontaneity of the maverick, creating wines that reflect this zest for life.
This can especially be seen through the success of experimental blends like their White Pinot Noir and skin-contact Amber Gewurztraminer.
Winemaker Andrew Windsor took us through his process, expressing his love of viticulture and oenology (wine science), and experiences spanning Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and France, and even his favourite piece of winemaking equipment on the estate (a beloved wine press!)
The team is committed to giving each and every guest an enjoyable, personalized tasting experience, and it’s clear that the passion they have for their wines also extends to the kitchen.
One way guests see what’s cooking, in addition to what’s growing in the vineyard, is by indulging in the winery’s Short Table Dining Series, which pairs their premium wines with inventive, seasonal dishes in an intimate garden setting.
Hospitality Manager Janik Livera dove into the kitchen himself to give us a taste of the experience, and take it from us, you don’t want to skimp out on food during your visit, no matter who is donning the chef hat that day.
French tradition meets Okanagan views
The next stop on our wine tasting tour was Maverick’s neighbour, French Door Estate Winery, family-owned and operated since 2019. Located on the scenic Black Sage Bench just south of Oliver, this spot is a must-try if you’re hoping to enjoy a tasting with a panoramic view of the surrounding grapevines and mountains.
Also true to its name, French Door is known for its old-world French winemaking techniques, combined with a new-world approach to organic farming. They make their wines with low intervention to bring the South Okanagan scenery you see before you directly to your taste buds.
The 10-acre property is planted with 100% vinifera wines, which have produced rich, lush, and character-driven wines, according to their website.
Lakeside wines on a historic site
Nestled on the scenic shores of Osoyoos Lake, Lakeside Cellars sits on the historic site once occupied by the region’s first commercial orchards, originally planted by Leslie Hill.
Upon purchasing the land in 2015, the Dhaliwal family inherited old-vine plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc dating back to 1998. Today, the family’s mission is to build on this legacy of agriculture, providing guests with lakefront tastings that showcase the region’s resilient, sun-drenched terroir.
Looking to extend your day of tastings in the Osoyoos/Oliver area? Ramification Cellars is well worth the extra 25-some minutes of driving. Situated on the serene Vaseux Lake, which doesn’t allow motorized boats, this might just be one of B.C.’s only lakeside wineries.
As paddleboard lovers, this spot was a necessary addition to our itinerary. And even the summer rain didn’t dampen our spirits. Ramification has a relaxed outdoor patio in addition to a slew of picnic tables and lounge chairs by the water, where guests can bring their own bites to accompany their tastings.
Before we could set out on our journey homeward, we were kindly nudged in the direction of their neighbour, Vasanti Estate Winery, which just opened its tasting room this May. Who are we to say no to another fun detour, we thought.
Here, you’re treated to a lovely garden patio and award-winning wines that have already made waves in the local winemaking scene.
Summer hours and info
Ready to visit one or a couple of these spots before the season ends? We’ve rounded up all the details for you to make your planning process a little smoother!
Below is everything you need to know about the tasting rooms.
Kismet Estate Winery
The tasting room at Kismet Estate Winery is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and until 7 p.m. from Thursdays to Mondays.
Manzil Restaurant is currently open Thursday to Tuesday from noon to 4 p.m., and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Maverick Estate Winery
Tastings at Maverick are priced at $10 per person for a flight of wine, which is waived with the purchase of two bottles of wine per person.
The tasting room is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, from May to October.
French Door Estate Winery
The French Door’s Tasting Room is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with tastings priced at $20 per person.
Lakeside Cellars
Lakeside Cellars on Walnut Beach is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with tastings priced at $10 per person, or $20 if you’re seated in their Private Tasting Room (accommodates up to 18 people).
Ramification Cellars
Ramification Cellars is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The $10 Bighorn Tasting is priced at $10 per person, and features a portfolio tasting of their 2023 new releases.
Note that fees are refunded upon the purchase of two bottles of wine.
Vasanti Estate Winery
Thirty- to 45-minute wine tastings are available for $10 per person at Vasanti Estate Winery, while 60- to 75-minute Private Tasting Room experiences are available for $30 per person. The tasting room is open from noon to 8 p.m. daily.
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