The Westside Wine Trail, located in West Kelowna, is as much about wine tasting as it is about the deep and fascinating blend of unique experiences. The lake views at every winery are spectacular, some of the most photographed in the Okanagan. Dine vineyard side at one of four winery restaurants or enjoy a picnic or a glass of wine on their patios and in their picnic areas. Enjoy the art on display at many of the wineries. Partake in events this summer like yoga in the vineyard every Sunday at Mt. Boucherie Family Estate Winery, the Summer Concert Series at Mission Hill Family Estate or a special winery vineyard dinner.
All eight of the wineries on the Westside Wine Trail are family-owned, many multi-generational. Each of them is very unique, from the small farm gate experience to the large estate with stunning architecture. The four wineries with restaurants are Volcanic Hills Estate Winery (Blu Saffron), Little Straw Vineyards (Barrel Top), Quails’ Gate Estate Winery (Old Vines) and Mission Hill Family Estate (The Terrace).
Mt. Boucherie, the local dormant volcano, has primed the land for growing grapes. The soils are unique in that they are loaded with mineral deposits as well as glacial till, volcanic rock and large boulders. It is no wonder that some of the wineries have “deep roots”; some of the oldest vines in the Valley are planted in their vineyards. Three of these wineries—Rollingdale Winery, Beaumont Family Estate Winery and Kalala Organic Estate Winery—are organic.
The Westside Wine Trail is small and manageable—the wineries are all in close proximity, some within walking distance of each other.
If you had one day to experience what Okanagan wine country is all about, the Westside Wine Trail will give you the full experience. Visit www.thewestsidewinetrail.com
~ Dona Sturmanis