Five Reasons to Plan a Wine Country Trip to the Okanagan

Kissed by sunshine and nestled into an ancient mountain, Quails’ Gate Winery overlooks the breathtaking Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada. Once you’ve travelled to this picturesque place you will never forget the feeling of standing amongst the vineyards, the warm sun on your face and the rich, complex flavours of award-winning wines on your palate.

At Quails’ Gate, we provide wine-centric experiences in a truly spectacular setting. Our entire team prides itself on incredible hospitality and creating memorable moments for you, our guests.

If you’re looking for a reason to visit us at Quails’ Gate, we have a few. In fact, here are five reasons why your next trip should be to the Okanagan Valley – the perfect place for you to wine, dine and unwind.

Taste Award-Winning Wine
The Stewart family, who established the winery in 1989, empowers the entire winemaking team to consistently make exceptional wine. With more than 160 acres on the Quails’ Gate Estate, we are industry leaders in premium wines, sustainable wine growing and environmental stewardship.

Our wine family farms in small lots paying a lot of attention to specific vineyard blocks, recognizing that each grape and each vine is unique. We craft our wine using a low-intervention winemaking philosophy that allows the wine to speak for itself in the glass. Great wine is always produced in the vineyard, and we pride ourselves on letting our grapes show their individuality and character.

We take our commitment to sustainability seriously. In 2022, our vineyards were certified by Sustainable Winegrowing BC, a made-in-BC program that guides the way for sustainable winegrowing practices and sets a standard for the province and the rest of the country.

Our award-winning wines can be tasted at our Wine Shop which overlooks our vineyards. Explore our list of premier tastings in our wine boutique and learn more about what makes our terroir so special. Your wine tasting is led by one of our in-house sommeliers, who are excited to share their passion and knowledge of the region and our wines. Discover the special qualities of this region in your glass with a tasting of Quails’ Gate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, made from premium vineyard sites and distinct grape clones, with some of the plantings dating back more than 30 years.

Our Wine Shop is open for tastings daily between 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Walk-in guests are welcome and based on availability. We encourage booking an estate tasting in our Wine Shop or tasting experience in our vineyards where you can take a stroll through our vineyards and take in the stunning views from our newly renovated Harvest Gathering Site.

Reservations for tastings are highly recommended. If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, book a private tasting in our newly renovated Wine Library to enjoy an elevated wine and cheese-paired tasting.

Book a wine tasting reservation.

Experience Elevated Dining
As one of the original winery restaurants in West Kelowna and one of the top-ranked in the area, Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate truly celebrates and showcases the gastronomic essence of the Okanagan Valley.

We offer a selection of tasting menus designed to excite and impress any lover of great wine and food.

Our philosophy of ‘fresh simplicity’ inspires our menu choices. We use the bounty of our regional Okanagan and West Coast ingredients to create delicious culinary dishes.

Each dish is built with a farm-to-table philosophy in mind. Each season the menu changes and is always designed with ingredients that are both sustainably sourced and local. Everything on our menu has a purpose and is intentional. Vegetables come from the farm down the road, we support Ocean Wise-approved seafood, and our local farmers provide our beef and lamb, who graze on the pasture just across the lake.

Offering one of West Kelowna’s most spectacular views of Okanagan Lake, our dining room and patio are open for lunch and dinner service with unbelievable sunset views and exceptional service.

We are also thrilled to reopen our Market for the 2022 season. This unique, wine country-inspired café concept partners with local growers and artisanal producers to reflect the best of our region. The Market features a wide selection of artisanal cheeses, breads, freshly brewed coffee, espresso and classic desserts, baked daily. Enjoy your morning espresso and a freshly baked savoury treat, or an afternoon charcuterie spread paired with one of our seasonal wine recommendations. The Market carries our full wine portfolio and is another location at our estate to purchase your favourite Quails’ Gate wines. Select from a variety of café-style food options including pizza from our wood-fired pizza oven paired with our newly released Piquette wine, a low-alcohol, sparkling beverage crafted from our Quails’ Gate Riesling grapes. Perfect for enjoying in our picnic area under the warm Okanagan sun.

Book at dining reservation at Old Vines Restaurant.

Sensational Scenery
This spectacular valley is filled with lush vineyards, jaw-dropping sunsets and exceptional wines. Take the time to reconnect with nature, rebalance your spirit and discover a vibrant and exciting wine culture.

Arrive in quaint Kelowna, BC and plan your wine country route. Notice nature’s awe and beauty as you drive through the picturesque valley. You’ll see incredible winery architecture, majestic mountains, warm sunshine and sparkling crystal water. As your eyes take in the alluring scenery, your palate will be warming up for endless wine tasting opportunities. A true four-season destination, no matter what time of year you plan your visit, nature’s landscape will consistently impress, enchant and charm.

Our wine region has some pretty stunning views, so make sure your phone battery is always fully charged as you’ll want to ensure your camera is ready for every awe-inspiring moment. At Quails’ Gate, you can spend some time calming your spirit with a walk through lush vineyards, take a mental break and rejuvenate the senses as you sip, savour and share in the beauty.

Exceptional Events
Add to your memories by bringing out your inner thrill-seeker and satisfying your adventurous side. We believe you should always have something to look forward to. We plan winery events year-round so there’s something to fit your schedule. Our events aim to satisfy your curiosities through one-of-a-kind winery events.

Look for our summer-exclusive “Dinner in the Vineyard” series. Sit amongst the vines and indulge in a delectable four-course dinner expertly prepared by our culinary team, paired perfectly with a selection of award-winning Quails’ Gate wines. From vineyard dinners to interactive wine seminars, there is always something to discover. Wine Club members always have first-hand access, so it pays to be a wine club member. Learn more here.

Luxurious Lake Living
Unwind with us and explore the entire wine region while staying a while. We offer the perfect place for you to relax in wine country with a getaway on the shore of Okanagan Lake. There is no greater place to experience the magnificence that is the Okanagan than staying at one of the most elegant lakefront properties in the region.

The Lake House at Quails’ Gate embodies the essence of wine country living. With up to five bedrooms and three bathrooms, it can fit up to 14 guests when booked with the suite. The Lake House is the perfect luxury vacation home; intimate when desired, but also well-suited for entertaining to showcase a spectacular Okanagan experience. Whether it’s your family vacation, company retreat or a getaway with friends, the Lake House is both luxurious and comfortable. Featuring a chef’s dream kitchen, separate dining and entertaining areas, a private dock, large gardens and multiple patios, this elegant and unique lakefront rental home is the perfect place to get away from it all.

The Nest is the perfect place for a romantic getaway, small family vacation, or cozy retreat after wine touring. This 1960s original Okanagan Lake cabin has been completely renovated to provide a comfortable stay. The Nest features an open-concept kitchen and living room overlooking the spacious deck, this beach-front cottage rental is ideal for those who are looking for more relaxed surroundings.