Now that it’s officially spring, it’s time to rediscover beautiful BC wine country and taste the much-anticipated new releases from some of our favourite wineries. Follow along on my whirlwind tour and, as the Wines of BC campaign says, get ready to #SipTheSpring.
I love a good sneak peek. A visit to O’Rourke Family Estate in Lake Country—now ten years in the making—is a jaw-droppingly dramatic space not yet open for public wine tasting, but already hosting impressive events. A network of underground caves, rooms built around existing granite boulders, and modern architecture (including a very chi-chi bar and restaurant) will have me coming back. Nearby, Peak Cellars & Garden Bistro is part of this family-owned business, and a lovely lunch here hit the spot.
Sandhill Wines has serious urban winery vibes, located right in downtown Kelowna. A tasting that included the 2024 Sovereign Opal—plus some truffle fries with a heavy snowfall of parm—was memorable. Once home to BC brand Calona Wines, established in 1932, the estate is a piece of our province’s history.
Basil & Mint is a PourMore BC restaurant based in Kelowna and offers a wine list proudly consisting mainly of BC wines. Dinner was paired with new releases from 1 Mill Road, Mission Hill, Dirty Laundry, Mt. Boucherie, Blasted Church, and Burrowing Owl. All exceptional—and the enthusiasm from the winemakers who broke bread with me was contagious.
Are you interested in a deep dive into wine? I loved being a student at the Wines of BC Ambassador Level Two class. We learned about BC’s wine history, terroir, and enjoyed a super fun blind tasting of BC wines against international brands. Let’s just say this only reinforced my flag-waving of our Pinot Noirs in particular.
Black Hills Estate Winery is one of the first to open on the Black Sage Bench some 25 years ago, and much respect goes to these winemaking pioneers who absolutely embrace the terroir and create gorgeous wines.
CheckMate Artisanal Winery in Oliver’s desert region is elegant, incredibly chic, and the wines follow suit. I tasted what they call the “Four Moves”—all Chardonnays from 2022, including Capture, Queen Taken, Little Pawn, and Fool’s Mate. I am officially forever ruined for other Chardonnays. Sigh.
Evolve Sparkling House, which opened last summer, is perched on what I think is the best view of Okanagan Lake. Focused on sparkling wines, they’ve added a sabering experience, a Bubbles & Bites menu of perfectly paired nibbles, and outdoor picnic areas. Never a fan of zero- or low-alcohol sparkling wines myself (after trying many), I am now a convert after tasting these.
Poplar Grove Winery & Restaurant on the Naramata Bench is one of the OGs here, dating back to 1993. During lunch overlooking Okanagan Lake, I tasted what felt like the entire lineup. Tony and Barb Holler purchased the winery in 2007, and the whole family is involved—producing delicious wines in a beautiful, relaxed wine country setting.
Modesta Winery is one of the newest wineries on the Naramata Bench, owned by a lovely couple who got into the wine biz later in their careers—but are absolutely crushing it (see what I did there?). Their “ModPods” are where tastings happen in a cozy cube, and you’ll want to get in on a visit soon.
Roche Wines, also on the Bench, is French-focused and features an Artist Series with labels showcasing artwork from BC artists—so gorgeous you’ll want them all displayed at home.
OROLO Restaurant & Cocktail Bar is a stylish steakhouse in Penticton and part of the Time Family of Wines portfolio. Chronos Winery is connected to the restaurant, so a tour was followed by dinner—fresh grilled prawns, sizzling wagyu steak, and a glass of Chronos 2021 Malbec made for a standout evening.
Quails’ Gate Winery in Kelowna just released their 2025 Heirloom and Chenin Blanc—both incredible value for well-priced wines. The winery also hosted an Industry Voices Roundtable, with speakers including Angela Lyons (Chief Commercial Officer) and Kailee Frasch (Winemaker) of Quails’ Gate, alongside Allison Moyes (Solvero Wines), Stephanie Mosley (Tantalus Vineyards), and Craig Pingle (Crown & Thieves, The Hatch Wines, and Black Swift Vineyards).
Inspired? Here’s how to plan your own spring visit:
Because if there’s ever a time to fall back in love with BC wine—it’s right now, glass in hand and sunshine on your face. —Catherine Dunwoody
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April 17th, 2026 at 11:19 pm
This BC Wine Month experience sounds amazing—especially exploring wine country and local flavours. It actually reminds me of how diverse food and drink options are in general, even something simple like the Starbucks menu in Canada , which also changes with seasons and regions.