Honestly, they don’t call it Napa Valley North for nothin’! Breathtaking views, extremely sip-worthy wines, unbelievable locations, stunning architecture, and all surrounded by the serene and surreal beauty of rolling mountains, lush forests, and expansive lakes. This is Okanagan Valley – Canada’s wine country.
We strongly suggest that if you have a chance to visit (or are lucky enough to live in paradise), you make time and save some pennies for a luxe, ritzy, glitzy, glam and fabulous dinner at one of the many stunning wineries the valley boasts. Here are our top 5 winery dinners in the Okanagan that will make you feel like you’re living the lifestyle of the rich and the famous.
1. The Modest Butcher, Mt. Boucherie Estate Wines
Mt. Boucherie and The Modest Butcher is only a short 10-15 minute drive from downtown Kelowna but the views are breath-taking. Accessible fare for all types of diets, including plant-based options, makes this an inviting new addition to the winery dining scene. Burgers, to steaks, to BC Ling Cod are accompanied by a wide range of refreshing wines to choose from, plus cocktails and beers for the less grape-inclined. Views of Okanagan Mountain from the patio make you feel like you’re a world away. Make sure you arrive a bit early and try a tasting downstairs in their new tasting room. You won’t regret it. Our favourites? Things on Toast and Risotto (ish) based on plants.
2. Old Vines, Quail’s Gate
Voted one of the top 100 restaurants in the country, Old Vines is a farm to table destination. Perch yourself on the winery patio and you will be sitting amongst the grape vines as they gently roll into Okanagan Lake. Happy hour is a blast with daily wine and food specials so even if you can’t make it for dinner, stop by between 3 to 5pm. Views will take your breath away and the menu is meant to give you a true taste of the Okanagan. The Sunday brunch is also infamous. Depending on your order, sip on the Quail’s Gate Lucy’s Block Rose or the Reserve Foch while you nibble on local asparagus or the Dry aged Rib-eye.
3. Home Block, Cedar Creek
Home Block Restaurant at Cedar Creek is the relatively new kid on the block but the curated menus are not to be missed. Book your experience and you will be served a wine-paired terroir inspired dinner. Chef Neil Taylor focuses on the bounty of local ingredients available in the Okanagan and creates his menu with a delicate focus on the wines. Book a 2-course wine-paired lunch, 3-course wine-paired dinner, or pop in for happy hour between 3pm to 4:30pm and order the small bites menu – a la carte! The view faces the West side and is a stunning panorama, overlooking Cedar Creek beaches.
4. Block One, 50th Parallel
An architectural marvel, Block One will leave guests wondering at the engineering marvel in the outdoor seating area. Named for its location near the first block of the 50th Parallel vineyard, the restaurant is a symbolic ode to the origins of the 50th Parallel winery. The menu is equally as impressive as the design. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, the menu boasts unique and delicious nibbles like the Hamachi Crudo, or the mouthwatering Tanto Latte Ricotto Gnocchi. Happy hour Monday to Friday from 3pm to 5pm is the perfect opportunity for a scenic drive out to Lake Country.
5. Terrace Restaurant, Mission Hill
On our list of top 5 winery dinners in the Okanagan, we would be remised to not include the iconic tower at Mission Hill, which has become the first stop on wine tours for many visitors and locals alike. But The Terrace Restaurant is a go-to for all of life’s big celebrations because of Chef Patrick Gayler’s focus on ingredients from the same terroir as the vineyards. Beehives, an organic garden, and an orchard comprise the estate farm, producing ingredients highlighted throughout the perfectly wine-paired menu. Quick hint for the perfect date: a private lunch option is available.
Honorable mentions: A couple other fancy AF but delicious spots you have to hit: Waterfront Wines, Annie’s Beachside at Frind, and Hester Creek’s Terrafina.
If you’re looking for a date to impress, these top 5 winery dinners in the Okanagan are sure to have your date gushing with excitement.
For other fun date ideas, click here!
