Hey there, wine lovers and adventure seekers, welcome to our Discover Series! Our Discover Series focuses on understanding a little more about each wine region and what makes it special. With endless exploring and discoveries to be made in the South Okanagan, we hope to help inspire your next adventure.Â
Are you ready to uncork some serious fun? Well, buckle up because we’ve got the inside scoop on why you absolutely need to visit the Oliver and Osoyoos wine region with the awesome crew at Grape Escapes Wine Tours, right out of Penticton!
First things first, let’s talk about choosing Grape Escapes. Your expert guide is the real deal. Our wine educated guides love to share knowledge and discover what sparks your interests. They not only guide your tour, they guide your journey into the world of wine! Comfortable, air conditioned Mercedes Sprinter vans and a larger capacity mini bus make the journey smooth and easy. Or, for a groovy adventure, you can even cruise through the valley in a fully restored 1979 VW bus. Our guides know the valley like the back of their hand and they’ve got all the ingredients for an epic wine tasting journey. And trust me, they know how to sprinkle in some extra fun along the way.
Discover the Oliver & Osoyoos Wine Region
The wine region of the South Okanagan is globally unique and diverse, not just compared to the rest of the world, but also between each local region. Nestled in the sunny Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, it is truly special in the world of wine. So, what makes it so unique? Great question!Â
The wide valley terrain of the southernmost part of the Okanagan allows for a greater expansion of vineyards and you will find most of the Okanagan’s vineyard’s located in the Oliver and Osoyoos regions. While the area has nearly 50 wineries to visit, they are more spread apart than its neighbouring regions to the north in Penticton, Naramata and Summerland.
It’s easy to overlook the work that goes into producing your favourite bottle of vino. In the heart of wine country, you will find hardworking, generational farmers, estate wineries, first time vineyard owners, winery dogs, and people from all over the world expressing their passion for producing wine. There is a support in this community that truly makes the wheels keep turning and the vines growing. This diversity and passion for the industry creates an incredible selection of grapes and styles of wine. So, when you open your next bottle and pour your next glass, take a moment to reflect on where it came from and the dedication it took to make the beautiful wine you’re about to enjoy!
Pictured: the Harfman family; generational farmers, on Harfman Farms Estate Vineyard, Osoyoos, BC.
The glacier carved valley is considered an ancient riverbed, influenced by millennia of water flow, two ice ages and volcanic ash. The unique shape of Osoyoos lake itself was formed by the pushing of glaciers, creating moraines along the lake and what we see today. This is a great area to book as a tour, so everyone can sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning views.
The diversity of soil, elevation and proximity to water bodies, contribute to the distinct terroir of Oliver and Osoyoos. A unique combination of sandy, clay, loamy soils and rocky slopes, mean that the ideal growing conditions exist for varieties we might not expect to be possible in Canada.Â
Wines of Oliver & Osoyoos
Oliver and Osoyoos also experience the greatest impact of the rain shadow, characteristic of our southern portion of the valley. It experiences more sun and a longer growing season than the rest of the Okanagan, creating an incredible ability to produce bold, well ripened red wine grapes, not able to develop elsewhere in the valley. The areas diversity boasts classic Bordeaux grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Rhone varietals like Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre and even varietals like Italian Sangiovese and Spanish Tempranillo.Â
Vintner’s of the area take advantage of the diverse terrain and the surrounding rugged mountains to produce stunning, flavourful dry white wines from aromatic varietals like Riesling and Viognier. You will even find the occasional late harvest or ice wine in the local wine shops. Winemakers here love to experiment with different grape varieties, resulting in an exciting array of wines to taste and explore. The long growing season allows bold flavour development on both red and white varietals, making them sing with expression.Â
Pictured: One of the moraines of Osoyoos Lake, located at a local attraction called Haynes Point, renamed sw̓iw̓s, in 2015. The areas soil and lake bottom is composed of small mineral particles, soft sand and clay. This is the result of millennia of water movement through the Okanagan valley, draining into Osoyoos Lake.
The Oliver and Osoyoos wine regions stand out for endless attractions through the perfect blend of climate, terroir, diversity, culture, innovation, and natural beauty. It’s a place where tradition meets modernity, and where every bottle tells a story of passion, craftsmanship, and the unique spirit of the Okanagan Valley.
Now, let's paint a picture of what your day could look like:
11:00 AM – We kick off our adventure at Le Vieux Pin. Prepare to be transported to the south of France without ever leaving the valley. With their elegant wines and picturesque vineyard views, this place is a feast for the senses. And don’t forget to snap a few selfies – you’ll want to remember this moment forever.
12:00 PM – It’s time for a wine tasting then to refuel with Grape Escapes’ gourmet picnic lunch at Church & State Wines. Their diverse and well crafted wines are sure to have something to please everyone. Now, picture this: a spread of artisanal cheese, house made crackers, fresh fruit paired with a scrumptious brownie, freshly baked bread with your artisanal sandwich, and of course, a glass (or two) of wine. Trust me, there’s no better way to recharge before our next adventure
1:30 PM – Step into luxury wines and epic hospitality at Black Hills Estate Winery. Curated lineups showcase premium wines from the unique desert climate of Oliver and Osoyoos. Go with the flow or select a curated line up of all white wines or all red wines. And, if you’re feeling a little extra indulgent, select your wine line up with a specially paired charcuterie spread.Â
3:00 PM – Last but certainly not least, we’re off to Burrowing Owl Estate Winery. This iconic winery is like the cherry on top of an already amazing day. From their award-winning wines to their breathtaking vineyard views, it’s the perfect place to toast to new friends and unforgettable memories.
And there you have it, folks – with over 50 wineries to choose from, this is just a taste of what awaits you in the Oliver and Osoyoos wine region with Grape Escapes Wine Tours. So what are you waiting for? Grab your favourite wine glass and get ready to sip, swirl, and savour your way through the Okanagan Valley. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Contact Us
Questions? Need a hand with a booking? Would you rather just have us book for you over the phone? Well, we would love to hear from you!
Please feel welcome to contact us directly at (778) 781-0929 or email us at WineTours@GrapeEscapes.ca.Â
