Summerland Wineries Tour

Our first stop will take you on a private tour of Garnet Valley Ranch, where you'll learn about the sustainable farming practices they use to grow their grapes. Drink in the fresh air and spectacular views from their 320-acre, certified-organic property while enjoying premium wines in the Outlook tasting room. Learn about their sustainability initiatives and watch for all the wildlife that thrives throughout the farm.

Afterward, we'll stop at a winery run by a family making wine for over eight generations! Enjoy a private tasting of their collection of award-winning wines while learning about their rich history and winemaking process.

Bernd and Stefanie Schales left Germany in May 2003 for a new adventure and chapter for their next generation. They bought their first 11-acre vineyard property in Okanagan Falls and acquired the Summerland property in 2007, which includes seven acres of vineyard and the warehouse. They processed our first vintage five weeks later. Since then, 8th Generation Winery has added two locations, one in Naramata and one apple orchard beside the existing winery location. 8th Generation is a hands-on and authentic family winery.

We'll stop at a picturesque restaurant set on Lake Okanagan for a leisurely lunch. Enjoy an award-winning meal with locally sourced ingredients while sipping local wines or a crisp British Columbia craft beer. Drink in the epic lake views on their sun-drenched patio.

After lunch, we'll visit Haywire, a winery that has won numerous awards for its handcrafted wines. Enjoy a private tasting of their premium vintages and learn about their passion for sustainable viticulture and winemaking.

After 14 years under the umbrella of Okanagan Crush, Haywire is Winery takes the stage with a bold, brand-new look. A modern tasting lounge has been constructed adjacent to the crush pad and cellar, offering views of Okanagan Lake and Switchback Organic Vineyard.

Concrete tanks are the perfect vessel for the style of wine they aim to make. The central Okanagan area is ideal for cool climate varieties such as Pinot Noir, Gamay, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. Haywire doesn’t rush the winemaking process, preferring low-intervention methods to create fruit-forward wines with a fuller textured mid-palate and a finish that goes on and on.

The Haywire team places a high value on sustainability and land stewardship. It should be no surprise that their Estate Vineyards, overseen by Haywire’s Viticulturist, Duncan Billing are entirely organic. Both Estate Vineyards are in Summerland, with Switchback Vineyard located on the Haywire property and Garnet Valley Ranch at the North end of Summerland.

Finally, we'll stop at Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards, a picturesque winery against the stunning Lake Okanagan backdrop. Enjoy the breathtaking views while sipping their exquisite sparkling wines.

The Fitzpatrick family opened their first winery in 1986 - CedarCreek Estate Winery - and grew it into a two-time Canadian Winery of the Year. They learned more than a few things about making wine in the Okanagan along the way, but none more important than the need to pay close attention to what your land is telling you to do.