5 behind-the-scene tours of B.C. wineries

Quails’ Gate

Quails’ Gate has a menu of tours and tastings. The Best of the Boucherie and Family tours, both 60 minutes long, explore the estate’s vineyards and behind-the-scenes wine production and bottling, followed by a wine tasting. The 90-minute Taste of the Estate tour includes a stroll through the vineyard and estate while a senior wine educator outlines the horticultural heritage of the Stewart family and explains how the grapes are grown and the wines are made, followed by a tasting of a Library wine in the family’s private library overlooking the barrel room. It winds up with a guided tasting of  Reserve/Collector wines paired with small food bites from the Old Vines Restaurant.

Where: 3303 Boucherie Road, West Kelowna
When: Daily until September 4 (October 10 for family tour); times vary depending on the tour

Okanagan Crush Pad Winery

The guest centre and brand-new private tasting lounge at Okanagan Crush Padbuilt are built into the heart of the winery, offering an in-depth view into the art of winemaking. Visitors can  go right into the production area and wander past large concrete tanks, clay amphorae, wine cages, barrels and a small still to learn how vineyard-inspired natural wine and spirits are made—or book a private tutored tasting for up to eight.

Where: 16576 Fosbery Road, Summerland
When: Year round; at the height of winemaking season in the fall, viewing will be from outside the production floor

Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Summerhill tours illustrate the practice of organic viticulture and winemaking, go step-by-step through the traditional French method of sparkling wine production, visit the sacred geometric pyramid wine cellar and conclude with a guided wine tasting. Organic house-pressed fruit juices are also available (children welcome).

Where: 4870 Chute Lake Road, Kelowna
When: Daily at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m.

Black Hills Estate Winery

A new program for 2016 lets wine lovers enjoy a 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour of the winery and vineyards with winemaker Graham Pierce or assistant winemaker Jesse Cooper. The tour includes barrel tastings, a charcuterie plate and a full portfolio tasting of Black Hills wines at the Wine Experience Center.

Where: 4190 Black Sage Road, Oliver
When: Until September 22, days vary; 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.

Tinhorn Creek

New this summer, Tinhorn Creek offers a 60-minute guided tour with a private tasting of five Oldfield Series reserve wines accompanied by a charcuterie plate. The 90-minute tour includes all of the above plus a glimpse into the winemaking process and a chance to sample from the barrel.

Where: 537 Tinhorn Creek Road, Oliver
When: Daily at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m.