Top Things to do in Okanagan Valley
Top Hotels in Okanagan Valley
- 1. Quality Inn & Suites
- 2. Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Kelowna Airport
- 3. Coast Capri Hotel
- 4. Riviera Plaza & Conference Centre, Vernon
- 5. Best Western Plus Osoyoos Hotel & Suites
- 6. Walnut Beach Resort
- 7. Best Western Plus Kelowna Hotel & Suites
- 8. Comfort Suites Kelowna
- 9. Kanata Kelowna Hotel and Conference Centre
- 10. Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel
Things to do in Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley: The Best Distilleries
The Okanagan Valley, in the interior of British Columbia, is a popular Canadian vacation destination known for skiing in the winter and watersports in the summer. The area's quaint towns and lush vineyards are connected by a network of clear blue lakes and rivers and surrounded by rolling, sun-dappled hills. Head to Kelowna for one of several wine festivals or to Penticton for the sugary summer Peach Festival. To the south is Osoyoos, home to an arid desert filled with rare plants and animals.
Restaurants in Okanagan Valley
1. Urban Distilleries + Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 97 reviews
TEMPORARILY CLOSED - Urban Distilleries is British Columbia's First Craft Distillery and now winery in the central Okanagan; a small batch micro-distillery producing top-shelf, award winning Okanagan Gin with lavender and apple, Vodkas, Espresso Vodka, naturally infused vodka's and Single Malt Whisky. At Urban Distilleries, each batch is hand crafted in Artesian copper stills Made from 100% British Columbian fruit, grains,and BC's finest pure glacier water without additives, chemicals or artificial flavours. Tasting room open to the public. Tours available.
2. Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 169 reviews
Okanagan Spirits is Western Canada's oldest craft distillery spanning over a decade in the production of award-winning B.C. spirits. Internationally acclaimed as North America's only designated World Class Distillery (World Spirits Awards), our portfolio includes a range of spirits from Vodka, Whisky and Gin, to Liqueurs and Brandies (Eau de Vie) as well as Canada's first genuine Absinthe.
Reviewed By kenmF4070LC
We visited the distillery in Vernon and the owner gave us a private tour and history. The space, itself, is beautiful--a combination of a retro-steampunk and pioneer vibe due in no small part to the gorgeous brass, steel and copper stills and tanks. The owner gave us an overview of the history of fruit and grain production in the Okanagan and explained how virtually all of the ingredients for the myriad spirits produced by them are locally grown. After the 30-minute tour, we tasted several of their products at the bar: award-winning Scotch-style whisky, Bourbon-style (we really liked the BLK BRBN!), Vodkas, Gins, and Liqueurs. All were well-made, smooth, and delicious spirits. The Raspberry Liqueur was out of this world. We took home several bottles and some very low-priced gift sets that will make excellent Christmas gifts. They even gave us bottles of their own hand sanitizer, produced and donated to front-line workers and the general public during the Covid-19 crisis. Unlike many of wineries that are actually owned by global conglomerates, this is a truly local operation and a world class one at that. Of the many winery and distillery tours we have taken all over the world, this one rates very highly, indeed!
3. Maple Leaf Spirits Inc
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 58 reviews
Pioneers in Craft Distilling since 2005 in British Columbia, we produce fine European style fruit brandies, V.S.O.P. wine brandy ("Lady of the Cask"), and fruit liqueurs. A true family business, we offer award winning spirits and liqueurs in our boutique style tasting room in Penticton on the beautiful Naramata Bench. Master Distiller Jorg Engel uses sun-ripened locally grown fruit, grapes and wine. In 2017 our products won 2 Double Gold, one Gold and one Silver medal at the SIP Northwest Spirits Competition. In 2019 we got 3 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze at the Canadian Artisan Spirits Competition. Please visit our tasting room for a truly unique experience!
Reviewed By kenrX7909GO
We took some friends on a distillery tour of the South Okanagan and Maple Lead Spirits was by far the best experience. Barbara made all the difference, even though there was another couple sampling with us she made everyone feel like it was a personal experience. Her knowledge and general passion for the spirits she is presenting to us made for a very memorable experience. And I haven’t even mentioned the spirits. A good variety distilled in the German tradition made us feel like we were back in Bavaria. Just a note, the Maple Liqueur makes an excellent martini when chilled and paired with some Okangan Vodka.
4. The Dubh Glas Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
The Dubh Glas Distillery is one of Canada's newest Craft Distilleries, producing high quality single-malt whisky, the multi-award winning Noteworthy Gin and premium spirits in the heart of wine country. Open year-round 11:00-6:00pm, Friday-Sunday.
Reviewed By GuyoftheGlobe - Luzon, Philippines
As a gin drinker, I have been enjoying Noteworthy gin for some time. I can’t belief I zipped by the distillery on my adventures in the south Okanagan on several occasions. Glad I finally stopped and was introduced (and purchased) some new producers. It was great to learn more about Grant Stevely and how he created this outstanding distillery. And Happy Days Gift Shop just down the street has great retro items!
5. Old Order Distilling Co.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
BC Craft Distillery making award wining spirits in downtown Penticton. Learn the details of each step in the production process: milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, and afterwards enjoy a guided tasting through our available products.
Reviewed By jamiemoonn_
The vodka and gin were great! Our sever Jodi (great name)...was absolutely fabulous!!! Very friendly and knowledgeable. You should totally check this place out if you’re looking for great drinks and friendly service! Old Order was phenomenal... Jodi R
6. Scenic Road Cider Co.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Tugb0a7s - Calgary, Canada
The Scenic Road Cider Co. is an absolute hidden gem. If you're a cider fan visiting Kelowna (or even local to) you have to check this place out. We visited in the early afternoon, a quick pit stop on the Friday of my bachelorette weekend and were warmly greeted by Taylor when we walked in. After a quick ID check we were offered samples of their 3 ciders (and apple juice for our DD). All were absolutely delicious, although the dry was definitely our favourite (& only 5g sugar per bottle - bonus!). Taylor also gave us a knowledgable tour of the brewing area and gave us a great insight into the cider making process. We bought a case of cider before we left with 10% off the price of this. This cidery and orchard is small, friendly and welcoming and the grounds & barn are oh, so cute. If you're in the area - for sure put this place on your visit list!
7. Tumbleweed Spirits
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By janet350561 - Ontario, Canada
Visiting my daughter in Vancouver and travelled to Osoyoos after the Labour Day weekend for a 5 day stay. To lift our "spirits" on a smokey day, we did a tasting at this distillery. Now I'm not a spirits drinker but was inspired from word of mouth to try their lavender infused gin. It did not disappoint. The distillery is easy to find (right off the main road and signage clearly marked). The tasting area is impressive and Chris was informative and passionate about the products. We had 4 tastings: whiskey, moonshine, vodka and gin. My daughter bought a bottle of the whiskey and gin. It was a very nice experience and would recommend!
8. Forbidden Spirits Distilling Co.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
We at Forbidden Spirits Distilling Co. take delight in capturing the purest spirit of British Columbia's finest produce. Our small batch process offers us the time to carefully attend to each step from the orchard, to the distillery, to the cocktail in your hand. Handcrafted Spirits from the Finest BC Apples, One Batch at a Time. It's Purity is Unsurpassed, Offering a Taste of the Sublime.
Reviewed By 686angelinam - Vancouver, Canada
Had a great experience at Forbidden Spirits! Tasting was fantastic and we were able to try a variety of small cocktails, and had a private tour as well! Will definitely be coming back.
9. Alchemist Distiller
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
New micro distillery run by a young couple, Sandrine and Simon.In between Art and Science, they hand craft fine spirits 100% made from Okanagan Apples. The singular design of the still associated with Simon’s savoir-faire allows Alchemist Distiller to offer unique flavors to enjoy and share with your closest friends. Come try their fabulous Gin, Apple Liqueur and the already awarded Absynthe
Reviewed By kerryschaan - Calgary, Canada
Excellent spirits and friendly host. They have 3 spirits: Apple Liqueur, Absynth and Gin. All were good.
10. Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Okanagan Spirits is Western Canada's oldest craft distillery spanning over a decade in the production of award-winning B.C. spirits. Internationally acclaimed as North America's only designated World Class Distillery (World Spirits Awards), our portfolio includes a range of spirits from Vodka and Gin, Whisky, to Liqueurs and Brandies (Eau de Vie) as well as Canada's first genuine Absinthe.
Reviewed By Chris-D7878 - Spruce Grove, Canada
We needed a break from wine tasting so we booked this spirit tasting. Learned a lot of about the art of whiskey and vodka making along with how to make liqueurs from your favourite fruits. We highly recommend this if you are in Kelowna or Vernon.
