Kelowna: JPC Full Day Westside Wine Tour

Kelowna’s Westside Wine Tour is a captivating journey through the region’s premier wineries, cidery, and brewery. Guests embark on a guided 6-hour exploration, starting with tastings at Crown & Thieves and Truck 59 Ciderhouse, followed by visits to The Hatch and The Hatching Post Brewery & Smokery. The tour culminates at the family-owned Black Swift Vineyards, showcasing the Okanagan Valley’s exceptional winemaking talent and stunning natural vistas. Designed for convenience, the tour provides seamless pick-up and drop-off options in both West Kelowna and Kelowna. But what makes this tour truly unique is the opportunity to discover the hidden gems that elevate the Okanagan wine region to new heights.

Key Points

• The full-day Westside Wine Tour in Kelowna offers a guided exploration of renowned wineries, a cidery, and a brewery over a 6-hour itinerary.
• The tour includes wine tastings at Crown & Thieves, The Hatch, and Black Swift Vineyards, as well as a cider tasting at Truck 59 Ciderhouse.
• Participants can choose from two pickup and drop-off locations in West Kelowna and Kelowna, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free experience.
• The tour showcases the region’s stunning natural scenery, including views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding mountains.
• The tour culminates with a visit to The Hatching Post Brewery & Smokery, where guests can enjoy craft beer and a hearty barbecue lunch.

Tour Details and Itinerary

The Westside Wine Tour offers a full-day exploration of Kelowna’s renowned wineries, cidery, and brewery, guiding visitors through a carefully curated itinerary over the course of 6 hours.

The tour begins with a 20-minute van ride to Crown & Thieves for a 45-minute wine tasting, followed by a short 3-minute walk to Truck 59 Ciderhouse for a 45-minute cider tasting.

The group then heads to The Hatch for another 45-minute wine tasting, before visiting The Hatching Post Brewery & Smokery for 45 minutes of beer tasting and a 75-minute lunch break.

The final stop is a 15-minute van ride to Black Swift Vineyards for a 45-minute wine tasting before returning to the drop-off locations.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The Westside Wine Tour offers two pickup location options – one in West Kelowna and another in Kelowna. Similarly, the tour provides two drop-off points, allowing participants to conveniently return to either West Kelowna or Kelowna at the end of the day.

Pickup Options	Drop-off Options
West Kelowna	West Kelowna
Kelowna	Kelowna

The pickup and drop-off locations are designed to cater to the needs of guests, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience. Whether you’re starting your tour in West Kelowna or Kelowna, the tour’s transportation arrangements have you covered, allowing you to focus on enjoying the day’s activities.

Crown & Thieves Wine Tasting

The tour begins with a 20-minute van ride to Crown & Thieves, where guests enjoy a 45-minute wine tasting experience.

This winery is known for its innovative blends and unique varietals, crafted with grapes from the Okanagan Valley. Guests will have the opportunity to sample a selection of the winery’s finest offerings, guided by knowledgeable staff who’ll share insights into the winemaking process.

With its stunning lake and mountain views, Crown & Thieves provides the perfect backdrop for this tasting.

After the tasting, the group will have a short 3-minute walk to the next stop on the tour, Truck 59 Ciderhouse.

Truck 59 Ciderhouse Tasting

After the wine tasting at Crown & Thieves, the group takes a short 3-minute walk to Truck 59 Ciderhouse, where they’ll spend the next 45 minutes sampling the cidery’s diverse offerings. The guide explains that Truck 59 is a family-owned cidery that uses locally-sourced apples to craft a range of hard ciders. The group tries four different ciders, each with its own unique flavor profile:

Cider	Flavor
Dry	Crisp and refreshing
Hopped	Fruity and hoppy
Cranberry	Tart and tangy
Pear	Sweet and juicy

The ciders are a hit with the group, who appreciate the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into each bottle.

The Hatch Wine Tasting

Next, the group boards the van for a short 5-minute drive to The Hatch, a renowned winery in West Kelowna.

During the 45-minute tasting, the guide introduces the group to a selection of The Hatch’s award-winning wines, highlighting the winery’s commitment to sustainable and innovative winemaking practices.

The Hatch has earned a reputation for producing exceptional cool-climate wines, and the tasting allows the group to explore the complexity and nuance of their Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah offerings.

As the group sips and savors the wines, they’re captivated by the stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and the sparkling waters of Okanagan Lake in the distance.

The Hatching Post Brewery & Smokery

From the winery, the group hops aboard the van once more for the short 5-minute drive to The Hatching Post Brewery & Smokery, a local favorite for its craft beer and barbecue fare.

Stepping inside, they’re met with the inviting aroma of smoked meats and the lively atmosphere of a cozy taproom. The knowledgeable staff guides them through a tasting of the brewery’s signature brews, each with its own distinct flavor profile.

After the tasting, the group settles in for a hearty lunch, savoring the tender, flavorful barbecue dishes that have made The Hatching Post a must-visit destination.

With full bellies and satisfied palates, they prepare to depart for the next stop on the tour.

Black Swift Vineyards Wine Tasting

The group departs The Hatching Post Brewery & Smokery and hops aboard the van once more for the 15-minute drive to their next destination, Black Swift Vineyards.

Nestled amongst the rolling hills, this family-owned winery is known for its award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The guide leads the group through the tasting room, where they’ll sample five of Black Swift’s finest vintages.

The views from the tasting room’s patio are simply breathtaking, with the sparkling waters of Okanagan Lake and the majestic mountains in the distance. After the 45-minute tasting, the group reboads the van, eager to explore the final stop on their Westside Wine Tour adventure.

Highlights and Inclusions/Exclusions

The Westside Wine Tour promises a day filled with unforgettable highlights, from breathtaking lake and mountain views to hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations.

Guests will enjoy VIP concierge service from an award-winning guiding team as they explore five West Kelowna wineries, a brewery, and a cidery. All tasting fees are included, and the tour is provided in a brand new luxury air-conditioned vehicle. Bottled water is available throughout the day.

While lunch isn’t included, it can be purchased for $20-$40. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those under 19. Smoking and outside alcoholic drinks are also prohibited in the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, guests can’t bring their own food or drinks on the tour. The tour includes all tasting fees, but meals at the stops are excluded and must be purchased separately. Alcoholic drinks are also not allowed in the vehicle.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

There’s no specific discount for seniors or students on this tour. However, the tour price includes all tasting fees, so it may still provide good value for those groups. Customers should contact the tour operator directly for any available discounts.

Can I Request a Different Pickup or Drop-Off Location?

Yes, customers can request a different pickup or drop-off location, though it may incur an additional fee. The tour provider will accommodate requests if possible to ensure a convenient transportation experience.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is not suitable for children under 19 years old. The itinerary includes multiple tastings of alcoholic beverages, which are restricted to adults in the region. Children would not be able to fully participate in the activities.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

While the tour itinerary is pre-set, the operator may be able to accommodate certain customization requests if discussed in advance. Guests should check with the operator about the flexibility of the itinerary to meet their specific needs.

Recap

The Westside Wine Tour showcases Kelowna’s premier wineries, cidery, and brewery.

Guests embark on a guided journey, savoring the region’s exceptional winemaking talent and stunning natural vistas.

With convenient pick-up and drop-off options, the tour offers a seamless and captivating exploration of the Okanagan Valley’s vibrant wine and craft beverage scene.