Lake Country 5Hour 5 Winery Tour

Lake Country 5Hour 5 Winery Tour: A Taste of the Okanagan Without the Crowds

Planning a visit to the vibrant wine region of the Okanagan? The Lake Country 5-Hour 5 Winery Tour offers a relaxed way to savor the region’s best without rushing. At just over five hours, this private experience takes you to five carefully chosen wineries, each offering its own unique style and atmosphere, all with the comfort of included transportation. Priced at around $177 per person, it’s a worthwhile splurge if you’re after an authentic, personalized wine-tasting adventure.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines stunning lake views with intimate winery visits—perfect for those who want to enjoy high-quality wines without the bustle of larger tours. Plus, the expert guides make all the difference, offering insights into both the wines and regional quirks that make the Okanagan special. The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off is another big plus, ensuring your experience is smooth from start to finish.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is that lunch isn’t included in the price, so budgeting for a meal is necessary. Also, since the tour is private (minimum of two participants), it’s best suited for couples or small groups seeking a more tailored day out. If you’re looking for a relaxed, personalized wine excursion with beautiful scenery and excellent service, this tour fits the bill.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with a knowledgeable guide
• Stunning lake views at several winery stops
• All tasting fees included—no hidden costs
• Relaxed pace with ample time at each winery
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Kelowna area
• Lunch stop (cost not included) at Peak Cellars offers a chance to enjoy regional cuisine

An In-Depth Look at the Lake Country 5-Hour 5 Winery Tour

Starting Point and Overall Experience

Your journey begins at 10:30 am with hotel pickup if you’re staying in Kelowna—an effortless way to start your day. The vehicle, described as an air-conditioned Mercedes van, ensures comfort while you enjoy the scenic drive through the Okanagan’s lush vineyards and spectacular lake views. The tour is designed for most travelers, requiring only that participants are over 19, so this is suitable for wine enthusiasts, couples, or small groups seeking a bit of luxury.

The guiding philosophy behind this tour is relaxation and quality. You won’t feel rushed as you hop from one winery to the next; instead, each stop offers a generous tasting window. The small group size (just your group) fosters a friendly, personal environment, and the guides—especially Gerry, a highly praised host—are known for their knowledgeable, friendly manner and respectful attitude.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Let’s explore what makes each stop special, and why they’re thoughtfully included in this tour.

Stop 1: Ancient Hill Estate Winery (45 minutes)

Your first taste of the region’s charm comes with Ancient Hill Estate Winery. Set in the rolling vineyards overlooking Lake Okanagan, this winery offers a broad selection of beautiful wines. The reviews highlight Gerry’s “unbelievable generosity and kindness,” which starts the day on a friendly note. The 45-minute tasting lets you sample various wines while soaking in spectacular views—a perfect way to get into the vibe of the region.

Expect a calm, welcoming atmosphere that emphasizes quality over quantity. This stop sets the tone for a relaxed, intimate experience, especially appreciated by those who favor genuine hospitality paired with good wine.

Stop 2: Intrigue Wines (45 minutes)

Next, you’ll visit Intrigue Wines, a quaint boutique winery that offers a more personal tasting experience. Reviewers consistently praise Gerry’s knowledge and rapport, making each tasting feel like a visit to a friend’s cellar. The boutique nature of this winery means you’ll get to explore unique, handcrafted wines that might not be available elsewhere, often with the guide’s stories enriching the tasting.

Since this winery is described as “quaint” and boutique, you’ll enjoy the feeling of discovering hidden gems in a less commercial setting. The 45-minute tasting gives ample time to savor these carefully crafted wines.

Stop 3: Peak Cellars (2 hours including lunch)

The longest stop of the day, Peak Cellars, is also where you’ll enjoy a lunch reservation (cost not included). This stop is more than just a tasting—it’s an opportunity to indulge in regional cuisine amid beautiful vineyard surroundings. With a dedicated two-hour window, you can relax, sample their tasty lunch menu, and enjoy wines that complement the food.

The reviews highlight this as a favorite part of the tour, especially the delicious food and excellent wine pairings. It’s a good chance to slow down, soak in the scenery, and chat at leisure—making it ideal for those who prefer a more leisurely pace.

Stop 4: Gray Monk Estate Winery (45 minutes)

Gray Monk is practically a regional icon, known for beautiful lake vistas and a diverse range of wines. The reviews repeatedly mention the spectacular views of Lake Okanagan, and this stop truly captures the essence of the area. The wines are described as “delightful,” and the setting provides plenty of photo opportunities.

Gerry’s reputation as a well-liked, respected guide means you’ll be greeted warmly, and the tasting experience feels personal. Expect a calm, scenic environment where you can savor your wine and enjoy the view.

Stop 5: Ex Nihilo Vineyards (45 minutes)

Your final stop is Ex Nihilo Vineyards, a smaller operation known for its beautiful reds. The reviews praise Gerry’s respectful, friendly demeanor and his ability to make each tasting memorable. This winery offers a chance to sample some unique reds, often described as “beautiful,” and a fitting finale to your day.

The 45-minute tasting provides time to reflect on the day’s wines and enjoy the peaceful vineyard setting.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Guides and Service: Gerry’s reputation shines through in reviews, with many noting his professionalism, friendliness, and deep knowledge. His ability to connect with guests and foster a respectful, fun atmosphere elevates the experience beyond just wine tasting.

Scenery and Atmosphere: The combination of lake views and vineyard landscapes creates a picture-perfect backdrop. The variety of wineries—from boutique to estate—means you’ll experience different styles and atmospheres, enriching your understanding of regional winemaking.

Value for the Price: Tasting fees are included, and the tour covers five wineries with ample time at each, making it a good value—especially given the personalized attention and transportation included. The lunch at Peak Cellars is a bonus, even if you pay separately for your meal.

Potential Drawbacks or Considerations

The main thing to note is that lunch isn’t included—so you should budget extra for a meal. Also, the tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing appropriately for rain or sun is wise. Since it’s a private tour with a minimum of two people, larger groups or solo travelers might need to make alternate arrangements or pay for additional guests.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a more intimate, relaxed wine-tasting day. If you appreciate beautiful scenery and desire the flexibility to ask questions and interact directly with your guide, you’ll love Gerry’s personable approach. It’s especially suited for those who want a less commercial experience, with authentic wines and friendly service.

Final Thoughts

The Lake Country 5-Hour 5 Winery Tour offers a wonderful slice of the Okanagan’s wine culture—all at a comfortable, relaxed pace. The combination of stunning lakeside views, small-batch wineries, and a dedicated guide ensures that this isn’t just a tasting, but an experience. The value is clear when you consider the tasting fees covered, private transportation, and personalized service.

If you’re seeking a flexible, friendly, and scenic way to explore the region’s best wineries, this tour is an excellent choice. It strikes a balance between comfort and authenticity, making it well worth the price for a memorable day in wine country.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for wine beginners?
Absolutely. The guide is friendly and knowledgeable, making it easy for newcomers to learn about wine and enjoy the tasting experience.

How long is each winery stop?
Most stops are about 45 minutes, except Peak Cellars, which is designed for a longer visit including lunch.

Are the tasting fees included?
Yes, all tasting fees are covered in the price of the tour, so there are no surprises.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing suitable for the weather, a camera for the views, and perhaps a small bag if you plan to purchase wine.

Can I customize the tour or add extra stops?
Since this is a private tour, you can discuss preferences with your guide beforehand, but the itinerary is set for five wineries.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup and drop-off in the Kelowna area are included, making for a hassle-free start and end to your day.

In the end, this tour delivers a thoughtfully curated experience—perfect for those who want to savor some of the best wines in a beautiful setting, with attentive guides making the journey even more enjoyable.