Explore Summerland's Bottleneck Drive, a remarkable wine region in the Okanagan. Known as the “Napa of the North,” this area features a diverse array of wineries. Despite competition from famous neighbours like Naramata Bench and Osoyoos, Bottleneck Drive offers a unique wine experience worth exploring.
Sage Hills Vineyard
Start your tour at Sage Hills Vineyard, a family-owned winery above Okanagan Lake, is certified organic and committed to ecological sustainability. They work with “Salmon-Safe” to protect water quality and BC’s native salmon. Visit Sage Hills to enjoy their dedication to environmental impact and taste their organically produced wines.
8th Generation Vineyard
With over 230 years of winemaking history, 8th Generation Vineyard creates wines that express the authentic characteristics of their grapes. The Schales family uses their expertise to produce vegan-friendly wines, making it a must-visit spot on Bottleneck Drive.
Dirty Laundry Vineyard
Dirty Laundry Vineyard stands out for its unique history and atmosphere. Originally a Chinese laundry with a secret upstairs speakeasy, it now features an expansive patio overlooking the old railway. Enjoy their wines, grab a bite to eat, or sip a cold craft beer at the Bottoms Up Saloon.
SummerGate Winery
Established in 2009, SummerGate Winery focuses on creating premium wines using estate-grown grapes. They employ natural techniques and avoid petro-chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Specializing in white wines, rosé, and frizzante-style wines, SummerGate offers tastings on their patio and picnic area, providing a fresh, crisp, and fruit-forward experience.
Thornhaven Estates Winery
Thornhaven Estates Winery offers the quintessential Okanagan winery experience. Enjoy epic mountain views, intimate tasting rooms, and friendly staff. Sample standout wines like the 2018 Thornhaven Estates Syrah.
More Wineries, Cideries and Distilleries
Don’t miss other notable stops like Lunessence Winery & Vineyard, Haywire Winery, and Silkscarf Winery. If you prefer cider, visit Millionaires’ Row Cider Co., Dominion Cider Co., Nomad Cider, or Summerland Heritage Cider. For something different, check out Alchemist Distiller or Controlled Entropy Distilling.
Tour Operators
Several tour operators offer curated experiences along Bottleneck Drive. Vivid Tours provides a relaxed pace with a focus on wine, while Bare Wine Tours offers personalized private tours. Grape Escape Wine Tours promises educational experiences with visits to multiple wineries. Sagebrush Tours offers half-day and full-day tours with stunning views and premium wine tastings.
Conclusion
The Summerland Wine Tour Bottleneck Drive is a must-see for wine lovers. With diverse wineries, stunning views, and a relaxed pace, it's an unforgettable experience in the Okanagan. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual taster, Bottleneck Drive has something for everyone.
