3 British Columbia wine regions worth planning a getaway around
British Columbia is home to some of Canada's most celebrated wine regions, each offering its own scenery, flavors and pace of travel. There's more variety across the province than many people expect. The Okanagan is iconic, but the province’s wine scene stretches well beyond it into farmlands and valleys that each bring something completely different to your glass and your trip. Some are polished and well-visited, while others are quieter or a little unexpected.
So which BC wine region is right for your next trip? Here's a breakdown of three distinct regions to help you decide, and wherever you end up, a Coast Hotel is waiting.
Okanagan Valley: Best BC Wine Region For A Classic Getaway
If you’re picturing a BC wine trip, you’re probably picturing the Okanagan Valley. This is the region people come back to again and again, and not just out of habit. Vineyard-lined landscapes, lake views and some of the province's warmest summer weather make it one of BC's most iconic wine destinations.
The valley stretches out more than 250 kilometers with over 200 wineries, which means you have distinct pockets to explore, from Kelowna and West Kelowna to Penticton, Oliver and Osoyoos, each with its own mix of wineries, scenery and pace.
Kelowna combines award-winning wineries, waterfront attractions and a vibrant dining scene. A stay at Coast Capri Hotel makes it easy to visit wineries like Quails' Gate Winery, known for its stunning vineyard scenery, and Sperling Vineyards, one of the region's pioneering organic wineries, while staying close to beaches, restaurants and the lakefront.
Further south, Penticton serves as a gateway to the renowned Naramata Bench, where boutique wineries such as Little Engine Wines are set among rolling vineyards. Coast Penticton Hotel is a comfortable place to stay while discovering this corner of the valley.
Keep going, and you hit Oliver, the self-proclaimed wine capital of Canada. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush vineyards, the area is home to some of the Okanagan's most celebrated wineries. A stay at Coast Oliver Hotel puts you close to nearby estates, including Culmina Family Estate Winery, a certified organic winery on the Golden Mile Bench known for its premium wines and elevated tasting experiences. Vineyard tours, tastings and opportunities to learn about the region's winemaking heritage make Oliver a must-visit stop for wine enthusiasts.
And at the end of the valley, Osoyoos is where you'll find Nk'Mip Cellars, North America's first Indigenous-owned winery, operated by the Osoyoos Indian Band. The region invites visitors to tour desert-region vineyards, discover distinctive local wines and take in sweeping views of the South Okanagan landscape. Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel sits along Osoyoos Lake, the warmest lake in Canada, making it easy to pair winery visits with paddleboarding, swimming, boating and lakeside sunsets.
Thompson Valley: Best BC Wine Region for a Slower Pace
The Thompson Valley is one of BC's newer wine regions, and the scene here is small by design. With a shorter growing season, the wines tend to be lighter and fresher. It's the kind of place where a few winery visits can easily fill a hot afternoon without feeling rushed.
Enjoy a tasting overlooking the South Thompson River Valley at Monte Creek Ranch, then head to Sagewood Winery for a more intimate experience. As the oldest commercial vineyard in the Kamloops area, Sagewood is still run by the same family who planted the first vines by hand in 2005. Together, they reflect the Thompson Valley's relaxed and unhurried approach to wine country.
A trip to the Thompson Valley pairs naturally with time outdoors. The region's relaxed pace extends beyond its wineries, and a stay at Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre makes it easy to experience both. Ride downhill trails and flow lines at Kamloops Bike Ranch, test your skills on technical features or unwind with a round of golf. There are four courses within 30 kilometers of the hotel (five if you count disc golf).
Fraser Valley: Best BC Wine Region for Farm-to-Glass Experiences
The Fraser Valley is a different kind of wine trip. It's greener here and unmistakably agricultural. The growing season is wetter, which introduces more cool-climate whites, fruit wines, and even the occasional mead. Here, you’ll often find working farms and wineries in the same place.
Krause Berry Farms in Langley captures the farm-to-glass spirit of the Fraser Valley. This working farm and winery invites visitors to pick fresh berries, enjoy award-winning local wines and dig into their famous waffles topped with seasonal fruit. The on-site market offers farm-fresh vegetables, baked goods, jams, preserves and ice cream, making it easy to sample the flavors that define the region. Afterwards, enjoy a stroll along Pleasant Creek Trail, located less than 2 kilometers from Coast Langley City Hotel & Convention Centre.
Over in Abbotsford, Singletree Winery brings more atmosphere to the tasting experience with its wine cabanas and Di Vine Domes, while Campbell’s Gold showcases another side of the Fraser Valley's agricultural roots with premium mead crafted from local honey. Before settling into your room at Coast Abbotsford Hotel & Suites, stop by Nature's Pickin's Market to browse fresh fruits, vegetables, bakery items and other locally sourced goods. It's a fitting way to experience the farm-fresh flavors that make this region distinct.
Further east in Chilliwack, the Fraser Valley's agricultural character continues to shine through its vineyards and wineries. Enjoy a tasting at Whispering Horse Winery, a family-owned boutique winery producing wines from 100% estate-grown grapes that reflect the unique terroir of the Fraser Valley. At Ripples Winery, organic blueberry wines, BC-grown grape wines and handcrafted spirits are served in a garden oasis surrounded by ponds and tropical plants. After exploring the region's wineries, Coast Chilliwack Hotel by APA offers a welcoming place to recharge before the next day's adventures.
3 British Columbia wine regions for 3 very different getaways
BC’s wine regions each bring something different to the table. The Okanagan brings the classic vineyard experience, with popular varieties like Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir, along with BC Icewine for anyone who wants to try a sweet dessert-style wine. The Thompson Valley keeps things quieter and outdoorsy, with Riesling and Pinot Noir leading the way. The Fraser Valley offers green landscapes, farm-style tasting stops and cooler-climate wines like Bacchus, Siegerrebe and Pinot Gris.
When you're ready to plan your BC wine getaway, explore our current offers and find a Coast Hotel near your next destination. Many of our properties are pet-friendly, so your four-legged travel companion can join the journey too. Don’t forget to join Coast Rewards to unlock exclusive rates, points on stays and member-only perks.
FAQs About Coast Hotels in BC Wine Regions
Which Coast Hotels are located near BC wine regions?
Coast Hotels offers accommodations throughout BC wine country, including Coast Capri Hotel in Kelowna, Coast Penticton Hotel, Coast Oliver Hotel, Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel and a few more conveniently located near popular wine destinations across the province. Choose the destination and experience that best fits your travel style, then find a hotel nearby to make the most of your getaway.
Are there pet-friendly hotels near BC wine regions?
Yes. Many Coast Hotels offer pet-friendly accommodations near BC wine regions, making it easy to bring your dog along for the journey. Pet-friendly room availability and policies vary by property, so it's best to confirm details when booking.
What is the best time of year to visit BC wine regions?
Spring through fall is the most popular time to visit BC wine country. Summer brings warm weather and vibrant vineyard scenery, while fall offers harvest season experiences and opportunities to see wineries at their busiest. Coast Hotels welcomes visitors year-round, with locations near the Okanagan Valley, Thompson Valley and Fraser Valley wine regions.
what a recent guest said about his wine country stay:
“Our stay at Coast Osoyoos Hotel was nothing short of extraordinary. The hotel's waterfront location offered breathtaking views of the lake, and we spent hours simply mesmerized by the beauty. The staff's warm hospitality made us feel like family, and they even surprised us with a bottle of local wine upon arrival. Osoyoos is known for its wineries, and we took advantage of the hotel's wine tour package. We explored several vineyards, learned about the winemaking process, and indulged in delectable wine pairings. Coast Osoyoos Hotel and Osoyoos town provide an unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike” - Robert