The Cork It crew packed up bright and early from Vancouver, playlists blasting, snacks stashed, and wine glasses (safely) tucked away for later. First stop was Keremeos and Orofino Winery. Rolling in felt like stumbling into a little slice of Europe—rustic, charming, and welcoming. Their wines were elegant but approachable, and the Chenin Blanc had us all swooning. Paired with a small charcuterie, it was the kind of stop that makes you say, yep, this is why we road trip. Their reds were lighter and easy-drinking, perfect for a summer day in wine country.
After some adventurous backroads (dirt roads and questionable GPS directions), we landed at our cozy log cabin on Gallagher Lake. Nestled under a giant bluff, we were greeted by mountain goats wandering above the path like it was totally normal. Quick change, lipstick on, and the Cork It girls were ready to hit the town.
Walking into The Village Winery was like entering a wine-lover’s shopping mall. First stop: Foolish Wines, where we tried a Sauvignon Blanc that tasted like a tropical vacation—passionfruit, papaya, the works. Not your everyday Sauv Blanc, but fun and refreshing. Their rosés were also standouts. Since food on site was scarce, we hit the only option: Ward’s Wine Kitchen, where poke bowls, baked brie with chile oil, and bellinis hit the spot.
Next came Gneiss Wines with its bold reds. The highlight was The Chief 2021, a powerhouse blend of Cab Franc, Merlot, Cab Sauv, and a touch of Petit Verdot. Aged 18 months in French oak, it had both structure and elegance. My personal favourite from this winery, no contest.
We capped the night at The Winemaker’s Cut. Their Grüner Veltliner was a refreshing surprise—crisp, aromatic, and something you don’t often see from a BC producer. The Bohemian Cuvee was delicious. Sadly, the Tempranillo was sold out, but that just means we’ll have to come back. Bottles in hand, we returned to the cabin, popped open a chilled rosé, and watched the sun set by the lake. Absolute perfection.
The next morning started at The Flealess Hound, a quirky British-style pub that felt like it was frozen in time. Eggs, coffee, and a cheeky mimosa later, we hit the road again.
See Ya Later Ranch was next, perched high above Okanagan Falls with jaw-dropping views and a timber-frame tasting room. I fell for the Pinot Noir, while the girls leaned into the crisp whites.
West Kelowna called us to Crown & Thieves, one of our all-time faves and a must-see for Andie who hadn’t been yet. Forget light Okanagan reds—this place brings the drama. The Malbec, Arch Doxy Cab, and Damber Damber all packed serious Old World energy. And the setting? A literal castle with a speakeasy bar below. If walls could talk, you know they’d be spilling more than wine.
To finish things off, we swung by Truck 59 Cidery. Their dry apple cider reminded us of our own batches back home, while the Peach Pie Cider was the runaway hit—sweet, summery, and dangerously sippable. We may have to craft a spin on this!
With trunks full of bottles and spirits high, we rolled back toward Vancouver, making one last stop in Merritt for a roadside charcuterie and a final toast. Trunks full of wine, hearts full of laughter—this Okanagan wine trip was one for the books. There’s nothing better than sipping, laughing, and road-tripping with your best girls. Until next time, Okanagan. We’ll be back.
