Osoyoos is ideal if you’re looking for hot summer temperatures, excellent wine, and a less bustling atmosphere than Kelowna. Approximately five hours from Vancouver by car, Osoyoos is known as Canada’s warmest place. It is also known as the Wine Capital of Canada. The desert environment in Osoyoos produces some of British Columbia’s best wine. The over 300 wineries in the region are reason enough to visit. Yet, there are also delicious dining options, as well as stunning accommodations that we thought you should know about. Here’s our summer travel guide for Osoyoos, BC.
Where To Drink Wine in Osoyoos
Nk’Mip Cellars is Canada’s first Indigenous-owned winery with breathtaking views of the town of Osoyoos as well as the lake and surrounding hills. In terms of red wines, Nk’Mip has a medium-bodied Merlot and the Talon, which is a blend of Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir. The fruity and tangy Dreamcatcher is a favourite refreshing summer sipper with a sweetness that balances its acidity.
As the name might suggest, French Door Estate Winery is doing things with a French flare. This family-owned and operated winery was founded in 2019 and since has been creating low-intervention wine from sustainably grown grapes in an old-world French style. Their sandy and rocky vineyards produce concentrated yet soft wines with ripe flavours which you can sample in their tasting room.
At just 26, Manpreet Dhaliwal is Canada’s first and only South Asian winemaker. She leads her family’s estate winery, Kismet. The name means destiny or fate in Punjabi and is a nod to the Dhaliwal’s history as immigrants to Canada from the farmlands of Punjab, India. Two of their most popular wines are the Infinity Rosé made with eight different grape varietals, and the full-bodied and spicy Karma.
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery dates back to the early 1990s, making it one of the first in the region. The sun-baked vineyard at Burrowing Owl produces rich and bold big red wines, while their Pinot Gris is one of my favourites. The winery is named after a local owl species that was endangered at the time that founders Jim and Midge Wyse started the winery. Now, the population is growing thanks to donations from Burrowing Owl winery visitors.
What to Eat
Osoyoos has a vibrant Mexican population, in part because so many vineyard and farm workers in the area hail from Mexico. This is wonderful, especially for anyone who may be tired of the fancier food offered by many on-site winery restaurants. Sofia’s Mexican Food, a small food stand with picnic tables set up in a parking lot, is a fresh, flavour-packed, and affordable alternative.
Nk’Mip is serving up a fresh take on winery dining with their newly opened Sweetgrass. The restaurant offers the Indigenous-owned winery the chance to further share the rich heritage and traditions of their people, members of the Osoyoos Indian Band. Take in the views from one of the best patios in Osoyoos while you enjoy lunch or afternoon lounge service.
Another winery restaurant that shares its unique heritage and history with guests is Manzil at Kismet. Sometimes wine food pairings can get a little predictable and stale, but the Indian flavours at Manzil spice things up. Their menu showcases a diverse array of regional Indian dishes from Pani Puri and Pakoras to Pork Vindaloo and Paneer Tikka.
For casual all-day eats (including breakfast) with lakefront views, 15 Park Bistro at Watermark Beach Resort is a great choice. They’ve got a breezy patio as well as a small, chic dining room. The delectable 15 Park Burger is made with 63 Acres grass-fed beef, but they also have lighter options for hot summer days like salads, tuna crudo, or charcuterie.
Where to Stay
For a romantic getaway, the adults only Burrowing Owl Guest House is unbeatable. The views are stunning and expansive, while the rooms still feel private and cosy. The Mediterranean colours and in-room fireplaces help create that warm atmosphere. All the Guest House rooms look across Burrowing Owl’s impressive 25 metre swimming pool.
Watermark Beach Resort is located right on Osoyoos Lake where guests can take a dip. Another option to cool off is the Watermark swimming pool, complete with a waterslide. The slide is just one reason this resort is perfect for families. Watermark also offers condo-style suites with full kitchens as well as in-suite laundry for longer stays.
Nestled in the mountains with views of the shimmering Osoyoos Lake below, Spirit Ridge by Hyatt feels like an escape. All of the rooms at Spirit Ridge are suite-style, so include spacious kitchens as well as fireplaces. Besides the heated pool, hot tub, and golf course on the property, an exceptional feature of this resort is the nearby Nk’Mip Desert Culture Centre.
