People who know, know that one of the best times to visit Okanagan wine country is during the shoulder season. There’s less traffic, fewer tourists and a more relaxed pace, making it easier to enjoy the wineries, restaurants and scenery without the summer crowds.
Fall is an especially good time to visit. The year’s harvest is wrapping up, the new wines are fermenting away in the cellars, and it’s time to celebrate. Wineries are shifting gears, offering special tastings, dinners, shopping events and plenty of opportunities to get into the holiday spirit.
There’s much more happening than you might expect, from fall wine releases and wine club member events to winemaker dinners, long-table dinners, yoga and painting classes, arts and crafts workshops, Christmas markets and photos with Santa.
Here’s a sampling of what’s on offer this fall and early winter. As always, check with individual wineries for the latest details and reservations.
Wine, Art and Holiday Cheer
Blasted Church Winery
Heart of Wine Country™ Holiday Cheer Open House — November 14 and 15, 2026,
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Blasted Church Winery in Okanagan Falls is taking part in the 14th annual Heart of Wine Country™ Holiday Cheer Open House. Expect complimentary wine tastings, festive shopping, gift wrapping, a holiday prize draw and photos with Santa. Pets are welcome for photos, too.
The event takes place across participating wineries in Okanagan Falls and the Skaha Lake area, making it a good opportunity to explore the region and pick up a few holiday gifts along the way.
Details: Blasted Church Winery.
Gray Monk Estate Winery
Fourth Annual German Market — November 28 and 29, 2026, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This complimentary holiday event features more than 40 local vendors, seasonal food and festive activities throughout the winery. Fritz the Baker returns with German favourites, while photos with Santa and a kids’ corner make this a family-friendly outing.
For a meal with a view, The Lookout Restaurant has also introduced daily dining features: Thursday Pasta Night, Friday Fondue Night, Saturday Date Night and Sunday Roast. Check the restaurant’s current menus and make reservations through OpenTable.
Grizzli Winery
Winter Gallery: Rooted in Colour — November 7, 2026, 4 to 6 p.m.
Art and wine come together at Grizzli Winery in West Kelowna for the launch of Rooted in Colour, an exhibition by British Columbia artist Veronica Walker. The free event includes an opportunity to meet the artist, enjoy live music and canapés, and explore her colourful interpretations of the province’s landscapes. Registration is required.
The exhibition continues through January 31, 2027, so there’s time to return if you can’t make the opening.
Details: Grizzli Winery events.
Haywire Winery
Winter Wine Experience — November 28, December 4, 5 and 6, 2026
Haywire Winery in Summerland is getting festive with guided wine-and-food pairings in its decorated cellar. Three seatings are available each day, at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. Each experience lasts 90 minutes.
Tickets are $30 per person, plus taxes and gratuity, and include a guided flight of wines paired with bites. On November 28, gourmet mac and cheese will also be available for $10. Guests are encouraged to wear their most outrageous Christmas sweaters and enter the Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest.
Reservations are recommended.
Details: Haywire Winery.
Off the Grid Organic Winery
Book Club — November 6, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
For something a little different, Off the Grid is hosting a book club gathering. Check directly with the winery for details about the book, registration and any other requirements.
Red Rooster Winery
Okanagan Cellar Club members can look forward to an upcoming club party featuring a live demonstration by local Penticton artist Chaos Art. It’s a chance to enjoy the winery’s offerings while meeting a local creative.
The event date and booking details should be confirmed with Red Rooster Winery.
Sandhill Wines
Black Friday Weekend — November 27 and 28, 2026
Sandhill Wines in downtown Kelowna is offering two days of wine, music and seasonal shopping.
On Friday, guests can enjoy two-for-one tastings, 15 to 25 percent off select wine purchases and live music from 4:45 to 7 p.m.
Saturday’s Taste of the Okanagan experience costs $15 per person and includes five wines, two food-paired stations and live music. Guests can also enjoy 15 percent off wine purchases and browse an artisan market.
Details: Sandhill Wines events.
Wild Goose Vineyards
Cinq à Sept Happy Hour — November 6, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m.
Wild Goose is planning an early-evening gathering with a live DJ. The French expression cinq à sept refers to the hours between five and seven, making this an appealing way to ease into the weekend.
Confirm event details directly with the winery before heading out.
Make a Weekend of It
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, I can recommend Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa. Its Christmas at the Lake program runs from November 19 to December 31, 2026, with workshops, wine and craft beer tastings, and seasonal food experiences.
The scheduled events include:
- November 19, 6–8 p.m.: Christmas Baubles & Cards Workshop with Greta Loeppky — $65 per person.
- November 26, 6–8 p.m.: Christmas Wreath Making with Simply Floral — $90 per person.
- December 3, 6–8 p.m.: Sips & Snacks, a wine and food pairing with Dirty Laundry Winery and Chefs with Thyme — $69 per person.
- December 10, 6–8 p.m.: Suds & Snacks, a beer and food pairing with Detonate Brewing Co. and Chefs with Thyme — $59 per person.
Prices are per person, plus tax. Reservations can be made by calling 250-494-8180.
Visitors can also take part in the Downtown Summerland Holiday Stamp Card program, running November 19 to December 31, for a chance to win a two-night resort getaway.
Plan Your Visit
These are just a few of the events happening across Okanagan wine country as the season changes. New releases, special dinners, markets and winery gatherings offer plenty of reasons to visit, whether you’re planning a weekend away or simply looking for something different to do close to home.
For more events and updates, visit Wines of British Columbia’s event calendar. Check individual winery websites before travelling, as event details, availability and reservation requirements may change.
*Thanks to Town Hall Brands for much of this information and for supplying the images.
Feature image: Copy of Untitled Design – SWR Christmas
