We truly believe that the rest of the Okanagan is sleeping on Oliver’s gem, The District Wine Village. 

Ask anyone north of Penticton if they know about this one-of-a-kind attraction, and chances are they might vaguely recall hearing the name and not much else. Which is a damn shame, and also somewhat ironic considering Kelowna is preparing to build their own version in the coming years… Their village, however, won’t be able to boast the calming energy or stunning topography of Oliver’s location—especially in the peak of spring.

So we’re going to convince you that the District Wine Village contains plenty to discover on a day out this season: eight wineries, a sourdough bakery, both a brewery and a distillery, coffee shop and bookstore, as well as a restaurant. Open Thursday through Monday this April, we’ve crafted the perfect itinerary for your first (but certainly not last) trip to this extraordinary attraction.

The District Wine Village is just north of Oliver and south of nʕaylintn (McIntyre Bluff). Nestled in the heart of Okanagan wine country, believe us when we say the entire space brings a sense of sophistication and tranquility the moment you arrive. The surrounding mountains transport you to a state of calm, while the ponds, centre-structure plaza, and surrounding businesses all artfully presented welcome you in like a firm, but gentle, hug.

You can access it by car from either direction, but might we suggest plenty of the shuttle options departing daily from both Penticton and Osoyoos? You don’t even have to be a tourist staying at one of the hotels—locals can hop on just as easily as visitors, providing safe transportation for those who want to taste at every location.

For locals like us, the Village is the perfect gathering spot to share a glass of wine or meal with friends and family; for tourists, this iconic destination offers the chance to explore everything that makes the Okanagan so desirable in one convenient location.

Visiting at this time of year also aligns with cooler temperatures that simultaneously deliver beautiful blue skies and endless soft sunshine—and just so happens to pair with a calmer pace before the summer traffic hits. 

First Stop: Coffee and Books

While the Village is well known for its lineup of wineries, there’s a hidden coffeeshop, too! Like us, you might have missed Wolf Tree Coffee Co. on your first visit because they’re tucked at the back of Gather Bookstop, but for a day out, you’ll want to satiate that caffeine buzz first. Step inside and you’ll find a small, but super cozy, setup alongside large open windows and a few vintage tables.

A family-owned roastery offering all your favourite lattes and morning brews, their shop is more than a business—it’s a family tradition running on and off since 1994. They have longstanding roots to community causes and environmental sustainability, and are the perfect first stop to your spring day at the Village.

Now that you’ve got a cup of java, it’s time to peruse Gather Bookshop’s highly curated selection of novels, cookbooks, Indigenous authors and brands, as well as handcrafted heirloom gifts and DIY kits for the kiddos. With floor to ceiling shelving and a large front window offering plenty of natural sunlight, there’s a charming atmosphere for you to get lost among the pages.

Or, once you’ve selected your next paperback, bring your new book and coffee to their sunny front patio. There’s no rush when you have the whole day ahead of you. 

Second Stop: La Levainière Artisan Bakehouse

Bringing a touch of Bordeaux to Oliver, La Levainière is one of the newer additions to the Village lineup. Run by Audrey, an artisanal baker known for milling her own flour, don’t blame us when you blow your wine budget on her baked goods…

With a selection of teas and coffees on hand for you while you drool over her sourdough breads, baguettes, croissants, cookies, pain au chocolat, focaccia and more, you can also take a peek at her personal pantry for spreads of foie gras and sourdough pancake mix. She also offers introductory workshops for those looking to try their hand at the art—and science—behind sourdough baking. Or maybe you’ll play it safe and bring home a few loaves from the expert, like we did.

Et voila! Everyone knows bread and wine are the perfect pairing, so be sure to stock up on some before your next activity: tastings. 

Stop Three/Four/Eight/Ten: All the Tastings

Best known for its wine (especially with the word baked right into their name), the Village is home to eight exceptional wineries. Spaced out amongst the plaza, each includes a stunning front patio where guests can bask in the sunshine, dip their toes into the ponds on the warmer days, and enjoy a glass beneath the shaded umbrellas as the valley breeze cools you off. 

Each winery offers its own unique tale: some are new winemakers while others have a long and storied history in the area. There is so much diversity in each glass, depending on the varietal, the origins of the vineyard, and each brand’s approach to the process of winemaking. Don’t blame us when you’ll be hard pressed to find a favourite! 

Here’s a list of all eight wineries currently on site:

• Winemaker’s CUT
• Gneiss Wines
• Tender Hope Winery
• Foolish Wine
• Apricus Cellars
• Canter Cellars
• The Opera Room
• SPACEDOG WINES

If you’re less of a grape fan and more of a barley kind of person, head over to Neighbourhood Outpost: a small but fully-stocked pop-up of Penticton’s beloved downtown brewery. Carrying all the fan-favourites, you can order a flight of beers or some offsales to bring with you on the journey home. 

For those seeking something a little more sophisticated, Yellow Dog Spirits is the only distillery on site and offers a delicious selection of cocktails: Shaft, Raspberry Daiquiri, Marauder Margarita, Royal Old Fashioned, and more. They also have a list of hard iced teas and vodka sodas in a variety of flavours—perfect sipping material this spring. 

Oh, and did we mention the Village’s very tempting Happy Hour? It’s your excuse to taste wide and far. And thanks to the shuttle services, you don’t have to worry about driving home afterwards.

Final Stop: Ward’s Wine Country Kitchen

After working up quite an appetite at all the wineries, brewery, and distillery, Ward’s Wine Country Kitchen is calling your name. A fully licensed, full-service restaurant serving approachable, fresh, and (full disclosure) addictive food, their menu changes seasonally so no two visits are quite the same. 

They also offer year-round events like special dinners on Valentine’s Day or other major holidays, exciting workshops with fellow Okanagan brands and businesses, as well as the perfect spot for meeting with friends over a warm meal. 

And if you manage to visit for lunch before all your other tastings, they have a selection of seasonal cocktails as well as the wine and craft beer produced on site by their neighbouring businesses in the Village. Afterall, the whole place is about uplifting and supporting one another.

We love visiting the District Wine Village in the spring because the major traffic of summer tourism has yet to hit. It’s a quieter, more intimate visit where you’ll swap jokes at tastings, learn a cocktail recipe, discover something new, or just make a friend from the area. 

But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to look forward to in the warmer months! 

Built with a community mindset to celebrate artisan production and craftsmanship, the space transforms into a multi-purpose outdoor amphitheatre in the summers (with 610 person capacity) for their iconic outdoor concert series, as well as a space to host farmers’ markets and community events. 

The entire space is also dog-friendly (except during concerts) for on-leash four-legged family members, and while this is definitely more of an adult playground, children are welcome to tag along and dip their toes in the water fixtures spread throughout the complex.

Whether you’re new to the South Okanagan and have never experienced the District Wine Village, or you’re a local looking for a day-long outing, there is so much to discover here in the spring. You could easily spend one, two, or even three days tasting and enjoying the laid-back, elevated atmosphere.  

Cheers to everything Okanagan at one beautiful stop!

Xx,

Your Okanagan Curators