Lake Country Full Day Lunch Wine Tour-Incl. Tastings & Guide Grat

Planning a day trip through Canada’s renowned Okanagan wine region? This Lake Country Full Day Lunch Wine Tour from Sip Happens Wine Tours offers a balanced blend of spectacular scenery, quality wines, and laid-back vineyard experiences. It’s a popular choice, with a perfect rating of 5 stars from 23 reviews, and clearly, it hits the right notes for many travelers.

What do we love about this tour? First, the variety of vineyards visited—each one offers a different vibe and wine style, giving you a good overview of what the region has to offer. Second, the expert guides who blend local knowledge with a friendly, approachable manner—making each stop informative yet relaxed.

One consideration? The cost of lunch isn’t included in the ticket price, so budget accordingly. Also, since the tour requires a minimum number of guests, it’s wise to book a little in advance—on average, travelers book about three weeks ahead.

This experience suits those who appreciate beautiful views, good wine, and a well-organized day. It’s perfect for couples, groups of friends, or anyone wanting a taste of the region’s best without the hassle of planning each stop themselves.

This experience made our article of The 15 Top Full-Day Tours In Kelowna and Okanagan Valley: Which Is Best?.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary: visits 5 wineries with 24+ tastings plus two scenic vineyard lunches
• Expert guides: knowledgeable, friendly, and great at making the day personal
• Stunning scenery: views of Lake Okanagan and lush vineyard landscapes
• Value for money: includes tastings, water, transport, and gratuities, with options for door-to-door pickup
• Flexible group size: small groups of up to 13 travelers ensure intimacy and personalized attention
• Additional treats: some wineries offer shopping opportunities and scenic spots for photos

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting the Day: Comfort & Convenience

The tour kicks off at 10:30 am with door-to-door pickup in Vernon or Lake Country—making the start seamless and stress-free. Traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll enjoy a relaxed ride through the scenic countryside, setting the tone for a leisurely day. With a maximum of 13 travelers, it’s a cozy experience, allowing for more personal interaction and less crowded tasting rooms.

Stop 1: Gray Monk Estate Winery — Charm & Legacy

Your first stop is Gray Monk Estate Winery, a beloved fixture of the region with a story that begins with an Austrian-German couple who swapped hairdressing for winemaking. We loved the way the winery’s history adds a romantic touch to your experience, and the tasting room offers a warm, inviting atmosphere. The admission is included, and you get about 30 minutes here to sample a selection of wines while soaking in the views of Lake Okanagan.

Stop 2: Ex Nihilo Vineyards — Art & Passion

Next, you’ll visit Ex Nihilo, inspired by a sculpture depicting mankind’s creation. This winery’s journey reflects a passion for nurturing the land amidst cold winters, which influences their unique vintage profiles. Expect another 30-minute tasting session, and if you’re lucky, you might appreciate the artistry behind their wines. Reviewers mention the passion poured into each vintage, making it a memorable stop.

Stop 3: Intrigue Wines — Family & Innovation

Intrigue Wines was born from a blending of two families in 2008, making it a vibrant, youthful winery with an innovative spirit. The guide’s descriptions make the tasting more engaging, and the relaxed atmosphere encourages conversation. It’s an excellent example of how family roots and creativity come together in this region.

Stop 4: Peak Cellars — Modern & Adventurous

Peak Cellars, the most recent addition to Lake Country’s wineries, showcases a modern vibe with estate-grown wines. Here, the setting is fresh and inviting, inspired by an adventurous spirit. Their lineup includes a variety of wines, and the location is known for its scenic views. Expect to spend about 30 minutes here — enough to enjoy a tasting and appreciate the contemporary vibe.

Stop 5: Ancient Hill Estate Winery — Taste & Shop

This winery offers 4-5 tastings and some time to browse their shop for bottles to take home. It’s a great chance to discover wines you particularly enjoy, and the longer time here—about 45 minutes—means you can really savor the experience. Several reviews praise the quality and friendliness of the staff, making this a highlight for many.

Stop 6: Arrowleaf Cellars — Family-Owned & Authentic

Founded by Swiss immigrants, Arrowleaf brings a family-owned atmosphere. Their story adds a nice touch, and the tasting experience here is warm and welcoming. After tasting, you can browse their shop for some local wine goodies.

Scenic Lunch Breaks at Gray Monk & Peak Cellars — Food & Views

The tour includes two scenic vineyard lunches at Gray Monk’s Lookout Restaurant and Peak Cellars’ Garden Bistro. While lunch isn’t included in the ticket price, these stops are highly praised for their delicious, shareable dishes and spectacular views. Reviews mention the lunch at Gray Monk being “excellent” and the beautiful patio at Peak Cellars as “the perfect spot for a relaxing meal.” Expect about 46 and 45 minutes at each, giving plenty of time to enjoy good food and soak up the scenery.

End of the Day: A Relaxed Finish

The tour concludes with a visit back to Gray Monk for a final tasting, allowing you to revisit your favorites or discover new ones. The entire day lasts approximately 6 hours, including travel time, tastings, and meals, making it a comfortably paced experience rather than a rushed race.

The Value of a Guided Wine Tour

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of quality wines, beautiful scenery, and expert guidance. The inclusion of tastings at five different wineries ensures a diverse experience—covering both traditional and modern styles—without the hard work of organizing it all yourself. The door-to-door pickup elevates convenience, especially if you’re staying in Vernon or Lake Country.

The price, at about $144.55 per person, is a fair investment considering what’s included. Tasting fees, bottled water, transportation, and a gratuity for your guide are all covered, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs until you’re ready to buy bottles (which are not included). The optional lunch at scenic vineyards adds to the overall experience, although it’s an out-of-pocket expense.

You’ll appreciate the small group size—max 13 people—which fosters a more personal, intimate atmosphere. From the reviews, guides like James, Penny, and Murray often receive praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and knack for making the day feel like a visit with friends.

Why This Tour Appeals to Travelers

If you’re someone who loves beautiful vistas, good wines, and relaxed pacing, you’ll find this tour hits all those marks. It’s also well-suited for those who prefer guided experiences rather than navigating on their own. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a fun, stress-free day exploring the Okanagan, this trip offers a convenient way to sample the region’s best without the hassle.

Couples and groups will find the small size and flexible itinerary appealing, and wine enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the diverse tastings and the opportunity to buy bottles directly from the wineries. The scenic lunches provide a welcome break and an opportunity to savor local cuisine with a view—an often-overlooked but memorable part of the day.

Final Thoughts

This Lake Country Full Day Lunch Wine Tour delivers a well-rounded, enjoyable experience that combines stunning views, impressive wines, and friendly guides. It’s clear from the glowing reviews that many guests find it to be the highlight of their time in the region. The thoughtful itinerary ensures you get a taste of both history and innovation, offering something for wine novices and aficionados alike.

The value is solid, especially considering the number of wineries visited, tastings included, and the convenience of door-to-door service. The only extra costs are the lunch and any wine purchases, so plan your budget accordingly. For anyone looking for a relaxed, scenic, and educational day in the heart of Canada’s wine country, this tour is a reliable choice.

Who Should Book This?

It’s perfect for travelers who want a rundown of Okanagan wines without the stress of planning. It suits those who enjoy beautiful landscapes, good company, and quality wines. This tour is a particularly good pick for couples, friends, or small groups celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a memorable day of tasting and exploring.

Who Might Want to Consider Alternatives?

If you prefer more flexible, self-guided adventures or are on a tight budget, you might find this tour a little pricier. Also, if you’re not keen on wine or have strict dietary restrictions, the included tastings and vineyard lunches might be less appealing.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. However, since it involves wine tastings, it’s best suited for those of legal drinking age.

What’s the typical group size?
The maximum is 13 travelers, which keeps the experience intimate and personalized.

Are meal costs included?
Lunch is not included in the ticket price, but the stops at Gray Monk and Peak Cellars offer scenic, delicious options you can choose to purchase.

Does the tour pick up from anywhere?
Yes, door-to-door pickup and drop-off are available in Vernon or Lake Country, making the day easy to start and finish.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 6 hours, including travel, tastings, and lunch breaks.

Is there a minimum number of guests?
Yes, if the minimum isn’t met, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled.

Can I buy wine during the tour?
Yes, wine purchases are not included in the tour price. You’ll have opportunities at the wineries and shops to buy bottles you love.

This guided tour offers a well-balanced taste of the Okanagan’s best wineries, picturesque landscapes, and relaxed vineyard atmospheres. It’s especially suited to those who value expert guides, scenic stops, and a hassle-free day of exploring. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, it’s a choice worth considering.