Farm to Glass: 13 Kelowna Spots That Celebrate Okanagan Bounty

Some of British Columbia’s best locally grown produce and hand-crafted products come from the Okanagan Valley. Here are 13 places to experience how the bounty of Kelowna and the surrounding region come together, whether it’s through distilled spirits or farm market stands.

1. Farming Karma

Good karma extends beyond the can at beverage-producer Farming Karma, which doubles as an agri-tourism destination. Sample fruit soda, mocktail or spirit beverages in the tasting room, take a farm tour to peek inside the production facility or book a stay at the boutique RV park, nestled in the working cherry orchard for an immersive experience.

1160 McKenzie Rd., Kelowna, B.C.

2. BTS Cocktail Lounge & Kitchen

By day, Born to Shake is a shop for all things mixology. After 5 p.m., the spot turns into a moody speakeasy, complete with elevated cocktails and bites made with local ingredients. Whether it’s a romantic date night or a cozy catch-up with friends, this cocktail bar isn’t going to remain one of Kelowna’s best-kept secrets for long.

110–889 Vaughan Ave., Kelowna, B.C.

3. Wards Cider

The family behind Wards Hard Cider has been growing apples for five generations now—and you can taste this expertise in its traditional hard apple ciders. Made with apples grown in the on-site orchards, the cider also comes in cocktail or fireside collections.

2287 Ward Rd., Kelowna, B.C.

4. Don-O-Ray Farmers Market

As a family-operated farm, Don-O-Ray’s philosophy is nurturing what’s growing in the field so it can flourish—just like a family—producing anything from giant peaches to purple cauliflower. Plus, Don-O-Ray Farm Adventure is right next door for some family-friendly fun after you shop the locally grown produce.

3443 Benvoulin Rd., Kelowna, B.C.

5. Okanagan Spirits Kelowna

What happens when you have an overabundance of imperfect Okanagan fruit? You make fine spirits, of course. This was the start of Western Canada’s first craft distillery, Okanagan Spirits. You can sample some of the award-winning whisky, liqueurs, gin, vodka and genuine absinthe at a drop-in tasting.

267 Bernard Ave., Kelowna, B.C.

6. Okanagan Spirits Vernon

If you want a deeper look at how Okanagan Spirits crafts what’s inside the bottles, the flagship location in Vernon is home to the 16,000-square-foot production facility. See North America’s tallest copper pot still, or sign up for a unique experience like the cocktail creation class.

5204 24th St., Vernon, B.C.

7. Davison Orchards

While you’re in Vernon, head over to Davison Orchards and its old-country-style village. Enjoy a farm-to-table breakfast at the Farmhouse Café, take a tractor ride or orchard tour, visit the farm animals, pick your own apples or pumpkins and end the day with a real fruit ice cream cone.

3111 Davison Rd., Vernon, B.C.

8. Luckhurst Farm & Distillery

Spirits meet nature at Luckhurst Farm & Distillery. Try their craft vodka, gin, limoncello or whisky as a cocktail at the outdoor picnic area or straight up in the tasting room. Don’t miss the family farm either (also a bookable venue), home to chickens, mini fainting goats, honeybees, giant rabbits and miniature horses.

4275 Goodison Rd., Kelowna, B.C.

9. Soma Craft Cidery

Looking for alpacas in Kelowna? You’ll find them at Soma Craft Cidery—oh, and you’ll also find a selection of their seasonal ciders in the tasting room. Soma invites guests to slow down and savour the cider made from apples in their very own orchard, and even to relax at The Lounge with casual fare.

4485 Sallows Rd., Kelowna, B.C.

10. Paynter’s Fruit Market

Open since 1919, Paynter’s stocks everything from B.C., including 1,000 local products from over 100 different B.C.-based companies, plus produce grown on their own 40-acre farm. The fruit market also offers farm tours as well as family-friendly U-pick experiences.

3687 Paynter Rd., West Kelowna, B.C.

11. Lakesider Brewing Co.

If you’re heading to Lakesider Brewing to try one of their craft beers—like the Belly Flop Light Lager or award-winning Sunkissed Apricot Wheat Ale—book on a deal or event day. Mondays are buy-one-get-one-half-off on pizzas when dining in, and Sundays are all-day happy hour. Be sure to also catch a drag bingo night.

835 Anders Rd., West Kelowna, B.C.

12. Truck 59 Cider House

Truck 59 Cider House is intentionally designed to invite guests to relax. Kick back with a cold cider at the 19+ Truck Yard or drop the kids off at the Gnome Roam (until September 30), where the Truck 59 crew will guide the little ones through a scavenger hunt, gnome painting and more while the adults enjoy a signature cider flight tasting.

3887 Brown Rd., West Kelowna, B.C. 

13. Gatzke Farm Market

Run by the third generation, Gatzke Orchard sustainably grows over 50 varieties of tree fruits and a range of vegetable crops. Enjoy food grown just 100 metres away at the farm market café, including wood-fired pizza at Pane Vino Pizzeria (have some ice cream too). Be sure to shop for fresh fruits, produce and goods at the farm market open from May to mid-September.

15686 Pelmewash Pkwy., Lake Country, B.C.

Learn more about Kelowna’s must-visit spots at tourismkelowna.com/explore/spots/sip and tourismkelowna.com/explore/spots/farm.

Need help getting from spot to spot? Book a guided tour: tourismkelowna.com/explore/spots/guided-tours.