Recently named Canada’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Kelowna, British Columbia, has quietly evolved into one of North America’s premier culinary and wine destinations. Set along the shores of Okanagan Lake, the city pairs award-winning wineries with chef-driven restaurants, luxury resorts, outdoor adventure, and a vibrant arts scene. Kelowna offers the kind of experience that invites visitors to return again and again for every season.
Our summer journey centered around one of the valley’s most iconic destinations—Mission Hill Family Estate—where the Tom Kundig architecture, exceptional wines, and the lakeside sunset views at the Summer Concert Series combine to create one of Canada’s most memorable wine experiences.
Where Wine Meets Architecture
Long before pouring its first glass of wine, Mission Hill Family Estate impresses simply through its design. Perched high above Okanagan Lake in West Kelowna, the estate feels more like a European monastery than a traditional winery.
Massive stone walls and arched passageways frame the space, leading the eye toward the open courtyard and the vineyard-covered hills beyond. The architecture feels grand but grounded—weathered stone, warm wood, and clean lines softened by natural light.
Limestone terraces, reflecting pools, manicured gardens, vineyards stretching toward the horizon, and the iconic bell tower create an atmosphere that’s both peaceful and dramatic.
Every path leads to another spectacular lake view. Our guide, Bruce, brought the estate’s story to life with an engaging tour that highlighted not only Mission Hill’s history but also the vision behind the architectural details.
Walking through underground barrel cellars carved into the hillside, standing beneath the soaring bell tower, and wandering the sculpture gardens revealed why Mission Hill has become one of Canada’s most photographed wineries. The property itself feels intentionally designed to slow visitors down—to encourage lingering over a glass of wine while overlooking one of the most beautiful landscapes in British Columbia.
An Iconic Wine Experience
Mission Hill offers several tasting experiences, but the Iconic Oculus Experience is the estate’s signature luxury offering and one of the most sought-after wine tastings in the Okanagan Valley. The guided tasting costs about CAD $95 per person and showcases four tiers of Mission Hill’s portfolio alongside a series of bites prepared by the estate’s culinary team.
The Oculus Experience takes place inside the elegant Chagall Room, where wine, music, and fine art come together in a museum-like setting. The intimate tasting salon is anchored by a rare Marc Chagall tapestry that inspired the room’s name, while a fireplace creates a warm backdrop for sampling some of the estate’s most prestigious wines.
Highlights of the tasting included:
- 2025 Reserve Collection Pinot Gris
- 2023 Legacy Collection Perpetua
- 2021 Icon Collection Oculus
- 2013 Library Collection Oculus Magnum
The progression demonstrates how dramatically the wines evolve—from bright, refreshing whites to one of Canada’s most celebrated Bordeaux-style blends. The accompanying small bite food pairings elevate the tasting even further.
House-made brioche with estate quince and honey butter opens the experience before moving into delicate beef carpaccio layered with truffle and leek duxelles, foie gras parfait topped with cherry jelly, duck confit, and an indulgent dark cocoa and currant chocolate finale.
It’s far more than a wine tasting—it’s a carefully choreographed culinary journey.
Adding to the room’s artistic legacy is a David Foster’s grand piano that is personally autographed by many of the performers with whom legendary Canadian producer David Foster recorded songs at the piano.
Farm-to-Table Dining on the Terrace
Mission Hill guests can choose from a variety of dining options, including the Terrace Restaurant. Few restaurants can rival this setting.
The outdoor dining room overlooks rows of vineyards cascading toward Okanagan Lake while the surrounding mountains glow in the evening sunlight. Every table enjoys panoramic views that only improve as sunset approaches.
Estate Chef Patrick Gayler and Winemaker Taylor Whelan collaborated on a thoughtfully curated three-course menu celebrating seasonal ingredients sourced throughout the Okanagan Valley.
The evening began with Wise Earth tomatoes, creamy Tanto Latte ricotta, marinated cucumbers, Boswood basil, and cracked black pepper paired beautifully with the vibrant 2024 Terroir Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.
© Amy Harris
Entrée selections showcased the region’s remarkable ingredients. The Barkley Sound sockeye salmon arrived nestled in an aromatic estate lemongrass broth alongside sweet peas, cauliflower, and saffron butter. It was paired with the elegant 2023 Perpetua, one of Mission Hill’s flagship Chardonnay wines.
Equally memorable was the slow-roasted duck breast glazed with blackberry, accompanied by spring onion spaetzle, pointed cabbage, and rich tarragon jus alongside the 2022 Terroir Merlot.
For dessert, guests chose between a decadent milk chocolate cheesecake with cherry compote and candied cocoa nibs paired with the 2021 Compendium, or a vibrant raspberry almond tart complemented by the refreshing 2025 Terroir Rosé from Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
Dining at Mission Hill isn’t simply about the food. It’s about experiencing the Okanagan farm-to-table options through every bite and every glass.
Concerts Beneath the Stars
Mission Hill’s Summer Concert Series has become one of the country’s premier live music experiences, attracting internationally recognized performers to its intimate outdoor amphitheater.
As twilight settled across Okanagan Lake, the winery transformed from an elegant restaurant into one of Canada’s most spectacular outdoor concert venues.
On this July evening, Canadian rock legend Tom Cochrane took the stage. There were no massive stadium video boards. No concrete parking lots. Instead, guests sipped estate wines while one of Canada’s most beloved artists performed, surrounded by vineyards and lake views. It’s the type of experience that perfectly captures the lifestyle of the Okanagan Valley.
Special thanks to my travel hosting partners: Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits, Mission Hill Family Estate, Tourism Kelowna, and Chateau Okanagan.
If You Go
Where to Stay
Kelowna offers a range of accommodations, but two stand out for those exploring the Okanagan wine region.
Luxury Escape: Chateau Okanagan
For travelers seeking complete privacy and elevated luxury, Chateau Okanagan delivers one of British Columbia’s finest resort experiences. Situated directly on Okanagan Lake, the intimate property combines spacious suites, waterfront views, private beaches, and personalized service in an exclusive setting. It’s the perfect retreat after a day of wine tasting, allowing guests to unwind in peaceful surroundings while remaining close to the valley’s top wineries.
Family-Friendly Luxury: The Royal Kelowna
Located in the heart of downtown Kelowna, The Royal Kelowna offers oversized condominium-style suites ideal for couples, families, or extended stays. Its rooftop infinity pool overlooking the lake quickly becomes a favorite gathering place after long days exploring wineries. Spacious living areas, full kitchens, and easy walking access to restaurants, shopping, and the waterfront make it one of the city’s most convenient luxury accommodations.
Getting There
WestJet offers nonstop and connecting flights into Kelowna International Airport (YLW) from cities throughout Canada and the United States, making the Okanagan surprisingly accessible for a long weekend or extended wine-country vacation.
From the airport, most major wineries—including Mission Hill Family Estate—are within a 30-minute drive, allowing visitors to begin exploring almost immediately after landing.
You May Also Enjoy Reading:
Kelowna Becomes Canada’s First UNESCO City of Gastronomy
Insider’s Guide to Okanagan Lake Wine: Exploring Summerland and Naramata
Lake Country’s Renaissance: How Two Wineries Are Redefining Wine Tourism in the Okanagan
Read more from Amy on her blog: TheTravelAddict.com
