Good Wine Gal: 12 Okanagan Wine Recommendations

​August Summer Daze: 12 "Sips" from BC's Okanagan Valley  

What are you sipping? I've tasted a lot of wine this summer. From traditional method sparkling wine to Frizzante. From rich round Viognier to crisp, fresh Sauvignon Blanc. From delicate pale pink rose to bold flavourful cherry in the glass. From north to south, traditional to irreverent and more, styles of wine from the Okanagan Valley offer variety, contrast and most of all interesting textures and flavours. I don't profess to have tasted everything but from what I experienced at Barb's Bar this summer, here are 12 sips that stood out for me. Reds are not included.

​What did you taste? Let me know if you have tried any of these by leaving a comment below.

Most of these bottles are available at the BC Wine Info Center in Penticton, Save-on Foods, BC Liquor Stores or fine wine shops near you. Please support local where you can. The BC Wine Industry appreciates every purchase. If you haven't already, why not join a wine club; host a wine dinner; visit a winery; and whatever other ideas that come to you - thanks for being a wine lover and supporting BC wineries. Cheers to you.

​Laughing Stock Vineyards – Market Bubble (2021)

​Location: Naramata Bench, British Columbia
Winemaker: Sandy Leier
Style of Wine: Traditional Method Sparkling Wine
ABV: 12.0%
​Price at Winery: $40.00

​Aged for three years on its lees, this traditional method sparkling wine from Laughing Stock Vineyards on the Naramata Bench delivers depth, complexity, and elegance. The extended lees contact creates a biscuity richness and fine effervescence that elevates the crisp orchard fruit and zesty citrus spine. On the palate, notes of green apple and delicate floral hints  alongside subtle notes of brioche, showcasing world-class precision. It is an exceptional, celebratory starter for any occasion. Great price!
Check out my conversation with Sandy on the Good Wine Gal YouTube Channel.

The View Winery – Rosé Frizzante (2025)

Location: East Kelowna Slopes, British Columbia
Winemaker: Kristen French
Style of Wine: Sparkling Rosé
​ABV: 13.3%
Price at Winery: $26.95
​
This single vineyard sparkling rosé made from Pinotage and Pinot Noir offers a burst of red berries and refreshing effervescence. Sourced from estate vineyards on the East Kelowna Slopes, flavours sweet wild strawberry, fresh raspberries, and pink grapefruit pop. The  bubbles enhance its juicy and palate-cleansing finish, making it irresistible. It's a great choice for patio sipping or pairing with summer salads and charcuterie boards as the season winds down. Again great price.

​Evolve Cellars – Light Sparkles 7%  (2025)

Location: Penticton, British Columbia
Winemaker: Lynzee Schatz
Style of Wine: Low-Alcohol Sparkling Wine
​ABV: 7.0%
Price at Winery: $24.99

Designed for low alcohol enjoyment, this Evolve Cellars "Light Sparkles" delivers all the fun of a bubbly toast with a 7% alcohol footprint (40% less). Crafted in the heart of the Okanagan, this approachable sparkler surprises with aromas of crisp pear, white peach, and Meyer lemon. The palate is light-bodied, delightfully effervescent, and refreshing, striking a clever balance between fruit sweetness and bright acidity. It is the ultimate guilt-free companion for warm-weather lounging and outdoor adventures. Perfect.
Check out my conversation with Lynzee Schatz on the Good Wine Gal YouTube Channel.

​Township 7 Vineyards & Winery – Benchmark Series Viognier (2025)

​Location: Naramata Bench / South Langley, British Columbia
Winemaker: Mary McDermott
Style of Wine: Dry Aromatic White Wine
ABV: 13.2%
Price at Winery: $30.97

An exquisite expression of Viognier with aromatic depth and balance. Township 7’s Benchmark Series Viognier delivers a real sensory experience from the first pour. It opens with aromas of ripe peach, orange blossom, ginger spice, and a touch of honeysuckle. The palate is rich, plush, and beautifully rounded, offering decadent stone fruit flavors that gently taper into a clean, dry, and balanced finish. This won wine of the night at my birthday celebration blind tasting. Well done, Mary. Check out my conversation with Mary on the Good Wine Gal YouTube Channel.

​Clos du Soleil – Fumé Blanc (2025)

​Location: Similkameen Valley, British Columbia
Winemaker: Michael Clark
Style of Wine: Dry Aromatic White Wine
ABV: 12.4%
Price at Winery: $26.90

Crafted in the rugged Similkameen Valley, this delicious Fumé Blanc highlights freshness and vibrancy that comes from  meticulous farming and thoughtful use of neutral oak barrels. Aromas of lime zest, lemongrass, and subtle smoke mingle with hints of flint and crushed herbs. The palate is rich and textural, driven by bright citrus core, underlying minerality, and a wonderfully creamy finish. It makes a magnificent pairing for roasted chicken, goat cheese tarts, or garlic-butter prawns.
​Check out my Clos du Soleil story on the Good Wine Gal blog. 

O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars – Chardonnay (2019)

​Location: Lake Country, British Columbia
Winemaker: Stephanie Stanley
Style of Wine: Dry Oaked White Wine
ABV: 13.5%
Price at Winery: $38.00

This mature 2019 vintage Chardonnay exemplifies cool-climate grace and complexity. Elegant aromas of crisp yellow apple, lemon curd, toasted hazelnuts, and subtle baking spice rise effortlessly from the glass. The flavours persist on the palate - lemon, pineapple, apple crumble and crème brûlée and is beautifully balanced with a creamy texture, vibrant acidity, and a long, lingering finish. It's a classic and an exceptional pairing for rich seafood dishes, roasted turkey, or creamy mushroom risotto. Well done, Stephanie! Gold at Chardonnay du Monde.

Hester Creek Estate Winery – Pinot Gris (2025)

​Location: Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, British Columbia
Winemaker: Mark Hopley
Style of Wine: Dry Aromatic White Wine
ABV: 12.7%
Price at Winery: $21.99

Grown on the renowned Golden Mile Bench, this Pinot Gris captures the elegance and warmth of Oliver’s premier terroir. The nose opens with inviting layers of ripe pear, crisp green apple, and subtle tropical melon nuances. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and smooth, balanced by a refreshing thread of natural acidity that keeps the fruit flavors vibrant and lively through the finish. Sip it chilled on a warm afternoon or pair it with light summer pastas and seafood. If you like this, you'll also love the 2025 Pinot Blanc. 

​Hester Creek Estate Winery – Old Vine Trebbiano (2025)

​Location: Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, British Columbia
Winemaker: Mark Hopley
Style of Wine: Dry White Wine
ABV: 12.0%
Price at Winery: $24.99

Produced from historic Block 16, some of Canada's oldest Trebbiano vines situated on the historic Golden Mile Bench, this rare heritage wine is a true Okanagan treasure. It presents a delicate yet captivating profile of white peach, green pear, crisp tart lemon, wet stone, and subtle floral notes. The palate is dry, light and supremely refreshing, featuring vibrant acidity that captures its concentration and unique heritage. A fantastic conversation starter, it pairs wonderfully with fresh oysters, sushi, or light grilled fish. Winner!

​Kismet Estate Winery – Infinity Rosé (2025)

​Location: Oliver, British Columbia
Winemaker: Manpreet Dhaliwal
Style of Wine: Dry Rosé Wine
ABV: 13.0%
Price at Winery: $24.99

Sourced from the sun-drenched vineyards of the southern Okanagan Valley, Kismet Estate Winery’s Infinity Rosé is a crowd-pleaser that embodies summer chill. The wine is fragrant with aromas of fresh watermelon, crushed strawberries, and a touch of white floral perfume. On the palate, it is dry, refreshing, anchored by juicy red berry flavors and a clean, crisp finish. Enjoy it chilled alongside Indian chat or spicy seafood tacos. Gold at All Canadian Wine Championship 2026.
Check out my conversation with Manpreet on the Good Wine Gal YouTube Channel.

 The View Winery – Pinotage Rosé (2025)

​Location: East Kelowna Slopes, British Columbia
Winemaker: Kristen French
Style of Wine: Dry Varietal Rosé
ABV: 13.5%
Price at Winery: $24.95

Highlighting a unique South African variety with a BC expression, this Pinotage Rosé from the East Kelowna Slopes brings a distinct character to the glass. Its nose offers intriguing aromas of ripe red cherry, pomegranate, and a subtle savory earthiness. The palate is structured and vibrant, featuring bright fruit flavors supported by a crisp, refreshing backbone. This distinct rosé offers incredible versatility at the dinner table, pairing wonderfully with grilled pork chops or artisanal charcuterie. Gold at All Canadian Wine Championship 2026.

​Wild Goose Winery – Rosé (2025)

​Location: Okanagan Falls, British Columbia
Winemaker: Nikolas Kruger
Style of Wine: Dry Rosé
ABV: 12%
Price at Winery: $19.99

From one of the Okanagan Valley's most celebrated estates, this 2025 Rosé captures the pure vibrancy of late-summer fruit. Pronounced aromas of pink grapefruit, wild red berries, and subtle crushed stone lead into a crisp, off-dry palate defined by the perfect balance of sweet and tart. It's energetic and refreshing. This is really flavourful and harmonious that transitions effortlessly from afternoon lounging on the deck to pairing with grilled salmon or fresh summer vegetable skewers. What a great price! Wow. 

​Gneiss Wines – Tempranillo Rosé (2025)

​Location: District Wine Village, Oliver, British Columbia
Winemaker: Scott Robinson
Style of Wine: Dry Varietal Rosé
ABV: 14.3%
Price at Winery: $29.99

Gneiss Wines crafts compelling, site-driven expressions that highlight the unique character of BC terroir. This striking 2025 Tempranillo Rosé offers a rare and exciting spin on this Spanish varietal, capturing a gorgeous bright cherry hue and an electric flavour profile. On the nose, wild red berries, fresh pomegranate, and subtle savory herbs. The palate is dry, crisp, and refreshing, balancing vibrant acidity with body and concentration. It is an absolute standout pour for late-summer patio lounging or pairing with tapas and grilled seafood. It's a serious wine.
Check out my conversation with Josie Tyabji on the Good Wine Gal YouTube Channel.

Thanks for reading. 

Please leave a comment below. If you have not yet subscribed to the Good Wine Gal newsletter - isn't it time for Good Wine News? Don't miss the upcoming "tasting" schedule and plans for the winter season. If you liked this please like, share and subscribe. Cheers.