Red Rooster Winery — Attraction in Penticton

RED ROOSTER Red Rooster certainly ran down the checklist of attributes for a successful winery. Great view of vineyards? Strange sculpture that appears disconnected to the theme of the business? A bistro most people forget is even there? A large tasting room selling stuffed chickens, glasses, bottle openers, and occasionally wine?

Check, check, check, and check.

It’s a stunning location, with vast grassy fields with a shocking lack of grapes. The winery is spacious with ample counter space for numerous groups. Red Rooster does everything right—it just suffers from a lack of personality.

Or maybe it’s just context, or in contrast to competition. Red Rooster sits across the street from Ruby Blues, the latter overflowing in personality like the waters of the Okanagan (too soon?). High heel shoes. Volkswagen busses. And Red Rooster has chickens. Well…that’s okay too. If that garnish does not appeal to you, Red Rooster has an ample of selection of wine, most of which I didn’t purchase.

Nothing really spoke to me (in the metaphorical way, because if literal, then I have a condition). My girlfriend and I were on a wine trip from Osoyoos to Kelowna. Over a week, we visited 60 wineries and returned with 120 bottles. And obviously, Red Rooster made some form of impact, as we revisited them on a second trip with friends only a few week ago. But on my second trip, I still skipped most the selection. There were exceptions, like a slender bottle of 2013 cabernet franc icewine.

Yes, you got me there—I just mentioned none of the bottles appealed to me other than the most expensive one. Call me a sucker; I have a soft spot for red icewines. And it’s not even a large portion. Red Rooster has had its share of accolades, and I admit having a mixed palate, so feel free to ignore my eccentricities. Some of the wine I didn’t mind, just not enough to pile it into a box and carry it home. But outside of the wine itself, the winery checks all the aforementioned boxes. It does everything else right and is worthy of quick visit. At the very least, with a modicum of effort, you can walk here from across the street from Ruby Blues. Not only that, both Maple Leaf Spirits and D’Angelo also sit just within walking distance, and both of those are good (especially the latter), so why leave...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Red Rooster Winery, and I can't recommend this experience highly enough, especially thanks to Landon, who made the day unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, Landon’s warm and welcoming personality set the tone for an extraordinary visit. He greeted us with genuine enthusiasm and offered a wealth of knowledge about the winery, its history, and, of course, the wines. His passion for wine and the winery’s craft was immediately evident, and it made the entire tour feel like an educational adventure rather than just a tasting. Landon expertly guided us through the tasting process, offering detailed descriptions of each wine and sharing interesting stories behind the blends. His ability to explain the nuances of each varietal, without being overly technical, made the experience approachable for both novice wine drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts. He even went above and beyond by recommending food pairings that perfectly complemented each wine, which elevated the entire tasting. One of the highlights of the day was Landon’s insight into the vineyard’s sustainable practices. It was clear that Red Rooster is committed to producing quality wines while respecting the land, and Landon’s passion for the environment made the experience all the more special. Whether you’re visiting for the wine, the stunning views, or simply to learn more about the winemaking process, Landon will make your time at Red Rooster Winery one to remember. His personable approach and vast knowledge truly set the experience apart. I’m already looking forward to...

There are servers, there are storytellers, and then — once in a lifetime — there is Tori.

From the very first moment, she greeted us not with rehearsed lines, but with the kind of warmth and authenticity that made it feel like we’d stumbled into the company of a true friend. She didn’t just pour wine; she poured passion, knowledge, and joy into every single glass.

In fact, we almost didn’t make it in at all. The doors were closing just as we arrived, and any ordinary server might have sent us away. But not Tori. She welcomed us in anyway, saving our day with her generosity and kindness. That first visit was unforgettable — so unforgettable that when we returned later, she actually remembered us. That small but extraordinary detail sealed it: this review should have been written the first time, and we’re making up for it now.

Her explanations of each varietal were so vivid, so rich with detail and enthusiasm, that we felt like we were walking through the vineyards themselves, tasting not just the wine but the very history and heart of Red Rooster. She made us laugh, she made us think, and most importantly, she made us feel welcome in a way no guidebook could prepare you for.

By the time our experience was over, we weren’t just guests — we were friends, connected by the simple magic of great wine and even greater company.

To call Tori a server would be an injustice — she is an ambassador of passion, a curator of connection, and truly, the soul of Red Rooster Winery. If there were a hall of fame for hospitality, her name would be etched in gold at...