Quails' Gate Winery — Restaurant in West Kelowna

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Amazing winery with stunning views and exceptional wines!

Visited in mid‑2025, tasting and restaurant included

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🍷 The Wines & Tasting Experience • Part of a family-run estate since 1956 and winemaking since 1989—deep respect for terroir. Premium varietals like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc, Marechal Foch, and their flagship Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir are standout offerings.  • The Collectors Experience wines and guided tastings are elegant and educational—highlights included the Platinum-award-winning Chardonnay and complex Pinot Noir aged from 1970s vines.  • Many reviewers noted the ability to purchase a bottle and enjoy it right in the vineyard with provided plastic cups—a lovely, leisurely option. 

🌄 Setting & Atmosphere • Situated on Mount Boucherie’s slopes overlooking Okanagan Lake, the estate features vineyard terraces, beautiful patios, and sweeping vistas — ideal for photos and relaxation.  • The tasting room and restaurant include balconies and outdoor spaces perfect for sipping wine amid the vines. 

🍽️ Dining & Amenities • Old Vines Restaurant—among Canada’s top dining destinations—serves farm-to-table meals with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.  • There’s always the option to sip a wine on-site from the wine shop or tasting area.  

🙌 Service & Extras • Many visitors praised attentive, knowledgeable staff—especially during paired tastings and reserve experiences.  • That said, some reviewers experienced less consistent service—especially during peak rush periods or when the team appeared distracted. 

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✅ Pros • Premium, award-winning wines including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc—reflective of Okanagan’s unique terroir.  • Beautiful lakeside vineyard setting with breathtaking views.  • Flexible tasting experiences—from casual walk-ins to curated Collectors events—some include food pairings.  • Ability to sip wine on-site in the vineyards adds a relaxing touch. 

⚠️ Considerations • Service variability reported—some guests felt rushed or unattended during busy periods.   • Some tastings are pre-selected blends—not always guest’s personal wine picks—and tasting fees aren’t always reduced with bottle purchases.  • Reservations recommended for popular experiences or dining options.  

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Overall Recommendation Quails’ Gate is a premier Okanagan experience: exceptional wines, world-class views, and local dining excellence. Ideal for wine lovers seeking both quality and setting. Though a few reviews note inconsistencies in service, the majority celebrate the beauty and generosity of the estate. A highly recommended stop on any wine tour...

A Disappointing Experience at Quails’ Gate Winery – A Stark Contrast to Grizzli Winery

As a wine enthusiast who has visited some of the world’s finest wineries in Bordeaux, Tuscany, and Napa, I was curious to explore the Okanagan Valley’s offerings while golfing in Kelowna with my son’s friends. We chose Quails’ Gate Winery, drawn by its reputation, particularly its well-regarded on-site restaurant. Unfortunately, what followed was one of the most lackluster and unwelcoming wine-tasting experiences I’ve ever encountered.

From the moment we arrived, the service felt indifferent. We were directed to stand at the wine counter, where an Asian presenter named Erica (we are also Asian) was assigned to guide us through the tasting. The menu included four wines: Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. To my astonishment, Erica poured the Riesling without offering any description—no notes on its profile, origin, or even a basic introduction. When we finished, she simply handed us a bucket to dump the remaining wine and moved straight to the Chardonnay—without changing our glasses or providing water to cleanse our palates. This shocking lack of professionalism continued throughout the tasting, leaving us with muddled flavors and a sense of being rushed.

Even more frustrating was the dismissive attitude when I asked if we could step onto the balcony to enjoy the vineyard view. Erica curtly informed us that the area was "for escorted clients only"—without explaining how to arrange an escort—and suggested we go downstairs instead. At that point, we felt so unwelcome that we left immediately.

To determine whether this was typical of Okanagan wineries, we visited Grizzli Winery just minutes away. The contrast was night and day. Our host, Joey, warmly introduced himself, shared the winery’s history (founded by a Taiwanese couple from Richmond who fell in love with the valley), and ensured each wine was served in a fresh glass with water on the side. The experience was polished, engaging, and reminiscent of the hospitality we’ve enjoyed in Tuscany. Unsurprisingly, we left with a bottle of their rosé.

While both tastings were similarly priced, the experiences couldn’t have been more different. Quails’ Gate failed in service, education, and basic wine-tasting etiquette, whereas Grizzli exceeded expectations. For visitors exploring the Okanagan, I’d strongly recommend seeking out wineries that value their guests—because, as this comparison shows, not all are...

Quails’ Gate Winery – Wine, Views & Vibes 🍷🌄

Had the absolute best time at Quails’ Gate Winery with a friend, and honestly… this place is a 10/10 across the board! If you’re in Kelowna and looking for a wine-tasting experience that’s both classy and cool — this is the spot.

🍷 The Wine? Chef’s kiss. Every pour was better than the last. From crisp whites to bold reds, the balance and quality were next-level. The Pinot Noir and Chasselas-Pinot Blanc-Pinot Gris blend were standouts — smooth, vibrant, and so easy to fall in love with. Our tasting guide was super knowledgeable and made the experience fun and approachable, not overly serious or stuffy.

🌅 The View? Straight-up postcard material. We were sipping world-class wine while overlooking rows of lush vineyards and the glittering Okanagan Lake. It felt like a scene from a luxury travel magazine — pure magic.

👯‍♀️ The Vibe? Relaxed luxury. Whether you’re a wine newbie or a certified vino snob, Quails’ Gate makes you feel right at home. Beautiful architecture, chill ambiance, friendly staff, and all the little touches that turn a good wine tasting into a great one. It’s perfect for dates, besties, or solo serenity.

📸 Bonus: This place is Instagram gold. Every corner is picture-perfect — from the vines to the wine flights. You’re gonna want to snap a few (dozen) pics.

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Final thoughts? Quails’ Gate is where elegance meets laid-back Okanagan charm. Great wine, amazing views, good people — what more do you need? If you’re in Kelowna and skipping this place, you’re seriously missing out. 💯

Highly, highly recommend. Will definitely...