Looking for something to do this winter in Kelowna? A little local insider tip: wineries aren’t just for the summer! I think I’ve found my new favourite Kelowna Winter Winery Experience! 10/10, the Culinary Demonstrations at beautiful Mission Hill, each dish expertly paired with world-class wine, truly can’t be beat.
When it’s cold outside, cozying up inside the stone walls of Mission Hill Family Estates transports you to a completely different time and place. If you’ve been there before you know exactly what I’m talking about! It feels like you are somewhere historic in Europe, surrounded by stunning architectural details and a panoramic view of the valley, the property features an open-air Ampitheater and a 12- storey Bell Tower with French bells, each representing a member of owner Anthony von Mandl’s family. If you’re lucky to hear them, the bells ring every half hour and five times on the hour!
I grew up down the hill from the winery, and it has been so incredible to see the transformation over the years. Mission Hill put the BC wine scene on the map; one visit to the winery and sip of their wine is enough to demonstrate how they did it!
Mission Hill Culinary Demonstrations
It’s no surprise as a foodie and wine lover, a culinary demonstration at a winery is right up my alley. Let me walk you through what it is all about! First, you need to book ahead and pick a theme. I went to “Homemade European Comforts” earlier this month (they had me at pierogies), but there are so many great ones ahead such as: The Science of Food & Wine, A Carnivore’s BBQ, Valentine’s Dinner for Two and Ocean Exploration to name a few.
I started my night getting there early (first time for everything, but hey, it’s wine and food) to be able to take in the property and tour the winery! It is truly stunning and the wine shop is a must-visit. We then took our seats in their intimate Culinary Theatre. Their expert Culinary Team live-action preps and serves a stunning four-course meal, while Wine Ambassadors discuss how wines pair with the dishes we are tasting. I LOVE the behind-the-scenes peek and front-row-seat dining experience. It was such a memorable evening! I left with a head full of new culinary and wine knowledge, and a belly full of exceptional food.
Is Winter a Good Time to Visit a Winery?
YES! Winter is such a lovely time to visit wineries like Mission Hill Family Estates. Explore the stunning property, cozy up inside the wine shop (this shop is so cute and home to the best gifts!), and take advantage of special events like their Culinary Demonstrations and various tasting experiences.
Mission Hill is gorgeous in the wintertime, and if you’re lucky enough to be there on a clear day you can enjoy the best views of Okanagan Lake.
Visit Mission Hill Winery
Mission Hill Family Estate is located in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley (right in my own neighbourhood!) and offers visitors an exceptional experience in a setting of unparalleled natural beauty and extraordinary architecture. This family-owned estate winery is known for its exemplary vineyards and award-winning wines. Fun fact: they are Canada’s only five-time winner of Winery of the Year and have received multiple best-varietal awards on the international stage. Cheers to that!
When visiting, make a point to take part in a tour that shows you the underground barrel cellar. It is blasted out of volcanic rock, and a totally unique experience. You can quite literally see and feel the side of the mountain (a dormant volcano, Mount Boucherie) it is nestled in!
Of course, in the summer this winery is also like no other with outdoor dining, tastings and concerts…..But I’ll save that for another blog!
