Sip, Savour & Stroll: Okanagan’s Spring Blossoms + Exclusive Winery Perks!
PLUS don't miss the FREE & discount Canadian items at the bottom of the email!
Sip, Stroll & Savour: Why Spring is the Best Time to Visit Kelowna
Springtime in Kelowna is a secret worth sharing. Before the summer crowds descend, the orchards and vineyards awaken, filling the valley with breathtaking blossoms and fresh energy. If you’re looking for a peaceful, sensory-rich getaway, this is your sign to visit Kelowna during cherry, apple, and pear blossom season (April and May, weather dependent).
(Read the full article here with map and video)
Picture yourself wandering through fragrant orchards as delicate pink and white flowers waft on a warm breeze. The air is sweet with the scent of new beginnings, and every step feels like walking through a dreamscape with vineyards being neighbours to orchards. The same trees you see in bloom will bear fruit in just a few months, making it even more special to know that you can return in the summer to pick the very cherries or apples you saw blooming.
Wine lovers, this is your moment! It is bud break which is when the first vine leaves emerge from the pruned stalks. Kelowna’s wineries are also open, fully stocked, and eager to pour their latest vintages—without the long waits of peak season.
With the terrible winter cold snap from January 2024, many wineries were left with little to no yield from summer of 2024. Wineries then were force to collaborate with neighbours to the south - Washington and Oregon. In 2025 Okanagan wineries will truly be pouring something you’ve never tasted before as our local wine makers create something entirely new with grapes from the USA. If you’re interested in hearing more about this I suggest you watch my video with Okanagan winery owner, Rob Kubek of Lightning Rock in Summerland, BC.
Spring time is a great opportunity with the fewer crowds to sip award-winning wines, chat with winemakers, and experience the beauty of vineyards as they shake off winter’s chill.
Whether you’re savouring a glass of crisp rosé with a vineyard view, taking a leisurely bike ride through orchard-lined roads, or enjoying a farm-to-table meal featuring the Okanagan’s freshest ingredients, spring in Kelowna is pure magic.
Looking for a great way to explore the Okanagan? I love to travel by ebike in the East Kelowna Bench. Did you know, East Kelowna is a sub-geographical indicator? That means it’s a unique terroir within an existing wine region (to be brief).
You can book a DIY wine tour that includes ebike rental, wine tastings and lunch within the East Kelowna area. Highly recommend! My family took this tour and loved playing tourist in our home town, exploring by ebike and taking a moment for photo stops!
Do some good in the Okanagan community & volunteer with Chefs in the Classroom
Volunteer for 1 day per week for a few hours or lend a hand with administration work. Share this post to spread the word to someone who might be handy in the kitchen or passionate about food! Send an email here: info@chefsintheclassroom.com
Where to next?
Real talk. I had plans to head to the USA but with the uncomfortable weirdness between them and Canada right now I have put all US travel plans on hold. BUT I am excited because I am all about proving Canadian food doesn’t suck which means I will be refocusing my travel dollars within Canada! Other than exploring the Okanagan wine valley (my home base in British Columbia) I am currently planning….
March - Vancouver, BC
April - Richmond Night Market opens & Surrey Spice Trail
May - Nelson, BC or Calgary, Alberta with a side trip to Banff
June - Saskatoon for TMAC conference and or Kamloops Powwow
Tell me what are your plans?
Canadian foodie products & discounts
Ultimate All Canadian Snack Box - Maybe send it to your favourite American? Or keep all the Canadian goodness for yourself!
Alicja Confections is home to Canada’s postcard chocolate bar - send one to a friend in need of a unique flavour within Canada! Get 15% off your order with code FOODIETOWNCA
CITYEATS is the largest Jamaican spice producer in Canada and is operated here in Kelowna, British Columbia. Seriously amazing spices and seasonings that are healthy! Get 10% off with code FOODIE10 at checkout.
Become a Certified Local at Haywire Winery FOR FREE! Get your card here.
The Certified Local card is free and includes:
🍷 Two complimentary tastings (for two people) per year (March 15–June 15 & September 15–December 15)
🍷 Special rates on additional tastings
🍷 Early access to exclusive events & tastings
🍷 A special gift with their second Haywire Club shipment
🍽️ Dining & accommodation perks at Summerland Waterfront Resort, Zias Stonehouse Restaurant, Summerland Heritage Cider Co., and Flambé At Home