Full Day 4 Wineries Mission Hill & Quails Gate With Lunch Stop*

If you’re contemplating a day of wine tasting in British Columbia’s famed Kelowna & Okanagan Valley, this tour provides a well-organized, intimate experience that balances professional guidance with authentic winery visits. While we haven’t personally joined this exact tour, the glowing reviews, comprehensive itinerary, and dedicated guide make it an attractive choice for wine lovers and curious travelers alike.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is its small group size, which translates into personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere. The seamless transport from your hotel means you can focus on enjoying the wines without the hassle of driving. And with visits to four top wineries—including the prestigious Mission Hill Family Estate and Quails’ Gate, two major players in the regional wine scene—you’re guaranteed a taste of the area’s best.

However, one aspect to keep in mind is that lunch is not included—so plan your midday meal accordingly. This tour is ideal for those who want to relax, learn, and indulge in the Kelowna region’s wine culture without the stress of navigating between vineyards on their own. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone looking for a well-paced, knowledgeable introduction to this vibrant wine region.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a comfortable experience.
• Round-trip hotel pickup simplifies logistics, letting you focus on tasting and enjoying.
• Four curated winery visits include top wineries like Mission Hill and Quails’ Gate.
• Expert guide offers insights into the region’s winemaking and local culture.
• Tastings included in the tour price, with a cooler provided for any wines you wish to take home.
• Lunch on your own gives flexibility to choose a meal that suits your taste and schedule.

Why You’ll Love This Tour

This tour is designed for wine enthusiasts who value expert guidance and the chance to sample a curated selection of wines in an intimate setting. The 7-hour experience balances structured visits with enough free time for photos, conversations, or a quick snack. The small group of up to 10 travelers means you’re not lost in a crowd—it’s more like a relaxed wine-loving gathering.

The highlight for many travelers is the visit to Mission Hill Family Estate, renowned for its impressive architecture and top-tier wines. Multiple reviews praise the VIP treatment here, with one noting the “guaranteed seated tastings” and “award-winning wines in a state-of-the-art tasting salon.” It’s a real treat to sip on acclaimed wines while soaking in the stunning vineyard views.

At Quails’ Gate, you’ll experience a family-owned winery with over six decades of tradition, providing consistently high-quality wines. Visitors often remark on the knowledgeable staff and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere—making it one of Canada’s most respected wineries.

The inclusion of Black Swift Vineyards and Frind Estate Winery adds variety, offering whites, rosés, and reds that showcase the region’s diversity. Several reviews highlight the quality of the wines and the excellent service, with one traveler noting how the wineries “provide us with five-star service” and others appreciating the knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience with storytelling and insights.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Stop 1: Mission Hill Family Estate Winery

Our first stop is a firm highlight. This iconic vineyard offers more than just wine—it delivers a visual feast of rolling vineyards and striking architecture. The seated tastings here, included in the tour, allow visitors to relax and savor top-tier wines in a luxurious setting. Expect to sample both award-winning wines and new releases in a modern tasting salon, giving you a taste of both tradition and innovation.

One reviewer marveled that Mission Hill was the “highlight of the tour”, praising the VIP experience and the quality of the wines. While the winery is popular, the advance booking and guaranteed seating help avoid long waits or disappointment—something to consider during peak seasons.

Stop 2: Quails’ Gate Winery

Next, you visit Quails’ Gate, a perennial favorite among visitors. This family-owned winery, with over 60 years of history, reflects a commitment to consistency and quality. Many reviews mention the staff’s knowledgeable and friendly nature, making tastings both educational and enjoyable. You’ll get a good sense of the region’s signature varietals here, with a chance to try their reds, whites, and perhaps a rosé.

The reviews highlight how this stop offers a “great service” and “wines of high quality”, reinforcing its reputation. The winery’s setting provides beautiful views of the vineyard and mountains, perfect for a quick photo or two.

Stop 3: Black Swift Vineyards

This boutique winery is a bit more off the beaten path, but many travelers appreciate the more intimate experience. The tasting here lasts about 45 minutes, during which you’ll likely encounter less commercialized wines with unique character. The group is guided by Jason Parkes, adding a personal touch.

Reviews suggest that the wines and the staff’s knowledge make this stop worthwhile, especially for those wanting to explore beyond the most famous vineyards. The experience offers a glimpse into smaller-scale production, often with a more personalized approach.

Stop 4: Frind Estate Winery

Our final stop focuses on various reds, whites, and rosés. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and diverse wine offerings, Frind Estate rounds out the day with a variety of tasting options. The reviews note the high quality of wines and the well-presented service.

Though the tasting time here is about 45 minutes, many travelers comment that it’s a fitting end, leaving you with a good selection of wines and the opportunity to purchase bottles to enjoy later.

What You Can Expect: Logistics, Value, and Experience

Transportation & Group Size

The tour provides round-trip pickup and drop-off, removing the stress of arranging transportation yourself. This means you can fully indulge without worrying about driving or navigating between wineries. The small group size (up to 10 people) adds a layer of comfort and intimacy, making it easy to ask questions or chat with your guide.

Timing & Pacing

Starting at 10:00 am, the tour lasts approximately 7 hours, which strikes a good balance between sightseeing and tasting. The visits are well spaced out, with about an hour at the major wineries and 45 minutes at smaller ones. This pacing means you get enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Cost & Value

At $162.34 per person, the tour offers good value, considering the inclusions of four winery visits, guided tastings, a cooler for wines**, and personalized attention. While lunch isn’t included, you have the freedom to choose what and where to eat—whether a sit-down meal or a quick snack—giving flexibility for different budgets and tastes.

Authenticity & Expertise

The reviews consistently praise the guide’s knowledge and friendliness, with one remarking that Arthur “went above expectations” and made everyone feel special. Such personalized service elevates the experience from just a tasting to an educational journey.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re someone who appreciates well-curated wine experiences and values small group intimacy, this tour checks many boxes. The combination of top wineries, friendly guides, and the opportunity to learn while tasting makes it ideal for first-timers and seasoned wine lovers alike.

Travelers who enjoy scenic vineyard views, delicious wines, and informative commentary will find this tour rewarding. It’s particularly suited for those who prefer a relaxed pace without the hassle of organizing transport or dealing with large crowds.

However, bear in mind that lunch is on your own—so you might want to pack a light snack or plan a meal during the day. Also, if you’re looking for a full-day experience with meals included, this might not be the best fit.

This tour offers a fantastic introduction to Kelowna’s wine culture at a reasonable price, delivered by guides who genuinely care about their guests’ experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes. The tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel, making logistics straightforward.

How many wineries are visited?
Four wineries are included in the itinerary, including Mission Hill and Quails’ Gate, with two additional boutique wineries.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, starting at 10:00 am and returning in the early evening.

Is lunch included in the price?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll need to plan for a meal either before or after the tour, or during your free time.

What is the group size?
Most tours have a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Are wine tastings included?
Yes, tastings are part of the tour fee, and you will enjoy several samples at each winery.

Can I buy wines during the tour?
Absolutely, each winery offers the chance to purchase bottles, and a cooler is provided to store wines you wish to take home.

To sum it up, if you’re eager to enjoy Kelowna’s best wineries with a knowledgeable guide, in a relaxed and intimate setting, this tour offers excellent value. It’s perfect for those who want to indulge in regional wines without the stress of planning, and it’s especially suited for small groups seeking a personalized touch. Take your wine curiosity to new heights while soaking up the stunning scenery and friendly local atmosphere.