Enjoy a Wine-filled Weekend Getaway

Escape to summery South Okanagan to experience the beauty of Burrowing Owl’s luxurious winery and its surroundings

Submersing yourself in true wine country is a treat that many Vancouverites know well. Whether it’s a bike tour of Penticton’s Naramata Bench or a guided tour of Kelowna’s Mission Hill, there are endless wine-related trips within driving distance of the city. However, the Okanagan is woefully short of one-site winery resorts. Enter Burrowing Owl Winery and Guest House. Only five hours from Vancouver, Burrowing Owl offers a winery, luxury accommodations and a pool-side respite all in one.

Pit stop along the Crowsnest Highway

While five hours doesn’t make for a lengthy road trip, it provides plenty of time for several stops along the way. The temperature tends to spike east of Hope so stop for a refreshing dip at Bromley Rock. Located just outside of Princeton, Bromley Rock offers a spectacular swimming hole and lazy river.

Another unique pit stop is the blink-and-you-missed-it town of Hedley. A stroll through the downtown will only take a moment but if you have time to spare, take a guided tour of the historic Mascot Gold Mine.

Stay at the Burrowing Owl Winery and Guest House

While the sheer number of wineries in the South Okanagan can be overwhelming, be sure to drop by Burrowing Owl. The winery has a donation-based tasting room and allows for both guided and self-guided tours of entire facility.

Stopping at Burrowing Owl for a wine tasting is a treat, but for true luxury check into the adjacent guesthouse. With only eleven rooms, the guesthouse offers an intimate stay among the vineyards, including stunning views and a heated outdoor pool. Stop in at the winery’s tasting room to grab a bottle or two to enjoy on your private patio. After a wine-soaked evening, there is nothing better than a dip in the pool before gorging on an ever-changing and delicious complimentary breakfast.

Explore Oliver

Burrowing Owl is located directly in the middle of two towns, providing plenty of options for excursions. Escape the relative bustle of nearby Osoyoos and head 10 minutes north to check out Oliver’s small-town charm.

If after an afternoon of window shopping and antiquing in the walkable downtown you have worked up an appetite, head to El Sabor De Marina for lunch. This rustic outdoor cantina offers simple, authentic Mexican food and is perfect for an on-the-go meal. But beware: its popularity with locals and tourists alike mean that the tables can fill up quickly.

Dine in the Sonora Room

The summer months see the wineries of the South Okanagan extend their hours and, thankfully, open their restaurants. The region is surrounded by some of B.C.’s best produce which provides the perfect reason to indulge in a special meal.

While Tinhorn Creek’s Miradoro Restaurant and Hester Creek’s Terrafina are excellent options, avoid a lengthy cab ride by making a reservation at Burrowing Owl’s Sonora Room. Whether you sit on the sun-soaked patio or opt for the cozy interior, The Sonora Room offers a dining experience that is truly worth writing home about. The gourmet comfort food, like Osso Buco and gnocchi, pairs perfectly with one of the restaurant’s exclusive Library Wines. Available only in the restaurant, Library Wines include exclusive vintages dating back to 2008 and are well worth a little splurge.