Sipping Through Retirement: Wine, Lakes, and Laughs in Kelowna, a family holiday treat.

There’s nothing quite like sipping a chilled glass of Pinot Gris while gazing out over a sparkling lake, framed by mountains that look like they've been painted by a Canadian version of Monet. That was me—living my best retired life in Kelowna, right in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.

This wasn’t some grand, organised wine pilgrimage. It was a family visit, full of laughter, fresh air, and the kind of scenery that makes you stop mid-sentence just to say, “Look at that view!”

With family living so far away from us we don't see them often and a visit such as this is a rare treat, we have two children, along with their partners and two grandchildren, both of which have made their home and settled in Canada. We visit when we can and love to try new things with them, this was a family holiday all together in Kelowna

A Valley Worth Toasting

The Okanagan Valley is Canada’s biggest wine region, and Kelowna is its crown jewel. It’s a place where lakes meet vineyards, and wine tasting is practically a civic duty. With more than 80% of BC’s wine produced here, it’s no wonder people come from all over to swirl, sniff, and sip their way through the valley.

We chose to DIY our wine tours (who needs a bus when you have good company and a Google Maps), but if you prefer someone else doing the driving, there are plenty of organised tours to choose from, or what about cycling?

Vineyards We Loved

We visited a trio of stunning wineries—each one unique and unforgettable:

• Grey Monk Estate Winery: Perched on the edge of Lake Okanagan, this one made me feel like I’d stumbled into a Tuscan dream. We sipped crisp whites, admired the views, and I may have started planning a second retirement here.(then we thought about the harsh winters and started having second thoughts!)

• Arrowleaf Cellars: Elegant and relaxed, this place had the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to settle in for the afternoon. The wine? Divine. The setting? Postcard-perfect. Bonus: they had a picnic-style snack box so we could nibble while we sipped out in the garden area and much less formal than a full meal

• O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars: Surrounded by mountains and vines, this one had a full-service restaurant that matched the wines sip-for-sip in quality. A perfect spot for a long, lazy lunch with family.

Each winery offered something different—some served snacks to pair with your tasting flight, while others offered full meals. We didn't check ahead to see what's on offer, but probably would if we went back.

The Wines That Won Me Over

I’ve developed a definite fondness for Pinot Gris—it’s crisp, refreshing, and pairs beautifully with views of the lake (not to mention grilled fish). One Pinot Noir we tried wasn’t quite to my taste—there’s always one in the bunch! but another was more to my taste—and I’m still on the fence about rosé. It’s pretty in the glass, but not quite my cup of…wine. That said, half the fun is discovering what you like (and what you politely hand to someone else at the table).

Easygoing & Beautiful

Everything in this region we were staying, feels made for relaxed adventure. The wineries are close together, the views are absolutely jaw-dropping, and the pace is just right for those of us embracing life after the 9-to-5. There’s a real sense of slow living here—no rush, just good wine, good company, and stunning surroundings.

And if wine’s not your thing? You’ll still find art galleries, working farms fruit stands, cideries, cycling and walking trails galore. Honestly, because we have family here its easier to say this, but i’d come back just for the scenery (though the wine is a lovely bonus).

A Toast to Retirement

For me, this trip to Kelowna was a much deserved family holiday which is the main point of the visit, but the added adventure of the wine tasting experience —it was a reminder that retirement isn’t a finish line. It’s a doorway to new tastes, new experiences, and new reasons to raise a glass. And raise a glass I did. More than once.

Over to You 

Have you ever discovered a wine you loved while travelling? Or found a new experience you would consider finding out more about from a family holiday

Tell me your favourite wine travel memory or other new experience below—I’d love to hear what’s in your glass!