Gray Monk Estate Winery

Gray Monk Estate Winery is one of the true pioneers of British Columbia wine. Founders George and Trudy Heiss planted their first grapes in Lake Country in 1972, and more than five decades later the hillside estate in the North Okanagan remains one of the region's landmark wine destinations. The 25-acre property is perched above Okanagan Lake with sweeping, panoramic views that alone justify the trip, and the winery is open for tastings daily year-round, a rarity in a region where many cellar doors close for winter. Gray Monk built its name on cool-climate whites and is recognized as a leading producer of VQA Pinot Gris, made from some of the province's heritage vines, alongside a broad range of other aromatic and cool-climate wines.

Visitors can choose from several tasting experiences designed to walk guests through the flavours and stories behind the wines, and guided options such as the estate tour explore the historic property and vineyards while telling the story of how the Heiss family helped shape the modern BC wine industry. The on-site Lookout Restaurant rounds out a visit with regional cuisine served against the backdrop of vines and lake, making Gray Monk an easy place to settle in for an afternoon rather than a quick stop. Wine club members receive discounts on tastings and other perks. Located in Lake Country between Kelowna and Vernon, the winery anchors the Scenic Sip wine area of the North Okanagan and pairs naturally with nearby lakeside beaches, orchards and the Okanagan Rail Trail. For first-time visitors to the valley, Gray Monk offers an ideal combination: genuine history, reliable cool-climate whites, full visitor services and one of the most photographed vineyard views in British Columbia.