Heaven's Gate Estate Winery

Heaven's Gate Estate Winery is a family-run vineyard and winery on Happy Valley Road in Summerland, part of the Bottleneck Drive wine route that loops through the orchards and benchlands of this central Okanagan town. The winery opened its gates in August 2011 and has since built a loyal following for its award-winning small-batch wines and its relaxed, welcoming style of hospitality. Tastings are poured in a log cabin tasting room, an appropriately rustic setting for a property that overlooks Okanagan Lake from the high ground south of town. The estate lineup has featured aromatic whites such as Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon alongside reds including Merlot, Malbec and an estate-grown Gamay Noir, all made from 100 percent BC VQA grapes.

Heaven's Gate is a particularly good stop for travellers who like to linger. The property includes a picnic area and patio where guests are welcome to bring their own lunch and enjoy it with a bottle, and on summer Saturday afternoons live music adds to the atmosphere. The winery operates seasonally, generally welcoming visitors daily from spring through fall, and tastings can be booked ahead through its reservation system, which is recommended in the busy summer months. A wine club offers member pricing for those who want regular access to new releases. The location pairs easily with Summerland's other family wineries, cideries and fruit stands, and the town's beaches and the Kettle Valley Steam Railway are minutes away. For visitors seeking the small, personal side of Okanagan wine touring, with the owners often on hand and lake views in every direction, Heaven's Gate makes a memorable and unhurried stop.