From bustling breweries and to serene wineries; lively cideries and quirky distilleries, the North Okanagan boasts a diverse array of craft beverage producers that reflect a rich cultural tapestry and commitment to quality ingredients. This summer, weβre toasting our local craft beverage scene. Find out where you can sip and savour the local flavours of our region.
Silver Star Village Sips
Beer & Wine Events
Our annual wine and beer events return to Silver Star for the 2024 summer season. First up, Valley First presents Solstice SIPS on June 22. This Summer Solstice-themed afternoon features wine tasting and live music in the welcoming village setting. The Silver Star Beer & Cider Festival returns for another year on September 7 with tastings from some of BCβs top breweries and cideries. This highly anticipated event sells out every year, so get your tickets soon. Visit our events page to see whatβs on this season, including the Summer Music Series, which runs every Saturday afternoons all season long.
Patio Sessions On Point
With the Okanagan Valley and Monashee Mountains as a stunning backdrop, unwind at a local patio and enjoy the mountain atmosphere. The Red Antler patio is a favorite for its lively ambiance, pub fare, and a great selection of cocktails and craft bevvies. The Bulldog Grand CafΓ© offers a European-style patio experience with a relaxed vibe and plenty of great local craft beverages on tap. Black Pine Social patio provides a more upscale setting with artisan cocktails, craft beer and a stellar wine menu. Their menu brings you around the world and right back home with a focus on sustainable, local ingredients. Find out more about dining in Silver Star Village.
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Vernon Area Sips
Cambium Cider – A Celebration of Okanagan Apples
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Just a stone’s throw away from Silver Star, Cambium Cider offers a unique cider experience that focuses on small-batch production and local ingredients. Their ciders are a celebration of the North Okanagan’s apple heritage, featuring a range of styles from dry to sweet, all with a distinct local flair since they grow their own apples on site. Visit their cidery for a relaxing vibe, delicious food from their wood-fired kitchen, and live entertainment.
Silverstar Brewing – Craftsmanship & Community
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Silverstar Brewing in the heart of downtown Vernon is a testament to the craftsmanship and community spirit that permeates the Okanaganβs craft beverage industry. This brewery is not only about excellent beers but also about creating a space where the community can come together. Their robust selection of beers, crafted with precision and care, is perfectly complemented by their vibrant community events, making Silverstar Brewing a cornerstone of local culture.
Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery – A Spirited Experiences
Named Distillery of the Year by the World Spirits Awards in Europe three times, Okanagan Spirits offers visitors an educational experience on the art of distilling at their flagship location in Vernon. In this 1930s-style production facility, guests can sample a variety of whiskey, gin, vodka, Canadaβs first genuine absinthe, and liqueurs. The distillery is home to North America’s tallest copper pot still and features the inviting Barrel Room Patio and Lounge, where visitors can relax and enjoy their tastings.
Lake Country, Kelowna and Shuswap Area Sips
Three Lakes – Brewed by Women, Enjoyed by Everyone
Three Lakes Brewing is making a name for itself, working to build a craft brewery based on a love of the outdoors and a passion for paving the way. This female-led brewery is not just about crafting excellent beers; it’s a statement of innovation and empowerment in the brewing industry. Three Lakes offers a range of meticulously crafted beers that highlight local ingredients and bold flavors. A visit here provides a taste of their unique brews and an insight into the passionate community that supports and celebrates diversity in brewing.
Ricochet Brewing – Locally Sourced Ingredients
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In the nearby Shuswap area, Ricochet Brewing stands out with its commitment to locally sourced ingredients. The Ricochet team dreams up beers that push the boundaries of traditional brewing. Their taproom, launching in 2024, will be a favorite local hangout where you can enjoy a cold one while participating in events or simply soaking in the local vibe. Stay tuned to @ricochet.brewing for updates on opening day.
Shuswap Cider – The Return of the Golden Age
Shuswap Cider brings a fresh twist to the Golden Age of the 1920s, reinvigorating this beloved apple to the modern day. This cidery prides itself on creating ciders that range from traditional to experimental, catering to both purists and adventurers alike.
Lake Country Wineries – Wine With a View
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Lake Country, located roughly an hour’s drive south of Silver Star Village, lives up to its name with several beautiful lakes decorating the landscape. Between the vast Okanagan Lake and the more intimate Wood Lake, you’ll find a cluster of notable vineyards. Gray Monk, Ex Nihilo Vineyards, and Arrowleaf Cellars not only offer delightful wine tastings but also boast panoramic views of the lakeshores. For a farm-to-table dining experience, Block ONE Restaurant at 50th Parallel Estate pairs exquisite meals with fine wines. Don’t miss a chance to visit the Pebble Beach picnic area while there, where you can enjoy tranquil lake vistas.
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Wine tastingΒ Tip: Leave the car behind and book a tasting tour instead. Mojo Wine Tours and Sip Happens Wine Tours offer pick-up and drop-off service at Silver Star Village.
North Okanagan distilleries, cideries, and wineries are more than just places to enjoy a good drink. They are vibrant community hubs that offer a glimpse into our region’s cultural and agricultural richness. Each visit promises new flavours, stunning views, and the warmth of a community that cherishes local businesses.
Photo Credits:
Lianne Viau
Vanessa Garrison Photography
