Fall in Kelowna is a season unlike any other.
The Okanagan Valley comes alive with crisp mornings, golden vineyards, and the sweet scent of ripe apples ready to be picked.
With world-class vineyards and family-run orchards just minutes from home, fall offers the perfect chance to get outside, explore, and taste the very best our region has to offer. Whether you’re a wine lover, a family searching for weekend activities, or someone who simply enjoys the beauty of autumn, we’ve got you covered in this month’s blog.
Bringing the Harvest Home
One of the best parts about exploring Kelowna’s vineyards and orchards in the fall is that the experience doesn’t end when you leave.
The harvest season is made for bringing fresh, local flavours back into your own kitchen.
A bag of hand-picked apples can be made into a warm apple crisp, while late-season pears add a sweet, seasonal touch to salads or a cheese board. Pair these with a bottle of locally crafted wine, and you have a meal that tastes like autumn in the Okanagan.
The Vineyards: A Symphony of Colour and Flavour
Kelowna’s reputation as a wine destination is well earned. The rolling hills surrounding the city are dotted with vineyards that produce everything from crisp Rieslings to bold Pinot Noirs.
In the fall, these vineyards become especially magical.
- Harvest Season. September and October mark the heart of harvest. Grapes are at their peak, and wineries are buzzing with activity. Many offer harvest tours where you can see (and sometimes even participate in) the grape-picking process.
- Scenic Views. Beyond the wine itself, the fall foliage paints the vineyards in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, creating postcard-worthy views with Okanagan Lake shimmering in the background.
- Seasonal Tastings. Fall is when wineries often debut new vintages. It’s also a chance to sample limited seasonal offerings, paired with hearty local foods that fit the cooler weather.
Local Vineyards to Visit Near Trailhead at the Ponds
With so many wineries in the Okanagan, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start.
The good news? Some of the best vineyards are just a short drive from Trailhead at the Ponds. These destinations are close enough for a spontaneous Saturday outing…or even a quick midweek escape:
- Summerhill Pyramid Winery. Just a short drive away, Summerhill is iconic for its pyramid-shaped wine cellar and sweeping views of the lake. Their biodynamic wines are perfect for fall sipping.
- CedarCreek Estate Winery. Known for its stunning vineyard setting, CedarCreek’s tasting room and restaurant make it a must-visit. Fall evenings on their patio are cozy and unforgettable.
- Tantalus Vineyards. Famous for Riesling, Tantalus is a local favourite and a great stop if you enjoy crisp, food-friendly wines.
The Orchards: A Taste of Tradition
While Kelowna’s wineries often get the spotlight, its orchards are just as special. Fall brings with it the harvest of apples, pears, and late-season stone fruit, all grown in the rich Okanagan soil.
- Pick-Your-Own Experiences. Local orchards invite families to wander the rows, filling baskets with crisp apples. It’s not just about the fruit; it’s a hands-on memory-making activity that kids especially love.
- Seasonal Treats. Beyond fruit, many orchards offer fresh-pressed cider, pies, and preserves. Nothing says “fall” like a warm apple cider on a crisp September day.
- Community Spirit. Orchards often host seasonal events like fall fairs, corn mazes, or hayrides; perfect for connecting with neighbours and enjoying the outdoors together.
Local Orchards to Explore
For Trailhead residents, the beauty is in the convenience.
You can load up the car with your family, spend an hour picking apples, and be back home in time to bake a pie before dinner. Here are a few of our favourite spots:
- Paynter’s Fruit Market. A family-run favourite, Paynter’s offers pick-your-own apples and pears, plus an on-site market filled with jams, honey, and freshly baked goods.
- Don-O-Ray Farms. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Don-O-Ray offers not just fruit but also a petting zoo and pumpkin patch in the fall.
- Kelowna Fruit n Veggies. A smaller option with a relaxed vibe, perfect for those who want to pick fruit without the crowds.
Why Fall Makes It All Better
So, what makes fall the perfect season to explore vineyards and orchards?
- Great Weather. September brings cooler, more comfortable temperatures. You can stroll through orchards or enjoy a glass of wine on a patio without the intense summer heat.
- Fewer Crowds. While summer attracts tourists, fall offers a calmer, more relaxed pace. You’ll find quieter tasting rooms and orchards with space to breathe.
- Peak Flavour. Fall is harvest time. The freshest fruit and newly bottled wines await. If you want the true Okanagan experience, this is when everything comes together.
- Scenic Beauty. The landscapes are stunning in autumn. Vineyards and orchards become a canvas of changing colours, with snow beginning to dust the mountain tops in the distance.
Living at Trailhead at the Ponds: Your Gateway to Fall Adventures
Fall in Kelowna is a time of abundance. Vineyards are heavy with grapes, orchards are bursting with apples, and the valley itself glows with autumn colour. Exploring it all is one of the greatest perks of living here because you’re right in the heart of it.
Ready to make Kelowna’s best seasons part of your everyday life? Discover Trailhead at the Ponds: where community, convenience, and natural beauty come together.
