River Stone Estate Winery
Discover balanced Bordeaux-style wines and enjoy a charming garden tasting experience in the heart of Oliver, BC.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music & garden vibes
River Stone Estate Winery
Best Time
Live music & garden vibes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover balanced Bordeaux-style wines and enjoy a charming garden tasting experience in the heart of Oliver, BC.
"A lovely place to be with delicious wine and a beautiful location, highly recommended!"
🎯 Book Group Tastings
For groups, booking ahead is essential to secure your spot and ensure a great experience. :ticket:
☀️ Stay Hydrated
Oliver gets very hot! Carry water and wear light clothing, especially during summer visits. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vineyard Garden Tasting
Garden Area
Enjoy delicious wines and charcuterie amidst a beautiful garden setting with live music. A truly relaxing experience.
Bordeaux-Style Blends
Tasting Room
Savor their signature Bordeaux-style wines, known for their balance and quality, reflecting the unique terroir.
Rosé All Day
Vineyard
Perfect for summer days, their rosés are a popular choice, offering a refreshing taste of the Okanagan.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tasting in Advance
Embrace the Okanagan Heat
Dress in light clothing, stay hydrated, and consider visiting during cooler parts of the day for a more comfortable experience. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Group Tastings
For groups, booking ahead is essential to secure your spot and ensure a great experience. :ticket:
☀️ Stay Hydrated
Oliver gets very hot! Carry water and wear light clothing, especially during summer visits.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Check their schedule for live music in the garden – it adds a wonderful ambiance to your tasting. :musical_note:
🍷 Try the Port
The Port is a highly recommended sweet and light wine, a favorite among visitors. :wine_glass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Group Tastings
For groups, booking ahead is essential to secure your spot and ensure a great experience. :ticket:
☀️ Stay Hydrated
Oliver gets very hot! Carry water and wear light clothing, especially during summer visits.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Check their schedule for live music in the garden – it adds a wonderful ambiance to your tasting. :musical_note:
🍷 Try the Port
The Port is a highly recommended sweet and light wine, a favorite among visitors. :wine_glass:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Consider bringing a charcuterie board or picnic to enjoy with your wine in the scenic vineyard. :cheese_wedge:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors frequently praise River Stone Estate Winery for its delicious wines, particularly the Bordeaux-style blends and rosés, and its beautiful garden setting with live music. The staff are generally noted as friendly and knowledgeable, contributing to a great value experience. However, a few reviews mention unprofessional service from specific staff members.
"We had a wonderful Saturday afternoon experience at this winery listening to live music in the garden. The options on this occasion were to order a flight or a glass of wine. We also had charcuterie. Everything was great value and Dave, who assisted us with our wine and food, was very knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend sitting in the garden for a seated tasting, which I've done on a previous visit. The wine is delicious and it's a lovely place to be."
Haley Sonne
"We came with a group of five ladies for a wine tasting. Trish did such a wonderful job with us. She was patient and knowledgeable and made us feel very welcome. The wine was delicious and the location is beautiful. It was a new winery for several of us, and we will definitely return."
Sonja Amy
"We stopped for the wine - no comment on the rooms or rentals. As for the wine and the tasting experience, really, really nice. So glad we made the choice to try somewhere new. Not hit so hard by the 2024 storm, River Stone has a really large selection compared to others in the valley. The sommelier was family and this is a family run vineyard which adds to the charm. Best location and vibe around if you are looking for smaller but excellent vineyards with the backing of some really good wine."
Kristof Langland
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The drive from Kelowna to River Stone Estate Winery in Oliver, BC, typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. You'll primarily take BC-97 South. It's a scenic drive through the Okanagan Valley.
Yes, River Stone Estate Winery offers parking for visitors. It's generally ample, but can get busy during peak times or events.
A day trip from Vancouver to River Stone Estate Winery is quite ambitious due to the 4-5 hour drive each way. It's more feasible as part of a longer Okanagan Valley trip.
For visiting multiple wineries like River Stone Estate Winery, consider hiring a local driver, using a wine tour service, or designating a sober driver. Ride-sharing services may be limited in the area.
Public transport options directly to River Stone Estate Winery are very limited. It's best to have your own vehicle or arrange private transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While walk-ins are sometimes accommodated, booking a tasting in advance is highly recommended, especially for groups or during busy periods, to guarantee your spot.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on their operating hours.
Tasting fees can vary. Visitors have mentioned options for flights or glasses of wine, with good value reported. It's advisable to check their current pricing on their website.
Policies on pets can vary. It's recommended to contact the winery directly to inquire about their pet policy, especially if you plan to visit with a dog.
Yes, River Stone Estate Winery sometimes hosts events, including markets like 'Market on the Mountain' and live music in their garden.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The winery offers a charming and relaxed atmosphere, with a beautiful garden and vineyard views. It's described as cozy and a lovely place to be.
Yes, visitors can enjoy picnics, often accompanied by charcuterie boards, in the scenic vineyard or garden areas.
Often, River Stone Estate Winery features live music, particularly on Saturday afternoons in their garden, enhancing the overall experience.
They are known for producing beautifully balanced Bordeaux-style wines and excellent BC Meritage blends, as well as popular rosés and Ports.
Generally, staff are described as knowledgeable and friendly, with specific mentions of excellent service from staff like Trish and Aidaan.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, they offer charcuterie boards that pair well with their wines, and visitors have praised the value and quality.
While they offer charcuterie, bringing your own picnic or snacks to enjoy with your wine is also a popular option, especially for a relaxed afternoon.
Typically, you can order charcuterie boards to complement your wine tasting experience.
Oliver has several dining options. For convenience, enjoying the charcuterie at the winery is a great choice, but local restaurants are available if you prefer a full meal.
Reviews suggest that the food, particularly the charcuterie, is considered great value for money.
📸 📸 Photography
The vineyard rows, the garden area with creek, and the scenic views of the surrounding landscape offer beautiful backdrops for photos.
Yes, the winery is picturesque year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery, while fall provides beautiful autumn colors.
Drone usage is often restricted at wineries to ensure guest safety and privacy. It's best to check with the winery directly before flying a drone.
Lifestyle shots, wine tasting photos, vineyard landscapes, and romantic couple photos are popular here.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. However, the garden and vineyard are lovely throughout the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during a time when it's less crowded, perhaps a weekday morning, to ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone. While not a dedicated 'kid zone,' the scenic beauty and relaxed atmosphere can be enjoyed by all ages.
🥂 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Opt for a seated tasting in the garden and pair it with a charcuterie board for a delightful afternoon. The winery's focus on quality Bordeaux-style wines and its serene setting make it a memorable destination for a romantic outing in the Okanagan.
🍷 Wine Enthusiasts
Don't miss trying their Port and rosés as well, which are frequently recommended. Engaging with knowledgeable staff can provide deeper insights into their winemaking process and the nuances of their offerings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Bordeaux-Style Wines
Visitors often praise the balanced complexity of these wines, noting their ability to stand alongside international benchmarks. The winemaking philosophy here emphasizes showcasing the terroir of Oliver, allowing the grapes to express their full character. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or new to the world of fine wines, experiencing these signature blends is a must.
Beyond their Bordeaux styles, River Stone also produces highly-regarded rosés and a delightful Port, offering a diverse range to suit various palates. The Port, in particular, is frequently highlighted as a sweet and light favorite among guests.
Experiencing the Vineyard Ambiance
This setting makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon, whether you're enjoying a flight of wine or a glass. The opportunity to pair your wine with a charcuterie board further enhances the experience, making it a perfect outing for couples, friends, or even a solo retreat. The cozy and charming vibe is frequently mentioned, contributing to its appeal as a top destination in the Okanagan.
For those looking to extend their enjoyment, the winery's surroundings are also incredibly photogenic. The rolling vineyards, the tranquil garden, and the natural beauty of the South Okanagan create a stunning backdrop for capturing memories.
Navigating Visitor Experiences
However, it's important to note that like any establishment, there can be occasional negative feedback. One detailed review mentioned a particularly poor experience with a specific wine server, citing unprofessional behavior and misinformation.
Despite any isolated issues, the consensus points towards River Stone Estate Winery being a smaller but excellent vineyard with high-quality wines and a charming atmosphere, making it a worthwhile stop for wine enthusiasts in the Okanagan.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit