Can Non-Drinkers Join a Kelowna Wine Tour? Absolutely—Here’s How to Plan It

When your group starts planning a wine tour, there is often one person who asks: “What if I don’t drink?”

The short answer is yes—non-drinkers can absolutely enjoy a Kelowna wine tour. An Okanagan winery day is about much more than the contents of a glass. It is also a chance to spend time together, take in vineyard and lake views, discover the stories behind the region, enjoy local food and let someone else handle the driving and itinerary.

The key is telling your tour company in advance. That gives the team time to recommend the right format and build a day that feels inclusive for everyone.

Why non-drinkers still enjoy Okanagan wine country

Wine may be the headline, but it is not the whole experience. Kelowna, West Kelowna and Lake Country combine vineyards with orchards, lake views, distinctive architecture, relaxed patios and plenty of photo-worthy scenery.

Tourism Kelowna notes that many local wineries welcome non-drinkers and offer other reasons to visit, including non-alcoholic choices, vineyard walks, dining experiences, patios and events. What is available differs from one winery to the next and can change seasonally, so it is best to treat these as possibilities rather than guarantees.

For many guests, the best part of a tour is simply having an uninterrupted day with their friends, partner, family or colleagues. You can still join the conversation, learn how the wines are made, explore the property and help the group decide which bottles deserve a trip home.

What can a non-drinker enjoy at an Okanagan winery?

The experience will depend on the venues selected, but a non-drinking guest may be able to enjoy:

• Vineyard, orchard, mountain or Okanagan Lake views

• The winery’s story, architecture and local history

• Food, snacks or a planned lunch stop

• Alcohol-free beverages where the winery offers them

• Shopping for local products or gifts

• Photos and time with the rest of the group

Not every tasting room provides a formal alcohol-free flight or mocktail menu. If a particular alternative is important—such as sparkling water, juice or a zero-proof drink—tell BARE before the tour. We can check what is currently available while planning the route, but individual winery offerings remain subject to change.

Is a private or public wine tour better for a mixed group?

For a group that includes several wine drinkers and one or more non-drinkers, a private tour usually offers the most flexibility.

With a private Kelowna wine tour, the vehicle is reserved for your crew and the itinerary can be shaped around the group’s interests. That makes it easier to balance traditional tastings with scenery, food, relaxed pacing or venues that have something extra for guests who are not tasting.

BARE currently lists a separate non-drinker rate on its private-tour options. Because pricing and venue costs can change, check the current tour page or request a quote for your date rather than relying on an older price found elsewhere online.

A public wine tour is designed as a shared tasting experience with a planned route. A non-drinking guest may still be able to join, but contact BARE before booking so we can confirm that the specific tour is a good fit and explain how the seat will be priced.

Tell us before the itinerary is built

The most useful information is simple:

• How many guests will not be drinking

• Whether they are comfortable visiting traditional tasting rooms

• Whether food, scenery or alcohol-free drinks are most important to them

• Any dietary or accessibility considerations the group wants us to know about

• Whether the group would prefer a wine-only route or a broader experience

This is not about putting the non-drinker on the spot. It is about giving the planning team enough notice to avoid a day where one guest feels like an afterthought.

Do you need a designated driver on a guided wine tour?

No one in your group needs to take on the designated-driver role when you book a guided tour. Your BARE guide handles the driving and route, allowing everyone—including the guest who is not drinking—to relax and enjoy the day together.

That does not mean a non-drinker is simply paying for transportation while everyone else has fun. On the right itinerary, they are part of the shared experience from pickup to drop-off.

What if someone changes their mind during the tour?

A guest never has to drink just because a tasting is available. It is perfectly acceptable to decline a pour, skip a wine, use a spittoon or stop tasting at any point.

Similarly, a guest who planned to taste may decide they have had enough for the day. Water, food and a sensible pace matter on any wine tour. The aim is not to finish every glass; it is to enjoy the region responsibly and remember the experience for the right reasons.

The best wine tour is one the whole group enjoys

If one member of your group does not drink, you do not have to leave them behind—or ask them to spend the day driving everyone else.

Choose a tour format that suits the whole crew, be open about what everyone wants from the day and let the BARE team help with the details. We will explain the current options and create the best fit available for your group.

Explore BARE’s private and public Kelowna wine tours, or send us your group size, preferred date and number of non-drinkers to start planning.