Heaven's Gate Estate Winery

The Vibe

Heaven's Gate is the kind of winery that almost didn't happen — and the Okanagan is better for it that it did. The story goes that the current owner was visiting family in Summerland when they happened to pass Heaven's Gate, stopped in for a tasting on a whim, and fell so completely in love with the wines and the setting that what began as a family joke about buying a winery became, within months, a very real life change. That impromptu, passion-driven origin story is entirely visible in every aspect of the experience — the handmade feel of the log cabin tasting room, the genuinely personal interactions with the owner, and the sense that this is a place where someone poured everything they had into making it special. The cascading fountain, the lake view, the Saturday live music drifting across the patio — Heaven's Gate earns its name quietly and completely.

The Experience

What Heaven's Gate lacks in scale it more than compensates for in warmth and genuine connection. The cozy log cabin tasting room seats a small number of guests at a time, meaning each tasting feels genuinely personal — hosts like Michael and Wells have earned near-legendary status in visitor reviews for their warmth, knowledge, and ability to make guests feel like the only people in the valley. The patio is a highlight in its own right — a sun-drenched terrace with a cascading fountain, picnic tables, and views across the vineyard to Okanagan Lake that invite guests to linger long after their tasting is finished. Picnics are not just permitted but actively encouraged, making Heaven's Gate one of the most relaxed and family-friendly stops on the entire Bottleneck Drive. Saturday afternoons in summer bring live music to the patio — check the Facebook page before visiting as the calendar fills up with local performers through July and August.

The Wine

Owner-winemaker Andy Sarglepp produces a focused range of small-batch 100% BC VQA wines from estate vines planted on the volcanic soils of Giant's Head Mountain — a terroir that delivers hot summer days tempered by cooling lake breezes, producing fruit of genuine intensity and character. The portfolio is led by the estate Gamay Noir — a wine of sweet vanilla and red berry complexity that has become the winery's most talked-about bottle — and a boldly structured Merlot with classic black cherry and oak character that delivers exceptional value at its price point. The Gewürztraminer is the standout white — spicy, aromatic, and distinctly expressive of the Summerland hillside terroir. The Sparkling Gamay is a playful and delicious departure — a lively and unusual expression that surprises first-time visitors and consistently sells out. Recent vintages have expanded into Malbec, Viognier, and a Sauvignon Blanc Semillon blend — rounding out a portfolio that is broader and more adventurous than its intimate setting might suggest.

Good to Know

• Best for: Couples, families, picnic lovers, visitors seeking a genuine and deeply personal boutique winery experience away from the larger crowds

• Don't miss: The estate Gamay Noir and the Sparkling Gamay — two genuinely unique bottles that you won't find anywhere else on the trail

• Signature wines: Estate Gamay Noir, Merlot, Sparkling Gamay, Gewürztraminer, Viognier

• Tasting fee: $10 per person for five pours — refunded with any bottle purchase

• Hours: Daily May–October 10am–5:30pm — by appointment November–April

• Picnic friendly: Yes — warmly encouraged, bring your own food and pair it with a bottle on the lake view patio

• Dog and family friendly: Yes — one of the most welcoming stops on Bottleneck Drive for all ages