Little Straw Vineyards
Highlights:
One of West Kelowna's oldest estate wineries — vineyard roots dating back to 1969 under the Slamka family
Organically certified estate vineyards on the lower slopes of Mount Boucherie
Small-lot, hand-crafted VQA wines with something to appeal to almost every palate
Barrel Top Grill — tapas-style bistro dining on a beautiful open patio overlooking Okanagan Lake
Icewine tasting served in Belgian chocolate cups — with proceeds donated to charity
Auxerrois Viognier Frizzante and signature Tapestry white wine consistently praised as standout bottles
Cozy rustic tasting room with personalized, unhurried tasting experiences
Organic pressed juices available — a thoughtful option for non-wine drinkers and families with children
Dog friendly — well-behaved pets welcome on the vineyard grounds
Wine club with exclusive access and member perks
The Vibe
Little Straw Vineyards is exactly the kind of winery that makes the Westside Wine Trail so special — small, personal, and completely without pretension. Nestled on the lower slopes of Mount Boucherie in West Kelowna's Lakeview Heights district, the estate has a quiet, unhurried charm that feels like stepping back to a simpler era of wine country. The tasting room is cozy and rustic, the staff are warm and genuinely knowledgeable, and the sweeping views of Okanagan Lake from the Barrel Top Grill patio are as good as anything on the trail. Guests consistently describe Little Straw as a hidden gem — the kind of place a local sends you when the big estates are fully booked, and you end up thinking it was the best stop of the day.
The Experience
Tastings at Little Straw are personal and unhurried, with knowledgeable hosts who take genuine pride in walking guests through the story behind each wine. A particularly memorable touch is the icewine tasting — served in handcrafted Belgian chocolate cups, with the proceeds going directly to charity — one of the most charming and distinctive moments on the entire Westside Wine Trail. The Barrel Top Grill, opened in 2008 to showcase the food-friendly nature of the wines, offers tapas-style cuisine on a sun-drenched patio with stunning lake and vineyard views. Guests who have dined here rave about the chef's interactive style, the freshness of the seasonal menu, and the sense of being at a private dinner party rather than a winery restaurant.
The Wine
Little Straw produces a broad range of small-lot VQA estate wines from organically farmed vineyards — a philosophy of working with the land rather than against it that carries through to every bottle. The flagship Tapestry white wine has earned a loyal following for its layered complexity and unique flavour profile, while the Auxerrois Viognier Frizzante offers a refreshing and aromatic sparkling option that surprises and delights first-time visitors. The winery has also ventured into rosé sparkling production in recent years, adding further excitement to a portfolio that spans crisp aromatic whites, full-bodied reds including Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and decadent icewines that are among the most charming on the trail.
Good to Know
Best for: Couples, families, those seeking a personal and unhurried tasting experience, fans of organic and estate-grown wines
Don't miss: The icewine tasting in Belgian chocolate cups — a genuinely unique and charitable experience
Signature wines: Tapestry White, Auxerrois Viognier Frizzante, Icewine, Merlot
Dining: Barrel Top Grill — tapas-style patio dining, closed during winter months — reservations recommended for groups
Dog friendly: Yes — well-behaved pets welcome
Heads up: This is a small boutique operation — groups should call ahead to ensure the best experience, especially for dining
