Off the Grid Organic Winery
Highlights:
Certified organic vineyards since 2013 — growing Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Zweigelt, and Pinot Noir
Sustainably built straw bale tasting room with solar panels and a living green roof — the most eco-conscious winery on the trail
Working animal rescue farm featuring goats, sheep, rabbits, and chickens — with a seven-stop self-guided educational farm tour
Goats on the roof — a fan-favourite feature unique to Off the Grid
Roots Sustainable Eats Pizza food truck on site — seasonal, fresh, and locally sourced
Panoramic views of Okanagan Lake and the valley from the outdoor tasting patio
Seasonal yoga classes hosted on site by owner Hayley Paynter
Private picnics, weddings, and group events available
Local artisan gift shop featuring products from regional makers and farmers
Seasonally open May through September — confirm hours before visiting
The Vibe
Off the Grid is the kind of place that makes people forget they came for the wine. Tucked away on Glencoe Road in West Kelowna's upper hillside — look for the old pickup truck at the entrance — the Paynter family's five-generation farming story unfolds across a charming, sustainably built estate that feels more like a working farm holiday than a conventional winery visit. The straw bale tasting room with its solar panels, green roof, and misting-shaded patio is a genuine reflection of the family's philosophy: tread lightly, farm honestly, and share generously. Visitors consistently rate this as their favourite stop of the day — a comment that says everything about the warmth and authenticity that defines every aspect of Off the Grid.
The Experience
The self-guided farm tour is the heartbeat of any Off the Grid visit — seven stops winding through the property, each with educational signage introducing guests to the resident goats, sheep, rabbits, and chickens, and explaining the role each animal plays in the organic vineyard ecosystem. Kids absolutely love it, but so do adults — particularly the resident goats, some of which have taken up residence on the green roof. Tastings are relaxed and unhurried on the misting-shaded outdoor patio, with panoramic views of Okanagan Lake stretching out below. The Roots Sustainable Eats Pizza food truck serves fresh, locally sourced pizzas that pair beautifully with a bottle on the lawn. Seasonal yoga classes, private picnics, and wedding ceremonies round out an experience that truly has something for everyone.
The Wine
Don't let the relaxed farm atmosphere fool you — Off the Grid takes its winemaking seriously. All vineyards have been certified organic since 2013, farmed with a genuine commitment to working with nature rather than against it, in a philosophy that carries from the soil all the way to the bottle. The portfolio spans aromatic whites including a standout Dry Riesling and Gewürztraminer, a Heritage Pinot Noir that earns consistent praise from visitors, and a Merlot that has developed a quietly devoted following. The wines are clean, honest, and food-friendly — exactly what you'd expect from a family that has been reading the land for five generations.
Good to Know
Best for: Families with children, animal lovers, eco-conscious visitors, couples looking for a genuinely unique and unhurried experience
Don't miss: The seven-stop self-guided farm tour and the goats on the green roof — bring snacks for the animals
Signature wines: Dry Riesling, Heritage Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, Merlot
Food: Roots Sustainable Eats Pizza food truck — seasonal, fresh, and excellent
Seasonal: Open May through September — confirm hours before visiting
Dog friendly: Yes — well-behaved dogs welcome on the grounds
Heads up: Tasting flights and bottle purchases only — individual glasses are not served
