The Hatch Winery - West Kelowna
Highlights:
The original winery of the Jason Parkes Customs collective — the creative force behind five unique West Kelowna wine, cider, and brewing experiences
Five-wine guided tasting flight — $15 per person
Art-inspired labels on every bottle, each telling its own story
Rotating live music events, art exhibitions, and wine club nights year-round
Hobo Series — celebrating misfit varietals and underdog grape styles
Iconic labels including Ross.O, B. Yanco, and Says Relax Franc
Rustic, vintage-feel tasting room with a genuinely laid-back and welcoming atmosphere
Walk-ins welcome — no pressure, no pretension, no marble floors
Dog friendly and open to all — one of the most inclusive and approachable stops on the trail
Wine club and Jason Parkes Customs Fan Club with exclusive event access and perks
The Vibe
The Hatch doesn't do hushed tones, marble floors, or formal wine speak — and it's all the better for it. Tucked into the West Kelowna hillside, this is where the Jason Parkes Customs story began, and the spirit of the original experiment is alive in every corner of the tasting room. Rustic, eclectic, and covered in original artwork, the space feels more like the studio of a brilliantly creative friend than a conventional winery. The Hatch describes itself as a haven for the odd, the inspired, and the mildly unhinged — and the guests who love it most would probably wear that description as a badge of honour. If you've spent the morning at Mission Hill or Quails' Gate, The Hatch is the perfect counterbalance — a place to exhale, laugh, and remember that wine is supposed to be fun.
The Experience
A guided tasting at The Hatch runs about 20 minutes and covers five small-batch wines, with staff walking guests through the story behind each art-inspired label — which are genuinely worth hearing. The tasting fee is just $15 per person, making it one of the best value stops on the entire trail. Beyond the tasting, The Hatch runs a lively calendar of events throughout the year — live music nights, art exhibitions, wine blending workshops, and wine club gatherings that draw both locals and visitors into what feels more like a community hangout than a winery visit. Walk-ins are always welcome, though booking ahead is smart on sunny Okanagan weekends.
The Wine
Don't let the irreverent branding fool you — the wines at The Hatch are crafted with genuine skill and a clear philosophy. Sourced from carefully selected Okanagan Valley vineyards and made with minimal intervention, each bottle is designed to express the character of the land rather than conform to a house style. The Hobo Series is the winery's most adventurous range, celebrating misfit varietals and unconventional styles that most wineries wouldn't dare attempt. Standout bottles include the Says Relax Franc — a crowd favourite Cabernet Franc that delivers remarkable complexity — the Ross.O, and the B. Yanco. Every label tells a story, and every bottle is a little bit of a surprise, which is precisely what makes The Hatch worth a visit.
Good to Know
Best for: Groups, young wine explorers, those looking for a fun and unpretentious contrast to the larger estate wineries, art lovers, live music fans
Don't miss: Asking your host about the story behind the labels — it genuinely adds to the tasting experience
Signature wines: Says Relax Franc, Ross.O, B. Yanco, Hobo Series Gewürztraminer
Tasting fee: $15 per person for a five-wine flight
Reservations: Walk-ins welcome — book ahead for busy summer weekends
Also worth knowing: The Hatch is the starting point of the Jason Parkes Customs trail — pairing it with Crown & Thieves and Black Swift Vineyards makes for an incredibly fun and cohesive half-day experience
