Things to Do in Lake Country This October: Harvest, Fall Events & Wine Country Experiences
Follow the Scenic Sip Wine Trail in October and you’ll quickly realize this isn’t the quiet season in wine country. Far from it.
Harvest is underway. Grapes are coming in from the vineyards, crush pads are humming, and behind cellar doors, winemaking teams are deep into one of the most important times of their year. There’s an energy to Lake Country in October that feels completely different from the leisurely days of summer.
For visitors, the season brings its own reasons to explore.
Think intimate dinners, food and wine pairings, live music, creative workshops, member celebrations, Thanksgiving favourites, and even a little Halloween magic.
If you’re looking for things to do in Lake Country this October, planning a fall getaway near Kelowna, or curious about experiencing the Okanagan during harvest, here’s what’s happening at the wineries along the Scenic Sip Wine Trail.
October 3 & 4 | Member Pick-Up Party
Ex Nihilo is kicking off the month by celebrating its wine club community during its October Member Pick-Up Party.
Please note: Ex Nihilo Vineyards will be closed to the public October 3 & 4 for this private member event.
October 9 & 10 | Traditional European Dinner Series
Settle in for an evening inspired by the bold, comforting flavours of Europe.
This special dinner series features a four-course feast inspired by traditional European cuisine, creating an intimate fall dining experience in Lake Country wine country.
$118 per guest
Reservations are required.
October 24 | Retro Halloween Social
A little nostalgia. A little spooky fun. And, of course, wine.
Ex Nihilo is turning back the clock for a retro Halloween social filled with old-school Halloween fun, treats, and spooky surprises.
7–10 p.m. | $30 per guest
Limited Time | Thanksgiving Wine Specials
Bring a taste of the Okanagan to the Thanksgiving table—or arrive with a host gift that’s a little more memorable than flowers.
Two limited-time packages are available:
Thanksgiving Wine Package | $90 Two bottles of Riesling, Pinot Noir Sauce, and a vineyard candle.
Riesling Gift Box | $75 Two bottles of Riesling presented in a wooden box.
Available for a limited time throughout the Thanksgiving season.
Daily in October | Granite Tour
October is an especially interesting time to see what happens beyond the tasting room.
The Granite Tour takes guests on a guided journey through 50th Parallel Estate Winery before finishing with a wine tasting and charcuterie inside the winery’s impressive new wine cave.
60 minutes | $70 per guest
Throughout October | Winter Weddings at 50th Parallel
Wine country doesn’t lose its magic when the snow arrives.
Couples dreaming of something smaller can discover 50th Parallel’s intimate winter wedding experience for up to 32 guests, surrounded by the winery’s striking architecture and the quieter beauty of the vineyard in winter.
Inquire directly with 50th Parallel Estate Winery for details, packages, and availability. Please email Jackie at Jackie@50thParallel.com
October 11 | Jazz & Vines
Settle in for an afternoon of wine, food, and live jazz overlooking Okanagan wine country.
The experience includes three Gray Monk wines paired with thoughtfully selected bites, accompanied by live music.
2–4 p.m. | $30 per guest
October 18 | Sip, Step & Line Dance
Trade the tasting room for the dance floor.
This two-hour guided line dancing experience offers a fun afternoon of learning some new steps, with a welcome beverage included to get things started.
1–3 p.m. | $23 per guest
October 24 | Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop
Spend a fall afternoon making something of your own.
During this hands-on workshop, guests will create a one-of-a-kind Turkish mosaic lamp, choosing from a variety of lamp styles and colourful designs.
2–4 p.m. | $110–$150 per guest
Pricing varies depending on the lamp option selected.
October 11 | Oktoberfest at Peak
A little Bavaria, right here in the Okanagan.
Oktoberfest at Peak brings together German-inspired food stations, Peak Cellars wine pairings, local beer, traditional pretzels, and lively Bavarian-style music for a festive afternoon at the winery.
Come hungry.
2–5:30 p.m. | $105 per guest
Tickets are required.
Daily in October | Garden Bistro
October is a beautiful time to see what farm-to-table dining really means in the Okanagan.
The Garden Bistro celebrates the season with dishes inspired by locally grown ingredients and the flavours of fall, paired naturally with Peak Cellars wines.
Open daily | 11:30 a.m.–8 p.m.
Reservations are recommended.
Daily in October | Social Season Four Pack
Can’t pick a favourite Social? You don’t have to.
The Social Season Four Pack brings together one bottle of each:
Social White • Social Rosé • Social Sparkling • Social Red
Save 15% on the four-pack throughout October.
It’s an easy way to stock the wine rack for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or simply having a bottle ready for whatever the weekend brings.
October 23 | Mind Games with Ryan Michael
Things are about to get a little strange at Intrigue Wines.
Join five-time internationally award-winning magician, comedian, illusionist, and mentalist Ryan Michael for an evening of real-time mind reading, comedy, magic, and a finale designed to leave you wondering how any of it was possible.
6–8 p.m. | General Admission $55 + tax
General admission includes a welcome glass of wine.
A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $65 + tax, including a post-show glass of wine and an additional 30 minutes of up-close magic with Ryan following the show.
Tickets are limited.
Experience a Different Side of Okanagan Wine Country
By October, the rhythm of the Scenic Sip Wine Trail has changed.
The vines that provided a backdrop for summer picnics and patio lunches are now part of the main event. Vineyard crews are picking. Grapes are arriving at the wineries. Fermentation is beginning. The work that will eventually become another vintage is happening all around you.
And that makes this a fascinating time to visit.
You might arrive for a tasting and catch a glimpse of harvest activity. You might spend a crisp afternoon over lunch, head indoors for a workshop, or discover an experience that simply wouldn’t have been on the calendar during the height of summer.
October invites you to experience wine country differently.
Rather than trying to fit as many stops as possible into one day, choose an experience. Book the dinner. Take the tour. Stay for the jazz. Try line dancing. Make the lamp. Let someone attempt to read your mind.
And leave a little room for spontaneity.
Planning an October Visit to the Scenic Sip Wine Trail
Fall brings changing schedules along with changing leaves, so a little planning before you head out is always worthwhile.
Check winery hours before you visit. Seasonal hours and private member events can affect regular public access.
Book ahead. October’s dinners, workshops, performances, and special tasting experiences have limited capacity and may sell out.
Plan a safe way to explore. Arrange a designated driver or transportation if wine tasting is part of your itinerary.
Bring layers. Sunny Okanagan afternoons can quickly turn into crisp fall evenings.
And if you happen to see a busy crush pad or a truckload of freshly picked grapes while you’re here? You’ve arrived at exactly the right time.
Please note: Blind Tiger Vineyards has closed for the season and will not be offering regular October service.
Whether you’re travelling to the Okanagan for a fall getaway or looking for something new to do close to home, October is your chance to experience the Scenic Sip while the next vintage is being made around you.
We’ll see you along the trail.
