Okanagan Blackberry Fest; Wine Flights & Charcuterie – Kelowna

If you’re pondering a visit to Kelowna and want a taste of local flavor, the Okanagan Blackberry Fest offers a charming, laid-back way to enjoy the region’s bounty. While we haven’t experienced it ourselves, the reviews and details paint a picture of a cozy, well-curated farm experience that celebrates the blackberry harvest in style.

What immediately catches your eye about this tour? First, the unique focus on blackberries — not just as a snack but as part of a full farm-to-table experience, with a blackberry cocktail and the chance to pick your own pint. Second, the inclusion of wine flights and charcuterie on an outdoor patio makes it a delightful pairing of local produce and wines, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

One possible consideration to keep in mind is the duration; at about 2 hours, it’s a fairly short outing, which is great for a quick escape but might leave some wanting a bit more time to take in the farm’s atmosphere. This experience is especially suited for those who enjoy laid-back, food-centric activities, and it’s friendly for families, even with young kids.

Overall, whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a berry lover, or just in need of a charming outdoor outing, this experience offers genuine value. It’s especially good if you’re eager to see a slice of local Kelowna life while enjoying some delicious treats.

Key Points

• Unique focus on blackberries with a hands-on picking experience.
• Well-rounded farm experience including a self-guided or audio tour of the bees and farm fun.
• Great pairing of local charcuterie and wine on an outdoor patio, with gluten-free options available.
• Family-friendly activities with kids’ bee activity sheets and no ticket requirement for children under 5.
• Affordable price point at around $43 per person, offering a variety of experiences in a compact package.
• Genuine reviews praising the quality of the wine and the thoughtful touches like the honey gift and blackberry dessert.

A Deep Dive Into the Blackberry Fest Experience

When you arrive at 3975 June Springs Rd in Kelowna, you’ll notice the inviting farm setting that immediately feels relaxed and authentic. The tour is a private booking, meaning you’ll have your own group, which helps keep the atmosphere intimate and friendly. The experience kicks off with a blackberry cocktail or mocktail, perfect for warming up or cooling down depending on the weather. This initial treat sets the tone—fresh, flavorful, and a true showcase of local ingredients.

The highlight of the experience is the U-pick blackberries. The farm provides a clamshell for you to gather your own juicy berries directly from the plants. Several reviews mention how enjoyable this hands-on activity is; it offers a real sense of farm life and a tangible connection to the harvest. Plus, taking home a pint of fresh blackberries means you leave with a delicious souvenir.

Following the fruit picking, you’ll settle onto the outdoor bistro patio for a wine flight paired with local charcuterie. The flight includes sparkling wines praised by visitors for their quality, and the charcuterie board features a generous assortment of local meats, cheeses, pickles, jams, and crostini. For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free options are available, which is a thoughtful touch.

The blackberry dessert is described as a “mini” but flavorful treat, a sweet way to cap off the tasting. Plus, you can take home a jar of Blackberry Blossom honey — a limited edition created by the farm’s bees. The self-guided or audio bee tour adds an educational element that many reviews highlight as a memorable part of the day, giving you insight into the importance of bees for local agriculture.

For families, the farm offers a kid-friendly experience with activity sheets and small prizes. Kids under 5 are free, though food and drink are available for purchase — so no pressure if you’re just stopping by with little ones.

What’s the Value of the Experience?

The price, at just over $43 per person, covers a surprising amount of activities—you get to enjoy a local cocktail or mocktail, pick fresh blackberries, sample a variety of wines, and indulge in local charcuterie and dessert. The honey gift is an extra special touch, making it a thoughtful souvenir.

Compared to more structured wine tours or farm visits, this experience provides a relaxed, intimate setting with a focus on seasonal bounty. Visitors often mention how the staff and guides are knowledgeable and friendly, adding to the overall enjoyment.

One reviewer noted, “What a lovely spot and a great self-guided tour,” emphasizing the personal, unhurried vibe. The outdoor setting and lawn games contribute to a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere where you can unwind and enjoy farm life.

The Best Part: What Visitors Love

The standout praise consistently goes to the quality of the wine and the stunning views. The sparkling wines, in particular, receive high marks, and the farm setting provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable outing. Guests also appreciate having the opportunity to pick their own berries, which is not always available at farm experiences.

Many mention the thoughtfulness of the hosts, who provide a well-rounded experience with attention to detail, from the honey jar to the educational bee tour. The balance of activities—wine, food, farm fun—is especially appealing for a laid-back afternoon.

Potential Drawbacks & Considerations

While the experience is highly praised, keep in mind that it’s relatively short—around 2 hours—so if you’re looking for a full-day winery tour or a more extensive farm visit, this might feel a bit limited. Also, as it’s a private tour, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Weather can be a factor since much of the experience is outdoors. A rainy day might alter the experience somewhat, but the farm does have outdoor seating and open-air activities.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, food-and-wine-focused outing that highlights local produce. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or families with children who can enjoy the farm activities. Nature and farm lovers will especially appreciate the self-guided bee tour and berry-picking.

If your idea of a day out involves interactive activities combined with tasting, and you’re happy with a shorter, intimate experience, this fits the bill. It’s less suited for those wanting a comprehensive winery tour or a more structured, lengthy visit.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, kids are welcome, and children under 5 do not require a ticket. The farm provides kids’ activity sheets and prizes, making it a family-friendly outing.

How long does the tour last?
The experience is approximately 2 hours, including the berry picking, tasting, and farm activities.

What’s included in the price?
You get a blackberry cocktail or mocktail, a pint of blackberries to take home, a wine flight or mocktail, a local charcuterie board, a blackberry dessert, and a jar of honey. The bee tour and lawn games are also part of the experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is transportation provided?
No, you need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point at 3975 June Springs Rd.

Are gluten-free options available?
Yes, gluten-free choices are available for the charcuterie.

Is this experience good for wine lovers?
Absolutely. The wine flight is highly praised, especially the sparkling wines, making it a good pick for wine aficionados.

Is the farm accessible for those with mobility issues?
The information doesn’t specify accessibility, so it might be best to inquire directly if this is a concern.

What’s the best time of year to visit?
The focus on blackberry harvest suggests late summer into early fall is ideal, but check with the provider for seasonal details.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a laid-back, farm-based experience that combines blackberry picking, local wines, and tasty bites, the Okanagan Blackberry Fest delivers in style. It’s a charming way to enjoy a slice of Kelowna’s agricultural charm without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

The combination of delicious wine, hands-on fruit picking, and family-friendly activities makes it a versatile choice for many travelers. The setting—outdoors, with beautiful farm views—adds to its appeal, especially on a crisp fall day.

While it’s not a sprawling, multi-hour tour, the value packed into this short outing makes it worth considering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to experience a different side of Kelowna, this experience offers an authentic taste of the region’s local goodness.

In summary, this tour is a lovely, well-balanced activity that suits those who appreciate good wine, fresh berries, and a touch of farm life. It’s honest, friendly, and fun—offering just enough to leave you feeling satisfied and with a handful of memorable moments.