Oliver is the centre of South Okanagan wine country, with dozens of wineries on the Golden Mile Bench and the Black Sage Bench, in a hot, dry climate that suits Bordeaux-style reds, Syrah and Chardonnay. Well-known wineries include Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, Hester Creek Estate Winery, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Gold Hill Winery, Road 13 Vineyards, Inniskillin Okanagan, Black Hills Estate Winery and the Red Barn at Jagged Rock.
The District Wine Village brings several tasting rooms together on one site, which makes it a good first stop, and the benches are best explored by car or guided tour. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons, as summer afternoons can be very hot. Many wineries reduce hours in winter, so check before you go, and book ahead for restaurant dinners.
Look for harvest dinners, vineyard concerts and festival weekends, including the Oliver Tourism Association's Wine Capital Weekend. See Oliver events, things to do in Oliver, and the valley-wide Okanagan wine guide.