Above: The tasting room is inside this charming old stone house. They've recently renovated and added on in order to make it more spacious.
Formerly LaCompte Estate Winery, Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards sits atop Hawthorne Mountain, and from a distance it almost looks as though the rows of plants could slide right off of it. This is one of the highest altitude wineries in Canada and is more of a destination winery as it requires a bit of a deviation from the beaten path.
Do not be deceived by the quaint exterior of the Hawthorne Mountain wine shop- it looks much smaller than it actually is, and the tasting room within is open, spacious and has plenty of windows- allowing tasters to enjoy the spectacular view of Skaha Lake and beyond while they try some wines. In the summer season, Hawthorne Mountain offers lunch service on its outdoor patio- also with a view. Tours of the winery facility are not available, however vineyard tours are.
Above: The entrance to the wine shop.
Hawthorne Mountain makes a point of being especially welcoming to dogs, with a “Barking Lot” out front where patrons can park their pooches while they taste. The dogs are supplied with water dishes. There is a dog theme to the winery’s See Ya Later wines, as the former owner of the See Ya Later Ranch was a canine enthusiast. Hawthorne Mountain has continued this enthusiasm for “man’s best friend”.
Above: In the summer season the patio is open and they serve light meals.
Wines: Hawthorne Mountain sources its grapes from its 170 acre vineyard on the mountain, as well as from vineyards in the South. It produces two series of wines: Hawthorne Mountain and See Ya Later Reserve. The whites grown on the mountain are quite nice.
Notes on Tastings: The tasting room at Hawthorne Mountain is very simple and bright with a fantastic view. The staff are knowledgeable of the wines and history of the winery, as well as of the Okanagan.
Last Word: Though a little out of the way, Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards was one of our favourite experiences.
Driving Directions: Turn south off Hwy 97 just before the bridge when entering Okanagan Falls from the North. The road to the winery is somewhat narrow and has several sharp corners- it’s a pleasant drive, but requires caution.
Tags: altitude, canada, hawthorne mountain, see ya later ranch, skaha lake, vineyards, Winery