Nestled in the heart of West Kelowna, Black Swift Vineyards is a stunning offshoot of the popular winery, The Hatch. Known for its incredible wines and breathtaking views, Black Swift has quickly become a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just looking for a beautiful place to relax this summer, their tasting room and outdoor patio should be on your list.
Black Swift Vineyards Tasting Room and Outdoor Experience
The tasting room at Black Swift Vineyards is truly impressive. As soon as you walk in, you’re welcomed into a stylish, laid-back environment. But for us, the outdoor patio and picnic area steal the show. With multiple picnic tables and a setup for grass seating with blankets, the experience feels more like a cozy picnic than a traditional wine tasting. It’s a relaxed, dog-friendly space, which means Mia and Louie will definitely be joining us on future visits!
Our Summer 2020 Wine Tasting Plans
2020 was supposed to be filled with exciting plans. I had been gearing up to train for Ironman Canada, and we had mapped out plenty of adventures around Kelowna. Of course, those plans changed, and like everyone else, we’ve been spending a lot more time at home. Still, when we saw Black Swift Vineyards had officially opened after years of anticipation, we knew we had to check it out.
A Safe and Enjoyable Tasting Experience
If you’re planning a visit to Black Swift, you’ll be glad to know they’re serious about safety and cleanliness. Even though the indoor space is nice (sorry, no pictures this time), we felt much more comfortable sitting outside, where the views are simply stunning. The staff are diligent about cleaning each table between tastings, and hand sanitizer is readily available. It’s clear they’re prioritizing the safety of their guests, which helped ease our minds.
Unlike traditional wine tastings where you move from station to station, the Black Swift experience is more relaxed. You’re seated for your tastings, with a wine ambassador serving pre-filled glasses. This seated service makes the experience feel more personal, and it’s a format I actually prefer—especially in the current climate.
The Wines: Reds, Whites, and Everything in Between
We’ve always been fans of Black Swift wines from their days at The Hatch, so it was no surprise that we loved everything we tasted during our visit. The whites have a full, rich body, while the reds are bold without being too heavy—perfect for sipping on a warm summer day. The tasting experience is well-paced, allowing you to really savor each wine. We’ll definitely be back to take better notes and share more detailed recommendations next time!
Picnic Tables with a View
One of the standout features of Black Swift is their picnic area off to the side of the tasting patio. While they don’t offer tastings at these tables, you can purchase bottles to enjoy with equally stunning views. It’s an ideal setup for a more laid-back afternoon with friends, family, or just your pups.
Why Black Swift Vineyards Is Our New Summer Hangout
With its relaxed atmosphere, excellent wines, and dog-friendly vibe, Black Swift Vineyards has quickly become our go-to summer spot. The patio is thoughtfully designed with physical distancing in mind, making it one of the few places we feel comfortable visiting during this “new normal.”
Who would have thought that accessibility, distancing, and safety would become top priorities in choosing a hangout spot? Despite the challenges of 2020, it’s comforting to find local gems like Black Swift where we can enjoy a small escape from it all.
[…] and family here. The story behind the name as well as the wine itself is wonderful. Here’s a detailed post from one of our […]