A Shuswap Realtor’s Guide to the local Wineries, Cideries, Breweries and Spirits
The Vast Liquid Landscape Of The Shuswap Region
If you have spent any time in the Shuswap, you know that the "lifestyle" here isn't just a marketing buzzword we throw around to sell lakefront cottages or rural acreages. It is a tangible, living thing. It smells like pine needles and fresh rain; it sounds like a boat wake hitting the shore; and, increasingly, it tastes like a crisp, cool-climate white wine or a craft cider pressed from apples grown just down the road.
As a local real estate professional, I have watched the Shuswap evolve. We have always been known for our spectacular houseboat culture and our warm, welcoming communities. But over the last decade, something magical has happened to our culinary landscape. We have quietly transformed into one of British Columbia’s most exciting, unpretentious, and high-quality regions for craft beverages.
For me, this is personal. I live in the North Shuswap, a place of incredible beauty that still feels like a bit of a secret compared to the busy south shore. My absolute favourite hidden gem is just down the road from me, Celista Estate Winery. Having a world-class vineyard practically in my backyard is one of those "pinch me" moments that reminds me why I chose to build my life here. It’s a testament to the fact that you don't need to be in the middle of a city to find culture and quality.
Whether you are looking to buy a family home in Salmon Arm, a retirement oasis in Sorrento, or a recreational property in the North Shuswap, understanding our local "liquid assets" is key to understanding why life here is so special.
So, let’s take a tour. From the volcanic soils of Sunnybrae to the apple-rich history of the valley, here is your ultimate guide to the wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries of the Shuswap.
The Shuswap Wine Trail: Cool Climate, Bold Character
For years, the Okanagan Valley to the south grabbed all the headlines. But those of us in the know have always cherished the unique terroir of the Shuswap. We are a "cool climate" region, which is actually a massive advantage in the wine world. It allows the grapes to ripen slowly, retaining acidity and developing complex, aromatic flavour profiles that you simply cannot get in hotter regions.
Celista Estate Winery
The Vibe: This is the pride of the North Shuswap. Located in Celista, this winery feels like a retreat. The log-home style tasting room and the sprawling grounds make it a destination. If you are looking at recreational property in Scotch Creek or Anglemont, this will be your local watering hole.
What Makes It Special: Celista Estate holds the prestigious title of North America’s most northern winery. They have proven that the sunny, south-facing slopes of the North Shore are viable for quality grape growing, defying the odds to create something truly unique. It is a multi-generational dream come true, and they also have adorable guest cabins, making it a mini-resort.
The Signature Pour: Marg’s Rosé. Named after the family matriarch, this wine is the essence of North Shuswap summer—strawberries, rhubarb, and sunshine.
The Award Winner: Oak Barrel Foch. By aging their Foch in oak, they add a layer of vanilla and toast that elevates this rustic grape into something truly special.
Larch Hills Winery
The Vibe: Sitting high above the valley south of Salmon Arm, Larch Hills is the granddaddy of the region. For a long time, it held the title of the highest elevation vineyard in North America. When you drive up the winding road to get here, the view opens up to reveal a stunning panorama of the vineyards stretching out below. It feels alpine, fresh, and distinctly European.
What Makes It Special: Owners Jack and Hazel Manser are local legends. Jack, originally from Switzerland, brings a precise, European sensibility to winemaking. The winery specializes in cool-climate grapes that thrive in our short, hot summers and crisp autumns. It is a family-run operation in the truest sense, and visiting the tasting room often means chatting with Jack himself.
Real Estate Connection: This area (Grandview Bench/Larch Hills) is prime territory for those looking for acreages, privacy, and equestrian properties.
The Signature Pour: Siegerrebe. If the Shuswap had an official grape, this would be it. Larch Hills’ Siegerrebe is aromatic, smelling of lychee and roses, with a spicy finish.
The Award Winner: Their Marechal Foch is a consistent medal winner. It is a dark, inky red that pairs perfectly with a steak dinner, proving that you can make bold reds this far north.
Recline Ridge Vineyards and Winery
The Vibe: Tucked away in Tappen, Recline Ridge creates wines that capture the "taste of the region." The winery is named for the profile of the local mountains (Mt. Tappen and Mt. Bastion), which supposedly resemble a reclining woman. The patio here is expansive and offers a serene view of the vines, making it a top spot for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
What Makes It Special: Recline Ridge is dedicated to varietals that are specifically suited to the 50th parallel. They don’t try to force a Cabernet Sauvignon to grow where it shouldn't; instead, they master varietals like Ortega and Bacchus. The result is wine that feels effortless and balanced.
Real Estate Connection: Tappen and Skimikin Lake Road offer some of the best rural residential value in the region. You get space, trees, and proximity to the lake without the downtown price tag.
The Signature Pour: Ortega. This white wine is consistently excellent, offering notes of peach and apricot. It’s the ultimate patio wine.
The Award Winner: Their Hawk’s Haven (a blend of Zwigelt and Blaufrankisch) has turned heads at the Northwest Wine Summit. It’s a spicy, peppery red that surprises many red wine drinkers.
Sunnybrae Vineyards & Winery
The Vibe: If you are house hunting in Sunnybrae or Tappen, you will fall in love with the drive along the lake to get here. Situated at the base of Bastion Mountain, this winery benefits from a unique microclimate and volcanic soil. The tasting room is bright, airy, and offers spectacular views of Shuswap Lake.
What Makes It Special: The "Sunnybrae" name isn't a joke—this south-facing slope catches the sun all day long. The family atmosphere here is palpable, and they have done an incredible job of creating a welcoming space that feels like a living room extension of the community.
The Signature Pour: Red Arch. Named after a local geological formation, this is a blend that usually features Marechal Foch and Pinot Noir. It’s light, fruity, and very food-friendly.
The Crowd Pleaser: Their Siegerrebe is also a standout here, often displaying more tropical fruit notes due to the intense sun exposure of the site.
Marionette Winery
The Vibe: Located just minutes from downtown Salmon Arm, Marionette feels like a step into a European villa. The name comes from the owners' background in puppetry, and the labels are whimsical works of art. The patio, shaded by a canopy of leaves, often features live music and has a very cultured, bohemian atmosphere.
What Makes It Special: Winemakers Jamie and Amanda are deeply committed to traditional methods and complex flavours. They have successfully brought grapes like Zweigelt (an Austrian favourite) into the local spotlight. It is sophisticated winemaking that retains a sense of fun.
Real Estate Connection: This is in the Broadview area, highly sought after for executive homes and small acreages close to schools and amenities.
The Signature Pour: Entwined. A complex white blend that changes slightly year to year but always delivers elegance and structure.
The Award Winner: Pulcinella. This is a Zweigelt that has put Marionette on the map for serious wine collectors. It offers notes of dark cherry, pepper, and spice.
Waterside Vineyard & Winery
The Vibe: As you head towards Enderby, Waterside sits right on the banks of the Shuswap River. It is the definition of "pastoral." The tasting room is small and intimate, often staffed by the owners who are happy to share stories about the challenges and joys of riverside farming.
What Makes It Special: The proximity to the river moderates the temperature, allowing them to grow some unique varieties. They are also big on community events, hosting markets and gatherings that bring the North Okanagan and Shuswap crowds together.
The Signature Pour: Sex in a Bottle. Yes, that’s the real name! It’s a playful red blend that is smooth, slightly sweet, and incredibly popular as a gift.
The Top Seller: Their Gewürztraminer is classic—lychee, rose petal, and just enough acidity to keep it fresh.
The Apple Capital Revived: Cideries of the Shuswap
Before grapes took over, Salmon Arm was famous for its apples. In fact, we were once known as the Apple Capital. Today, a new generation of makers is reclaiming that heritage, turning our historic orchards into liquid gold.
Northyards Cider Co.
The Vibe: Located in a revitalized industrial area of Salmon Arm (near the railway tracks, hence the name), Northyards is cool, modern, and vibrant. It has an industrial-chic aesthetic that feels like something you’d find in East Vancouver, but with Shuswap friendliness. The patio looks out over the very orchards that provide the fruit.
What Makes It Special: They are obsessed with real fruit. No concentrates, no fake flavourings. Just 100% BC apples and real ingredients. The "train" theme runs through their branding, paying homage to the railway history of Salmon Arm.
The Signature Pour: Core High. This is their semi-dry flagship cider. It is crisp, clean, and tastes exactly like biting into a fresh apple.
The Top Seller: Grapefruit & Hops. This is the crossover hit for beer lovers. Dry-hopped for a bit of bitterness and finished with grapefruit zest, it is incredibly refreshing on a hot day.
Shuswap Cider Company
The Vibe: Situated in the Westgate Public Market on the west end of Salmon Arm, this cidery is a hub of activity. It’s women-owned and operated, and the tasting room is stylish and inviting. It’s a great place to stop after a hike at nearby Mount Tappen.
What Makes It Special: Founded by three local friends, Shuswap Cider Co. is all about community. They source apples from local backyards and orchards, helping to reduce food waste and connect the community to the product. Their flavours are often adventurous and fun.
The Signature Pour: Lavender Honey. Using local honey and lavender, this cider is floral and semi-sweet without being cloying. It is unique and delightful.
The Award Winner: Semi-Sweet. It sounds simple, but getting a classic semi-sweet cider right is an art form. Theirs is perfectly balanced and has won Gold at the Pacific Northwest Cider Awards.
The Brews: Craft Culture on the Rise
We may be wine country, but the Shuswap loves a good pint. The craft beer scene here has matured significantly, moving from "garagiste" operations to professional, high-volume breweries that anchor our social scenes.
Ricochet Brewing
The Vibe: Ricochet has a unique dual-presence. Their brewing facility is in Tappen (keep an eye out for their taproom there!), but their Ricochet On Ash taphouse in downtown Salmon Arm is the current hotspot. It’s a beautifully designed space that feels urban and sophisticated.
What Makes It Special: Ricochet is all about variety and experimentation. They have a massive number of taps and are constantly rotating through new styles, from sours to stouts. They also focus heavily on the social aspect, hosting trivia nights and music, making it a key "third place" for locals.
The Signature Pour: Firehouse Red Ale. A nod to the owner’s background as a firefighter. It’s malty, caramel-forward, and incredibly smooth.
The Top Seller: Rhapsody Cucumber Kolsch. This sounds unusual, but it is the ultimate summer crusher. Light, fizzy, and with a hint of fresh cucumber water, it’s refreshing beyond belief.
Barley Station Brew Pub
The Vibe: The "Station" is a Salmon Arm institution. Located right on the highway, it’s a brewpub in the classic sense—a full restaurant attached to the brewery. It has a busy, family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a burger and a beer while watching the game, this is the spot.
What Makes It Special: They were the pioneers of craft brewing in Salmon Arm. They have a consistency that locals rely on. They also have a great "to-go" window for growler fills, which is perfect for filling up before heading out on the houseboat.
The Signature Pour: Sam McGuire’s Pale Ale. Named after the famous local pioneer, it’s a standard North American Pale Ale—hoppy but approachable.
The Award Winner: Bushwacker Brown Ale. This beer has won multiple awards, including at the Canadian Brewing Awards. It has notes of chocolate, coffee, and nuts. A true comfort beer.
The Spirit of Sicamous: A Distilled Adventure
We cannot talk about Shuswap libations without heading east to Sicamous. Known as the Houseboat Capital of Canada, Sicamous has a reputation for fun, and now, it has a distillery to match that high-energy spirit.
After Dark Distillery
The Vibe: Located right on Main Street in Sicamous, After Dark is edgy, cool, and embraces the history of "moonshine" in the mountains. The tasting room features a 1920s prohibition vibe with a rustic, industrial twist. It’s a must-stop if you are vacationing in Sicamous or looking at sledding/boating properties in the area.
What Makes It Special: They use 100% BC grains and water from the Monashee Mountains. While the branding is fun and rebellious, the distillation science is serious. They produce premium spirits that stand up to any big-city distillery.
The Signature Pour: Monashee Mountain Moonshine. This corn-based spirit is their homage to the backwoods history of the area. It comes in a dizzying array of flavours—Root Beer, Apple Pie, and Peach are massive hits for sipping around the campfire.
The Top Seller: Copper Island Gin. Named after the iconic island in Shuswap Lake, this gin is botanical-heavy and smooth. It’s the base for the best G&T you’ll have on a houseboat deck.
The Real Estate Connection: Why This Matters to You
You might be reading this and thinking, "Okay, this sounds delicious, but I’m here to buy a house, not a brewery guide." But here is the secret: These businesses are indicators of community health. When I evaluate a neighbourhood or a region for a client, I look for "Third Places." Your first place is home, your second is work. Your "Third Place" is where you find community. It’s where you bump into neighbours, where you hear about local events, and where you feel a sense of belonging.
In the Shuswap, besides are favourite local coffee shops and restaurants, our wineries, cideries, and breweries are our third places.
Property Value Stability: Areas with thriving agri-tourism tends to hold value well. It signals that the area is desirable not just for living, but for visiting. The "Wine Country" label adds a premium to real estate that generic rural areas don't get.
The "Lifestyle" Buyer: If you are selling a home, being able to say "Located five minutes from Larch Hills Winery" is a massive selling point. It sells a dream of leisure and sophistication.
Community Investment: These business owners live here. They sponsor the youth soccer teams; they donate to other local Shuswap charities. Buying local supports the infrastructure that makes the Shuswap such a great place to raise a family or retire.
Raise a Glass to Your New Home
I love the Shuswap. I love that I can wake up and grab a cup of coffee at my favourite hangout, Raven425riseabove in Scotch Creek, then go paddleboarding with friends on Shuswap Lake, golf at Talking Rock Golf Course in the afternoon, and drink a glass (or two) of Celista Estate wine or Lavendar Honey Shuswap Cider in the evening. I love that our local farmers are finding new, innovative ways to work the land. And mostly, I love helping people find their own piece of this paradise I gratefully get to call home.
If you are thinking of making a move to the Shuswap, let’s grab a coffee (or something stronger) and chat. I can help you navigate the market, find the hidden gems, and ensure you end up in a home that suits your lifestyle perfectly.
Until then, drink local, support our neighbours, and enjoy every sip of the Shuswap.
