If you long for one of those true experiences-to-remember in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley wine region... an experience that revolves around a beautiful winery in a spectacular setting, and you see yourself tasting wines with smart, friendly people helping you discover fabulous new wines... the Gray Monk Estate & Grapevine Restaurant are definite qualifiers.

       A slow walk is definitely advised when you head down the walkway from your parking spot toward the courtyard entrance below.  It is this final approach to Gray Monk that is worthy of pause, a Kodak moment with awesome views of neatly planted vineyards, sloping toward the shore of Lake Okanagan at its narrow and northernmost point.  And that is just the beginning of what is in store when you visit Gray Monk Estate Winery or its renowned Grapevine Restaurant.

     Tucked into its own corner of the North Okanagan Valley, north of Kelowna, the winery and restaurant sit at about latitude 50, said to be the northerly limit of a fruit belt circling the globe and circling through the Rhine Valley in Germany, the Champagne region in France, and the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.  Gray Monk may be considered off the beaten winery path of the Okanagan region, but the rewards of a visit are well worth the effort.

       Owned and operated by the Heiss family since 1972, Gray Monk's classic winery and wines are a rich reminder of the family's old-world connection.  Snuggled into a hillside, the building's flower-strewn grounds and spectacular scenery awe visitors.  Etched copper doors and wood carvings at  the entry enhance the sensory delight, suggesting more elegance to come inside.  

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    The visitor will not be disappointed as they enter; large, multiple windows bring the outdoors in and a dance of light and scenic wonder flood the elegant tasting room and wine shop. 

       Colorful baskets of flowers, with a backdrop of mountains, vineyards and Okanagan Lake, draw visitors to the open veranda where they can enjoy wines by the glass or gourmet foods from the Grapevine Restaurant.

     Beauty at Gray Monk Estate, however, goes far deeper than the winery's building design and superb setting.  Fine vintage wines at Gray Monk reflect a blend of art, science and consistent skill.  The Heiss-family blend begins in the Heiss-family vineyards...or rather, its nursery.

     Son Steven oversees the Gray Monk nursery nearby the winery and insures the very healthiest beginning for Gray Monk grapes vines;  George Jr. now holds the winemaker reins for the family, combining skills well learned from his parents and intensive training in Germany to create exceptional wines; Robert has stepped into a management role and overseas the daily operation of the winery.  

       Add to these family assets George Sr.'s years of exhaustive research and experimentation, and his natural feel for grape growing, and its no wonder Gray Monk's fine wines are consistently among the most awarded estate wineries in British Columbia.

     The Heiss family is proud of their family dynasty, now into its fourth generation on the land.  Trudy and George, Robert, Steven and George Jr. ask the favor of your company to share a glass of wine and toast with them more than 30 years of Gray Monk Family Estate history.

Winery tours seven days a week,
11am, 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm,
during summer & extended summer hours   
One tour a day at 2:00 pm during winter