Okanagan Valley (oak-a-NOG-in) is the second-largest wine region in Canada, and it’s not new to the business: wine grapes have been cultivated in the area since 1850, and many popular varietals are grown here. On this 4.5-hour wine tour, travel up the Black Sage Bench route from Osoyoos to Oliver, stopping at four wineries along the way to sample wine and explore the grounds. The order of winery visits may vary, but below is a sample itinerary. You'll also pass some historic sites such as Haynes Ranch, once home to one of the South Okanagan's most influential families.

Start at Platinum Bench Estate Winery & Artisan Bread Co, a beautifully situated winery that produces distinctive hand-crafted wines. Taste their signature red and white varietals paired with rustic bread, baked on site.

Head next to Stoneboat Vineyards, a family-owned-and-operated winery that started in the 1980s. The top varietals here are pinot gris and pinot noir, so be prepared for a refreshing dose of light but high-quality wine to hit your palate. While here, you might want to splurge on a bottle of ice wine, a regional specialty.

Church and State Wines, the next stop, is all about balance ─ thus the name. Whether it’s the award-winning reds or the crisp whites, the vineyard is a fun place to sample wine. The outdoor wine sampling bar is perched along Coyote Bowl, offering magnificent views of the landscape.

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, one of the largest around, is the final stop. It boasts a sophisticated restaurant and boutique hotel. The owners, the Wyse family, have produced some of the highest quality wine in the area since they founded the winery in 1993. Sample some wines and climb the bell tower for panoramic views.

At the end of your Black Sage Bench wine-tasting tour, you’ll be dropped back at your hotel in Osoyoos.