Posted July 6, 2025 | Lightning Rock Winery, Summerland, BC
If you’re craving a summer escape that balances relaxing experiences with just the right amount of adventure, Summerland, BC should be high on your list. Nestled between Okanagan Lake, lush hills, and stunning vineyards, this charming town offers a full day of delicious, scenic, and soul-filling experiences. We’ve put together a few ideas on how to make the most of 24 hours in Summerland, British Columbia.
Start your day lakeside at Powell Beach or Sun-Oka Beach Park. Both are family-friendly, with calm, clear waters perfect for a morning dip or paddle. Lay out a blanket, take a peaceful stroll, or simply sip your coffee with your toes in the sand and views of Okanagan Lake all around.
Need fuel first? Stop by Granny’s Summerland or The Beanery Café for a locally roasted pick-me-up and a quick breakfast bite.
From the beach, head up to Giants Head Mountain for panoramic views over the valley. The hike to the summit is steep but short, and the reward is unbeatable—especially if you’re packing a few snacks or a bottle of sparkling to enjoy at the top.
Not up for a climb? Stroll the Summerland Ornamental Gardens, bursting with colour, local history, and shady benches to linger on. Or check out the Summerland Museum to discover this town’s fascinating ties to fruit, farming, and the historic Kettle Valley Railway.
Stop by one of the several fruit stands forfresh Okanagan fruits, many often offer icecreams and other local
Time to wine! Spend your afternoon exploring Bottleneck Drive, the scenic route that winds through Summerland’s best tasting rooms, offering everything from bold reds to refreshing bubbles, craft cider, and even small-batch spirits.
Of course, we’d love for you to make Lightning Rock Winery your must-stop destination. Known for our expressive Pinot Noir, terroir-driven sparkling wines, and warm, down-to-earth hospitality, it’s the kind of place that feels like visiting friends—if your friends just happened to make electric, minimal-intervention wines.
Settle into a lawn chair with a glass of pét-nat or rosé, soak in the vineyard views, and let the lake breeze work its magic.
There’s so much more to sip and discover along the drive, from boutique wineries to laid-back cideries, local breweries, and even a craft distillery or two. Take your time, follow your curiosity, and make it a tasting adventure to remember.
Option 1: Local Vibes & Cold Beer
For a laid-back end to the day, head to Giants Head Brewing. Their crispy fish and chips pair perfectly with a pint of craft beer, and the dog-friendly patio is often buzzing with live music and locals unwinding after a day in the sun. It’s easygoing, welcoming, and exactly what you want after a summer afternoon in the vineyards.
Option 2: Classic Comfort & Cozy Charm
If you’re in the mood for something more intimate, Zia’s Stonehouse Restaurant is a local favourite tucked inside a heritage home. With hearty pastas, fresh seafood, and seasonal specials served on a lush garden patio or beside a stone fireplace, it’s perfect for a relaxed and memorable meal.
Posted July 2, 2025 | By Ron Kubek, Owner – Lightning Rock Winery, Summerland, BC
On Canada Day, we were told we now live in a “One Canadian Economy.” Free interprovincial trade. No more roadblocks. That was the promise.
But as a winery owner in British Columbia, I can tell you: that’s not the reality.
Here’s a side-by-side look at what really happens when wine moves across provincial lines.
This week, I ordered wine from an Ontario winery and had it shipped to my door here in Summerland, BC. It arrived safely by Canada Post, with no markup, no provincial tax, no recycling fees, just the standard 5% GST. No interference from the BC Liquor Distribution Branch at all. The total was $356.56 for twelve bottles.
It felt simple. Reasonable. Like what free trade should look like.
But if I try to send a case of Lightning Rock wine to a customer in Ontario? It’s a whole different story.
We’d face a 71% markup from the LCBO, 13% HST, a container fee, and the threat of regulatory action unless we operate in a legal grey zone. I’ve offered to collect and remit HST or PST depending on the province, a simple, honest fix. But no government has acted.
Instead, provinces like Alberta have doubled down—adding a 15% ad valorem tax on top of the $4.11-per-litre bottle tax, bringing the total to roughly 28%. It’s a steep and punitive markup on BC wine, thinly veiled behind Latin to obscure its true impact.
The total cost to the customer almost doubles. That’s not a fair system; that’s a barrier dressed up as policy.
“I was charged just 5% GST when ordering wine from Ontario to my winery in BC. But if I ship wine to Ontario, I face a 71% markup, container fees, and 13% HST. That is not interprovincial free trade –that is a barrier dressed up as policy.”
– Ron Kubek,
Owner, Lightning Rock Winery
If you’ve ever enjoyed a bottle of wine from another province and appreciated discovering something new, while supporting Canadian, this matters to you.
We believe BC wine should be treated like Canadian wine, not like a foreign import. You should be able to enjoy our wines no matter where you live, without paying 96% more because of outdated, protectionist policies.
What’s more, the BC government already allows Ontario wineries to ship directly to consumers here without interference. But the same freedom hasn’t been offered in return.
We’re not trying to play politics. We’re trying to make sense of something that doesn’t.
We’ve called on provincial leaders, and we hope they’ll listen. Here’s what we’re asking for:
✓ End excessive liquor markups on Canadian wine
✓ Let wineries collect and remit HST or PST across provinces
✓ Allow direct-to-consumer shipping from all Canadian wineries, not just the ones in the “right” province
✓ Honour the promise of a “One Canadian Economy”
At Lightning Rock, we’ve already fought through a year of devastation, losing 100% of our 2024 crop to freeze. We invested over $160,000 of our own money to keep going. We didn’t ask for subsidies. We didn’t increase production. We simply tried to survive, and keep our team of mighty nine employed.
Now, we’re fighting again, this time for fairness in our own country.
“This isn’t about politics. It’s about common sense, consumer rights, and the future of Canadian wine.”
We’re not asking for special treatment. We’re asking for the same rules to apply both ways. Because if Ontario wine can come into BC without markups, the same should be true in reverse.
Share this post with your friends, especially those outside BC.
Contact your local representative and ask why Canadian wine still can’t move freely across the country. We’ve included a handy letter you can use below.
Order from a Canadian winery or if you can, come see us in person.
Thank you for standing with us — and for believing that good wine, like good policy, should be shared.
The Honourable Doug Ford
Premier of Ontario
Legislative Building
Queen’s Park
Toronto, ON M7A 1A1
April 3, 2025
Dear Premier Ford,
I appreciated your remarks today on CNBC:
“We’d be willing to take those off tomorrow if he (Trump) took all the tariffs off. We are not the problem.”
Your commitment to removing all tariffs in the name of free trade is a strong, welcome message. I couldn’t agree more — Canada shouldn’t be the problem when it comes to trade barriers. But if we truly want to lead by example, shouldn’t we start by eliminating the barriers we impose on each other within our own country?
As the owner of a BC winery, I see firsthand how damaging our internal trade policies are. Wine made in British Columbia and shipped to Ontario is treated no differently than wine from California or France — subject to markups of 70% or more, LCBO import charges, and other “tariff-like” levies. We are Canadian producers, but when our wine crosses a provincial border, it’s treated as if it crossed an ocean.
Premier, if you’re prepared to remove tariffs on U.S. goods “tomorrow,” would you be willing to do the same for wine from British Columbia, if BC agrees to do the same for Ontario wine?
You’ve already demonstrated leadership in modernizing alcohol sales and supporting local producers:
These are bold, pro-business, pro-consumer reforms. They’ve helped local producers and expanded choice. But now I ask: why not bring that same energy to making Canada the freest market for Canadian-made wine?
Importantly, permitting BC wines into Ontario would not result in significant revenue loss to the Ontario government. Most BC wines are produced in small lots and at relatively higher price points. They are not mass-produced products suited for LCBO shelf space. Allowing Ontario consumers to purchase BC wines without excessive markups would stimulate Canadian wine culture, grow consumer interest in local and domestic wines, and likely increase overall wine sales through both the LCBO and private retailers — resulting in higher, not lower, government revenue over time.
In fact, opening Ontario’s borders to BC wines would likely put pressure on Quebec to follow suit. Your leadership on this file could unlock interprovincial wine trade from coast to coast. And with that, Ontario’s thriving wine sector would gain access to Quebec’s massive consumer base — a win for Ontario producers, consumers, and government coffers alike.
You said, “We are not the problem.” Let’s prove it — not just internationally, but here at home. If you’re willing to challenge Washington, I hope you’ll also challenge your fellow premiers to make Canada a true free trade zone for Canadian wine and spirits.
Sincerely,
Ron Kubek | Owner, Lightning Rock Winery
ron@lightningrockwinery.com
Summerland, British Columbia, Canada
We’ve always been about forging genuine connections, friendships, and true partnerships in this industry. Following the 2024 cold snap, which left the Okanagan without a harvest, we turned to our friends south of the border for fruit for this vintage. Through that journey, we discovered exceptional new allies and partners.
Despite our modest size, we’ve long believed that good wine (and good relationships) can cross any border. Now, we’re officially sharing that belief with our neighbours in Washington State, who welcomed us during a critical time when extreme cold left our BC vineyards struggling.
Last winter, a -28°C cold snap devastated nearly all our estate fruit. Rather than accept defeat, we reached out to Washington State growers who opened their arms, and their vines to us. From this came our Cross Border Collection, made from Washington grapes but crafted with the heart and expertise of our team right here in Summerland, BC. These wines are clearly labeled to be transparent about their origin, reminding everyone that a special community effort helped bring them to life.
Even more exciting? The relationships we formed along the way now allow us to ship our Canadian-grown wines into Washington, and soon, we’ll be sharing them with even more parts of the U.S.A.
In May, our Cross Border Collection, produced with Washington grapes and crafted in here in Summerland, will officially be released in Canada, bringing this story full circle. We can’t wait for our Canadian supporters to also raise a glass to the spirit of unity and resilience that guided us every step of the way.
As we begin to share our wines across the border, we’re also working to develop a USA-focused wine club so our American customers can enjoy even more of our wines, hospitality, and the insider fun that comes with membership.
If you’d like to become part of this future, we’d love your input on what you’d like to see—2, 3, or 4 shipments per year? Pop-up dinners in your area?
Send us a note at info@lightningrockwinery.com.
Every bottle from our Cross Border Collection is a celebration of friendship, creativity, and resilience, proof that even the coldest snap can lead to warm new connections.
We can’t wait to share these wines with you, no matter which side of the border you call home. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for joining us on this exciting cross-border journey!
For any inquiries related to this matter from guests or press, please email Ron at ron@lightningrockwinery.com .
A recent BIV news article highlights how Alberta’s tax increase raises the cost of BC wines sold to consumers in Alberta. Not only does this new system interfere with the promise of easy direct-to-consumer shipping between Alberta and BC, but it also imposes an additional financial burden on producers and wine lovers. In some cases, the combined taxes in Alberta could now exceed what we would face exporting our wines to the United States. This is surprising and disappointing for those who have long championed the idea of buying local.
At Lightning Rock, our aim is to practice minimal intervention and sustainable winemaking. We believe that Canadians should be able to enjoy Canadian wine regardless of which province they call home. That is why our owner, Ron, penned a letter to Premier Danielle Smith asking her to reconsider these punitive new taxes. We remain hopeful that open communication will help maintain fair access to local wines. Wine should bring people together, not keep us apart.
Below is the full text of Ron’s letter, which we have also sent to the Premier.
PDF Version of this letter for Download
Lightning Rock Winery
Summerland, BC
March 24, 2025
The Honourable Danielle Smith
Premier of Alberta
307 Legislature Building
10800 – 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6
Subject: Alberta Wine Tax Hike – A Tax on Canadian Free Trade
Dear Premier Smith,
As a BC winery owner who has long respected Alberta’s leadership in free markets and open trade, I was deeply disappointed by your government’s recent decision to raise the wine markup from $3.91 to $4.11 per litre and impose a new ad valorem tax of up to 15% on the value of wine sold in Alberta.
After more than a year of negotiations between our provinces, January 2025 finally brought a cooperative agreement that allowed direct-to-consumer wine shipping between BC and Alberta. In July 2024, you called that deal a win for Albertans and British Columbians, promising “more market access for businesses, more prosperity for Albertans and British Columbians.” Now, just months later, these gains are being undone by a tax that targets Canadian wine under the guise of fairness.
You built your public leadership on reducing red tape and fighting back against foreign tariffs and Ottawa overreach. On March 5, 2025, you declared your commitment to “break down restrictive provincial trade barriers” and ensure the “unrestricted movement of goods” across Canada. Yet your government’s new wine markup system does the opposite, raising costs on Canadian wine, disproportionately affecting smaller BC producers like us, and placing new obstacles in the way of interprovincial trade.
You have spoken powerfully against the federal carbon tax, calling it “unfair,” and said that tax increases “punish” ordinary Canadians. That same logic applies here. These taxes are layered on top of wine already subject to excise, GST, and shipping fees. The impact is not just on wineries but\ also on Alberta consumers, who now face higher prices and fewer choices.
Even more concerning is that under the new ad valorem system, many of our wines now face a higher effective tax in Alberta than they would if exported to the United States. Under current U.S. policy, Canadian wine is subject to a 25% tariff. Yet with Alberta’s new $4.11 per litre markup and an ad valorem tax of up to 15% on higher-priced bottles, the combined tax burden in Alberta now exceeds 26-28% for many wines. That means Alberta’s tax regime is more punitive than Trump-era tariffs.
The new taxes apply only to wine over $15, sparing cheaper imported wines but heavily affecting BC wines, most of which are in that higher price category. The agreement between the provinces took months to negotiate and was intended as a one-year experiment. Yet only three months in, your government has imposed a tax that makes BC wines significantly more expensive in Alberta than they are in British Columbia.
As a matter of national pride, we need a national market for our wines.
Premier Smith, we urge you to live up to your words and repeal this damaging tax. Let Alberta once again lead the way in dismantling trade barriers, not building them. Let us work together across provincial lines to make Canadian wine more accessible, more affordable, and more celebrated by Canadians from coast to coast.
Sincerely,
Ron Kubek
Owner & CEO, Lightning Rock Winery
Summerland, BC
We share this letter because we believe open dialogue is essential in addressing these policy issues. At Lightning Rock Winery, our core values include community, sustainability, and the joy of bringing people together to enjoy quality wine. We are hopeful that these same values will guide our leaders to revisit and rethink Alberta’s new tax laws.
Until then, we thank everyone who continues to support local wineries. Every bottle you purchase is a direct investment in the families and farms that keep our wine industry vibrant and true to its roots.
We Would Love to Hear from You
Let’s keep the conversation going. Together, we can work toward a vision of Canada that embraces local growers and producers, ensuring that everyone has a chance to enjoy the best of our regions without unnecessary obstacles.
Cheers from all of us at Lightning Rock Winery, and thank you for standing with us as we navigate these changes.
At our small-scale, family-run winery in the heart of Summerland, BC, we believe wine isn’t just about fancy tasting notes. It’s about connection, laughter, and raising a glass in those real-life moments that matter. That’s why we team up with incredible restaurants and local liquor stores throughout the Okanagan and beyond, making sure you can grab a bottle of Lightning Rock whenever the moments calls for it.
So, next time you’re out and about:
Calling all adventurers and wine enthusiasts! Lightning Rock Winery is thrilled to announce our return to the Grand Somm Express, a one-of-a-kind wine experience that pairs a scenic steam train ride through Summerland with the best of Okanagan wine, ciders, craft beer, and spirits. Whether you’re a local or exploring British Columbia’s wine country for the first time, this event is your ticket to discovering the region in the most delicious way.
Extended Experience
This year’s Grand Somm Express adventure is 30 minutes longer, giving you extra time to sip on award-winning Okanagan wines, sample craft delights, and soak in the natural beauty of Summerland—all at a leisurely pace.
Assigned Seating
Relax and enjoy the ride with friends or family—no seat scrambling. This means more time to revel in the nostalgia of a historic steam train and immerse yourself in a true wine experience.
Reception & Dessert
Kick things off with a lively welcome reception featuring local wines, ciders, craft beers, premium spirits, and gourmet appetizers—setting the stage for an afternoon of indulgence. When you return to the station, treat yourself to a dessert reception because every memorable day deserves a sweet finale.
Onboard Tastings & Live Music
Expert sommeliers will guide you through a curated selection of Okanagan wine, local ciders, and premium spirits, while live music adds an upbeat energy to the journey. It’s a moving festival of flavors through the heart of Summerland!
Shop & Explore
Take home your favorite discoveries at the on-site Martin Street Liquor Merchants’ store. Even better, your event ticket includes a Complimentary All-Access Pass to explore participating Bottleneck Drive establishments from June 19 to June 23, 2025—enjoy drop-in tastings at Summerland’s top wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries.
After your train ride, we invite you to keep the celebration going at Lightning Rock Winery for our special dinner event: Where There’s Smoke, There’s Lightning! Once again, we’re partnering with our neighbours at Summerland Smoke Shack to serve up a hearty brisket dinner with all the fixings—tender meat, coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and a dinner roll, followed by a scrumptious fruit crumble dessert with ice cream. A glass of our favorite Lightning Rock selection is included, making it a perfect pairing to round out your Okanagan wine experience.
The Grand Somm Express in Summerland is more than just a train ride—it’s a celebration of Okanagan wine culture, local cuisine, and the welcoming spirit of our community. Between the panoramic views, the guided tastings, the live music, and our post-train dinner, there’s no better way to experience the region’s bounty.
Secure your tickets now and invite your friends for a day (and evening!) you won’t forget. If you have questions or need additional details, please reach out—we’re here to help you plan the perfect Okanagan wine experience. Hop on board, and let’s toast to Summerland’s Grand Somm Express together!
Valentine’s Day is all about spending quality time with the people you love, and sometimes that means less time in the kitchen and more time chatting over a glass of rosé. Our co-owner, Tracy, has shared two quick, fuss-free dessert recipes that are perfect for a romantic evening—or any sweet occasion. Whip them up, pour your favorite rosé, and focus on what truly matters: good company, heartfelt conversation, and delicious treats. Enjoy!
Looking for the perfect pairing? Our Valentine’s Rosé Pack includes four delicious Rosé’s to keep your glasses full of flavour. Discover Valentine’s Wines…
We hope you enjoy these sweet treats with loved ones—friends, family, or that special someone. Just pour a glass of your favorite Lightning Rock rosé, savor each bite, and remember that the best part of any celebration is the time spent together. Cheers!
Canadians across various industries—forestry, manufacturing, agriculture, and more—have witnessed firsthand how a single piece of legislation or a new tariff can upend business plans and threaten livelihoods. It’s frustrating to see hard-working people caught in the middle of international disputes, forced to deal with sudden policy shifts that are often beyond their control. While it’s necessary to address and adapt to these external pressures, we must not let them overshadow a problem that lies entirely within our own borders: the needless interprovincial restrictions that prevent Canadian wine from being sold freely across our provinces.
Each province in Canada has its own set of regulations and markups that make it nearly impossible for Canadian wineries to sell directly to consumers or retailers outside of their home province.
This system makes little sense in a country that prides itself on international free trade agreements but restricts its own domestic market. Why are we allowing provinces to block Canadian wine from flowing freely when we claim to be a united country?
If we truly want to strengthen the Canadian wine industry and provide consumers with greater choice, we must eliminate these provincial restrictions. The benefits of doing so are clear:
The Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in the Comeau case missed an opportunity to reaffirm true free trade within our country. However, provincial governments still have the power to come together and create a framework that allows Canadian wine to flow freely, just as beer and spirits do in some cases.
While the hardships from U.S. tariffs are understandably top of mind for many, focusing exclusively on external conflicts does a disservice to our own producers and consumers. The real challenge to our industry isn’t just at the U.S. border—it’s also the roadblocks we’ve built between provinces.
I have lobbied the governments of Alberta, BC, and Ontario on this issue, speaking to both the government and the official opposition, yet we still have nothing. The real issue lies with the liquor control boards—BCLDB, AGLC, LCBO, and SAQ—who operate like provincial fiefdoms, prioritizing excessive tax markups while protecting their own producers. If governments insist on collecting more than just sales tax on made-in-Canada wine, we could at least use Alberta’s model—but we need to act quickly.
As the holiday season approaches, Summerland transforms into a twinkling wonderland, and we at Lightning Rock Winery are thrilled to be part of the annual Light Up the Vines event once again! This magical celebration brings together wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries across Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive for enchanting evenings filled with festive lights, delightful sips, and holiday cheer.
While our tasting room is usually closed for the season, we’re opening our doors for four special nights:
4 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, November 30th
Friday, December 6th & Saturday, December 7th
What to Expect at Lightning Rock:
✨ Exclusive Light Up Tastings
3-wine flight (choose sparkling, white, rosé, or red) – $10
5 oz glass of any open wine – $10
✨ Twinkling Lights Everywhere
✨ Fire Tables and Outdoor Heaters
✨ Complimentary Hot Apple Cider (non-alcoholic)
✨ Special Holiday Deals
📅 Date: Friday, November 29, 2024
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Downtown Summerland
A Tradition 37 Years in the Making
The Festival of Lights began 37 years ago, envisioned by four passionate Summerland businessmen: Jerry Hallquist, Art Sewell, Allan Fabbi, and Bruce Hallquist. Their goal was to showcase the vibrant businesses of downtown Summerland. To bring this vision to life, they initiated a community-wide effort to light up the town:
The inaugural festival was a resounding success, drawing an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 attendees. It was the only event of its kind in the Okanagan at the time and has since become a premier holiday tradition, thriving over the past 37 years and captivating both locals and visitors alike.
Festival Highlights
✨ Light Displays: Marvel at the spectacular lighting that transforms the town into a glittering spectacle.
✨ Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances that add to the festive atmosphere.
✨ Food Vendors: Savor delicious treats from local vendors.
✨ Holiday Shopping: Explore unique gifts from local artisans and businesses.
✨ Beverage Tent: Don’t miss the Light Up Summerland Beverage Tent presented in partnership with Visit Summerland at Henry & Wharton, featuring local wines, ciders, beers, spirits, and of course Lightning Rock Winery!
✨ Fireworks Display: Cap off the evening with a spectacular fireworks show presented by the Summerland Credit Union.
After enjoying the downtown festivities, continue the fun by exploring the Light Up the Vines event along Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive. Join us and other local producers for enchanting evenings filled with festive lights, special tastings, and holiday cheer.
Event Dates
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday, November 30th
Friday, December 6th & Saturday, December 7th
Participating Members Include
Wineries:
Haywire Winery
Summergate Winery
Dirty Laundry Vineyard
Garnet Valley Ranch
Heavens Gate Winery
Lightning Rock Winery
Lunessence Winery
Sage Hills Estate Winery
Solvero Wines
Pamplemousse Jus
Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery
Vows and Vines Vineyard
Cideries:
Millionaires’ Row Cider Co.
Dominion Cider Co.
Nomad Cider
Summerland Heritage Cider
Distilleries:
Alchemist Distiller*
Controlled Entropy Distilling
Breweries:
Detonate Brewing Company
To make the most of your Light Up the Vines experience, here are some tips:
Create Your Own Tour
Map Out Your Stops: With so many fantastic venues participating, plan ahead to visit your top choices. Consider grouping nearby locations to maximize your time.
Reserve Tastings
While many places welcome walk-ins (including us!), reservations can help ensure you have a spot, especially during peak times.
Transportation
Drive Safely: If you plan to drive, designate a sober driver to ensure everyone’s safety.
Shuttle Services
Check out local shuttle services or consider booking the Light Up the Vines Special Offer with the Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa, which includes door-to-door shuttle service to select tasting rooms.
Stay Overnight
Accommodation Offers: Extend your stay and enjoy more of what Summerland has to offer. The Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa is offering exclusive rates for the event.
Dress Warmly
The evenings can be chilly. Wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely be moving between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Embrace the Festivities with Family & Friends
Many venues are family-friendly (including us!), so feel free to bring the kids along for some holiday fun.