Nestled on the sun-drenched hillsides overlooking Okanagan Lake, Martin’s Lane Winery is unlike any other destination in British Columbia wine country. Located just south of Kelowna in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, the winery has become one of the region’s premier destinations for lovers of elegant Pinot Noir and Riesling. From its award-winning architecture to its small-production wines and impressive art collection, Martin’s Lane delivers an unforgettable tasting experience that feels more like stepping into a modern art museum—or even the set of a James Bond film—than a traditional winery.
A Winery Built for Pinot Noir
Martin’s Lane is dedicated almost exclusively to two grape varieties: Pinot Noir and Riesling. While Riesling has long flourished in the Okanagan Valley’s cool climate, Pinot Noir remains one of the region’s greatest challenges. The notoriously delicate grape accounts for only about two percent of the world’s vineyard plantings, making every successful bottle something special.
That rarity became a central theme throughout our tasting. Martin’s Lane produces four Rieslings and four Pinot Noirs, each highlighting different vineyard sites and microclimates across the valley. Every wine showcased remarkable purity, balance, and complexity while expressing the unique terroir of British Columbia.
Award-Winning Architecture
Even before tasting the wines, the winery itself leaves a lasting impression. Designed with dramatic angles, soaring glass walls, and a sleek contemporary aesthetic, Martin’s Lane has earned international recognition for its architecture by Tom Kundig. The futuristic building rises above the vineyards with clean lines and striking geometric forms, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a luxury design destination than a traditional wine estate.
Inside, an eye-catching sculptural staircase serves as both a functional centerpiece and a work of art, drawing visitors upward through the tasting experience while offering panoramic views across the vineyards and Okanagan Lake. Every detail of the winery reflects precision, craftsmanship, and innovation—the same qualities found in the wines themselves.
Art and Wine Go Hand in Hand
Martin’s Lane seamlessly blends fine art with fine wine. One of the property’s most memorable installations is the Horizon sculpture, which greets guests as they arrive and sets the tone for an artistic journey throughout the estate.
Another fascinating piece draws inspiration from Vincent van Gogh. The sculpture references the fact that Van Gogh was a redhead—just as only about two percent of the world’s population naturally has red hair, mirroring the rarity of Pinot Noir’s tiny percentage among global grape plantings. It’s a clever artistic connection that reinforces the winery’s devotion to one of the wine world’s most prized varietals.
Even the wine labels tell a story. Martin’s Lane works with acclaimed music photographer James O’Mara, whose striking black-and-white photography gives each bottle a distinctive visual identity that perfectly complements the winery’s modern aesthetic.
A Memorable Wine Tasting Experience
Our tasting took place in Martin’s Lane’s beautiful contemporary tasting room, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame spectacular vineyard and lake views.
The lineup showcased both Rieslings and Pinot Noirs, allowing us to experience how dramatically each vineyard site influences the finished wines. The Rieslings offered vibrant acidity, mineral-driven elegance, and bright citrus notes, while the Pinot Noirs displayed layers of cherry, raspberry, earthy spice, and silky tannins.
The experience was intimate and educational, with our knowledgeable host Member Relations Specialist, Matt Lebedoff Jr. explaining the vineyard philosophy, winemaking techniques, and subtle differences between each bottling. Because production is intentionally limited, many of these wines are only available directly through the winery.
Exclusive Wines Worth Seeking Out
Demand for Martin’s Lane wines continues to grow, and that popularity is reflected in its highly sought-after wine club. In fact, the Martin’s Lane wine club is currently full, making many of the winery’s limited-production releases even more exclusive. For visitors, a tasting at the estate offers one of the few opportunities to experience these exceptional wines firsthand.
A Must-Visit Winery in the Okanagan Valley
Whether you’re planning an Osoyoos wine tasting adventure or exploring the best Okanagan wineries, Martin’s Lane deserves a place near the top of your itinerary.
Its combination of award-winning architecture, contemporary art, breathtaking scenery, and exceptional small-lot wines creates one of the most distinctive winery experiences in British Columbia wine country.
From the futuristic design and thought-provoking sculptures to beautifully crafted Rieslings and elegant Pinot Noirs, Martin’s Lane proves that great wine is about far more than what’s in the glass—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience from the moment you arrive until the final sip.