Lifestyle

Check out this unique vineyard escape!

Sip, stay, & unwind

Wine lovers seeking a truly unique getaway now have a new destination in West Kelowna. Niche Wine Co. has unveiled the Outside Inn, a boutique retreat nestled in the heart of the vineyard.

This agritourism experience features three modern cabins crafted from seacans, seamlessly blending contemporary luxury with the natural beauty of the Okanagan wine country.

“The goal with these was to create laid-back luxury. We wanted it to feel like a Fairmont or a Four Seasons hotel room with a very open concept,” said Joanna Schlosser, co-owner of Niche Wine Co. “The idea really is to unplug and unwind when you're here.”

Each cabin is thoughtfully designed, offering a soaker tub, stand-up shower, projector, wine fridge, and more—providing a high-end experience in a rustic setting.

Schlosser shared that the project was two years in the making, with one year spent navigating city approvals and another year dedicated to development and installation. The cabins arrived with their interiors pre-built, making for a smooth and efficient setup.

“This is a much more sustainable way to approach a project like this,” she explained. “Everything is made offsite and then just craned in when it's done. Apart from water hookup, it's kind of like, set it and forget it.”

Since 2020, Niche Wine Co. has faced its share of challenges—from the disruptions of the pandemic to unpredictable weather conditions. To stay afloat, they’ve embraced adaptability, diversifying their business through online wine sales, alternative crops, and now, experiential stays.

“We've realized that having all your eggs in one basket as a farm is not a good idea,” Schlosser said. “This was just another way for us to diversify—another experience we could offer to visitors while strengthening our business.”

The Outside Inn has already generated significant interest from travelers looking for something beyond a standard hotel stay.

“We’re on the West Side Wine Trail, and what’s neat is that we’re off the beaten path yet only four minutes from the highway,” Schlosser said. “People will feel like they’ve escaped into the mountains, even though we’re so close to town. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Bookings are now open, with guests set to check in starting the first week of April.

Published 2025-02-24 by Connor Chan

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