Caboose white (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc blend of perfection), and Caboose rosé (Saignée method using pinot noir and merlot, also perfect). Both are steals at $22.

The little engine that could…not get us to leave! Just kidding. We left. Eventually. It’s hard when they have a gorgeous tasting room and patio, sweeping views of Okanagan lake and vineyards, and tiers of delicious wine to taste.  You can choose between two tastings – 5 selections from their premium platinum, gold and silver tiers, or 4 selections from their silver and caboose tier wines, with a fee of $18 and $8 respectively per tasting (waived when you purchase a bottle of wine from your tasting, minimum $55 and $30, respectively). It is definitely worth tasting from all tiers. Even their lowest tier wines – the Caboose rosé (Saignée method using Pinot noir and merlot) and Caboose white (Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc) are high quality and a steal at $22. They are also beautifully bottled with glass stoppers.

Overlooking vines and the lake😍 (Wine appreciation is starting early for these two!)

As lovers of big reds and chardonnays, there was a lot for us to fall in love with. We brought home a collection of wines from each tier – some to cellar for special occasions, and others to pop open right away – but we think they’re all pretty special! 

Even their barrels are beautiful.

Owners Nicole and Steven French opened Little Engine in 2016. Winemaker Chris Robinson is the former winemaker at La Frenz winery, trained at Township 7, and was educated with his Master’s degree at the University of Adelaide wine program.

The winery and wines themselves may be high end, but the tasting experience itself isn’t pretentious at all. Steven and Nicole were both there, and we felt more like we were being welcomed into the French’s (fancy) home than being churned through a luxury wine tasting. Being able to offer luxury wines while maintaining a friendly, small winery ambiance gives their name sincerity and sets them apart from some of the bigger high end wineries.  

Tasting room perfection 👌

Entrance way

Greeted by barrels at the front door 🥂