Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism, Okanagan College
Identity Grown Locally
The new Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism is destined to become a shining “front door” for Okanagan College—both literally and symbolically.
In the heart of the Okanagan Valley, where vineyards, orchards and culinary culture define the landscape, lay a remarkable opportunity—the creation of the Centre for Food, Wine, and Tourism (CFWT). Designed with Okanagan roots in mind, the CWFT will be an exciting, new 'welcome' to the college's Kelowna campus. It will become a place of learning, community and culture and reflect the Okanagan region’s rich food, wine, and cultural traditions while inviting students, visitors, and the community into a space alive with energy and connection. The facility became a unique and rare opportunity to redefine culinary education in Canada, and to create a space that not only imparts knowledge, but also inspires a passion for food and partnership with/understanding of the surrounding Okanagan landscape and the richness of its ecosystems.
Inside, the Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism will be buzzing with activity. Students will sharpen their skills in modern kitchens, labs, and a bakery, while the student-run Infusions Restaurant offers a vibrant showcase of farm-to-table dining. Flexible classrooms, study areas, and conference spaces will ensure the Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism is not just for learning, but also for collaboration, events, and industry gatherings that bring people together.
In the fast-evolving worlds of food, wine and tourism, innovation is paramount. Our approach to the design prioritized spaces that foster experimentation, creativity and adaptation - every element was meticulously crafted to facilitate innovation and keep pace with industry trends.
The CWFT includes a welcoming plaza directly accessible from the transit hub, blending building and landscape thoughtfully to integrate the campus flow. Clad in earthy red-brown zinc, the architecture nods to the region’s wine, smoke, and culinary roots in a warm, textural way. From tasting rooms to teaching gardens, the spaces celebrate sustainability and provide hands-on opportunities that tie classroom learning to the Okanagan’s land and traditions. Indigenous storytelling, accessibility and sustainability are top of mind - the facility is set to achieve Rick Hansen Certification and WELL Building designation, and designed in consultation with local First Nations input.
When doors open in 2027, the Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism will make room for hundreds of new students each year, helping to grow the region’s hospitality and tourism workforce. Called “magnificent” and “a showpiece” by community leaders, it is more than a building—it’s a gathering place where education, industry, and culture meet, and a cornerstone in Kelowna’s vision to become Canada’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
Check out the Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism's Virtual Tour here, and the building's live construction feed here!
“Kelowna’s culinary scene is a testament to the passion and creativity of our local chefs, farmers, wineries and food producers. Applying for [UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation] is a step towards recognizing the vital role that food plays in our community and enhancing Kelowna’s reputation as a global culinary destination.”