Posts Tagged ‘Okanagan’

« Older Entries

Picnic Spot: Old Fairview

Monday, May 31st, 2010

The old Fairview town site provides a great view of the valley from Oliver to Osoyoos Lake

Only a few minutes west of tiny Oliver sits one of the town’s most convenient, quiet, and picturesque picnic spots.

Located near the old townsite of Fairview (now a ghost town), this picnic spot boasts a few picnic tables, a kiosk full of fascinating local history, and a nature preserve.

For the very best views and most remote feeling, we suggest forgoing the roadside picnic tables and taking a leisurely walk down the marked trails until you find a comfy sagebrush softened spot off the path that suits.

Be sure to pack a picnic blanket as there is only prickly sagebrush and dry grass to sit on alongside the path. Open a nice refreshing bottle of local wine, bust out the sandwiches, and relax. All you can hear is the wind.

Must pack list: a camera and a thick picnic blanket!

After soaking in the desert sun and breathtaking valley views, be sure to pop over to the information kiosk to learn about this 20th century boom town turned ghost town.

Must Pack List: A camera, a thick picnic blanket (to cushion against the prickly dry grass), and a bottle of Okanagan wine. Why not stay on theme and try something from Fairview Cellars, located only a few blocks away?

Directions: To reach the old townsite of Fairview follow 350th avenue west of town. 350th is the cross street that intersects the main intersection in downtown Oliver. Follow this road out of town until reaching Fairview Whitelake Road. The drive from the heart of town to Old Fairview should take no longer than five minutes.

Map: http://maps.google.ca/

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Stunning Views, Top Picnic Spots | No Comments »

Photo Inspiration of the Week: Wine & Water

Sunday, May 16th, 2010

Glass of wine, Okanagan evening, lake and desert hills are clearly the recipe for a magical photo. Wish we were also raising our glass lakefront.

Wine: Jackson Triggs Sauv Blanc
Setting: Western edge of Tuc-el-Nuit Lake

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Stunning Views | No Comments »

Summerhill Winery

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: Some of Summerhill's wines are aged in this giant pyramid. Their owner believes it has intensifying powers.

At Summerhill, tradition meets the mystical to create a winery experience that is somewhat out of the ordinary. Visitors may try some of Summerhill’s many wines in the wine shop before heading out on one of the many tours that are conducted throughout the day.

The winery also features Sunset Bistro, a restaurant at the winery’s front with an ample patio and view of Okanagan Lake.Before entering the winery, visitors can also take in the World Peace Park with a waterfall, lovely vista, and koi pond to boot.

Immediately upon entering Summerhill’s grounds, visitors will notice a white concrete pyramid. This is the jewel in the winery’s crown and the place where many of Summerhill’s wines are aged. It is thought that the aging of good wines in the ‘sacred geometry’ of the pyramid has a positive, flavour-enhancing affect on them (tastings conducted in the pyramid revealed that 9 of 10 tasters preferred pyramid-aged wines).

Above: Everything is just a little out of the ordinary at Summerhill.

During the tour of the cellar, which somewhat resembled a séance, we were informed that the pyramid could also strengthen one’s life-force. At the very least, the carefully constructed building keeps the wines at a cool temperature (11º-15º C) and provides welcome relief from the hot Okanagan sun outside.

Wines: Summerhill derives its grapes from 45 acres of organic vineyard as well as from growers up and down the valley. The winery gained early attention for its sparkling wines, particularly the Cipes Brut, which has won awards internationally against sparkling wines from Champagne.

The winery tour includes an explanation of the sparkling wine vinification process. There are several lines of Summerhill wines, including Pyramid wines, Star Galaxy, Summerhill Organic, Enchanted Vines (featuring folklore artwork and organic grapes) and Summerhill Estate.

Above: The patio outside of Summerhill. You can enjoy a nice lunch here with a nice lake view.

Summerhill currently produces an array of wines too wide to list in its entirety. We have included a selection of some of its best-sellers.

Notes on Tastings: Summerhill has a well-equipped tasting room with a long tasting bar. Some staff members are fluent in Cantonese or Mandarin. The winery is often very busy in the summer, sometimes with several tour busses passing through at a time. Up to four wines can be tasted free of charge.

Last Word: Did we feel the Pyramid’s energy?- Perhaps. We recommend that you visit this winery and see for yourself.

Driving Directions: Follow Lakeshore drive until it turns off into Chute Lake Road. Just look for the giant pyramid, right after the turn off to Cedar Creek & St. Hubertus.

More Information & Hours: http://www.summerhill.bc.ca/

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Kelowna, Winery Reviews | 1 Comment »

Silver Sage Winery

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: The winery is large and quite visible from the road.

Silver Sage Winery is located in a monstrous house along the old Okanagan river channel. The winery exterior is almost park-like, with manicured lawns, flowerbeds and willow trees along the riverbank. A regal iron gate marks the entrance to the facility’s long drive. There is also an outdoor patio and gazebo where visitors can relax.

Silver Sage’s vineyards were planted in 1996 by Victor and Anna Manola, Romanian immigrants who had lived in Vancouver prior to purchasing the current 25 acre site. The winery and Manola family suffered a tragedy when Victor passed away in an accident. Anna continued the winery dream, however, and has piloted the winery to where it stands today.

Wines: Silver Sage is not a conventional winery in its products or methods. The winery offers various fruit dessert wines, including The Flame, which is bottled with a chili pepper. The Sage Grand Reserve is gewürztraminer fermented with sage, resulting in unusual, but enjoyable wines.

Above: Silver Sage is located in the very heart of the Okanagan Valley, in Oliver, BC.

Notes on Tastings: Silver Sage has an ample tasting room, and can accommodate a fair number of visitors. Be prepared to encounter line-ups in the summer (as per usual in the Okanagan). Proprietor Anna Manola is often at the tasting bar, and can obviously provide a wealth of information on the winery.

Last Word: This winery is a worthwhile visit for those with a sweet-tooth for wines, as well as those looking for a different wine experience.

Driving Directions: From Highway 97 go east on road #9 and follow the signs to Silver Sage Winery.

More Information & Hours: http://www.silversagewinery.com/

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Oliver, Winery Reviews | 1 Comment »

Nk’Mip Cellars

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: A statue welcomes visitors to the winery, resort, golf course & desert centre.

Nk’Mip (pronounced Inkameep) Cellars is a joint project between the Osoyoos Indian Band and Vincor International and enjoys the prestige that comes with being North America’s first Aboriginally owned and operated winery. The winery site looks over Lake Osoyoos and is located in what remains of the Pocket Desert- the only desert in Canada.

The winery building’s design is influenced by aboriginal culture and the desert locale, and the interior decor features works by local band artisans as well as numerous displays that recount the evolution of the winery and vineyards.

Visitors may enjoy lunch on the winery’s front patio while taking in the view of intermingling desert and vineyards on the shores of Lake Osoyoos.

Above: Winery & Tasting Room (Guided tours depart from here).

Recently completed as part of the Nk’Mip development project, is Sonora Dunes, a nine-hole golf course, and Nk’mip Campground/RV Park. Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort and Spa is soon to be completed along with a Desert and Heritage Centre. Visitors may also explore the Pocket Desert. Wines aside, the buildings and amenities alone demonstrate the great commercial presence of this winery and make for an interesting visit.

Wines: Wines produced at Nk’Mip Cellars are soured from the Osoyoos Indian Band’s own vineyards and vineyards leased from other wineries. The cellar capacity currently stands at 18,000 cases. The wine selection is two-tiered with reserves belonging to the Qwam Qwmt (“achieving excellence”) series.

Notes on Tastings: The tasting room at Nk’Mip is spacious, and has two tasting bars. During busier months be prepared for some line-ups. Visitors may also browse some of the displays and local artwork, clothing, and other accessories for sale while they wait. Tastings are $2.00 each for wines from the Qwam Qwmt series.

Last Word: The events at Nk’Mip are well worth planning ahead for – especially the Traditional Salmon Feast.

Driving Directions: Follow Highway 97 South through the town of Osoyoos. You will see a small amusement park on your lefthand side, and soon visible signs for Nk’Mip will appear. You can’t miss it!

More Information & Hours: http://www.nkmipcellars.com

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Osoyoos | 2 Comments »

Noble Ridge Winery

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: The view off of the 'noble ridge' on which the winery sits is spectacular.

This two-week old winery (as of mid-May) still smells new -not enough to boggle your senses when tasting, however. Noble Ridge Winery sits, fittingly, atop a ridge that runs east-west, with slopes to the north and south.

The tasting room features a fantastic view of Vaseaux lake and the valley beyond. The wine shop is reminiscent of a modern suburban home, with a grand circular tasting bar that should accommodate more than a few tasters. The energetic vineyard and wine shop manager Judi Skinner is welcoming and can provide a detailed explanation of the vineyards’ interesting trellises.

Above: The wine shop is still under construction as of mid May.

Noble Ridge’s owners, Leslie and Jim D’Andrea, like many winery proprietors in the region, are city-dwellers in search of change. They established the winery in 2003 and run it from Calgary where they continue their careers in business.

Above: The Noble Ridge sign is fairly visible from the road.

The exterior of Noble Ridge is still under construction as landscaping work and an outdoor picnic area is finished. Eventually, the owners hope that the winery will become a place where families can relax and enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the view.

Wines: Noble Ridge currently sources its grapes from certain blocks on its estate as well as other growers from the Okanagan. Its focus is on four popular wines.

Notes on tasting: Tasting is free. At any point there are not may wines to taste, as Noble Ridge produces only a few varieties.

Last Word: Noble Ridge is a worthwhile stop on your wine tour, especially if the vineyard manager is present to educate visitors- come prepared with questions. Be sure to wave at the friendly vineyard staff.

Driving Directions: Take Oliver Ranch Road off of Highway 97. Signage is good.

More Information & Hours: http://www.nobleridge.com/

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Okanagan Falls, Winery Reviews | 1 Comment »

Golden Beaver Winery

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: The tasting room is small and simple, however renovations are underway.

Golden Beaver Winery opened its doors in early May after new owners Stella Schmidt and Bruno Kelle bought the facility and vineyards formerly known as Gersighel Wineberg. The proprietors, Calgary businesspeople who escaped to the Okanagan, chose the name Golden Beaver because it was fun, Canadian and unique.

The winery is located just off of Hwy 97 on the Golden Mile, making it easily accessible and a convenient stop along the wine route. There is a nice patio outside the winery where guests can enjoy a glass of wine and the company of the owners’ dog Cashew.

Above: A patio sits adjacent to the winery, where you can sit, relax, and enjoy a glass of wine.

Wines: The vineyards at Golden Beaver are on the western slope of the South Okanagan Valley, making for good morning sun exposure. Currently, the wines offered by Golden Beaver are those made by the previous owners. The first release, made by Bruno Kelle under the guidance of a consulting winemaker, will be out this summer.

Notes on Tastings: The tasting room at Golden Beaver is quaint and simple and owner Stella Schmidt runs the tasting bar, so one will never be left short of information on the winery. Tastings are two dollars for several wines.

Last Word: If the wine shop seems empty, honk your car horn a few times- the owners are busy with renovations but will happily serve you!

Driving Directions: Golden Beaver is located at the South end of the Golden Mile in Oliver BC. Take Highway 97 south of Oliver and you can’t miss it. Signage is good.

More Information & Hours: http://www.goldenbeaverwinery.com/

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Golden Mile, Oliver, Winery Reviews | 1 Comment »

Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: Gehringers Brothers is easily accessibly along the Golden Mile in Oliver.

One of the Valley’s oldest wineries, Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, is an embodiment of modesty and authenticity. The facility and wine shop/tasting room has a pleasant view of the valley from its site on the western slopes of the South Okanagan’s Golden Mile. The wine shop offers various knick-knacks and wine accessories including glassware. The shop’s cool temperature was refreshing after spending some time in a stuffy car.

Wine: Gehringer Brothers was founded by brothers Walter and Gordon in 1985 and released its first vintage in the same year. Since then the brothers, who oversee the making of wines and vineyard management, have achieved notability for their Germanics- especially Riesling, and their overall consistency in producing quality wines at good value.

Above: The wine shop is quaint and the tasting bar is ample - the tasting selection is ample as well!

Wines are sourced from estate vineyards, and under the Dry Rock Vineyard label (named for the rocky outcropping near the winery which gathers heat in the day) non-Germanics such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernets and Merlot are produced. We were pleased to taste a blend using Schönburger – a grape not commonly seen anymore.

Notes on Tastings: There is ample parking at the winery and equally sufficient space at the tasting bar. There is no fee for tasting, and there is a wide selection from which visitors may choose to sample.

Last Word: We really enjoyed this stop on our wine route.

Driving Directions: Turn off Highway 97 onto road 8 just South of Oliver. The road branches off and Gehringer is on your right. Hester Creek is on your left.

More Information & Hours: http://www.gehringerwines.ca/

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Golden Mile, Oliver | 1 Comment »

Domaine Combret Estate Winery

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: A large row of trees dramatically welcomes visitors to the winery.

High atop the western hills of the South Okanagan’s Golden Mile sits Domaine Combret Estate Winery. This expansive site provided us with one of the most stunning views we’ve had the opportunity to take in so far.

The production facility there is state of the art, and was envisioned by 10th generation French winemaker Olivier Combret and his family in 1992. The site was selected by Combret based on its ability to produce world-class grapes without the pesticides that were required in other more humid regions.

Domaine Combret is worth visiting for the view alone, but visitors should also sample Combret’s premium wines in the winery’s modest tasting room and wine shop.

Wines: Domaine Combret’s wines are grown on the estate and reflect the terroir of the region. A wine to note is the Chardonnay Icewine, which won gold medal at the 2006 Chardonnay du Monde in France. Past Chardonnays have gained international attention. Domaine Combret offers two labels – St. Vincent (reserve) and Lineage.

Notes on Tastings: The tasting room, while open from 9 am to dusk, is not always staffed, as the Combrets are often busy attending to the many tasks that come with running a winery and vineyard. As such, you may be required to use a buzzer at the tasting room door to request service.

Last Word: The drive to this winery is beautiful and the site provides a great vantage point of the whole southern part of the valley.

Driving Directions: Turn onto Road 13 from Highway 97. Follow signage to the right.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Oliver, Stunning Views, Winery Reviews | No Comments »

Desert Hills Estate Winery

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

Above: The simple welcome sign at Desert Hills.

Brothers Randy and Jesse Toor recently founded Desert Hills Estate Winery after having planted land on the Black Sage bench with vinifera. It is a family-run estate winery and is located in a non-descript building dwarfed by the sizeable house adjacent to it (be sure to turn left folks).

Wines: Desert Hills’ production, like others on the Black Sage, is primarily focused on red wines. The winery’s most popular wine among a quirky mix of varieties is Syrah.

Notes on Tastings: Like all Okanagan Wineries, Desert Hills gets busy in the summer. Parking space is not overly abundant, and the driveway is narrow. Tastings are free, however ID is required for people who appear to be under 25. The tasting room is small and relatively standard, and the staff (at least when we were there) were polite, if not overly cordial. Tours are offered throughout the summer.

Above:The wineshop is located down this small driveway to your left. Avoid the mammoth house to your right.

Last Word: If you have extra time, make the stop. They make some fabulous wines and are an easy visit just off of Black Sage road.

Also note: at times there are large dogs roaming the property. They are best avoided.

Driving Directions: Accessible from the North via Road 9 off Highway 97, or from the South via Road 22 off Highway 97. Located on the Western Side of Black Sage Road. Signage is good.

More Information: http://www.deserthills.ca/

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Black Sage, Oliver, Winery Reviews | No Comments »

« Older Entries