The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, has become world renowned for their unique and varied vineyards. Using the Summerland Waterfront Resort Hotel as my base, for a two night getaway driving up from Vancouver, I was able to sample the wines at five of the local wineries.
1) Kettle Valley Winery
Located in Naramata, a thirty minute drive from Summerland, this is a small farm based winery. The tasting room is in an unassuming garage but the staff is friendly as is owner Bob Ferguson. Kettle Valley is known for it's French barrel aged, dark, intense and well structured red wines. Try the Caboose, a tasty blend of Malbec and Petit Verdot grapes with the chocolate provided.
2) Laughing Stock Vineyards
Ten minutes up the road, you will find the Laughing Stock Vineyards. Although the tasting room is located essentially in the basement of a large family home, it is very professionally run and they prefer you book your tasting by appointment. The knowledgable sommelier will tell you that Laughing Stock was started by two former stock brokers and the bottles and names of the wine reflect this. Make sure you try the Portfolio 2014, a blended Bordeaux style, which has won many awards.
3) Poplar Grove Winery
Also, in the Naramata Bench area, Poplar Grove Winery is set on a beautiful piece of property that rolls down to the lake. From the patio of the modern style building you can take in the view of the valley. Instead of the tasting room, I opted for the well reviewed, Vanilla Pod Restaurant on site. The tapas styled dishes paired well with the selections of wine, including signature red blend The Legacy.
4) Quails Gate
This winery, located in Kelowna, offers tours, although I didn't take one. The wine bar tasting was fantastic with Pierre, our sommelier, from France. He pushed me to try different wines that I would not have and as a result have become my favourites that I still buy - Old Vines Foch, a full-bodied red and a Chenin Blanc. There is also a premium restaurant on site, Old Vines, which is well worth the visit for lunch or dinner. Be sure to make a reservation.
5) Mission Hill Winery
The most impressive winery of all is situated on top of Mission Hill that has views of the lake and vineyards below. It is worth going to for the architecture alone, although there are a variety of tours, tastings and a restaurant. The gift store is fully stocked with a variety of wines to buy and wine themed accessories. When I went the Oculus, a Bordeaux-style wine, was being heavily promoted.
The Okanagan Valley is a beautiful place to visit, and if you go in the fall you will hit the big Wine Festivals and lesser amount of crowds than the summer.
1) Kettle Valley Winery
Located in Naramata, a thirty minute drive from Summerland, this is a small farm based winery. The tasting room is in an unassuming garage but the staff is friendly as is owner Bob Ferguson. Kettle Valley is known for it's French barrel aged, dark, intense and well structured red wines. Try the Caboose, a tasty blend of Malbec and Petit Verdot grapes with the chocolate provided.
2) Laughing Stock Vineyards
Ten minutes up the road, you will find the Laughing Stock Vineyards. Although the tasting room is located essentially in the basement of a large family home, it is very professionally run and they prefer you book your tasting by appointment. The knowledgable sommelier will tell you that Laughing Stock was started by two former stock brokers and the bottles and names of the wine reflect this. Make sure you try the Portfolio 2014, a blended Bordeaux style, which has won many awards.
3) Poplar Grove Winery
Also, in the Naramata Bench area, Poplar Grove Winery is set on a beautiful piece of property that rolls down to the lake. From the patio of the modern style building you can take in the view of the valley. Instead of the tasting room, I opted for the well reviewed, Vanilla Pod Restaurant on site. The tapas styled dishes paired well with the selections of wine, including signature red blend The Legacy.
4) Quails Gate
This winery, located in Kelowna, offers tours, although I didn't take one. The wine bar tasting was fantastic with Pierre, our sommelier, from France. He pushed me to try different wines that I would not have and as a result have become my favourites that I still buy - Old Vines Foch, a full-bodied red and a Chenin Blanc. There is also a premium restaurant on site, Old Vines, which is well worth the visit for lunch or dinner. Be sure to make a reservation.
5) Mission Hill Winery
The most impressive winery of all is situated on top of Mission Hill that has views of the lake and vineyards below. It is worth going to for the architecture alone, although there are a variety of tours, tastings and a restaurant. The gift store is fully stocked with a variety of wines to buy and wine themed accessories. When I went the Oculus, a Bordeaux-style wine, was being heavily promoted.
The Okanagan Valley is a beautiful place to visit, and if you go in the fall you will hit the big Wine Festivals and lesser amount of crowds than the summer.
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