Discovering the Southern Okanagan Valley's most inspiring places to sip and dine, is a perfect way to experience wine country. British Columbi's Okanagan Valley gets thousands of visitors seeking the best in wine and cuisine at its award winning wineries. Winery restaurants, like those in the Southern Okanagan, are redefining gastronomy in wine regions around the world. For me, no Okanagan Valley visit is complete, without dining at a winery restaurant. This article's focus is on the Southern Okanagan while my previous article focused on the Kelowna area.
Sip and Dine Experiences, Southern Okanagan © Spaswinefood
For us it was so much fun to explore the wine scene at the south end of the Okanagan Valley. Moreover, many Kelowna wineries also have vineyards in the Southern Okanagan. The temperature at the south end of the valley is reported to be up to four degrees warmer. This makes the south perfect for grape growing. In fact Oliver, a town at the south end of the Okanagan Valley, calls itself Wine Capital of Canada.
Oliver Vineyards, Southern Okanagan © Spaswinefood
Let's Sip, Sip and Dine in the Southern Okanagan
Southern Okanagan offers the wine traveler some of the very best sip and dine experiences. In fact, most of the best wines are grow in the South around Oliver and Osoyoos (oh-soy-yoos). For this reason I have focused my efforts primarily around Oliver Osoyoos area during my Summers of 2023 and 2024 visits.
Hester Creek Winery's TerraFina Restaurant
Summer 2023 I first visited Hester Creek. Fortunately, we returned again Summer 2024 for lunch with our Okanagan Valley friend, Deborah (#sistersinwine).
Welcome to Hester Creek Estate © Spaswinefood
Hester Creek Estate © Spaswinefood
When we returned again Summer 2024 for lunch with Deborah we ordered a bottle of Trebbiano.
Hester Creek Estate, Old Vines Trebbiano, VQA Okanagan Valley Golden Mile Bench, 2022
Old Vines Trebbiano, VQA Okanagan Valley Golden Mile Bench, BC 2022 © Spaswinefood
Now a few pics from our lunch plates.
Pizza, Terrafina Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Shrimp Salad, Terrafina Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Shrimp Plate, Terrafina Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Salad, Terrafina Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Having lunch with a friend was awesome. Of course remembering how good the wines were during our 2023 visit we just had to return later to get wines to take with us.
Off to Hester Creek Estate Tasting Room © Spaswinefood
Patio, Hester Creek Estate Winery © Spaswinefood
Now a summary of our earlier visit in 2023.
TerraFina Restaurant, Summer 2023
One of our first stops was Hester Creek Winery located on the Golden Mile Bench. Hester Creek was named British Columbia Winery of the Year for 2023. TerraFina Restaurant is also a very popular place to dine.
Hester Creek Estate Winery © Spaswinefood
This winery is a very welcoming place and because of that we visited twice during June 2023. The first time we did a wine tasting.
Wine Tasting, Hester Creek © Spaswinefood
When we returned the second time we enjoyed a bottle of Sémillon on the patio. We also picked up wine for our travels.
Wine Time, Hester Creek © Spaswinefood
Hester Creek, Sémillon, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley VQA 2022
Hester Creek, Sémillon, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley VQA 2022 © Spaswinefood
Later, we would return to dine at their TerraFina Restaurant, which was listed as #1 on TripAdvisor.Terrafina Restaurant, Hester Creek © Spaswinefood
Wine Time, Terrafina Restaurant © Spaswinefood
We had a most delightful dining experience at Terrafina. It is the perfect place to sip and dine.
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Summer 2024
It had been awhile since I first visited Tinhorn Creek in 2013, and so I was happy to return June 2024. Tinhorn Creek has been producing wine since 1993. This inviting winery was one of our winery stops during Wine Bloggers Conference #WBC13 in Penticton, British Columbia. During the 2013 conference a number of winery tours were available. The tour I selected included a visit to Tinhorn Creek and other Southern Okanagan wineries. We were fortunate to have on our tour Sandra Oldfield, Winemaker/President/CEO at Tinhorn Creek. Over the course of the conference we had the opportunity to interact with Sandra Oldfield. She is not only a great winemaker but also a great advocate for the Okanagan wine region.
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| Tinhorn Creek, Oliver 2013 © Spaswinefood |
In 2017 Tinhorn Creek Vineyards ownership (Oldfield and Shaunessy families) changed to Ontario-based family run Andrew Peller Limited.
Fast forward to June 2024 -- we are back!
Tinhorn Creek, 2024 © Spaswinefood
We got a reservation for dinner at the Miradoro Restaurant, at Tinhorn Creek. I was so happy to return.Miradoro, at Tinhorn Creek © Spaswinefood
Miradoro, at Tinhorn Creek © Spaswinefood
Miradoro, at Tinhorn Creek © Spaswinefood
That evening when we dined at the Miradoro we orderedAppetizer, Miradoro Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Appetizer, Miradoro Restaurant © Spaswinefood
We chose a wine flight to begin.
Time for a Flight, Miradoro Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Our main plates were fish and mushroom dishes.
Fish Platter, Miradoro Restaurant © Spaswinefood
A Closer Look, Miradoro Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Mushrooms and More, Miradoro Restaurant © Spaswinefood
A Closer Look, Miradoro Restaurant © Spaswinefood
To finish our dining experience we shared a chocolate dessert.
Desert Time, Miradoro Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Needless to say, returning here was great.
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View from Tinhorn Creek, 2013 © Spaswinefood |
Summer 2024 our Oliver visits also took us to Oliver's District Wine Village (see article).
Once you have discovered this wine region it will keep calling you back. While during our June 2023 visit we concentrated the Southern part of the valley, Summer 2024 we did manage to return. What follows are a few vignettes from Summer 2023:
1. Burrowing Owl Estate Winery
The Burrowing Owl Winery, Black Sage Road, a beautiful 130 acre winery, is located on the top of a hill overlooking the valley. It is a full service winery with a hotel (The Guest House) and restaurant (Sonora Room). The Burrowing Owl Winery is located in a most beautiful setting.
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery © Spaswinefood
Sonora Room, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery © Spaswinefood
We had visited this winery on an earlier wine trip, and it was such a delight to return. Since 2011, each time we return to the Okanagan Valley we delight in exploring its winery restaurants, which are some of the best in the world.
Burrowing Owl Estate Wine Flights © Spaswinefood
The restaurant has a very relaxed atmosphere.
Mushrooms with Polenta (Vegetarian) © Spaswinefood
Steak with Mushrooms & Onion Rings © Spaswinefood
The deck views from the restaurant are amazing. We so enjoyed our wine flights while dining here.
Taking in the Views, Burrowing Owl Estate © Spaswinefood
Sonora Room Restaurant was just as fabulous this time, as it was on our earlier visit here. The Burrowing Owl Winery has the most beautiful setting. It is the perfect place to sip and dine.
Summer 2023 we also visited Phantom Creek Estates for a wine tasting however, regrettably due to scheduling problems we did not dine there.
2. Phantom Creek Estate
Later we would visit Phantom Creek Estate on the Black Sage Bench. It's goal is to produces exceptional wines from historic vineyards. The winery’s six estate vineyards, including the acclaimed Phantom Creek Vineyard, are transitioning to being farmed organically and biodynamically. Their aim is to set a benchmark in Canadian viticulture and winemaking.
Phantom Creek Estates, Okanagan Valley © Spaswinefood
This is an impressive wine estate. It has enlisted some of the best in the field to be part of its wine team.
Welcome to Phantom Creek Estates © Spaswinefood
Phantom Creek Estates, Okanagan Valley © Spaswinefood
Wine Tasting, Phantom Creek Estates 2023 © Spaswinefood
Our wine tasting experience here was excellent. We not only enjoyed the wines but also, had a knowledgeable hostess. They have a winery restaurant that I would love to visit in the future.
Since summer 2023 when we had visited Phantom Creek Estate we had hope to return to dine Their restaurant was at the top of my list for our 2024 visit. Again, we were unable to get a reservation and so it still remains a priority.
3. Black Hills Estate Winery
We booked a premium wine tasting at the Black Hills Estate Winery. Tasting Black Hills Estate Wines © Spaswinefood
We had a wine tasting here primarily because we had heard so many good things about its Nota Bene wines, and we were not disappointed. Their signature blend: Nota Bene, is an age-worthy Bordeaux-style red blend produced in limited quantities from selected parcels on their estate. They also produce Bordeaux and Rhone Valley inspired blends including Addendum, Per Se, Ipso Facto, Bona Fide, Alibi and Rose, and as well as single variety expressions of Viognier, Chardonnay, Roussanne, Syrah, Tempranillo and Carménère.
4. Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery
One of the wineries recommended was to drop by Gehringer Brothers to taste their Riesling wines. We are glad we did because this is how we discovered their ice wines.
Gehringer Brothers Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood
We loved being introduced to their ice wines. It was worth the visit, just to taste these wines.
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery © Spaswinefood
5. Bartier Bros. Vineyard & Winery
We stopped by Bartier Bros. Vineyard & Winery located on the Black Sage Terrace, Oliver for a wine tasting.
Bartier Bros. Vineyard & Winery © Spaswinefood
5. River Stone Estate WineryWe did a wine tasting at River Stone, a small family owned winery. They grow five red Bordeaux varietals: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, and several white varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer.
Off to River Stone Tasting Room © Spaswinefood
River Stone Wines © Spaswinefood
I so loved sipping our way through the Southern Okanagan Valley. Amongst the others on my list for future visits include Patio Restaurant, (Lake Breeze Vineyard), and restaurants at Nk'Mip Cellars, and Kismet Estate.
The vinous magic of the scenic Okanagan Valley is compelling. For us, last June's visit was so much fun, to continue to explore the wine scene at the south end of the Okanagan Valley. We not disappointed in the culinary offerings because there are so many award winning winery restaurants in the Okanagan Valley. If you are interested in “a wine and food adventure” then put the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia on your list.
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View from Tinhorn Creek, 2013 © Spaswinefood |
I invite you to join me in my wine travels in Okanagan Valley and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing more on my vine-filled explorations in the Okanagan Valley.
CHEERS!
Sharon
Remembering June 2023 & 2024
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
© Spaswinefood
Wine Tasting, Black Hills Estate Winery © Spaswinefood
Phantom Creek Estates, June 2023 © Spaswinefood
NOTE: The Okanagan Valley is where 86% of the British Columbia's vineyard acreage is located. Viticultural regions are defined in British Columbia as areas of Geographic Indication (GI). To be certified as coming from a GI, wines must adhere to VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) standards. There are nine GIs across British Columbia. They include Fraser Valley, Gulf Islands, Kootenays, Lillooet, Okanagan Valley, Shuswap, Similkameen Valley, Thompson Valley and Vancouver Island. These GIs participate in a Vitners Quality Allicance (VQA), an appellation of origin that is modeled after the European system. An Okanagan VQA certifies a wine is from this region and meets the quality standards. The Okanagan Valley GI has eleven official sub-regions, with each defined by its distinct soil and climate conditions. They include: Golden Mile Bench, Golden Mile Slopes, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Falls Skaha Bench, East Kelowna Slopes, Lake Country, South Kelowna Slopes, Summerland Bench, Summerland Lakefront and Summerland Valleys.
Here is some useful travel information to help you plan your wine country getaway to Okanagan wineries. Kelowna, the largest city in the Okanagan Valley is within driving distance from Vancouver (237 miles). Kelowna’s international airport has direct flights from Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Seattle.
