This last two summers (2023, 2024) I have visited Okanagan Valley. In fact, since the late 1980's, I have had the pleasure of watching it transform from primarily a fruit growing region, to one of the top wine regions in North America. Wines of BC lists 1,234 vineyards and 341 wineries in British Columbia, with over 200 of them in the Okanagan Valley. These days the Okanagan Valley is pure vinous magic, drawing thousands of visitors, who come seeking the best in wine and cuisine. They are not disappointed.
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, June 2024 © Spaswinefood
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, June 2023 © Spaswinefood
Since I have already written about our foodie outings in Kelowna and the Southern Okanagan this post will highlight our wine adventures.
Welcome to the Okanagan Valley
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. 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 made sure to also visit wineries in/around Kelowna.
Our wine travels took us to a variety of wineries, ranging from boutique to large scale producers. What follows are vignettes of the Okanagan Valley's vinous magic from those Summers of 2023 and 2024.
Let's sip, sip and dine in the Kelowna Area
There are around 40 wineries within 20-30 minute drive of Kelowna. This area has a number of wine trails to explore, including Sip South East Kelowna, Lake Country's Scenic Sip, Westside Wine Trail, Lakeshore Wine Route, and downtown Kelowna. Amongst the winery restaurants that we have enjoyed sipping and dining included: Old Vines Restaurant (Quails' Gate Estate Winery), Terrace Restaurant (Mission Hill Family Estates), Block One, 50th Parallel Estate, and Grapevine Restaurant ( Gray Monk Estate Winery).
1. Quails' Gate Estate Winery
When we returned to Kelowna last summer our first stop was Old Vines Restaurant at Quails' Gate Winery.
Quails' Gate © Spaswinefood
Quails' Gate © Spaswinefood
We arrived at Quails' Gate for dinner on a very hot June day.Quails' Gate Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
During our weekend visit, last June, our first stop for dinner was at Old Vines Restaurant (Quails' Gate Estate Winery). We were so excited to return to Quails' Gate's Old Vines Restaurant. Upon arrival, on that very hot evening, we settled for a table inside.
Quails' Gate Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Quails' Gate Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Had it not been such a very hot day maybe, we would have preferred a table outside.Table Waiting, Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Even on that hot day, outside on the patio is where some guests chose to dine.
Patio, Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
We began with a wine flight before deciding on which wine to order for dinner.
Wine Flight, Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
We ordered some appetizers to begin.
Appetizer, Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Heirloom Tomato Plate, Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Beside an appetizer platter we ordered a heirloom tomato platter. This was a great decision.
The wine we selected needed decanting.
Quails' Gate Queue, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2019
Quails' Gate Decanted © Spaswinefood
Quails' Gate Queue, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2019 © Spaswinefood
Quails' Gate Queue, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2019 (back label) © Spaswinefood
Quails' Gate Queue is part of new series of small-batch wines, the Distinction Collection. Like the pattern on a quail’s egg, no two are alike. The Upper Boucherie bench vineyard boasts a unique southern exposure and a series of vineyard blocks on volcanic soils spiked with mineral deposits. The vineyard is one of the few sites in the Kelowna area that ripens merlot, cabernet, and syrah, which appear in the 47/45/8 Queue mix.
Our main plate choices were so delightful.
Mushroom Plate, Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
For dessert we chose a cheese plate.
Cheese Plate, Old Vines Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Later, we did take a walk outside.
Patio Dining, Quails' Gate Restaurant © Spaswinefood
One June Evening, Quails' Gate Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Before leaving we took a walk towards the vineyard. It is hard for me not to check out a vineyard whenever I visit a winery.
Quails' Gate Vineyard © Spaswinefood
Lake Views, Quails' Gate Vineyard © Spaswinefood
Taking in the Views, Quails' Gate Vineyard © Spaswinefood
It was great to take in the vineyard and lake views.
A Quails' Gate Pose © Spaswinefood
Posing at Quails' Gate © Spaswinefood
After exploring, soon it was time to leave.
For sure, Quails' Gate was the perfect spot to begin our most recent sip and dine experiences, in the Kelowna area.
2. Block One, 50th Parallel Estate
After looking at other winery options the 50th Parallel Estate's Block One Restaurant sounded appealing for lunch. In Lake Country Curtis Krouzel and Sheri-Lee Turner-Krouzel have created a winery known for elegant cool-climate Pinot Noir and aromatic wines, and their Block One Restaurant offers wood- fired regional cuisine.
Yes, it was a very hot day when we arrived.
50th Parallel Estate © Spaswinefood
After parking we rushed to the restaurant to escape the heat.
Off to 50th Parallel Estate © Spaswinefood
Seeing the wine barrel along the way set the tone for a Block One, 55th Parallel dining experience.
50th Parallel Estate Wine Barrel © Spaswinefood
It was super hot day, and so we were in a rush to get inside.
Off to Lunch, 50th Parallel Estate © Spaswinefood
We decided to begin lunch with a wine flight.
Wine Flight, 50th Parallel Estate © Spaswinefood
After the flight we decided on a wine for lunch.
50th Parallel Estate, Pinot Noir in the Glass © Spaswinefood
50th Parallel Estate, Pinot Noir, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2022
50th Parallel Estate, Pinot Noir, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2022 © Spaswinefood
Pinot Noir, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2022 (back label) © Spaswinefood
For lunch we chose a number of small plates. one of these plates was a barrata plate.
Burrata Appetizer, 50th Parallel Estate © Spaswinefood
Burrata Appetizer, Block One, 50th Parallel Estate © Spaswinefood
Block One, 50th Parallel Estate © Spaswinefood
We both enjoyed our lunch visit to 50th Parallel restaurant.
Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
3. Mission Hill Family Estates, Terrace Restaurant
It was at the top of my list to return to Mission Hill Family Estates. Previously, we had visited Mission Hill Family Estates, and were very impressed with the site. I still remember my very first visit to this stunning property.
Entrance to Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
Entering Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
For me, it was pure excitement to return to Mission Hill!
Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
Rather than riding I often walk down the driveway to the winery entrance.
Through the Arch, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
A Closer Look, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
After we walked through the arch, we arrive at the main patio area.
Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
We take a closer look at the Terrace Restaurant.Terrace Restaurant, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
Gazing towards the tower also brought back memories of our earlier visit.
Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
Then, we were off to the tasting room.Entrance to Mission Hill Family Estates Tasting Room © Spaswinefood
Upon arrival in the wine tasting area we were greeted by a friendly server.
Wine Tasting, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
Soon we sat down for a fabulous wine tasting.Wine Display, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
Here we met up with our hostess, and began the tasting with Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay.
Mission Hill Family Estates, Pinot Blanc 2022 © Spaswinefood
Mission Hill Family Estates, Perpetual Chardonnay 2021 © Spaswinefood
Then we began a side by side tastings of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Mission Hill Family Estates, Merlot Wines
Mission Hill Family Estates, Merlot Wines © Spaswinefood
Next, their Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Wine Tasting, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
Mission Hill Family Estates, Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (left)
Mission Hill Family Estates, Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (on the left) © Spaswinefood
It was great to be back at Mission Hill.John, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
This area not only offers wine tasting but many wines are on display for purchase.
Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
After the wine tasting we return outside.
Taking in the Views, Mission Hill Family Estates © Spaswinefood
While we did not dine at the Terrace Restaurant during this visit, we have the fondest memories of our very first visit.
Vignette from Our First Visit to Terrace Restaurant, May 2011
If you are looking to the perfect setting for lunch this is the place! No matter where you sit you will get that picture perfect view.
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| Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery © Spaswinefood |
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| Mission Hill Family Estate Winery © Spaswinefood |
The Terrace Restaurant is a culinary memory to be savored long after you leave.
4. Gray Monk Estate Winery, Grapevine Restaurant & Patio
Grapevine Restaurant & Patio at the Gray Monk Estate Winery, was another winery and restaurant we so enjoyed during prior visit. It was founded by the Heiss Family Gray Monk (now owned and operated by Andrew Peller Limited).Unfortunately, we did not have time to return for a sip and dine experience however, we did manage a quick drive by.
Gray Monk, 2024 © Spaswinefood
Gray Monk, 2024 © Spaswinefood
Gray Monk, 2024 © Spaswinefood
Gray Monk, 2024 © Spaswinefood
Vignette from an Earlier Visit to Gray Monk, May 2011
One of the first Okanagan Valley winery stop was the Gray Monk Estate Winery and Vineyard 1055 Camp Road, North Kelowna. Gray Monk is British Columbia's oldest estate winery.
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| Gray Monk Estate Winery & Grapevine Restaurant © Spaswinefood |
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| Gray Monk Estate Winery & Grapevine Restaurant © Spaswinefood |
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| Gray Monk Estate Winery & Grapevine Restaurant © Spaswinefood |
Gray Monk Estate Winery has a beautiful view of the lake and vineyards. Fifty acres of vineyards surround the winery.
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| Gray Monk Estate Winery & Grapevine Restaurant © Spaswinefood |
Gray Monk is home to the award winning Grapevine Restaurant.
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| Gray Monk Estate Winery & Grapevine Restaurant © Spaswinefood |
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| Gray Monk Estate Winery & Grapevine Restaurant © Spaswinefood |
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| Gray Monk Estate Winery & Grapevine Restaurant © Spaswinefood |
After a delightful lunch, we visited the tasting room. Gray Monk's wine portfolio has three tiers (Estate, Latitude 50 Series and Odyssey). Gray Monk's wines are 100% VQA. The winemakers are George Heiss, Jr. and Peter Wong.
Gray Monk Estate Winery is well worth a visit.
Let's 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 around the Oliver Osoyoos area during my Summers of 2023 and 2024 visits.
1. Hester Creek Estate
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, June 2024 © Spaswinefood
Patio, Hester Creek Estate Winery © Spaswinefood
Hester Creek Winery
One of our first stops in the Okanagan Valley June 2023 was Hester Creek Winery located on the Golden Mile Bench. Hester Creek was named British Columbia Winery of the Year for 2023.
Welcome to Hester Creek © Spaswinefood
This a very welcoming place and because of that we visited twice. 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.
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 returned to Hester Creek and Terrafina Restaurant again in 2024.
2. Phantom Creek Estates
Summer 2023 we visited Phantom Creek Estates 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 © 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.
We also visited Phantom Creek Estate Summer 2024.
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, June 2023 © Spaswinefood
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, June 2023 © Spaswinefood
River Stone Wines © Spaswinefood
Black Hills Estate Winery
We booked a premium wine tasting at the Black Hills Estate Winery. Tasting Black Hills Estate Wines, June 2023 © 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.
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, June 2023 © Spaswinefood
We loved being introduced to their ice wines. It was worth the visit, just to taste these wines.
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, June 2023 © Spaswinefood
Given ice wines are often hard to find we left with some for later.
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery
The Burrowing Owl Winery, Black Sage Road is a beautiful 130 acre winery. It 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 first visited this winery in 2011 and it was such a delight to return.
Burrowing Owl Estate Wine Flights © Spaswinefood
The deck views from the restaurant are amazing.
Taking in the Views, Burrowing Owl Estate © Spaswinefood
The vinous magic of the Okanagan Valley is compelling. Spaswinefood visits to the Okanagan have given me the opportunity to check out some of British Columbia's best wineries. For us it was so much fun to explore the wine scene at the south end of the Okanagan Valley. Many of the 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 it so perfect for grape growing. In fact Oliver, the town at the south end of the Okanagan Valley, calls itself Wine Capital of Canada.
District Wine Village, Oliver
Call it nirvana when your Okanagan Valley wine travels includes the District Wine Village, Oliver. Besides the many fabulous wineries located in/around Oliver it also home to a District Wine Village. Oliver's District Wine Village, at 100 Enterprise Way, is home to tasting rooms for 12 wineries, one brewery, one distillery and a restaurant. The village's goal is to create a local community to celebrate artisan production and craftmanship. The District Wine Village in Oliver is a great way to visit many wineries in one location.
District Wine Village, Oliver © Spaswinefood
Welcome to District Wine Village, Oliver, June 2024 © Spaswinefood
John and I were so delighted to met up with our Okanagan friend, Deborah on that hot summer day. Let me note three of our tasting rooms stops at the District Wine Village:
1. Gneiss Wines
Gneiss Wines, located at #106
Welcome to Gneiss Wines © Spaswinefood
After we visited their tasting room I learnt their vineyard, with over a kilometer of frontage on the KVR trail, is within Naramata bench sub-appellation. It is a vineyard that rolls gently beneath sun soaked gneiss rock formations. Its soil has some loose gneiss rock fragments, organic topsoils that are underlain by silty, sandy glacial sediments. The vineyard's long growing season is due in part to its west and south inclination, and the moderating heat from Okanagan Lake.
During our tasting room visit we sampled some of their whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier), Rosé (Pinot Noir), reds (Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon), and white and red blends.
Gneiss Wines © Spaswienfood
Tasting Gneiss Wines © Spaswienfood
I particularly like The Chief.
Gneiss Wines, The Chief, 2021
Gneiss Wines, The Chief, 2021 © Spaswinefood
After tasting their wines we bought some of "The Chief" wines.
Gneiss Wines, The Chief © Spaswinefood
After a delightful wine tasting at Gneiss Wines we continued our explorations at two more tasting rooms.
District Wine Village, Oliver © Spaswinefood
2. Winemaker's Cut
The Winemaker's Cut located at #107, like the two other tasting rooms we visited, has a unique story to share. The grapes for Winemaker's CUT wines are hand-harvested at Deadman Lake Vineyard, just south of Oliver. They produce produce sparkling, white, rosé and red wines in a number of wine series, such as Winemaker's Cut, and Winemaker's Cut Bohemian. The Winemaker's Cut Wines we tasted included:
Winemaker's Cut, Fidelia Sparkling Brut
Winemaker's Cut, Fidelia Sparkling Brut © Spaswinefood
Winemaker's Cut, Fidelia Sparkling Brut, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC © Spaswinefood
Their Fidelia Sparkling Brut wine is produce by the Charmat Method.
Winemaker's Cut, Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Winemaker's Cut, Sauvignon Blanc 2022 © Spaswinefood
Winemaker's Cut, Rosé, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2023
Winemaker's Cut, Rosé, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2023 © Spaswinefood
Winemaker's Cut, Bohemian Merlot Franc, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2021
Winemaker's Cut, Bohemian Merlot Franc, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2021 © Spaswinefood
Winemaker's Cut, Bohemian Syrah, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2020
Winemaker's Cut, Bohemian Syrah, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2020 © Spaswinefood
Winemaker's Cut, Bohemian Cuvé Rouge, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2020
Winemaker's Cut, Bohemian Cuvé Rouge, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2020 © Spaswinefood
This tasting was a fabulous introduction to the Winemaker's Cut wines.
Wine Tasting Winemaker's Cut Wines © Spaswinefood
Next, we would be introduced to another wine series that they produce, Q&A Wines.
Q&A Wines © Spaswinefood
We explored the wines and were not disappointed. We were particularly intrigued by their Q&A wines.
Q&A Wines, Q&A 2020
Q&A Wines, Q&A 2020 © Spaswinefood
The first Q&A wine was a Bordeaux style blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot). Whereas the second wine was, a blend of Rhône grape varieties (Rousanne, Marsanne, and Viognier). Southern Rhône style White Blend is a term often used to describe the various combinations of white wine grapes used in the southern Rhône Valley.
Q&A Wines, RMV 2021
Q&A Wines, RMV 2021 © Spaswinefood
It was great intro to the Winemaker's Cut and Q&A wines. For sure we bought some to appreciate later.
3. Silhouette Cellars
Silhouette Cellars tasting room, located at #110, sells wine from their two Naramata Bench family-owned wineries. Their own sparkling wine house is Silhouette Estate Winery, and their still house is Therapy Vineyards.
Welcome to Silhouette Cellars © Spaswinefood
I so loved being introduced to their sparkling wines.
Tasting Silhouette Estate Sparkling Wine © Spaswinefood
Their BOYD sparkling wine is made in the traditional method from 100% estate-grown grapes. They won both the BC Lieutenant Governor and WineAlign gold for their very first release. This is the vision they bring to making sparkling wine:
Silhouette Estate Winery, Classic Cuvée, Naramata Bench, BC
Silhouette Estate Winery, Classic Cuvée, Naramata Bench, BC © Spaswinefood
Silhouette Estate Winery, Boyd Blanc De Blanc, Naramata Bench, BC 2018
Silhouette Estate Winery, Boyd Blanc De Blanc, Naramata Bench, BC 2018 © Spaswinefood
Yes, a few of these sparkling wines came back with me.
Silhouette Cellars, Boyd Blanc de Blanc 2018 © Spaswinefood
Therapy Vineyards has been another of their big projects for over five years. You can also taste these award winning wines at their District Wine Village location. The Therapy Vineyards still wines we tasted included:
The Ridge Riesling, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC
The Ridge Riesling, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC © Spaswinefood
Portrait Pinot Noir, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2020
Portrait Pinot Noir, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2020 © Spaswinefood
Portrait Pinot Noir, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2020 © Spaswinefood
AON 2019AON, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2019 © Spaswinefood
Therapy Vineyard, a small family owned and operated winery includes dream-team winemakers, and a crew of hospitality and vineyard staff whose goal is to create a great adventure with them. They also have an inn where visitors can stay, for those looking for a luxury getaway in Naramata Wine Country.
Besides being introduced to the wines, we loved discovering the beautiful art on display at the tasting room.
Wine Tasting, Silhouette Cellars © Spaswinefood
Wine Conversations, Silhouette Cellars © Spaswinefood
The art displays here was so inviting.
Captivating Art, Silhouette Cellars © Spaswinefood
I could not help but notice not only the art on the walls but also, a chandelier.
Chandelier, Silhouette Cellars © Spaswinefood
Let There Be Okanagan Valley Vinous Magic
Given the District Wine Village tasting rooms we visited referenced Naramata Bench, I found this article to be insightful.
The multiplicity of orientations and soil conditions in Naramata Bench encourages the production of small-lot wines from selected sites—a tendency that has led to the successful cultivation of such a wide range of grape varieties. Counterintuitively, this could become a distinguishing feature of the region, with the variety of wines reflecting the great variety of growing conditions.
Hence be prepared to find a rich diversity of wine possibilities not only here but in general throughout the Okanagan Valley.
District Wine Village Wines © Spaswinefood
Do not miss discovering the magic of Oliver's District Wine Village. Special thanks to our Okanagan friend, Deborah, my #sisterinwine! The majority of District Wine Village tasting rooms are from smaller wineries but Nk’mip also has a tasting room there. Without a doubt, the vinous magic of the Okanagan Valley was an highlight of my wine travels.
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, June 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 chose a wine flight to begin.Time for a Flight, Miradoro Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Our main plates were fish and mushroom dishes.
Needless to say, returning here last summer was great.
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View from Tinhorn Cellars, 2013 © Spaswinefood |
The Okanagan Valley's vinous magic from the past two summer adventure (2023, 2024) was awesome. Our visits to the Okanagan have given me the opportunity to visit some of British Columbia's best wineries. Once you have discovered this wine region it will keep calling you back. If you are interested in a gastronomic adventure then put the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia on your list. Here is some useful travel information to help you plan your getaway. 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. Without a doubt, the Okanagan Valley was an highlight of my Summer 2023 and 2024 wine travels. I invite you to join me in my wine travels in the Okanagan Valley and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing more on my vine-filled explorations in the Okanagan Valley.
CHEERS!
Sharon
Remembering Summers 2023 & 2024
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
© Spaswinefood
West Kelowna, June 2024 © Spaswinefood
West Kelowna, June 2024 © Spaswinefood
West Kelowna, June 2024 © Spaswinefood
If you are looking for an outstanding culinary adventure check out the Okanagan Valley's winery restaurants.
