Remembering those vine-filled days in Athens

One June Sunday in Athens, in fact it was our last day before our next morning departure, off we went to meet our friends at Diodos Restaurant, just below the Acropolis for dinner. Time had gone too quickly since we first arrived; so here we were saying goodbye.

One Sunday in June, Athens © Spaswinefood

Last May, I returned to Athens to continue my wine country travels in Greece. This time it was an opportunity to spend time with my sister, Georgia while exploring Greek wine country with my #sistersinwine, Anna Aga (Oenologist) and Evangelie Tseliou (Co-owner Cinque Winebars). Athens is unique in that it is one of the world's major cities with wine country nearby. In fact, the very next day after Georgia and I arrived in late May, we were off to Attica wine country. 

Anna and Evangelie took us to Roxani Matsa Estate, a historic vineyard established in 1878, in Kantza, 15km from Central Athens. 

Anna, Sharon, Roxani, & Georgia, Roxani Matsa Estate © Anna Aga

Roxani Matsa Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood

They also took us to Nikolou Winery in Attica where we were treated to the absolute best of wine country experiences.

A Nikolou Winery Welcome © Spaswinefood

Attica is known for producing Greek varieties, such as Assyrtiko, Athiri, Agiorgitiko, Malagouzia and Savatiano. The international varieties produced here include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Nikolou Winery is located in the cradle of the Savatiano variety. While Savatiano, Attica's pre-dominant grape variety, is well-known for its use in the making of Retsina, Nikolou Winery also uses Savatiano in the making of white wine, sparkling wines, and of course Retsina. During that visit we would get to taste these styles of Savatiano.

Special thanks to our winery hosts, and Anna and Evangelie for making these visits this possible.

Off to Goodbye Dinner with Friends

That June Sunday afternoon we strolled through the plaza towards the Acropolis, checking the map on my iPhone to our meeting point at Diodos Restaurant.

© Spaswinefood

While over the years I have gotten familiar with the general layout of Central Athens, I still need to follow a map on my iPhone for specific locations.

Dinner with Friends, Athens © Spaswinefood

Dinner with Friends, Athens © Spaswinefood

It was a great conversation over mezes and wine. Dining with the Acropolis in the background is truly an inspiring experience. 

The Acropolis at Day's End © Spaswinefood

All good things have end however, so we posed with the Acropolis in the background. During my Athens visits I have discovered that the Acropolis dominates the Central Athens skyline view.

Acropolis from My Breakfast Table © Spaswinefood

A Closer Look at the Acropolis, Athens © Spaswinefood

For sure, whenever I am in Athens, I take advantage of viewing the Acropolis from as many different perspectives as possible. During an earlier walk about I did manage to visit Temple of Hephaestus, and take in the views of the Acropolis from there.

Acropolis, from Temple of Hephaestus © Spaswinefood

Beyond the historical beauty of Athens, with wine country adventures nearby, whenever I am in Athens  Evangelie and Greg (Cinque Winebars) warm hospitality always makes me feel so welcome. Special thanks to Evangelie and Greg for such a wonderful welcome back to Greece. 

Cinque, Athens is a #Winelover's Gem

Some years ago when I arrived in Athens for a #winelover gathering I just happen to connect with a facebook friend who owned a wine bar in Central Athens. Yes, the wine bar was Cinque. Some places are special because of the people. For Cinque it is not just because they are nice but also because they are knowledgeable about the wines and bring a special passion to serving wine at their wine bar. What I encountered on that initial #winelover outing, (Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2016) at the Cinque Wine Bar and Deli was not only great wines and food, but also amazing hospitality from the owners who are both knowledgeable and passionate about Greek wines. If you happen to be in Athens you must visit Cinque Athens. There is a special #winelover magic in the air at Cinque. Those who have yet discover today's Greek wines now is the time. Now is the time to explore Greek Wines! 

We left Athens the next morning with the most amazing memories. Whether it is dining with a view of the Acropolis at Diodos Restaurant, exploring Greek wines at Cinque Athens (at one of its locations: Psirri, Monastirali, an Acropolis), or off to explore Greek wine country I invite you to join me in my wine adventures in Greece at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook. #SeeYouInGreece

CHEERS!

Sharon

June 2024

Athens, Greece

© Spaswinefood

Dinner, Acropolis at Day's End © Spaswinefood

Goodbye for Now, Athens © Spaswinefood

One Sunday in Athens © Spaswinefood

Perhaps the first wine story began with the Greek god of wine, Dionysus bringing some wine to Goddess Athena at the Parthenon, Athens. Each visit to Greece I am more, and more impressed by Greek wines, produced from both indigenous and international grape varieties. My wine soul is drawn to Greece, home to over 300 indigenous grape varieties. Greek wines with their impressive history are so exciting to explore. Each time I return my wine world is filled with amazing grape-filled adventures. Whenever I am in Athens, I return to Cinque wine bars where there is always special #winelover magic in the air. For sure each visit to Athens has provided me with the most amazing wine adventures.

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Okanagan Valley's vinous magic: Our sip and dine experiences in the Southern Okanagan

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.

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 ordered

Appetizer, 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.

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 Winery

We 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. 

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. 

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