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Travel to British Columbia

Source:

Moon Handbooks
British Columbia,
8th Edition

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British Columbia
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Okanagan Wineries

Okanagan wines receive acclaim worldwide, although this success is only recent. In fact, it was doubted that quality grapes could be grown north of the 49^th parallel until the late 1980s, when most of the original vines were ripped out and replaced with classic European varietals. The valley’s climate—long summer days and cool nights—produce small grapes with a higher-than usual sugar content, creating intensely flavored and aromatic wines. A wide variety of red and white wine grapes are planted, with the reds thriving in the warmer south end of the valley, where Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir grapes produce the best local wines. The entire winemaking process in the Okanagan has been one of experimentation, and along the way more unusual varietals such as Ehrenfelser and Auxerrois have been grown with success, make tasting local wines all the more interesting.

The best introduction to the valley’s vino offerings is the British Columbia Wine Information Centre (888 Westminster Ave., Penticton, tel. 250/490-2006). As much of wine shop as anything else, plenty of information is on hand along with wine tour maps and knowledgeable staff to set you off in the right direction. It’s open in summer daily 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Wineries are spread throughout the Okanagan Valley. Those in the immediate vicinity of Kelowna include:

One of the province's oldest wineries, in operation since 1932, is Calona Vineyards, in downtown Kelowna (1125 Richter St., tel. 250/762-9144). There’s no actual vineyard just a large winery that uses grapes grown through the valley. Calona offers tours throughout the year at 2 p.m. (more frequently in summer), with tastings and sales in a room set up as a cellar 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Across Okanagan Lake from Kelowna is Mission Hill Family Estate (1730 Mission Hill Rd., Westbank, tel. 250/768-7611), high atop a ridge and surrounded by vineyards with stunning lake views. Mission Hill, British Columbia’s most successful winery, completed massive expansions in 2001, including a 45-meter-high bell tower, open for the public to climb. Tours depart three times daily, each ending with an informal tasting session at the Wine and Food Interpretation Centre. Open daily 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

At nearby Quail’s Gate Estate Winery (3303 Boucherie Rd., tel. 250/769-4451), the Reserve Pinot Noir is a signature wine—enjoy a glass or two al fresco at the winery bistro. Winery tours are conducted daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.

Back on the main highway and continuing south is Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery (5355 Trepanier Bench Rd., Peachland, tel. 250/767-2525). Walter Hainle was a pioneer in the development of ice wines, and while this is the style that the vineyard is best known for, limited quantities of red and white wines are also produced. It's open Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with lunch and light snacks offered noon-3 p.m.

Gray Monk Estate Winery, 22 km (14 miles) north of Kelowna on Camp Rd., Winfield (tel. 250/766-3168), is a family affair most recognized for it German-style wines, including Gewurztramier and a Pinot Gris. Tours are offered April-Oct. on the hour 11 a.m.-4 p.m., the rest of the year on Sunday at 2 p.m.

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