Food & Wine Trails June 2023

You’ve heard the word terroir used when talking about wine, but did you also know it’s a common term for whiskies, gins, liqueurs, and even vodka?

Okanagan Spirits were the first farm-to-flask distillery to open since way back in the days of prohibition. Before then, craft distilleries were unheard of in BC until Okanagan Spirits paved the way.

CEO, Tyler Dyck, and his family have been in the Okanagan for four generations and produce a uniquely local product. “We live in an area where we can grow almost anything,” says Dyck. “We decided to take advantage of it. There are unique flavours of the Okanagan, and we wanted to bottle that.”

Their first distillations were made from unutilized fruits. “It cost farmers a lot of money to get their damaged or excess fruit off the trees. We offered to pay the pickers and in turn, we would keep the fruit. We created something beautiful out of things that would probably be wasted.”

AUTHENTICALLY YOURS

One of the keys to Okanagan Spirits’ success is that they are unapologetically authentic. Dyck explains. “Every year, every batch we make tastes just a little different from the previous year. All the products we use are grown locally, even the grains. Different temperatures, locations, rainfall, etc., play a huge role in creating distinct terroir for our beverages. Even the distilling process can be slightly different from year to year. Vintages may be similar, but they will never taste exactly the same.”

This family-run business is also highly aware of how its business affects the Okanagan. “We are stewards of the land,” Dyck says. “All our ingredients are grown without sprays and once we are finished with it, the spent grains and fruits go back to feed goats and cattle. We also redistill our by-products and make fuel for our vehicles.”

IT’S ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE

Okanagan Spirits tasting bars are open daily in both Vernon and Kelowna. The owners and staff make sure that everyone who walks through their doors has a great experience. “When people come to Okanagan Spirits, they don’t just come to buy our products, they come for the tasting experience. They learn about where the ingredients come from, how to properly taste and enjoy them, how to mix them in cocktails", explains Dyck. “When you buy directly from us, you get a guided experience. Besides, you can’t find our products at BC Government Liquor Stores.”

Okanagan Spirits create close to 50 products including fruit brandies and liqueurs, absinthe, aquavit, vodka, gin, and whiskies including rye, bourbon, and single malt. They even make their own simple syrups and bottled cocktails.

Dyck summed it up this way. “When people come to Okanagan Spirits, they leave with the stories behind our beverages, with the flavours of the Okanagan and the history that went into making our beverages.”

DARCY NYBO

OKANAGAN SPIRITS: TASTE THE LOCAL TERROIR

It’s summer and that means it’s time to discover Piquette. Those of you who’ve had Piquette are thinking “Yes, I need to get some of that for the summer BBQs and lazy days by the water.” For those of you wondering what the heck Piquette (pronounced pi-ket) is, read on.

Piquette is a word used to describe a beverage made by adding water to the pomace (the bits left over) after the first press of grapes.

Once you’ve tasted it, we believe you are going to love it. It’s like a wine spritzer, but better, because the spritz/ fizziness occurs naturally.

A LITTLE HISTORY

While it may be new to you, Piquette has been around for centuries. It was served to the farmhands in France after they spent their days in the vineyards harvesting the grapes.

Long before that, it was made for the lower classes in Greece and Italy. They called it vinum operarium or workers’ wine.

The process is quite simple. The grape skins left over from the first press are rehydrated with water and then left alone to ferment. There’s hardly any sugar left in this concoction so some winemakers will add in first crush liquid, fruit juice, wine, honey, or sugar to help it along. Some may use some raw juice from the wine press because of its sweetness. When fermentation is complete, you have a tart and tasty, low-alcohol sparkling beverage. One great benefit of Piquette is that it is one of the most sustainable beverages available. It can also be flavoured with local fruit that didn’t quite make it to the grocery store or fruit stand.

It’s also a great way for winemakers to experiment with flavour as the main ingredients are something most people throw away or compost.

PIQUETTE TODAY

Research shows that the first commercial North American Piquette was introduced to the market in 2016. So don’t feel bad if you’ve never heard of this tasty treat.

Most Piquettes today have an alcohol content of four to nine percent, close to the alcohol content of Canadian beer. It’s mostly made with wild yeast for spontaneous fermentation. Sulphur is rarely added.

WHAT DOES IT TASTE LIKE?

The taste depends on the types of pomace used. A Merlot pomace will produce something quite different tasting than a Viognier pomace. Some flavours are lighter than wine, leaning towards sparkling wine flavours; however, some may have a sour candy flavour to them. The ones we tried in the Okanagan leaned towards sparkling wine with a refreshing tang.

If you did a comparison, you could say Piquette is wineadjacent, somewhere between your favourite wine and sour beer. It’s understandable why some people say it’s a wine for beer lovers as it has a certain something reminiscent of a good craft beer.

Some people think it tastes bright and refreshing while others find it earthy and spicey. Prominent flavours can range anywhere from peach to pomegranate, rhubarb, or tart apple.

Like any beverage made with grapes, you’ll need to taste a few to find out which ones you enjoy, and which ones aren’t quite right for you.

WHAT DO I PAIR IT WITH?

The beauty of Piquette is that it is quite low on the alcohol-by-volume scale and quite high on the tartness level. It goes great with pretty much anything you pack for a picnic or put together for a backyard BBQ.

Think fish tacos, charcuterie boards and even Indian food. Seafood is always a winner with this light beverage as are salads, veggie trays and pretty much any appetizer. Drink it with lunch or dinner or on its own. Many people agree the best thing to pair with Piquette is a lazy summer day.

WHERE CAN I GET SOME?

You have several choices when it comes to picking up some delicious BC Piquette. We've complied a list of wineries that make and offer their version of Piquette. There may be more, so ask at your next winery visit if they have any Piquette. Some wineries that make Piquette don’t have tastings available, but you can find their Piquette at your local liquor store. Call ahead and see what’s in store for you when you arrive.

Bartier Brothers in Oliver (bartierbros.com)

Birch Block in Kaleden (birchblockvineyard.com)

Terravista Vineyards, Naramata Bench, Penticton (terravistavineyards.com)

Bella Wines in Naramata (bellawines.ca)

Averill Creek in Naramata (averillcreek.ca)

Dirty Laundry in Summerland (dirtylaundry.ca)

Kitsch Wines in Kelowna (kitschwines.ca)

Tantalus Vineyards in Kelowna (tantalus.ca)

Red Bird in Creston (redbirdwine.com)

A Sunday in August on Salt Spring Island (asundayinaugust.com)

Piquette sells out rather quickly, so if you find one you like, get it! It’s available in bottles and cans for your drinking enjoyment.

MAGGIE JACKSON

Food &

WINE TRAILS

2495 Enterprise Way, Kelowna, B.C. V1X 6X2 Tel: (250) 763-3212 Fax: (250) 862-5275

winetrails@blackpress.ca

For advertising opportunities please contact Caity Henry at caity.henry@kelownacapnews.com

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Group Publisher: Karen Hill

Editor: Darcy Nybo

Creative Director: Tessa Ringness

Publication Designer: Nicole Ionita Multi Media Marketing Consultant: Caity Henry

of Circulation: Cheryl Levesque

Contributing Writers & Photographers

Roslyne Buchanan, Maggie Jackson, David Wylie. Cover photo contributed

"At Summerhill Pyramid Winery, we have a co-venture with nature to produce wines so beautiful, they are considered sacred," says Stephen Cipes, proprietor of Summerhill. Organic Demeter Certified biodynamically grown grapes from the pristine Okanagan Valley naturally ferment to retain the highest levels of antioxidants. The minimal intervention wines are finished in the Summerhill Pyramid. This sacred geometry chamber is in stunning alignment with the Great Pyramid of Egypt and in harmonic resonance with the universe by Jimmy Blanchette (see summerhill.bc.ca/pyramid). Take a free self-guided tours to understand and experience everything that makes Summerhill special. The ideal winery experience awaits you at Canada’s most visited winery! Enjoy being fellow stewards of planet Earth by supporting this 35-year statement of devotion to being a model of man and nature for all the world to behold. Summerhill brings pride to all Canadians by consistently taking home some of the most prestigious wine awards in the world.

This year Summerhill introduces, Imagine Al Fresco Dining & Takeout, a new organic/ local affordable, quick food program designed to whisk the visitor into enchantment with organic local wine-paired meals, cheese platters, sushi, and old favourites to go or enjoy al fresco. Over 200 seats with breathtaking views! See summerhill.bc.ca/imagine

SPRING/SUMMER WINE CARE PACK

Come taste the vibrant wines that evoke the glory of spring and summer. This package has each bottle bursting with distinctive floral aromas. You don't need reservations for tastings or dining. summerhill.bc.ca/product/Spring-Summer-2023.

Summerhill is proud to announce that after years of setting forth our man and nature model, the Okanagan Valley region has one of the highest percentages of organic plantings in the world for an appellation of origin!

Summerhill’s Kelowna vineyards were organic-certified in 1988. They received Demeter Biodynamic certification in 2012 and cellar certification, introducing the ability to set forth the words, organic wine, on the label. As it's organically grown, it’s good for our planet. Visit Summerhill on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan people. Linger to consider the history, mystery, and beauty of this property and enjoy the cuisine and international award-winning organic wines. Sign up for their newsletter at summerhill.bc.ca/newsletter-signup.

ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

The Perfect Pear

1 .5 oz Okanagan Spirits Pear Brandy

1 oz Okanagan Spirits Haskap Liqueur

0.25 oz Okanagan Spirits Maraschino Liqueur

1 oz Simple syrup

1 oz Lime juice

Directions

Add all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and then strain into a pretty glass. Fresh pear slices for garnish

Syrup Directions

*Dissolve 1 cup of white cane sugar into 1 cup of boiling water, stir and then cool.

Gin Smash: Mint

50 ml Okanagan Spirits Family Reserve Gin

25 ml Lime juice

15 ml Simple syrup*

Fresh mint

Top with Soda

Directions

Add all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and then strain into a pretty glass. Fresh mint for garnish

Syrup Directions

*Dissolve 1 cup of white cane sugar into 1 cup of boiling water, stir and then cool.

There are so many places to go and things to do in BC this summer. Here are a few of the events happening around the province.

JULY 1: CANADA DAY, EVERYWHERE

Pick any city or town in BC and you are going to find some fabulous celebrations happening for Canada’s 156th birthday. Whether it’s by the water or in a green space, it’s a great way to spend a holiday, especially on a Saturday! Check local websites to find out what is happening where you are.

JUNE 30 TO JULY 3: FANTASTIC SLO PITCH AND A&W MUSIC FESTIVAL, VERNON

Get ready to play hard! Four days of slo pitch and live music. This is Canada’s largest Slo Pitch tournament and music festival. Spend the day playing hard or cheering on your favourite team. Grab your friends and take in the fabulous live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Ticket and info at funtasticsports.ca

JULY 6: DÎNER EN BLANC, OKANAGAN

This chic picnic takes place in an undisclosed area. Participants meet at a designated location and wear white. Transportation will take you to a secret location where guests set up their chairs, table, food etc. You must be invited by someone who has been to a previous event or sign up at their website Okanagan. More info at dinerenblanc.com.

JULY 9: OKANAGAN GRANFONDO, PENTICTON

This mass cycling event ranks as one of North America’s premier cycling events that attracts recreational, elite and pro cyclists. It’s an epic weekend of road cycling in the heart of Okanagan wine country. Cyclists can choose from one of four distances with each distance starting and finishing in Penticton. More info at okanagangranfondo.com.

JULY 18 TO AUGUST 20: CARAVAN FARM THEATRE, ARMSTRONG

Caravan Farm Theatre is a not-for-profit professional outdoor theatre company based on an 80-acre farm near Armstrong, BC. This year’s two-hour performance is Every Brilliant Thing and starts at 7:30 pm. More info at caravanfarmtheatre.com.

FUN THINGS EVERYWHERE!

There are hundreds of other smaller events happening in BC this summer. Wineries have special dinners, entertainers, and outdoor concerts, so contact your favourite winery and see what they are up to this summer!

MAGGIE JACKSON

Our cover this week is courtesy of Destination Osoyoos. It was taken at Sunrock vineyard on Osoyoos Indian Band land, which overlooks Osoyoos Lake. Having a chat amongst the vines are Patty Bower of Swiws Spirit Tours (L) and Kelsey Scagnetti of Destination Osoyoos (R).

Sunrock Vineyards is 180 acres of prime growing country on the Osoyoos Lake Bench. The warmth reflected by the sunrock gives the grapes an extended ripening time into late October.

SIP SUNSHINE ON OSOYOOS LAKE

DAVID WYLIE

Want to spend time in a summer hot spot that’s well-known for its cool water sports? Osoyoos is a perfect destination for lake fun.

Osoyoos Lake is considered the warmest lake in Canada, with its water temperature reaching almost 30 C in the summer. There are plenty of ways to splash around. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing are all great ways to enjoy the water without needing a power boat.

If you’re looking for something a little more revved up, you could try wake surfing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, or jet skiing.

Several companies in town rent boats, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), and other gear needed for a fun adventure on the lake.

WATER TO WINE

After soaking up the sunshine on Osoyoos Lake, sipping some of the best wines in Canada is a perfect way to spend time back on land.

There are more than 60 wineries between the Oliver-Osoyoos and Similkameen wine regions. They are in full swing during the summer, so make an appointment where possible.

Some wineries go above and beyond wine tasting by giving more educational vineyard tours.

INDIGENOUS CULTURE

The name Osoyoos has roots in the local Okanagan language of Syilx’tsn. It originates from sẁiẁs (pronounced “soo-yoos”), meaning “narrowing of the waters.”

Deepen your understanding of Indigenous heritage at the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre—a state-of-the-art interpretive centre built into a hillside that is environmentally innovative.

Explore the past, present, and future of the Osoyoos Indian Band as well as their conservation efforts for desert wildlife.

While you’re there, wine and dine at the nearby Nk’Mip Cellars and Patio Restaurant.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Father’s Day Market at Tumblewood Spirits on June 17

• Food Truck Fridays at Nostalgia Wines runs June 16-Sept. 8

• Osoyoos Cherry Fiesta is on July 1

For more information, visit destinationosoyoos.com.

UNBOUNDED BEAUTY AND AWARD-WINNING WINES AND CIDERS ARE MINUTES AWAY IN THE SIMILKAMEEN VALLEY WINE REGION

The Similkameen Valley is almost like a secret garden right under your nose, if it weren’t already considered by some wine experts such as Anthony Gismondi (Vancouver Sun) as the “rising star among the BC wine regions.” The Similkameen is one of BC’s nine officially designated wine regions.

The Similkameen introduces visitors and residents alike to the wonder of the natural world. This is the year to explore the Similkameen Valley Wine Region. This L-shaped region is small but diverse with rugged high mountainsides, lush valley floor and a fertile river’s edge creating multiple micro-terroirs. The diversity in landscape and climate allows a wide range of grape varieties from which to choose, along with award-winning ciders and local spirits.

PEOPLE AS VARIED AS THE WINE

Similkameen Independent Winegrowers includes 14 boutique wineries and cideries and the first distillery in the valley. All have patios and amazing views. Our winegrowers are as varied as the wines they create, from multi-generational families who settled years ago to newcomers who moved to the region recognizing its potential. Regardless of their history, they bring a similar spirit and a passion for what they do.

It’s a little less crowded here, giving you space for more depth of experience at a relaxed pace. Enjoy the signature minerality of the fine wines which reflect the hot, sunny, dry conditions and the unique terroir in this special wine region. The natural beauty is stunning.

Savour local farm-to-table restaurants and fresh farm produce around Keremeos and Cawston. Stay awhile in one of many Inns, B&Bs and suites to capture the splendour. It’s another world just a 30-minute drive south of Penticton and only four hours from downtown Vancouver along the scenic Highway 3.

Take home a bottle (or more) of the Similkameen along with great memories this year. Visit similkameenwine.com to learn more.

ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

BOTTLES TO BOXES: A BRIEF HISTORY OF WINE PACKAGING

Storing swill goes back thousands of years.

The oldest known winery opened its doors in 4100 BC. Archeologists discovered it inside an Armenian cave. Perhaps it was the first speakeasy.

Way back in the day, fermented drink wasn’t stored in a sleek glass bottle branded with an ironic name or conveniently bagged inside a cardboard box with a handy spout. And it didn’t come in a can. Wine packaging has come quite a long way through the millennia.

FIRST WINE GOES TO POT

Around 6000 BC, large earthenware vessels were crafted to store alcohol. Of Georgian origin, the jugs usually held about 800 litres or enough for a good block party.

The containers are called kvevri, sometimes spelled qvevri – but always pronounced: kway-vree.

The earliest winemakers infused their own terroir into their bevies through the clay chosen to make the pots used to age and store the drink. Jars were coated with beeswax and sealed with resin to keep air from reaching the liquid inside.

WINESKIN IN THE GAME

Large, buried earthenware pots left a lot to be desired when it came to portability for weekend getaways. That led to one of the first variations of a hip flask: wineskins. They were usually made from sheep or goat skins (hence the name). Similar to the fanny pack, they were a fad that took off from ancient Greece to the Middle East. They became so prevalent in pop culture that Jesus even referenced them to connect with his target audience (Matthew 9:17).

IT TAKES SOME GAUL

Clay pots were eventually replaced by barrels in large-scale storage and winemaking. The Gauls, a group of Celtic peoples, were credited with first using barrels for alcohol and transporting beer in wood containers bound with metal hoops. The Gaul practice went mainstream after being discovered by the Romans. Winemakers in France later adopted the use of oak barrels in their techniques, with much success as it’s a longstanding practice.

Not only was the ancient Romans’ success in conquering others pivotal in the use of barrels but they were also noted as early adopters of wine bottles. The oldest unopened wine bottle is about 1,700 years old. It was discovered in Speyer, Germany, and was still filled with a Roman vintage.

GLASS FROM THE PAST

Secrets to Roman glass blowing were lost, but the Dark Ages did bring forth greencoloured bottles that people living in the forest made using wood ash and sand. Glass-making techniques evolved over the following centuries into fine art, with master glassmakers in Italy during The Renaissance creating the most sought-after glass in Europe.

Branded wine bottles were discovered in England dating back to the mid-to late-17th century, with seals signifying the tavern they came from. Symbols include a crown, mermaid, and king’s head, early examples of social media marketing with a bottledelivery service as a side hustle.

VIVE LA RÉVOLUTION

Large-scale glass-making emerged in the 17th century along with the Industrial Revolution.

The creation of tinted glass and the coinciding invention of corks, along with increasingly large-scale manufacturing plants, brought forth the ubiquitous wine bottle. They were all made in a similar shape, so the unwashed masses could ship them efficiently and store them.

Thanks to an insatiable need to increase corporate profits and executive bonuses, wine had officially gone commercial.

BAG IN A BOX

Packaging became even more varied over the years with industrial progress. The countercultural revolution of the 1960s brought both bra-burning and boxed wine. ‘Bag-in-box’ technology put a strong plastic ‘bladder’ inside a rectangular box. It was first invented to hold battery acid but seemed to perform just as well with wine. The method proved convenient and cost-effective, if not controversial at the time.

WHAT NEXT?

Wine packaging continues to evolve, from cans to Tetra Paks, to bottles of all shapes and sizes.

For those who want a little sci-fi with their wine, innovative marketers are using augmented reality that makes labels come alive under the scrutiny of a cellphone camera.

Bottles are getting lighter to reduce their carbon footprint.

High-end packaging uses insulated materials to keep the temperature of wine stable at all times.

Bottles are even being treated with UV-protective coatings to keep out the sun’s rays. It’s a good reminder that everybody needs to use protection.

So there you have it. Even in the face of unstoppable modern advancement, no other packaging comes close to usurping the wine bottle. Though they may get a little dicey floating around in space when future Astro-tourists want to pop a bottle of bubbly in zero-G.

DAVID WYLIE

SO MUCH TO DO!

Summer’s in full swing and there’s so much going on you may find it difficult to decide where to go and what to do.

Wine touring is always a plus this time of year, with new releases, comfy patios and great food thrown into the mix. You can hire someone to take you around on their airconditioned buses, you can get an eBike and pedal your way around with or without a guide, or you can have a designated driver take you around.

One of my favourite things to do is make a day plan. Start with a walk on one of the gorgeous beaches or trails that BC has to offer. As the sun makes its way across the sky,

find a nice place to grab picnic goodies for later in the day. Once that is accomplished, packed and cooled as necessary, it’s time to head to a nearby winery.

Many wineries offer patio seating, and you can bring your own picnic basket. If you don’t feel like shopping first, many wineries also offer brunch, lunch, appies and dinner on their patios. Some even make a picnic lunch for you. Taste a few wines, eat some delicious food and bask in the sunshine.

Once you’ve had your fill, head out for another walk at one of BCs protected park areas. Whether it’s the Osoyoos Dessert Centre or the Vaseux Lake, Kelowna or Vernon bird sanctuaries, you’re sure to see some gorgeous examples of what Mother Nature has to offer. If you’re wine touring near the ocean, there are dozens of protected areas to choose from.

By mid-afternoon, it could be getting pretty warm outside. This is the time to visit some of the museums and art galleries in the area. But, you don’t have to go to a museum or art gallery to get some fabulous examples of local artist’s work. Many of BC’s wineries support local artists and have their work hung in their tasting areas. Take your time tasting the wine, and taking in all the creative vibes these artists have to offer.

When the afternoon is spent, it’s time to find another great winery for more tastings and tours. Most of the wineries in BC offer tours in their temperature-controlled cellars which makes for a great way to cool off from the late afternoon sun.

One of the beauties of BC’s wineries and tasting rooms is they usually have a gift area filled with extraordinary locally made goodies. From funky kinds of ketchup to savoury

jams and wine-infused jellies, the choices are almost endless. You can find BC-grown teas, hot sauce, pate, energy bars, honey, loaves of bread, and noodles with all ingredients grown in BC. Make sure you make room in your suitcase for these delicacies.

Once you’re done with shopping, it’s time to eat. BC has some of the best restaurants in the world and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the meals you find at even the smallest winery. Red Seal Chefs love BC, and we are so lucky they do. You’ll find organic, vegan, vegetarian and all types of foods for your eating enjoyment. There are offerings from Arctic char to mushroom pate and everything in between.

Once your evening meal is complete, it’s time to take in some entertainment, and maybe get in some dancing. Several wineries offer live music on their patios. Others have natural outdoor amphitheatres where they feature bands and musicians of all ilk. Imagine listening to a symphony under the glow of a setting sun, or dancing to rock and roll at a festival. Take in jazz, blues, and folk at any number of wineries and venues at BC wineries and events. The talent we have in BC is sometimes overlooked. From the creativity of the winemaker to the carpenters that create the perfect wine bar for tasting, to the artists, chefs, musicians and writers, there’s so much to discover.

Wine touring is about finding your favourite new wine. It’s also about finding your new favourite restaurant, preserves, book, painting, sculpture or musician.

Take your time and pick an area you want to know more about and go explore. There are so many events and special places to explore right here in BC. Take your time and take it all in. You’ll be glad you did.

Darcy Nybo

‘MAKE YOUR DAY’ TO KALEDEN’S BOUTIQUE WINERIES

ROSLYNE BUCHANAN

Kaleden’s rural charm makes it easy to lean into a change of pace in wine touring. The family and pet-friendly boutique wineries inspire a less rushed approach. Offering diverse wines, the small-scale yet noteworthy wineries include Anthony Buchanan Wines, Black Market Wine Co. and Lakeboat Vineyard & Winery. They all share a similar winemaking philosophy: Respect for the land which they farm sustainably to grow exceptional grapes to make wine using low-intervention methods.

The gorgeous lake view along Highway 97 lifts your spirit on your drive south from Penticton. It takes around 10 minutes to reach Kaleden about midway to Okanagan Falls, making the perfect day trip to combine leisurely wine tasting with other activities. Oozing friendly community spirit, this small town is blessed with a captivating lakefront lifestyle.

Kaleden’s name came from a community contest in 1909: The picturesque shores of Dog Lake (now Skaha) inspired Toronto’s Reverend Walter Russel to combine Greek words for beautiful—Kalos—and paradise—Eden. He was awarded a free town lot for his winning entry.

Kaleden’s agricultural history dates to 1909 with the planting of the first fruit trees and, 48 years ago, a vineyard. Once the largest producer of apricots in the Okanagan, the aspects which favour such bounty are why many grape varieties thrive here. The topography varies from vineyards merely blocks apart. One of the breeziest places in the Okanagan, there’s no need for wind machines and the wind aids pest control.

TARRY AWHILE

Kids and/or pets aboard or not, the proximity enables wine touring amid play. Pack your eBike to cycle. Hit Pioneer Park for the beach, playground, and perhaps tennis. Bring your canoe, kayak, or paddleboard to explore the shoreline.

Visit the Linden Gardens, a nine-acre garden sanctuary planted with love. One of Kaleden’s first fruit farms, some 75 years later Ken and Margaret Hayter transformed it into a lush “oasis brimming with flowers, trees, shrubs, ponds and streams.”

Savour refreshments there at the popular Frog City Café. Linden Gardens changes seasonally and is a fragrant and eyepopping backdrop for nature photographers and wedding couples. (lindengardens.ca)

Check out historic buildings such as the former hotel on the lakeshore, the locals’ answer to the Parthenon. The former general store sits across from it. Farther afield, the log barn on the east of White Lake Road near the

Highway 97 junction en route to St. Andrews By the Lake Golf Resort dates to the 1890s. Golfers pack your clubs, this gorgeous nine-hole course is about 10 minutes from Kaleden.

At Kaleden, it’s not about how many wineries to hit in a day, but rather a mindful visit of unhurried tastings. The range of wines and the depth of knowledge gained will delight you.

ANTHONY BUCHANAN WINES

Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm (Reservation required 10 am to 12 pm), 205 Lombardy Place. anthonybuchananwines.ca

Winegrower/owner Anthony Buchanan, his wife accountant/owner Nichol and their two (sometimes helping hands) children opened on the roughly 6.5-acre leased home organic vineyard after years as a virtual winery. Anthony had been working since 2006 in cellars on Vancouver Island and the Okanagan alongside “some of the most accomplished winemakers in Canada”,

introducing his Anthony Buchanan label at Garagiste North.

Key grape varieties are Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Syrah with the SNAFU and FUBAR blends containing some obscure varietals. Says Anthony, “I’m proud of my commitment to eco-friendly farming practices and sustainable winemaking.” Production is now about 2,000 cases annually.

BLACK MARKET WINE CO.

Open daily, 11 am to 5 pm, 198 Spruce Avenue. Blackmarketwine.ca

Owned and operated by Rob Hammersley and Michelle Shewchuk with their three children, Black Market Wine Co. crafts distinctive small-lot wines. Their journey began as Garagistes, producing 100 cases of the 2012 signature red blend, The Syndicate.

In 2020, they opened the tasting room at Conviction Ridge. Their organically farmed, five-acre vineyard is close to the vacation spot the former Calgarians fell in love with in Kaleden. To achieve their current production of roughly 3,000 cases per year, grapes are also sourced from growers who farm responsibly and sustainably. Key grape varieties are Bacchus, Pinot Blanc, Merlot and Syrah.

LAKEBOAT VINEYARD & WINERY

Open daily, 11 am to 5 pm, 236 Linden Avenue. lakeboatwinery.com

Proprietor Tara Mathison with Mireille Sauvé as winemaker, produced 850 cases in 2021 and in 2022 opened Lakeboat Vineyard & Winery’s tasting room on five acres. Production is now 1,600 cases annually. Tara was drawn by Kaleden’s “quaint charm and friendly townsfolk” to buy, renovate and settle into a cute country home that happened to be surrounded by a winery she ultimately bought.

Key grape varieties are Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. Lakeboat crafts small-batch wines exclusively from locally sourced grapes. A first for this established winegrowing region. The second wine collection in Lakeboat’s tasting room, introduced at Garagiste North, is The Wine Umbrella/Dames Wine fundraising wines, which benefit Les Dames d’Escoffier’s Scholarship Fund ($45,000 and counting).

Kaleden winemakers in front of the old Kaleden hotel.

Black Market Winery