ABSOLUTE Okanagan 2014

2014 / 2015

TRANQUILITY FOUND Stunning Style WORLD CLASS WINE WIN - THE ULTIMATE GETAWAY

Belle-of-the-Ball - Jill Charuk

The Transcience of all Things - Debra Martin

Harp Seal - Kevin Peters

Poppy True - Angela Morgan

Afternoon Showers - Jonn Einerssen

560 Raymer Avenue Kelowna 250.448.8888 www.gallery421.ca

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HIGHWAY 97 AT COOPER ROAD, KELOWNA, BC 1.800.610.7467 | ORCHARDPARKSHOPPING.COM

CLIF

TON

THE BEAUTY OF SPACE

CLIFTON

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Contact our sales office: 250.762.2906 132 Sky Court · Kelowna sales@wilden.ca

2000 acres of Okanagan beauty, over half of it dedicated to parks, trails and wildlife. Wilden is the largest masterplanned community between Vancouver and Calgary. Find your island of tranquility – minutes from downtown Kelowna.

Lots to explore: www.wilden.ca Select your homesite: www.wilden.ca/lotfinder Discover our Sky Parade of five Showhomes in the Wilden Skylands: www.wildenshowhomes.ca Visit our Townhomes: www.wildentownhomes.ca 10 Minutes to Downtown 10 Steps to Nature

NATURE INSPIRED LIVING

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ABSOLUTE CONTRIBUTORS Andrew Penner Andrew Penner is a photographer and freelance writer based in Calgary, Alberta. His work has appeared in many of the leading golf and lifestyle publications in North America and Europe. Penner is also a 20-year member of the Canadian PGA and still teaches the game on a part-time basis. When not writing or on photography assignments, he enjoys chilling out in the backyard with his three boys and his wife, Dawn.

Jim Tobler Jim Tobler is Editor of MONTECRISTO Magazine. He is also the co-author, with the chefs, of three cookbooks: Araxi, Blue Water Café and Raw Bar, and West. He visits the Okanagan frequently, with great pleasure. He can also be found regularly, at Gismondionwine.com, Canada’s premier wine website.

Glen Eldstrom Glen has been involved with photography since the early 1970’s and has developed his own unique style. A graduate from The Centre for Arts and Technology Okanagan in digital film he has been photographing the Okanagan Valley for the past several years. Rather than just taking snapshots he explores photography as more of an art form. His mission statement is making the ordinary, extraordinary. Examples of his work are available for viewing at 500px.com/gleneldstrom.

Albert Berkshire Albert Berkshire is a British Columbia based writer, producer and voice actor.

His first novel of fiction is set for release Summer 2014 by Freisen Press. In his day job, he consults, writes, and produces advertising content for clients all over the world. His career permits that he live anywhere in the world an internet connection is found, but chooses to call Kelowna home purely for the lifestyle. You’ve heard him, and his work, on radio and TV commercials, seen his clients’ advertising campaigns, and likely read his stories and rants in in-flight magazines and online at albertberkshire.ca

Meaghan Moshansky Waking up to the morning sun streaming in the window, birds chirping, and fresh coffee brewing in the kitchen, can only be described as paradise.

Blissful paradise. A love of beaches, sunshine, fresh mountain air and delicious wines keep Meaghan based in sunny West Kelowna, but always adventuring out, exploring new scenery (and new wineries!) As a creative writer & self-proclaimed Wordsmith, Meaghan finds the Okanagan to be ‘full of flavour’ in every single way.

CONTRIBUTORS Albert Berkshire Andrew Penner Jay Denyar Jim Tobler Meaghan Moshansky GRAPHIC DESIGNER Vivian Zhang EDITOR Jay Denyar ASSOCIATE EDITOR Meaghan Moshansky ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Cynthia Denyar Jim Murphy PRODUCTION MANAGER Meaghan Moshansky PHOTOGRAPHY Carlos LeGuerrier Chris Gardiner Chris D Thompson Darren Kirby Glen Eldstrom Michael Eger Tina Baird PUBLISHER Cynthia Denyar MAILING ADDRESS #200 1789 Harvey Ave., Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 6G4 Tel: 250.868.8249 Fax: 250.868.8256 E-mail: info@absoluteokanagan.ca ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES 250.868.8249 E-mail: info@absoluteokanagan.ca COVER PHOTO Chris Gardiner ©2014 Absolute Okanagan. All rights reserved. Entire contents are copyrighted. Any reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher

Jay Denyar Jay Denyar has had a rich and varied career. Educated at Appleby College in Oakville, Ontario and the University of BC, he never set out to work in print media. His passion was, (and still is) the mountains. Being outdoors on the finest sunny day or in the most inclement weather, still brings a smile to Jay’s face. The only other things that make him happier are his home life and dogs. He always says “that working hard is easier when you surround yourself with good people”. Writing and being creative has turned out to be a great fit in his life.

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is strictly prohibited.

ABSOLUTE Okanagan makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information published but cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

www.absoluteokanagan.ca

CONTENTS 33

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OPUS | SUNSET SHOWS

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GOLF | A ROOM WITH A VIEW

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SUMMER IS LIVING AND THE LIVING IS GOOD

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WINE | A GROWING REGION

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CONTEST | STAY & PLAY

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LIFESTYLE | OUTDOOR LIVING

Chantal Kreviazuk, Tony Bennett, and the Barenaked Ladies, are just a few of the stars coming to entertain in some of the most incredible settings you’ve ever seen.

A visual journey that will stimulate your senses.

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LIBATION | AN AGE-OLD PROCESS WITH A MODERN TWIST The ‘Savvy Sipper’ will delight in the opportunity to order a cask of the new whisky on the block… in advance.

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ICONIC RESORTS | BREATHTAKING OKANAGAN RETREATS

Stunning accommodations with world-class amenities, incredible views, and luxurious patios that will lure you in & never let you leave.

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by Andrew Penner Some of the best fairways in Canada are just steps from your door.

by Jim Tobler This burgeoning wine region just keeps getting bigger, and bigger, and bigger…

Enter to win a ‘Breathtaking Retreat’ in the captivating Okanagan.

by Albert Berkshire Living life in true Okanagan fashion with all the debates.

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ABSOLUTE | OKANAG AN

THE AWE-INSPIRING OKANAGAN A true gem in the Canadian landscape One of the best things about bourgeoning communities is that every year they are constantly getting better! City and local infrastructure is always improving, highway access to and from the area is constantly upgrading, and the Kelowna International Airport has grown in leaps and bounds, welcoming more and more visitors and residents with a full service, modern facility.

And, some of the greatest things always stay the same. Flawless mountain backdrops, beautiful fresh water lakes and of course, the hot summer weather will forever grace this region.

Most people choose the Okanagan because of its warm, sunny, summer days that last well into the night. To be truthful, winters

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are pretty mild here too. You definitely do not have to go far to find as much winter as you can handle (if you want to!). Every region has a ski/snowboard resort that rivals some of the best.

Starting in the North Okanagan (Vernon) you will find Silver Star, renowned for dry Okanagan powder, an incredible terrain park with features for everyone and a great, colourful village. Big White is centrally located in the area, just 45 minutes north east of Kelowna. They too benefit from cold, dry snow, several family oriented activities aside from skiing and snowboarding and play host to many local, provincial, national and international events. As we creep further south we discover Apex Resort outside of Penticton and Mt. Baldy near Osoyoos. The runs in

Chris Gardiner

ABSOLUTE | OKANAG AN

this part of the world might be shorter than Verbier, but you can still get that lactic acid burn in your legs nonetheless.

Whether you like flying down groomed runs, slashing through the glades or boosting out of the half pipe, there is so much variety here you just can’t lose!

Undoubtedly, summertime is the best season in the Okanagan!

If you are not at the beach, on a boat, or on the golf course, you need to stop everything you’re doing, grab your towel, lifejacket & shorts, and book yourself a tee time and get to the lake, because this outdoor playground doesn’t wait around. Outdoor lifestyle is king in this part of the world. There are certainly people who want to be in the thick of it, and you can find them at Gyro Beach, Kelowna’s hottest waterfront park. In addition to the main parks, there are dozens of hidden waterfront treasures littered along the shoreline that are yours to discover. Because of the percentage of calm wind observations, Western Canada’s first and only cable park is located on the West Kelowna side of the bridge. The park allows new & experienced wake riders to practice and enjoy the sport, without the hassle of a boat, using a 2.0 Sesitec cable system. Of course beach culture is not for everyone, and that means you are more in the mood for an adventure and exploring around. Essentially the Okanagan

Valley runs North/South. So for the adventurer heading East or West, it brings you into the more rural parts of the valley where you can find fishing lodges, pristine wilderness lakes and campsites. Venturing into the hills and discovering what the vineyards, orchards, and hiking/biking trails have to offer will be right up your alley.

Aside from agriculture, adventure and lifestyle, the Okanagan also accommodates a wide variety of sports. The weather often dictates what you do and when, but when the weather cooperates, it is mostly sunny and you can do whatever you want, whenever you want. That’s the Okanagan way. Soccer, tennis, golf, cycling, volleyball, softball and football, from organized leagues to weekend fun, there are enough fields, courts and courses for everyone visiting or living in the Okanagan. And, if it is too windy to participate in these sports, head down to Rotary Beach on south Pandosy St. and watch the multi-coloured kite boarders dance through the air and across the water in choreographed chaos.

In the Okanagan Valley, there are four main bodies of water.

Kalamalka Lake runs South of Vernon but East of Okanagan Lake. What makes this lake so unique is the crystal clear,

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ABSOLUTE | OKANAG AN

azure blue waters. Not only does it look tropical, there are also several weeks a year, where it feels tropical. This beautiful body of water is a definite favourite among locals. Okanagan Lake runs from Vernon to Penticton, with Kelowna sitting smack dab in the middle at the lakes only crossing, the W.R. Bennett Bridge.

Okanagan Lake in turn funnels into Skaha Lake via the Penticton Channel. For a relaxing afternoon, grab an inner tube & sunscreen, and cruise down the channel with a bunch of your closest friends.

Skaha Lake is a little smaller than Okanagan & Kalamalka and comes to a halt at Okanagan Falls. And finally, south of Skaha is Canada’s hottest lake, Osoyoos Lake. A favourite trip locals have been known to make, is to head South to Osoyoos, visit a winery and jump in Osoyoos Lake. Then start to make your way north again, visit one vineyard and jump in Skaha Lake, then one more winery and Okanagan Lake and finally to the soothing waters of Kalamalka Lake, where afterwards you could finish off your culture-rich day with a cocktail from a local distillery.

Along these pristine mountain flanked lakes are quaint little communities that each have a charm of their own. In between Vernon, Kalamalka and Okanagan Lakes is an area called Lake Country. Aptly named considering its surroundings, it is made up of four communities. The two business communities are Winfield and Oyama, both full service towns with fuel, food, hotels and marinas, while Carrs Landing and Okanagan Centre are the other two that make up Lake Country. They are located on the West side of the area, on Okanagan Lake, and are more rural with homes, cottages and waterfront parks. Lake Country has some beautiful

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spots and should not be missed. After crossing the bridge in Kelowna and starting to head south you come to Peachland and Summerland. Peachland is an adorable lakeside community that has beaches stretching the entire length of the town, the best Sunday walk in the area. With big developments in the hills above the town site, Peachland has some of the best views in the valley.

Summerland has an old English charm, as well as a fantastic waterfront with resorts, parks, beaches and restaurants. Winding further south through the valley, you pass Penticton, and come to such gems as Okanagan Falls and Oliver. This region is on the northern tip of the Sonoran Desert and these moisture rich soils are famous for some amazing wines. The hills are covered with scrub brush and ponderosa pines, while thermometers are consistently in the mid 30’s for many months of the year. Oliver is well-known as ‘The Wine Capital of Canada’, so if exploring wine and wineries is your thing, then this would be heaven!

The Okanagan has garnered worldwide status in the wine industry, and in the spirits industry as well, catching the attention of guests from across the globe, while gently nudging our local wineries & vineyards to continuously strive to produce their best.

The cool nights and smokin’ hot days are perfect for grapes and many other fruits that are an agricultural mainstay in the region.

There are many wineries here that are part of a rising trend known as Eco-Tourism. And, it doesn’t just stop at grapes and bottles.

From full service shops, accommodations, concerts, wedding venues and tasting rooms, the growing popularity of Okanagan wine has had a huge positive impact on the region.

Chris Gardiner

ABSOLUTE | OKANAG AN

If you think that the Okanagan Valley is just wineries, beaches and ski hills, then you are absolutely correct! But the valley also offers so much more that, in many other aspects. Lifestyle, lifestyle, lifestyle. It can be as hurried as you want or as lazy as you want. That is one of the great characteristics of the Okanagan Valley, YOU get to set the tempo. It can be as “big city” as you want or as bucolic as you dream. That is the real beauty of a mid-sized growing community. The opportunity is there to try something new but is also established enough to keep things traditional. The Okanagan Valley, truly an amazing place to live or visit, among lakes, wineries, golf courses and orchards.

Outside, is where you want to be! Put down your work, leave the boardroom, and get to the Okanagan Valley. Where a grand scale of crystalline lakes, pristine golf courses and vineyards for as far as the eye can see, await you.

As one of the top 10 busiest airports in Canada, YLW’s total economic impact is 2,730 jobs and $610 million in total economic output to the province. Serving over 1.4 million passengers annually, YLW offers 64 daily non-stop commercial flights with Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Central Mountain Air, Northwestern Air, WestJet and United Airlines to Vancouver, Victoria, Prince George, Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Toronto, Seattle, and Los Angeles, including seasonal service to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and Cancun; and sun destination charter services by Transat Holidays and Sunwing to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos as well. Having a current and state-ofthe-art airport allows travelers to arrive & depart in a prompt and convenient manner. YLW has a big airport feel, but still allows you to park right across from the main terminal entrance, it’s perfect!

Now, it has never been easier to get to and from the Okanagan.

At Kelowna International Airport (YLW), the biggest news in the last couple of years comes with a smile! United Airlines Express now offers year-round daily service from Kelowna to Los Angeles, California (LAX). At long last, these two similar regions are united. For Okanagan residents, California currently accounts for the largest trans-border market because there are a high number of similarities between the two areas. The wine industry and the high-tech sector account for 28% of outbound travel to the USA. Mayor Walter Gray says “Having daily nonstop flights between Kelowna and Los Angeles will open the doors for both business and holiday travelers.”

While so many things are constantly changing, through regional and community development, the greatest things in the Okanagan will always be the same. Our communities continually work to make your time spent here an incredible experience, so there is no need to worry, as those seemingly never-ending, unobstructed sunsets and shorelines that seem to meander on forever, will always be just a few steps away.

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ABSOLUTE | OPUS

CHANTAL KREVIAZUK

performs at CedarCreek Multiple Juno Award winner Chantal Kreviazuk never considered a career in music until she began writing what would become her Platinum-selling debut album during recovery from a serious motorcycle accident in 1994. Under These Rocks and Stones was released to widespread acclaim in 1997, and Chantal has since become one of Canada’s most beloved Artists. With a string of distinguished albums and singles, Chantal’s drive to expand her artistry has led her to become a highly sought-after songwriter, having penned hits for Pink, Avril Lavigne, Christina Aguilera, Carrie Underwood, and Drake, among many others.

While her professional achievements are significant, Chantal receives the greatest amount of joy at home where she raises her three sons – Rowan, Lucca, and Sal – with her husband, Raine Maida, frontman for Our Lady Peace. For Chantal, motherhood has breathed an authenticity into her life that inspires her to achieve new levels of self-discovery.

Having demonstrated an outstanding commitment to human rights causes – being avid supporters of War Child Canada among them – Chantal and Raine were the recent recipients of the Slaight Music Humanitarian Award for their longstanding dedication to the world community.

Date: July 17, 2014 Time: 6:30pm Tickets: 250-762-5050 | $99 Venue: CedarCreek Estate Winery Pavilion 5445 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, BC cedarcreek.bc.ca

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ABSOLUTE | OPUS

‘Live at Mission Hill’

An evening with TONY BENNETT

No one else in popular American music has recorded for so long and at such a high level of excellence. In the last ten years alone, Tony Bennett has sold ten million records. The essence of his longevity and high artistic achievement was imbued in him in his loving childhood home in Queens, where he was raised by his mother and older brother & sister, in a home surrounded by loving relatives who were Tony’s first fans filling him with encouragement and optimism. He attended the High School of Industrial Arts in Manhattan, where he continued nurturing his two passions, singing and painting. From the radio he developed a love of music, hearing the great classic singers, like Bing Crosby. Today Tony Bennett’s artistry and accomplishments are applauded all over the world from people from 12 to 90 years old.

With worldwide record sales in the millions, and dozens of platinum and gold albums to his credit, Tony Bennett is a musician who touches the hearts and souls of audiences with his legendary vocals and charming stage presence. His long list of achievements, spanning his 60 years, includes 17 Grammy Awards, including prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, making this

artist a true international treasure. His signature tunes, such as “Steppin’ Out With My Baby” and “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” form part of the fabric of American music culture. Often billed as the world’s most boyish octogenarian, Tony Bennett is a vital musical artist at the peak of his powers who will perform for the first time at Mission Hill Family Estate.

Date: August 1 & 2, 2014 Time: 7:30pm Tickets: 250-762-5050 | $150 Venue: Mission Hill Winery Amphitheatre 1730 Mission Hill Rd, West Kelowna, BC missionhillwinery.com

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ABSOLUTE | OPUS

Andrew & Zach Smith

AT THE RISE RESORT AND VIBRANT VINES WINERY Andrew & Zach Smith are an accomplished father and son indie folk duo. Andrew is one of the few Canadians to have won the prestigious Kerrville NewFolk songwriting competition. Their live sound is big for a duo – created by a surprising blend of mandolin, dobro, banjo, suitcase drum kit, guitars and family harmonies

Date: July 15, 2014 Time: 5:00pm Venue: The Rise Resort, Freddy’s Patio 8500 Rising View Way, Vernon, BC therise.ca Date: August 4, 2014 Time: 1:30pm Venue: Vibrant Vines Winery 3240 Pooley Road, Kelowna, BC thevibrantvine.com

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Royal Wood

AT Quail’s Gate Harvest Concert Join us! 2014 is a special year at Quails’ Gate winery. Our family celebrates our 25th year producing wines in the Okanagan Valley, where we’ve farmed since 1908. To celebrate, we’ve invited special guest Royal Wood for an intimate concert on our ‘Harvest Gathering’ site that overlooks our vineyards and the beautiful Okanagan Lake.

Date: September 13, 2014 Time: 7:30 pm Tickets: 250-762-5050 | $60+ Venue: Quails’ Gate Winery 3303 Boucherie Road, West Kelowna, BC quailsgate.com

ABSOLUTE | OPUS

Barenaked Ladies

performs at CedarCreek Among the truths we hold to be self-evident are these: Canadian bands can play their asses off, and they can also bring the funny. No outfit hailing from north of the border embodies these paired virtues more engagingly than the Barenaked Ladies, whose fusion of hooks and yuks has resulted in more than 14 million albums sold, with many fans around the world.

On the occasion of the band’s 25th anniversary, BNL—Ed Robertson (guitar/vocals), Jim Creeggan (bass/vocals), Kevin Hearn (keyboard/guitar/vocals) and Tyler Stewart (drums/ vocals)—are celebrating with new album GRINNING STREAK. The album, the band’s twelfth, is in partnership with Warner Bros. Records after self-releasing their last four efforts.

The album picks up steam via its hyper-hooky 1st single “Boomerang,” produced by Gavin Brown (The Tragically Hip, Metric), who handled 11 of GRINNING STREAK’s 15 tracks.

Another session with Toronto’s Howie Beck (Feist, Walk of The

Earth) yielded four album tracks: the buoyant “Who Knew,” the wistful “Smile,” the swirling “Off His Head” and the chugging “Best Damn Friend.” Rounding out the sessions is a Mark Endert (Maroon 5, Train) super-pop re-mix of “Boomerang.”

Indeed, the whole of GRINNING STREAK unfolds with the signature blend of immediacy, tunefulness and witty sophistication that made such BNL hits as “Pinch Me, “Brian Wilson,” “If I Had $1,000,000” and the chart-topping “One Week” modern-day classics.

Date: September 5, 2014 Time: 6:30pm Tickets: 250-762-5050 | $110 Venue: CedarCreek Estate Winery Pavilion 5445 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, BC cedarcreek.bc.ca

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Whether you are in the market for a new Tigé boat, a stand up paddleboard, or just looking for some fresh summer clothes, Seca Surf + Marine will outfit you with everything you want and need for the water or simply lounging lake-side.

Lake Country is the proud home of the Okanagan’s exclusive Tigé (pronounced ty-gah) dealer. The sales team will provide expert advice to get the best boat to serve you and your family’s needs.

Offering industry leading innovation and uncompromised boat design, there are many sleek & modern options to choose from.

All popular models are on the lot and ready to go… so get wet and have fun!

Seca Surf + Marine maintains the finest up-to-date service department, providing you with all the necessary seasonal maintenance services and can fix any mechanical issue that may arise. The crew here is renowned for their custom ballast & pump upgrades and installations, a niche that they have carved out for themselves. Detailing, storage, even boat hauling, are all a part of the repertoire.

Wakeboard, wakesurf, wakeskate, anything wake and water related can be found in the amazing pro shop. The staff at Seca are all watersports enthusiasts and can offer equipment insight and best technical advice in the valley. Stay current with the coolest fashion trends, apparel, shoes, sunglasses, hats, socks and even watches. And, of course they have major stock of equipment and accessories. Seca has any and all wake specific gear on site: tow ropes, wakeboards, wetsuits, environmentally friendly cleaning products, wake surfers, PFD’s and the list goes on and on... Seca Wake School is an established water sports academy, providing lessons from one pull behind the boat, to 5 day super camps. With a long list of team riders and affiliated riders, you just never know who might drop in for your lesson!

These are exciting times in the tow-boat and wake sports world and Seca Surf + Marine has grabbed a hold of that energy. It is no coincidence that the company slogan reads “The Okanagan’s best source for all your boating and watersports needs!”

11410 Petrie Road, Lake Country BC

250-469-9462 secamarine.com

ABSOLUTE | PASSION

SUMMER IS LIVING AND THE LIVING IS GOOD! Often the best lead into an article is to describe the scene and create a mental snap shot, but in this case, we are going to send you in a different direction. A direction that will allow you to use your visual senses and send you on a journey that will leave you wanting the Okanagan lifestyle that we are all perpetually chasing.

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absolute | PASSION

DESTINATION KNOWN With the blazing hot days in the Okanagan, it is nice to move around in comfort and style. Turn up the AC and enjoy the ride, whether you are out exploring vineyards, searching for the most secluded beaches

or headed to outdoor movie night. Enjoy the ride, now the journey really is the destination.

Audi Kelowna | audikelowna.com

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ABSOLUTE | PASSION BOAT

Poolside in Lake Country Chaise-lounges by the pool, outdoor living room furniture nestled in the shade under whirling fans and access from every room in the relentless pursuit of bringing the outdoors, indoors. Outdoor living spaces are a major part of life in the

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Okanagan. Some people crave the sun while others seek shade, it is important to have a favourite spot!

View this home and others like it at janehoffman.com

ABSOLUTE ABSOLUTE | PASSION | BOAT

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ABSOLUTE | PASSION

SUPERSTARS LIKE IT HERE TOO… Hockey legends enjoy their time in the Okanagan as well.

It is not uncommon to see your favourite athletes on the golf course, flying by on a jet ski or even on a sunny patio.

Like many others big name stars, Ryan Getzlaf of The Anaheim Ducks spends his off-season wallowing away at

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his summer retreat pictured here. It is beautiful here, it’s no wonder it draws such an exclusive crowd.

Audi Kelowna | audikelowna.com View this home and others like it at janehoffman.com

ABSOLUTE ABSOLUTE | PASSION | BOAT

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ABSOLUTE | PASSION

DAWN PATROL One of the greatest feelings of summer is getting up super early, getting out on the water when the lake is like glass, and you are the only boat around. This TigĂŠ Z1 offers the finest in comfort and performance. Big waves and loud speakers are all a part of the experience. If you waterski, wakeboard or

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wakesurf, enhance your epic Okanagan boating experience by being the first one on the water.

Seca Surf & Marine | secamarine.com

absolute | ENJOYMENT

2. BIRDBATH with TENANTS

1. Hand-Crafted Argentium Jewellery

“If silver is the new gold… then Argentium is the new silver.”

Argentium is brighter than platinum, white gold and traditional sterling. Certified produced using only recycled silver, Argentium silver is low maintenance, easy to care for and simple to clean.

Eco-silversmith Lisa Brown, a local Okanagan Valley artisan, specializes in customizing & capturing your style, with hand-crafted unique jewellery.

Available online at: divineexpressions.ca or 250-317-1134

Nothing brightens your back yard, garden and day like a super cool, hand made clay “washing station” for your local feathery friends. A splash of colour that attracts feathered creatures creates something more exciting to watch than soap operas! A carefully placed beautiful birdbath will change your landscape instantly. Just add water…

Birds $29-33 | Bath $92 Available at: Green & Bear It 4600 Lakeshore Road Kelowna, BC 250-764-2900 greenandbearit.com

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HER

3. GOT SNOW by VANCE THEORET

Hand carved B.C. Soapstone.

Vance says that bears are like big kids that never really grow up. He likes to explore the more playful and curious aspects, the human qualities in them. $500.00 Available at: Gallery 421 560 Raymer Avenue Kelowna, BC 250-448-8888 gallery421.ca

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FAVOURITE THINGS

cold- water enthusiasts!

Stitchless, taped seems and titanium airlock provide the ultimate in insulation, comfort and warmth. If you are the first person on the water in the spring or wakesurfing in your Santa suit, the “F-Bomb” is a must. $549 Available at: Seca Surf & Marine 11410 Petrie Road Lake Country, BC 250-469-9462 secamarine.com

4. Rip Curl Flash Bomb Plus Wetsuit

The “F-Bomb” is the finest wetsuit and product of choice for the world’s best

Urban Fare is an upscale grocery store with a coffee bar, restaurant, catering service, gourmet gift baskets and flowers, and even an in-store concierge-- eschewing the standard layout of the traditional big-box warehouse stores. It’s not the kind of place where you pay a loonie to rent a shopping cart the size of a Paris apartment, then push it up and down endless aisles laid out in perfectly parallel rows. The shopping experience at Urban Fare is more like meandering around a village market where similar foods are grouped together in little boroughs that flow into each other; areas where tables are sometimes round, display cases may be curved, and counters might be tucked into corners. The entire dining space has an “upscale orchard” aesthetic with feature walls constructed from stacked apple crates, fresh fruit and veggies piled high in tin buckets and wicker baskets, and display tables that look like they’ve been made from recycled barn wood.

Urban Fare… Food is our passion and so much more!

Urbanfare.com 3155 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, BC | (250) 860-0608 Coal Harbour | 305 Bute St., Vancouver False Creek | 1688 Salt St., Vancouver

Shangri-La | 1133 Alberni St., Vancouver Yaletown | 177 Davie St., Vancouver

absolute | ENJOYMENT

1. SWIMS Sport Loafer Inspired by the classic boat shoe, this SWIMS Sport Loafer has an anti-slip, non-marking sole. It is ventilated, breathable, durable, anti-bacterial and made for the water. A must for being in the boat, at the beach or going for dinner! Look cool and stay cool. $160 Available at: Seca Surf & Marine 11410 Petrie Road Lake Country, BC 250-469-9462 secamarine.com

2. MOPHIE juice pack & Powerstation PRO There is little time from sunrise-to-sunset that you are not using your cell phone. Whether you are using it as a phone, email, text or checking up on the world via Facebook and Instagram your battery is at 14% again. The solution, Mophie juice pack & Powerstation PRO. $99 Available at: Best Buy Orchard Park Mall 2271 Harvey Ave, Kelowna, BC 250-448-0890 | bestbuy.ca

A FEW OF

HIS

FAVOURITE THINGS

3. ARGO 700HD When a tank is just too big, what you really need to rely on is the Argo 700HD. This sweet little beast will climb, crawl and swim anywhere that you may want to go. 8X8 mobility, low ground pressure and traction are the key to its unique design. $27,000 Available at: Xcalibur Enterprises/Yahoo Ventures 2321 Hwy #1 SW, Salmon Arm, BC | 250-803-0111 argoatv.com

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4. WHISKY ACCESSORIES Three “must haves” for the whisky enthusiast.

Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, a Yarai Mixing Pitcher with Hawthorne Strainer and large spout for perfect pours and the ‘On The Rock Glass’, the rolling motion increases the nosing of aromas.

Available at: Okanagan Spirirts 269 Bernard Ave., Kelowna, BC | 778-484-5174 2920 – 28th Ave., Vernon, BC | 250-549-3120 okanaganspirits.com

ABSOLUTE | LIBATION

The Dubh Glas Distillery

A rare look into an age-old process with a modern twist Grant Stevely has taken a few steps out onto a limb before, but now he is transforming his distillery dream into a real life project in the South Okanagan. Dubh Glas (dugh-luhs) in Scottish Gaelic means “from the dark water” or “dark water”, a term that many whisky connoisseurs today use liberally. The chosen name also has a personal side to it for Mr. Stevely, whose middle name just happens to be Douglas.

Another great value added product for them will be Fruit Basket liqueurs, which will be available seasonally at the site.

In a community that has deep agricultural roots it only makes sense to use what is on your doorstep. There is so much fruit that is cast aside because it is not visually fit for sale based on size and shape. The result is perfectly good fruit being put to good use instead of being shipped off to the landfill!

A portion of whisky they produce has a three year maturation process, so in the mean time they will release a barley malt based gin under the label of Noteworthy. The whisky production process will officially begin in June when they receive the Bavarian Holstein Still that will make the long trip from Germany. The still will have a rectification column, which has the ability to be opened and used as a traditional Pot Still, leaving the door open for creative options.

The distillation and maturation processes have changed in the last 500 years. Quality whiskies don’t need to age for 20 years anymore, with better distillation techniques and improved maturation processes, the process can be fully completed in just three years. Globally there is great evidence that this process is successful. Smaller barrels that are aged at a warmer temperature cut the old process by up to 75%. And, what better environment to be located - hot, dry and long summers in the South Okanagan are the prefect fit for whisky aging. The Dubh Glas Distillery is not here by accident!

Like many small businesses starting out, they had to find a creative way to help finance their dream while the initial whisky stock was aging. Due to the creativity and complexity associated with the spirit, gin seemed like the obvious choice.

The purest water is used to make both of these fine spirits, water that has been filtered through the darkest depths since the dawn of time, free of surface contamination.

Lastly, The Dubh Glas Distillery has come up with the outstanding idea of selling casks in advance. So, you can purchase a barrel now, keep 44 bottles for yourself or have the distillery sell them on their shelves giving you a return on your investment. Generate money now with the sale of the casks and enjoy the results once it becomes available, genius!

ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 31

ABSOLUTE | ADVENTURE

Where Action Sports Meet Sublime Opulence In the high-end world of heli-skiing, the word luxury now has two different meanings. Like most heli-ski lodges, luxury has more of a remote feel, timber frame buildings with wooden staircases, long family style dining room tables and wood burning stoves (luxury 1).

The Gold Panner Lodge offers all of this and a Red Seal Chef to boot! But, what if at the end of a long day of slashing through knee deep “cold smoke” the helicopter gently sets down at the heli-pad and drops you off at one of the country’s premier resorts with one of the most modern and spectacular spas on site. Sounds pretty spectacular, doesn’t it?

Well, the folks at Kingfisher Heliskiing have partnered with Sparkling Hill Resort outside of Vernon, which is the proud home of KurSpa, a 40,000 square foot facility with the utmost in elegance and satisfaction (luxury 2).

This officially bridges the gap for couples that want to travel together but only one wants to ski or ride. In this perfect blessed union, one heads to the hills-- a mere 20 minute ferry in the helicopter gets you to the goods-- while the significant other basks in saunas & hot pools, or enjoys a massage with cucumber slices over their eyes!

Kingfisher Heliskiing boasts a land tenure of 120,000 acres (190 square miles). They can accommodate up to 15 riders a day, who choose between single-day, multi-day and weeklong packages. With an annual snowfall of over 60 feet, there are enough fresh lines that everyone can get a “cover shot” photo!

Kingfisher Heliskiing is operated by two individuals who have a combined 25 years of experience working in the outdoors, specifically in the backcountry ski/snowboard industry. They are supported by a hand-picked elite team, that help manage the day-to-day operations. Safety, of course is their number one concern and to make sure that you have the experience of a lifetime, one that you will share with your friends and family members for many years to come. Snow covered beards and big smiles are your best form of advertising!

It’s perfect, waking up in your king sized bed, buried in down pillows and duvets, taking a quick tub overlooking high above Okanagan Lake, getting geared up after a delightful breakfast and wandering out to the heli-pad to start you amazing day of riding. Fly out to the lodge where you spend some time going over safety procedures and avalanche beacon training, then, you load into the machine and slay fresh pow all day long until your legs can’t take it anymore. Relax and take in the flight back to Sparkling Hill Resort where you enjoy a wonderful dinner at PeakFine and cheers champagne flutes until you fall asleep back into the pillow laden bed where your day initially began. Kingfisher Heliskiing, this is paradise!

KingfisherHeliskiing.com

Christopher D Thompson

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ABSOLUTE | ICONIC RESORTS

Iconic RESORTS

Showcasing the Okanagan’s finest Experience world-class resorts offering stunning views, luxurious amenities and first-class service.

Discover the Okanagan’s finest accommodations, from lakeside getaways to mountaintop retreats, and enjoy all that these resorts provide to make for an unforgettable stay.

AMENITIES, LEISURE & DELIGHT

Watermark Beach Resort

thompsonokanagan . com ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA

| 33

Iconic RESORT

Taking Executive Retreats to the Next Level Nestled in British Columbia’s naturally breathtaking Okanagan Valley, overlooking a shimmering lake and surrounded by majestic mountains, Sparkling Hill Resort is a world-class wellness resort offering the ideal setting in which to refocus, brainstorm, plan, relax and renew. The resort itself – an awardwinning architectural masterpiece blends European-inspired elegance with over 3.5 million Swarovski crystals – is captivating.

Located just 25 minutes from Kelowna International Airport, Sparkling Hill offers over 10,000 square feet of meeting space characterized by plenty natural light and fresh air, complete with banquet rooms and outdoor terraces, the latter an ideal spot from which to enjoy the regions’ Mediterranean-like summers. A private eight-room executive wing with boardroom and lounge caters to groups seeking additional privacy.

KurSpa KurSpa is a whole body, mind and soul experience - a 40,000 sq. ft. European-inspired spa oasis where guests experience 7 unique aromatherapy steam and sauna rooms, and access to over 100 transformative treatments and therapies with pure thermal water, Dead Sea salts, volcanic dust and essential oils of plants and flowers. Popular in Europe and the first in North America, Sparkling Hill’s Cryotherapy Cold Sauna (-110C) is KurSpa’s signature health treatment, proven pain relief for patients with arthritis.

The Clinic at KurSpa Since its inception in 2012, The Clinic at KurSpa has been improving lives and gaining notice and acceptance of the medical community. This integrative health clinic is characteristically distinct for it innovatively combines all the services and amenities offered within KurSpa in conjunction with naturopathic, homeopathic, psychology and kinesiology treatments... All under one roof.

A wellness retreat at Sparkling Hill Resort offers the chance to combine meetings with rejuvenation in the first-class wellness facility.

Sparkling Hill Resort

888 Sparkling Place, Vernon, BC 1.877.275.1556 sparklinghill.com

The Perspective - Features of the Resort stunning

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RELAX

connect

Iconic RESORT

Two luxury waterfront resorts in one.

As the showcase resort of the Okanagan Valley, Delta Grand Okanagan Resort and Conference Centre and the Royal Private Residence Club are a landmark in Kelowna. Situated on seven acres of spectacular lakefront parkland overlooking Okanagan Lake, the resort offers 390 spacious and beautifully appointed accommodations including suites, condominiums and waterfront villas.

Here you will experience the heart of downtown Kelowna’s Arts and Cultural district, just minutes from restaurants, shops, museums and attractions accessible via a lovely waterfront boardwalk.

Our two towers feature 260 newly renovated ModeRooms™ with modern colour palettes and thoughtful touches throughout, including our SmartDesk™ area; fully-wired for all electronic needs. One hundred and thirty tastefully designed fully furnished one, two or three bedroom villas and condominiums possess spectacular lake views from private patios or balconies.

Experience the ultimate in luxury and service while staying on one of our Club Floors atop the South Tower. Here you will enjoy private access to Club Lounge, with evening hors d’oeuvres and continental breakfast each morning.

Resort amenities include full service spa, fitness centre, indoor pool, outdoor pool, sauna, hot tubs, steam room, boutique shopping, casino, business centre, and seasonal poolside Cabana Bar. Dining options include lakeside dining at Grand Bay Café & Patio, Vines Lounge and Starbucks™ Coffee bar in lobby. Our exceptional culinary team provides locally inspired food and beverage services for all guests. Our team specializes in creating customized meetings or conferences, special events, and private retreats for any size group in our 34,000 square foot Conference Centre. With the largest Ballroom in Kelowna and spacious prefunction areas with outdoor terraces, we provide the perfect setting for your next event.

It’s the special touches that complete your stay at Delta Grand Okanagan Resort and the Royal Private Residence Club.

Delta Grand Okanagan Resort & Royal Private Residence Club 1310 Water Street, Kelowna, BC 1.800.465.4651 deltagrandokanagan.com

The Perspective - Features of the Resort Inspire

Exclusive

Convene

ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 35

Iconic RESORT

Nestled along the shores of Okanagan Lake, is a haven of indulgence.

BC’s premiere lakefront resort property offers guests unparalleled luxury, quality and comfort. Our spacious suites boast the finest luxury features, from private wine coolers and stainless steel appliances to wall-mounted HD televisions, fireplaces and more.

You’ll find everything in your suite at The Cove designed to satisfy the most demanding tastes.

Those seeking to explore, won’t be disappointed, with an endless selection of nearby attractions and activities from which to choose, just minutes from the resort. From world-class wineries and championship golfing to skiing, theatres, shopping and an onwater playground unmatched anywhere else in Canada, The Cove is a destination within a destination.

The resort’s many amenities include the Cove Marina offering daily, weekly and long term slip rentals as well as private ownership.

Our Bonfire Restaurant, provides the perfect lakeside backdrop for an exceptional breakfast, lunch or dinner experience, courtesy of Bonfire’s locally renowned, Award-Winning Executive Chef, Grant de Montreuil.

Everything at The Cove is designed with total indulgence in mind, from our pools, hot tubs and putting green, to our waterfront bonfires, private theatre and luxury Spa. Whether it’s on the property or off, our concierge will gladly assist you with planning and organizing activities during your stay.

And for those wishing to plan larger gatherings for corporate events or to celebrate a wedding at one of the most picturesque spots in the BC, our Groups and Catering Department is among the finest in the Province and can help with every detail, to ensure your event or special occasion is an overwhelming success.

For vacationers and business travellers alike, The Cove Lakeside Resort is the place to indulge; a truly remarkable setting for a truly unforgettable stay.

For more information about our upcoming sister property in Hawaii, email kapalawi@thecovekelowna.com

The Cove Lakeside Resort

4205 Gellatly Road, West Kelowna, BC 1.877.762.2683 covelakeside.com

Indulge in…

SERENITY

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RELAXATION

GATHER

CELEBRATE

SAVOUR

PAMPER

ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 37

Iconic RESORT

Luxury Resort on Lake Osoyoos When they say ‘Getaway, Runaway, Escape’ to Watermark Beach Resort and Conference Center in Osoyoos BC – they mean it. From the moment you arrive at Watermark Beach Resort you will relax and unwind. The friendly approach to excellence in service along with breathtaking views and spacious suites will set the stage for an outstanding conference or vacation. Watermark Beach Resort boasts stunning architecture, and urban hip décor. The Wine & Tapas Bar with the Lakeside Patio & outdoor summer kitchen is the perfect spot for friends and family to gather.

123 suites in the main building as well as two bedroom beachfront residences offer a full range of luxury suites with Spa, Yoga & Pilates studio, fitness centre, media room, an outdoor swimming pool, waterslide and two hot tubs and marina all on 1000 feet of sandy beach on Canada’s warmest lake. Watermark Beach Resort has five championship golf courses near by, organic farms and vineyards, as well as powder skiing, snowmobiling and hiking abound. Get married on the shores of Osoyoos Lake, disconnect for your corporate meeting or conference up to 200 people, getaway for golf with the girls, a roadtrip with the guys, family reunions – that is what Watermark Beach Resort is all about. A few easy hours from the Lower Mainland, 40 minutes from Penticton, or 90 minutes from Kelowna International Airport, the pet friendly Watermark is a wonderful destination getaway.

Watermark Wine and Tapas Bar This unique region is renowned for its delicious and insatiable wines. And while you’re with us, enjoy The Watermark Wine and Tapas Bar and our spectacular South Okanagan cuisine, fresh ingredients, purchased directly from local artisans and farmers, paired with outstanding wines from this region.

Ownership is not too far away! If you would like to “Own Your Oasis” at Watermark Beach Resort, you know where to find us.

On the beach, on the water, amid the vineyards, orchards and golf courses, in Osoyoos. Please visit www.watermarkbeachresort.com

Watermark Beach Resort 15 Park Place, Osoyoos, BC 1-888-755-3480 watermarkbeachresort.com ownwatermark.com

The Perspective - Features of the Resort HOME

38 | ABSOLUTE 2014 / 2015

REJUVENATE

CELEBRATE

CONNECT

SAVOUR

PET FRIENDLY

ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 39

Iconic RESORT

Nk’Mip (pronounced ‘in-ka-meep’) Resort is a place where rich cultural traditions meet contemporary experiences in a setting that won’t soon be forgotten. Set against the dramatic backdrop of desert landscape, the sparkling waters of Lake Osoyoos and lush vineyards, Nk’Mip Resort is an ideal location for productive meetings, special events, magical weddings and relaxing getaways.

If spa treatments, fine dining and beautifully appointed suites are your vacation style, look no further than Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa. Spirit Ridge is an all-suite resort offering luxurious condo-style accommodations ranging from one bedroom suites to exclusive villas. However, if the family friendly Nk’Mip RV Park is more your style, this lakeside RV park offers a variety of sites including yurts, a fully furnished cabin and full-service RV stalls. And don’t forget Fido as this pet-friendly Osoyoos resort features several pet amenities, including a fully fenced dog park and dog beach.

Whether you stay for the day or longer, choose your adventure from desert golfing, wine tasting, pampering yourself at the spa, horseback riding, a heli-adventure, an eco-fishing excursion, wakeboarding, water-skiing or simply paddling around the lake in a kayak. All this fun and excitement requires nourishment and there are many places to quench your thirst and whet your appetite. Discover “Wine country comfort food” from the inventive menu at Mica Restaurant or head to Nk’Mip Cellars to explore and taste award-winning wines in the wine shop or on The Patio, with its stunning vineyard and lake views.

Reflecting the unique desert landscape and the rich heritage of the Okanagan people, the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre is an architectural marvel. This state-of-the-art interpretive centre with extensive interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits is noted for its rattlesnake research and tagging program, native sculptures, and outdoor walking trails. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, desert rappelling is sure to fit the bill.

Nk’Mip Resort

8000 - 45th Street, Osoyoos, BC 1.888.96.NKMIP (65647) nkmip.com

The Perspective - Features of the Resort OASIS

40 | ABSOLUTE 2014 / 2015

REJUVENATE

GATHER

REFRESH

ENJOY

culture

ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 41

ABSOLUTE | GOLF

A Room With A View

by Andrew Penner

Some of the most spectacular fairways and backdrops are right here in the Okanagan Great golf courses are all about great holes. And when it comes to ranking the best courses, the most important measuring stick we have is the quality of the route itself. It’s always going to come down to that. However, another crucial variable – one that, for many golfers, supersedes design merits – is the natural beauty of the setting. The views. The canvas on which the course is painted. No surprise, then, that the Thompson Okanagan is a favourite destination for golfers who see the merits of both.

With mountains, rivers, lakes, deserts, and rolling hills peppered with pine, the Thompson Okanagan serves up a splendid setting for the game of golf. The “natural” distractions - when you’re trying desperately to keep your eye on the ball! - are many.

“The world’s best golf destinations all deliver when it comes

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to setting, to natural beauty,” says Lee Ranger, the Head Professional at The Rise, a spectacular high desert course near Vernon. “In the Thompson Okanagan, we have our own brand of beauty that is different than anywhere else in Canada. The arid hills that rise from the sparkling lakes, the orchards, the forests, the mountains, it’s beautiful terrain for golf. And then you’ve got our incredible climate! That’s the icing on the cake. The cherry on top.”

The Thompson Okanagan is home to over 30 championship courses. Famous PGA Tour stars like Fred Couples, Greg Norman, and Dave Barr have designed courses in the region.

And other renowned architects such as Rod Whitman, Doug Carrick, Thomas McBroom, Graham Cooke, and Les Furber have also left their mark. No question, with players and architects as capable as those guys, the quality of the 600, give or take, golf holes you can play is extraordinarily high.

The Rise Golf Course

ABSOLUTE | GOLF

One of the best examples of “quality” would be the Ridge Course at Predator Ridge. After a fairly inauspicious start, things rev up for a thrilling run of holes that culminates with an amazing one-two punch compliments of the 5th and 6th. A par-3 that plunges down the hillside to an undulating green guarded by water and sand - and boasting awesome views of Okanagan Lake – the 5th is a thing of beauty. However, the 6th, a mid-length par-4 that also dives down the hill, is even better. There is no need to attempt a 300-yard blast with your driver here, but you’d be crazy not to try! The tee shot is one of the most memorable in the region. And, of course, so is the panoramic view. Indeed, “distractions” this good are tough to come by.

But the scintillating views on The Ridge Course – which was voted the Best New Course in Canada by SCOREGolf in 2010 - are just the tip of the iceberg in the Okanagan. Nearby, The Rise, a Fred Couples Signature Course located high in the hills just west of Vernon, is another super-scenic crusade that’s

capped with glorious vistas down the pristine Okanagan Valley.

“The view from the 9th hole is unparalleled in the region,” says Head Professional, Lee Ranger. “It’s a fitting conclusion to the dramatic golf experience on the front nine.” A par-5 that careens down the mountainside, the 9th is one of many picture-worthy holes at The Rise. The course is full of variety as well. While the front weaves through sagebrush and has a desert feel, the back nine meanders through massive Douglas firs and has a definite mountain and coastal flavour. The views of Terrace Mountain, the largest peak in the vicinity, are also outstanding. But, naturally, the holes that offer exposure to the vast Okanagan valley below, such as 8, 9, and 13, will remain in your memory bank the longest.

For non-stop lake and mountain views – and we’re talking on all 18 holes – it doesn’t get much better than Tobiano. Designed

by Thomas McBroom, Tobiano is, for good reason, one of the

ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 43

Kamloops Region

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HEFFALEY CREEK HEFFALEY CREEK

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PINANTAN LAKE PINANTAN LAKE

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KNUTSFORD

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MONTE CREEK MONTE CREEK

Vernon

To: Lumby Nakusp

Lake Country

Golf courses Tobiano Golf Course Kamloops Golf & Country Club The Dunes Sun Rivers Golf Club

Spallumcheen Country Club The Rise Golf Club Vernon Golf & Country Club Hillview Golf Course Highlands - Short Game Excellence Predator Ridge Golf Resort • The Predator Course • The Ridge Course 7. Aspen Grove Golf Club 8. Lake Okanagan Resort & Golf 9. Okanagan Golf Club • The Quail Course • The Bear Course 10. Shadow Ridge Golf Club 11. Sunset Ranch Golf & Country Club 12. Tower Ranch Golf 13. Kelowna Springs Golf Club 14. Black Mountain Golf Course 15. Gallagher’s Canyon Golf & Country Club • The Canyon Course • The Pinnacle 16. Orchard Greens 16. Harvest Golf Club 17. Kelowna Golf & Country Club 18. Mission Creek Golf Club 19. Michaelbrook 20. 19 Greens Putting 21. Two Eagles 22. Shannon Lake 23. Ponderosa 24. Sumac Ridge Golf 25. Summerland Golf & Country Club 26. Pine Hills Golf & Country Club 27. Wow Golf Club 28. Penticton Golf & Country Club 28. Skaha Meadows Golf Course 29. Twin Lakes 30. St. Andrews By-The-Lake 31. NK’Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course 32. Fairview Mountain Golf Club 33. Sonora Dunes 34. Osoyoos Golf & Country Club

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Eaglepoint Golf Resort Rivershore Golf Course Sun Peaks Golf Club Talking Rock Golf Course

To: Merritt Vancouver

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Kelowna International Airport

10 11 12 13 14 Kelowna

17 West Kelowna 20 22 18 16 15 19 21

Peachland Naramata Summerland 25

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To: Princeton Vancouver

Penticton

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Okanagan Falls

Oliver

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Rock Creek

Osoyoos 34

All Fore the Game

To: Grand Forks Castlegar

Golf Town stores are sanctuaries where golf devotees come to try, buy, learn about and improve their game.

2507 Enterprise Way Kelowna, BC • 250.861.8832 • kelowna@golftown.com 44 | ABSOLUTE 2014 / 2015

w w w.golf town.com

ABSOLUTE | GOLF

trump cards in the region. The sprawling 7,367-yard course, laid out on an aerie bench crisscrossed with dry and dusty ravines, has a “wow” factor that is off the charts. From a visual standpoint, it just doesn’t get any better.

Perched greens cling to the edge of the bluff and yawning, ballhungry ravines offer plenty of challenging, gut-check moments.

It’s an intense golf experience that will put your senses into overdrive. Although the course is difficult, playing the correct tees is going to add to your enjoyment. As the saying goes, don’t bite off more than you can chew!

Feasting on the panoramic views – and the one-of-a-kind holes – at the acclaimed Sagebrush Club is also highly recommended.

Located near Merritt, approximately an hour south of Kamloops, Sagebrush is a private boutique club that is now much more accessible to the public. Unlike in years past, tee times are now readily available for public play.

Cut along the sun-baked slopes high above Nicola Lake, Sagebrush is a minimalist track (not much dirt was moved to create the holes) that showcases the natural beauty of the Thompson Okanagan. Similar to Tobiano, some of the most impressive holes and green sites appear suspended above the lake, hanging high above the pure, inviting water. Rod Whitman, who led the design team, truly fashioned a remarkable course that exquisitely incorporates the natural landforms. With a new lodge and luxury accommodation, as well as a massive putting course adjacent the first tee (the perfect venue for settling the bets!), Sagebrush is the new “must play” in the region.

Okanagan Golf Club - Bear Course

But that honour could soon be transferred to the new Greg Norman-designed Ponderosa Golf Club. Scheduled to open in spring 2015 (fingers crossed) the 7,100-yard course meanders around Pincushion Mountain, approximately 500 feet above Okanagan Lake. The views - especially from the 18th, which careens high on an open bluff above the lake - will be fantastic.

Not surprisingly, due in part to the fact that there are so few new courses opening these days, there is a high level of excitement surrounding Ponderosa.

While the newer courses in the region (Tower Ranch, another spectacular Thomas McBroom creation, and Black Mountain, both located in Kelowna, also come to mind) tend to receive the bulk of the attention, the Okanagan is chock full of long-standing classics; courses that have been serving up the views – and the good times! – for years.

Sunset Ranch, Gallagher’s Canyon, The Harvest Club, Talking Rock, Okanagan Golf Club, Fairview Mountain, Rivershore, SunRivers, Nk’mip Canyon, Salmon Arm, and Summerland are just some of the heavy-hitters that have been satisfying Thompson Okanagan’s “swingers” for decades. These are established courses – and, yes, all of them come complete with beautiful vistas! - with an “everyone is welcome” sign at the door.

Visitors to the Thompson Okanagan should also know that golf ‘touring’ in the region will always yield some unexpected and pleasant surprises. From tucked-away wineries to friendly 9-holers oozing rural charm, there are plenty of discoveries to be had. And, rest assured, regardless of where you play – or where you ‘drive’ - your ‘room’ will come with a view.

ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 45

Golf Okanagan Predator Ridge Predator Course

Designed by legendary course architect Les Furber, The Predator Course offers a challenge for every level of player and is one of the best offerings of golf in Canada. The rolling hills, long grasses and undulating greens make for a truly unforgettable golfing experience. On top of the many accolades that The Predator Course receives each year, the most noteworthy to date is our 4.5-star rating from Golf Digest, the highest designation given for golf in Canada.

Overview

predatorridge.com | 1-888-578-6688

Other Features • Fully re-designed practice facility • Restaurant, lounge, and resort accommodation • LPGA, PGA, and CPGA Golf Academy instruction • Academy • Swing Like a Girl

Predator Ridge Ridge Course

At a Glance Holes: Par: Yardage: Rating: Slope: Designer: Built:

18 71 7090 74.2 137 Les Furber 1991

Our newest course, opened in 2010, was designed by renowned course architect Doug Carrick and has quickly become known as one of Canada’s best golf courses. The Ridge Course celebrates the stunning scenery surrounding Predator Ridge. A challenging but playable course featuring breathtaking views that give way to dramatic elevation changes dotted with beautiful granite outcroppings.

Overview

predatorridge.com | 1-888-578-6688

Other Features • Fully re-designed practice facility • Restaurant, lounge, and resort accommodation • LPGA, PGA, and CPGA Golf Academy instruction • Academy • Swing Like a Girl

Ponderosa Golf Club

At a Glance Holes: Par: Yardage: Rating: Slope: Designer: Built:

18 72 7123 73.8 133 Doug Carrick 2010

Ponderosa, the second Canadian golf course designed by golf legend Greg Norman. The Signature course at Ponderosa measures over 7,000 yards and stretches over 400 acres of land at the base of Pincushion Mountain, offering golfers breathtaking Okanagan Lake views from an unprecedented 17 holes. Designed to maximize the golfer experience, Ponderosa will immediately become one of the must-play courses in the Okanagan. Grand opening to be announced.

Overview

ponderosaliving.ca | 250-767-2148

Other Features • 18 hole championship course • Practice facility including driving range, putting green and short game area • Academy instruction • Clubhouse restaurant and lounge • Tournaments, weddings and special events • On-site winery 46 | ABSOLUTE 2014 / 2015 46 | ABSOLUTE 2014 / 2015

At a Glance Holes: Par: Yardage: Rating: Slope: Designer: Built:

18 72 7100+ TBD TBD Greg Norman 2012

THE Golf CLUB AT THE RISE

Perched 1000 feet above Okanagan Lake, our Fred Couples Signature Design course will accommodate golfers of all abilities.

With generous landing areas and five sets of tees on every hole, The Golf Club at The Rise will offer a balance of variety, enjoyment, and challenge. Each hole is distinct in its character with dramatic elevated tees and breathtaking views of the Okanagan Lake and valley on 14 of our 18 holes.

Overview

therise.ca | 250-545-7425

Other Features • 18 hole Regulation course • Pro Shop • Practice facilities include putting green, pitching range, sand practice & warm up area • Full restaurant, coffee shop

Sunset Ranch Golf & Country Club

At a Glance Holes: Par: Yardage: Rating: Slope: Built:

18 72 6843 72.8 137 2008

Welcome to Sunset Ranch Golf & Country Club! Conveniently located just minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, Sunset Ranch boasts incredible views, tree lined fairways, and the beautiful Scotty Creek. Golfers of all skill levels have enjoyed this ”must play” golf course since 1990. Chosen by Golf Digest- Best Places to Play in 2009 and voted “FinalistKelowna’s Best Golf Course” 2011. Play Sunset Ranch this season to see why!

Overview

sunsetranchbc.com | 1-877-606-7700

Other Features • 18 Hole Championship Course • Restaurant and Lounge • Pro Shop and Clubhouse • Tournaments, Weddings and Banquets • Putting, Chipping greens and Bunker practice • CPGA Professionals

Nk’Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course

At a Glance Holes: Par: Yardage: Rating: Slope: Designer: Built:

18 72 6500 71.2 133 J. Bruce Carr 1990

There is no one word that describes Nk’Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course in Oliver. Owned and operated by the Osoyoos Indian Band, Nk’Mip Canyon expanded from a relaxed nine-hole course to a championship model in 2001. The result is a striking blend of natural contrasts divided into the desert- dominated Canyon Nine, which delights in throwing the elements at an unwary golfer, and the more laid-back Grove Nine whose verdant fairways and greens welcome a long drive and a satisfying putt.

Overview

nkmipcanyon.ca | 1-800-656-5755

Other Features • • • • •

Driving range Practice area, putting and chipping On staff CPGA Pro Restaurant & lounge Tournaments, business & social functions

At a Glance Holes: Par: Yardage: Rating: Slope: Designer: Built:

18 72 6818 130 72.4 Dave George, Sam Baptiste & Tony Baptiste 2001 ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 47 ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 47

ABSOLUTE | DINING

Delicious Treasures

are yours to discover

With ingredients this fresh and local, it will be hard to stay away from the tables of culinary geniuses.

Food in the Okanagan has become a bit of a refined art: from the loving caretakers gently tending their crops until harvest, or the chefs skillfully assembling dishes using only the freshest ingredients, both are magical to watch as they work-- taking one small thing and creating another that is bigger and better-- from a seed into a tomato, or a tomato into a delicious soup. It’s easy to see why culinary competitions and festivals, along with their foodie fans, keep returning to this bountiful valley.

Because of the lush fertile land and abundant amounts of sunshine, producing delicious fruits & vegetables is easy to do, and the area is fortunate enough to have growers interested in doing so. Chefs work in close partnership with the farmers and producers in the region to capture the freshest ingredients at their finest, just for your consumption. The relationships have developed over the years, and with a rising trend in food-awareness, they have become more public as well. All too frequently, you will be shopping at the farmers’ market and standing next to you, selecting their own fresh treasures, is a local-renowned chef, getting his produce for tonight’s features.

Chefs are also taking the additional step to ensure they have the freshest ingredients in season and actually grow themselves! Roof top gardens, patio gardens, and gardens

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tucked away behind the building are not uncommon.

Some will bring their treasures from home, others will just step outside the kitchen and take what they need.

The areas greatest flavours also come from the vines & cellars of local wineries. Naturally, these liquid delights are perfectly paired with the outstanding culinary dishes procured here. Many wineries, both large and small, are now providing a variety of food to their guests, from nibbles and bites, to full blown plates, set out on the winery patio or in fine dining establishments. Insider Tip: These places are home to some of the most stunning views, and offer delicious temptations perfectly paired with the finest offerings from the vineyard… simply put, a magical time.

Many hotels & resorts boast restaurants offering exceptional menus as well. Date night can be as fancy or as casual as you like in the Okanagan, and it doesn’t have to break the bank either. From Vernon and Kelowna, to the South Okanagan, the kitchen principle is the same: use only the freshest and finest ingredients. Considering what rests just outside the door, it really isn’t hard to do.

Your table, or ours, come delight in the bountiful treats of the Okanagan, and enjoy your culinary masterpiece to the fullest. It was after all, made just for you.

Sparkling Hill Resort

ABSOLUTE | DINING

La Bussola Italian Fine Dining Since 1974 After traveling throughout most of Canada, founder Franco Coccaro fell in love with the beautiful City of Kelowna, nestled in the valley along Okanagan Lake. After that, it was just a matter of time before La Bussola Restaurant was established. In fact, La Bussola means compass in Italian and one can therefore appreciate its appropriate name. Family owned since 1974, La Bussola has provided the Okanagan with an authentic Italian experience for over thirty-nine years. Chef Lauretta Coccaro offers traditional and signature Italian dishes made with the finest local culinary treasures, many of which are grown from her own garden. Signature dishes, such as Scampi La Bussola style, bring people near and far to this quaint Italian restaurant. Located in the heart of downtown Kelowna, La Bussola is a great place for dinner and special events with a capacity to seat 100 people.

La Bussola takes great pride in their wine program, striving to bring the best wines into the restaurant. General Manager and Sommelier Luigi Coccaro, AIWS continually attends Francesco & Lauretta Coccaro prestigious international and local wine events, with the intention of bringing back educational wine events to the Okanagan. La Bussola regularly hosts wine maker dinners featuring both local producers and international icons. The award-winning wine list shows great depth of classic wines from the world’s premium growing regions, with specific emphasis on Italy, California, France and the Okanagan. La Bussola also has a very beautiful wine room, which is great for private dinners or events. Additionally, La Bussola offers an educational wine dinner led by Luigi Coccaro, and a customized menu

by Chef Lauretta.

Reservations: (250) 763-3110 labussolarestaurant.com 1451 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC @labussolaresto

Luigi Coccaro , AIWS ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 49

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PeakFine Restaurant at Sparkling Hill Resort In Europe "piekfein" is a term used to describe the best, perfection or something that is "top-notch". We adopted this fitting term with our own Okanagan twist. "Peak" - because of our physical geographic setting and "fine" because we will offer the freshest and finest products that the Okanagan Valley has to offer. The mood of PeakFine is set the moment you enter - an iridescence from crystals infused everywhere; the fireplace, chairs and overhead lighting, providing a luminous luxury that is palpable. The lunch menu is changed regularly, to reflect the fresh, locally sourced dishes available. The dinner menu at PeakFine is also created around products from local farms, vineyards, orchards and fine-food producers.

Dinner reservations are recommended, and we feature select entertainment in PeakFine every Friday and Saturday evening from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Reservations: (250) 275-1556 ext 4021 sparklinghillresort.com 888 Sparkling Place Vernon, BC

Range Lounge & Grill @ Predator Ridge We are excited to announce the arrival of our new Executive Chef, Jeremy Luypen to our Predator Ridge team!

Jeremy and his team have taken the menu in a new fresh, clean flavored direction, with a focus on sustainable fishing and farming. We are working closely with both local farmers and artisan producers to bring the very best of what the Okanagan Valley has to offer fresh to your plate. Beautiful views and modern dĂŠcor set the stage for an upscale casual dining experience, accompanied by delectable desserts and a sommelier-developed, awardwinning selection of fine wines.

Reservations: (250) 542-3436 predatorridge.com 301 Village Centre Place Vernon, BC

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Executive Chef Jeremy Luypen Jeremy’s culinary journey has included Executive Chef positions with the Hotel Eldorado, Spirit Ridge Resort as well as Owner/Executive Chef of Terrafina at Hester Creek Estate Winery.

Terrafina has been named as one of the top 20 winery restaurants in the world.

ABSOLUTE | DINING

Vineyard Terrace Restaurant at CedarCreek Estate Winery Our seasonal, farm-to-table menu changes every other week.

The deliciousness, however, stays all summer long.

It’s true the majority of our visitors come to the winery looking for, well, our wine. But it is an unmistakable truth of wine that its very best friend is food. And that’s why the kitchen team at the Terrace restaurant applies the very same attention to detail to its farm-to-table cuisine that our winemaking team does with our wine. And the results are every bit as exceptional. So next time you’re here for the wine, stay a little longer, enjoy the view and a fresh, seasonal meal. The two are an unforgettable combination. On that, you have our word.

Jeremy Tucker is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of Canada from Charlottetown P.E.I.. Jeremy has had the pleasure of traveling and working at notable restaurants in P.E.I., Alberta, Bermuda and New York, where he had the honour of working at the ‘James Beard House’. Most recently, Jeremy cheffed at the ‘Snowwater Heli-Ski’, boutique backcountry heli-ski lodge.

Reservations: (778) 738-1027 cedarcreek.bc.ca 5445 Lakeshore Road Kelowna, BC

Wine & Tapas Bar And Lakeside Patio At Watermark Beach Resort The culinary experience of the South Okanagan is unique and distinctive just like our spectacular wine.

At Watermark we think they belong together, like two good friends. Chef Adair has a fresh, fun approach to dining. Chef understands the sensory pleasure of beautifully prepared food and brings with him a real “Farm to Table” ethic. We strive to obtain our ingredients from local farmers, and in so doing have discovered some of BC’s great taste secrets. We say there is no “Hurry Up” at Watermark and that includes the Watermark Culinary Experience. Just get here: leave the rest to us. Welcome to the Watermark Wine & Tapas Bar ( and our summer touched patio ) Spend time + eat slowly + talk forever Reservations: 1-888-755-3480 watermarkbeachresort.com 15 Park Place Osoyoos, BC ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 51

ABSOLUTE | WINE

A Growing Region If you were to get into Doctor Who’s telephone booth and tweak the knobs just a bit, to go back to 1980, along the Naramata Bench or the upper reaches of Lakeshore Road in Kelowna, or the little fences that demark the 49th Parallel near Osoyoos, you’d be startled, maybe even astonished at the difference 30 years can make. There are great restaurants, nice hotels big and small, and groomed, sweeping, beautiful vineyards everywhere.

With this change has come an adjustment in quality, as boutique wineries run by hard-working, smart and passionate people now complement the handful of large producers, and, all together, make the Okanagan wine industry a factor, finally as they enter the international stage. We need to have the facts straight: the region

by Jim Tobler

is not large enough, so production will attendandtly never be large enough, to be an export “player”, on any international scale. But with rising knowledge about terroir, the advent of new technologies, and expert input from such icons as Alberto Antonini, who is helping make Haywire wines special from the ground up, literally, exciting times are on the way.

The Okanagan Crush Pad, where Haywire is made, is also home to a variety of other wines, including the Bartier and Scholefield wines, and the research this company is putting into the region is making people sit up and take notice. The French love the word terroir for a good reason. It encompasses all the things that make

Chris Gardiner

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ABSOLUTE | WINE

VALLEY TEAM We speak to Winemaker Darryl Brooker and General Manager Scott Locke, on Kelowna’s Lakeshore Wine Route Left photo: (L-R) Darryl Brooker and Scott Locke With the wines you make, what are you trying to achieve?

I am ultimately trying to achieve a sense of place. I have been lucky enough to make wine in three different countries and five different regions. I have chosen the Okanagan, and specifically CedarCreek, as the place to spend my winemaking career because I believe it has amazing potential to make world class wine. Wine should taste like it comes from somewhere and I am always trying to showcase where my vines are grown – right here in the Okanagan Valley. - Darryl Brooker What makes CedarCreek vineyards so special?

The locations we have selected. From the steep, sun exposed slopes of the CedarCreek vineyards in Kelowna to the stone drenched soil of our Desert Ridge vineyard in Osoyoos, we have spent a lot of time finding the perfect sites and planting the right varieties. Every vineyard site is unique and it is about expressing the site where your vineyard is planted.

Combine our special vineyards with the old vines and care and attention and you have the makings of great wine. - Darryl Brooker

Okanagan Confidential

What makes a visit to CedarCreek so unique?

It’s the most personal and intimate opportunity we have to introduce CedarCreek to current and future fans. We share our stories on the tour, during tastings, over lunch, at our Sunset Concerts or other special events. It is the stories of winemaking that have for centuries fascinated and entertained. Our guests learn a little, laugh a little, enjoy a lot and leave truly content. They know why we say “Our Wine is Our Word“. This summer try our new wine garden. Serving wine & snacks at the Vineyard Pavilion, overlooking gorgeous Lake Okanagan. - Scott Locke

In a word: spectacular. In location alone, nature was very good to CedarCreek. So we work hard at being nature’s equal in all other ways.

We put incredible effort into the little things that make a visit to the winery as remarkable as the views that surround it. The results show in every tour, tasting, meal or concert. And in the guests who linger by the wine shop door wondering out loud if they should stay just a little bit longer. On that you have our word.

The world is a Big Place, why did you choose the Okanagan?

I’m very familiar with Kelowna having spent my summers as a child in the Okanagan Valley. First on Skaha Lake in Kaleden at Ponderosa Point and then in my teens in West Kelowna. My strong family connection with CedarCreek began with my cousin and later my father who ran the distribution and warehousing for the winery. Today with a young family and my son about to start kindergarten in the fall, this was the right time. Kelowna is known for its outstanding public school system and community spirit, Go Rockets! - Scott Locke

CedarCreek Estate Winery 5445 Lakeshore Road Kelowna, BC 778.338.1020

cedarcreek.bc.ca

Chardonnay and scallops

FAVOURITE THINGS

Travelling

This food and wine pairing gets me every time.

Preferably to other wine regions to see how they are doing things.

$35

$5000

Spending quality time with loved ones $Priceless

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ABSOLUTE | WINE

a wine unique, including climate, and especially, soil.

As the Okanagan, still a very young wine region, learns more and more about its terroir, the learning curve a steep one, the real beneficiaries are wine drinkers.

Jack Meyer is one owner who really believes. “We came to the Okanagan looking for a special piece of vineyard land, wanting to make a wine unique to the place it is grown, not making carbon copies of anywhere else.”

Meyer’s chardonnay and pinot noir bottlings, all singlevineyard, show great elegance and structure, and while supply is limited, he is enthusiastic about the overall region. “We can do some special things here, no doubt in my mind. I don’t want the wines to be really good, I want them to be great.” So far so good.

Another intrepid soul, located a bit further south, is John Skinner. His Painted Rock tasting room, truly fabulous,

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is now open, and is emblematic of the Okanagan; it is discreetly part of its distinct landscape, but, with the view, the surrounding vineyards, and the wines available in the tasting room, it is world class all the way. “I used to go home from work, lock the front gate here, and think to myself this is one of the most beautiful places on earth. So, finally, we were able to build this new facility, and we couldn’t be happier.” It is a splendid spot, and even five years ago it would have been hard to imagine this being built. But with his powerful, graceful wines, Skinner is, like Meyer, making wines to change the notion that the Okanagan is limited in terms of true quality.

A little further south, near Osoyoos, Spirit Ridge Resort stands splendidly in support of the area’s need for fine accommodation, not least for the partner winery,

ABSOLUTE | WINE

VALLEY GUY We speak to Winemaker Howard Soon, one of the true pioneers of BC’s wine industry.

Left photo: Master Winemaker - Howard Soon

What makes a visit to your winery so unique?

Being able to explain the terroir; we are now more integrated to winemaking and the visitor experience. We have tasting experiences people can participate in, Virtual Tour and Tasting, Challenge of the Terroir, The Power of Oak and Sip n’ Snack.

What attracted you to wine making?

Winemaking is personally rewarding. It’s also a great combination to the two things I like most, science and art. I love science but winemaking is more then that as there are personal decisions that need to be made. There are over 200 decisions that are made to make a batch of wine .

Okanagan Confidential

What is the biggest adjustment or change that

Sandhill Winery is an urban winery located in the heart of Kelowna. This is the location where Master Winemaker, Howard Soon, has been making the Sandhill family of wines since 1997. Following ten-months of construction, Sandhill Winery announced the official May 31 opening of its newly renovated space where the public can explore the award-winning wines. The winery’s visitor centre will offer virtual vineyard tours, a luxurious wine lounge, and a Small Lots barrel cellar.

you have made to the winery/vineyard?

The best thing we have done is building our winery. It now fulfills what we talk about when tasting wines with our guests. This winery reinforces the brand of our six vineyards and our relationship to our growers.

You are stuck on Desert Island – what is your pick for 1 indulgence and 1 bottle of wine?

My bottle of wine has to be the Hidden Terrace Sauvignon Blanc and my indulgence would be a beautiful, witty woman – my wife.

Sandhill Winery 1125 Richter Street Kelowna, BC 250.762.9144

sandhillwines.ca

FAVOURITE THINGS

Being home having dinner with my family

Sunday morning drives in my special car

A perfect glass of wine Sandhill Sauvignon Blanc

$ Priceless

$ Priceless

$ 17.99

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Nk’Mip. La Stella and Le Vieux Pin, adventuresome projects that are now on a steady path to better and better vintages, as they discover what types of grapes grow best in highly specific vineyard sites, are a golf shot away. And as you head north toward Oliver, away from the apparently abandoned sentry bunker on the south side of the 49th Parallel, you will find such luxuries as the well-established Burrowing Owl, with its resplendent tasting room and guest suites, all part of a fine wine program that is well into its second decade.

The biggest ripple in the lake recently is the acquisition, by von Mandl Family Estates, of the CedarCreek winery.

Senator Ross Fitzpatrick, long a staunch believer in the region, sold his beloved winery because “The legacy of CedarCreek is now in great hands.”

VMFE also owns Mission Hill Family Estates, and the consolidation of resources, technological know-how and of course of people, mean new horizons are now clear. For their part, Mission Hill, and new President Rick Bonitati, see it as a natural evolution. “We can bring new technologies, and resources, but also work closely with winemaker Darryl Brooker to hopefully get the wines to even greater heights.” Bonitati is not optimistic; he is positively enthused about the potential of the Okanagan. “Our Legacy Series of wines are in some ways just beginning to point towards what the potential is, here. They are special wines, and no doubt in my mind they will get even better, and would belong on any table anywhere in the world.” Mission Hill winemaking guru John Simes

Mission Hill Family Estate

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ABSOLUTE | WINE

Valley GUY We speak with Tony Holler, proprietor of Poplar Grove Winery. Born in Summerland and familiar with the Okanagan’s fruitful bounty, he sets out to make world-class wines.

Left photo: Tony Holler The world is a big place, why did you choose the Okanagan?

I was born in Summerland and grew up farming my family’s apple orchard so I was no stranger to the beauty and bounty of the Okanagan Valley.

About ten years ago, my wife Barb and I decided that the Okanagan Valley was the most beautiful place we had ever been. My passion is great wine and I knew that the Okanagan Valley could produce the fruit that would allow us to make world-class wines. We decided then and there to move back to the Okanagan Valley.

What makes the Okanagan wine scene so exciting?

The Valley has attracted so much talent, all with an incredible amount of commitment to the land and to continuous improvement to the winemaking processes. Each year, the Okanagan wine community’s knowledge of the climate, the soil and their land grows. Discovering mesoclimates and microclimates, deciding which clone and root stock is best suited to the soil, and using this information to inform the planting of new vineyards throughout the valley is very exciting.

Okanagan Confidential Great wines are born from the courage to see what’s possible. Over the past 19 years, the team at Poplar Grove has worked with the vineyards to nurture their potential into each bottle. Experience breathtaking views of the Okanagan Valley while sipping on a selection of our signature wines. In 2011, the doors to Poplar Grove’s brand new winery opened. The new winery space is home to a production facility with a showcase barrel hall, an expansive tasting room with sweeping views of the valley and the Vanilla Pod restaurant.

What are the future plans in store for your winery?

Now that the doors to Poplar Grove’s brand new winery are open year round, our plan is to invite the world to visit us on the Naramata Bench.

We can’t wait for everyone to experience our signature wines! A few years back, we created the Poplar Grove Wine Club. Becoming a wine club member is the newest way to be a part of the Poplar Grove family.

Our members enjoy discounts on direct wine purchases and invitations to exclusive events at the winery. Together, we are growing our wine club and I personally invite everyone to join us on our journey to make truly great wines!

What is the best insider tip for pairing food and wine together?

Poplar Grove Winery

The best tip I have ever heard for pairing food and wine is to make sure you are eating and drinking exactly what you like with your favourite people in a fantastic place. One July long weekend as great friends and I were sitting at Poplar Grove on the Vanilla Pod Restaurant patio waiting for the fireworks, we opened a bottle of the 2007 Legacy and had it with Chef Bruno’s seared rare beef tenderloin topped with warmed olive oil and finished with sea salt. It was a perfect Okanagan summer evening with the greatest of friends, and the food and wine couldn’t have tasted any better.

425 Middle Bench Road North Penticton, BC 250.493.9463

poplargrove.ca

Photo: Poplar Grove Winery- The Legacy 2008

FAVOURITE THINGS

My Dog Massimo

Heirloom tomato salad

from the Vanilla Pod Restaurant, made with vineyard grown tomatoes

Spending time in OUR vineyards with friends and family

Tony Holler, Barb Holler and the vineyard crew

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says, “The winemakers will still make their own wines.

But there is now an enhanced ability to compare data, share resources. It makes everyone better, certainly.”

Quails Gate winery owners the Stewart family, have recently partnered to create a winery in the Napa Valley, all part of a strategy that means Okanagan wines will begin to have distribution access into United States, and even other international, markets. It is not about producing vast oceans of quaffable wines for export, but rather, a way of spreading the word that the wines produced in the Okanagan have unique character, and given the high quality levels, well worth trying.

Naramata Bench Vineyards, Tina Baird

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So, this summer, as you travel along the highways and the backroads of wine country, you are travelling in pioneer land, where things are really starting to take shape. Visit as many tasting rooms as possible, plot out a strategy, and even consider making appointments where necessary. As Eric Burdon and The Animals say, it will be worth it! You are enjoying not only the moment, the scenery, the friendly people. You are participating in a history in the making. Those fine wines, not always inexpensive but almost always well worth the price, are speaking of even better things to come.

Still, tonight’s wine will be just fine.

ABSOLUTE | WINE • SPIRITS

VALLEY GENTS We speak to Peter von Hahn, Senior Distiller & Director of Production, and Rodney Goodchild Operations & Marketing Director of Okanagan Spirits.

Left Photos: (L-R) Rodney Goodchild, Peter von Hahn

What does it mean by World Class Distillery designation?

Annually, the World Spirits Organization in Klagenfurt Austria hosts a competition encouraging distilleries from all over the world to enter their products for peer review. In March 2013, we entered ten of our spirits which received great acclaim.

The Spirits Organization saw fit to award us the designation of World Class Distillery, along with Distillery of the Year and Spirit of the Year for our Blackcurrant Liqueur.

Where do you source your raw material from?

We use a large volume of fruit to make many of our spirits.

Located in the Okanagan Valley we have a great source of fresh fruit grown right on our doorstep. In addition to the Okanagan Valley, we do source some of our berries from the Vancouver coast and local grains that are processed at neighbouring breweries.

Okanagan Confidential Okanagan Spirits is an internationally acclaimed craft Distillery, producing world class spirits in downtown Kelowna & Vernon. Made from BC fruit and grains, and without colouring or artificial flavours, these fine spirits have won numerous awards domestically and internationally. Producing more than 25 varieties of spirits in an traditional copper-pot still, that include Fruit Brandies, Liqueurs, Grappa, Whisky, Gin Vodka, Aquavit and a genuine Absinthe.

What is your favourite Spirit from the Okanagan Spirits collection?

I am very fortunate to work for a company that makes such a great selection of quality spirits – but my desert island luxury would be a bottle of Taboo Genuine Absinthe. Mixed in a mojito as a replacement for rum – this drink is the perfect way to enjoy the summer.

Okanagan Spirits

267 Bernard Ave.Kelowna, BC 778.484.5174 2920 28th Ave.Vernon, BC 250.549.3120 New Vernon location early 2015! Check website for details.

okanaganspirits.com

FAVOURITE THINGS

What makes a visit to your Distillery so unique?

If you haven’t been to a craft distillery, I strongly recommend visiting our Vernon or Kelowna locations. Both of the distilleries have two fully functional European made copper pot Stills that run all year round. Visitors can get to see the production of our craft spirits take place and then we encourage a visit to the tasting bar where we offer a sample from our comprehensive portfolio.

Bittered Sling Extracts The perfect cocktail addition

Whisky Stones Chills your spirits without the dilution

Fentimans Tonic Makes for an excellent Gin and Tonic

$20.95

$ 29.95

$12.50 for a set of 4

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ABSOLUTE | WINE

VALLEY GIRL We speak to Judi Skinner, General Manager of Therapy Vineyards in the Okanagan Valley.

Left photo: Judi Skinner Have you always worked in wineries & vineyards?

Actually no-- I worked as a Park Ranger after graduating from university, and it wasn’t until I decided my goal was to live in the South Okanagan, that a change of careers was needed. I wound up working in the vineyards at Larch Hills Winery in Salmon Arm, learning all about wine and the processes involved. I went on to earn my Viticulture Certificate at OUC in Penticton, and while continually learning how to start a new vineyard from scratch, I began building up my sales portfolio for various wineries. I later became the Vineyard Manager for Noble Ridge Winery in Okanagan Falls, followed by 9 years of operating, marketing & sales for Dirty Laundry Vineyard in Summerland. In 2014, I was hired by Therapy Vineyards as their General Manager, and today I couldn’t be happier in such beautiful surroundings, working with an amazing team of people.

The five words that best describe your character and work ethic are…

I consider myself to be energetic, optimistic, fun loving, goal driven with a high regard for integrity. Most people would never believe I’m actually a shy person. 9 schools in 12 years as an air force ‘brat’ (and a mom whom was raised by nuns) forced me to work on my personality. Making people laugh or smile is my favourite thing and it’s probably one of the most “therapeutic” remedies for the majority of us.

Okanagan Confidential Therapy Vineyards & Guesthouse is located in beautiful British Columbia, situated on the Naramata Bench in Penticton. Our world-class Guesthouse offers an elegant and therapeutic, getaway, ideal for your next vacation. We source our grapes from the Naramata Bench and Oliver area in the Southern Okanagan Valley to produce award winning wines which are rich in body as well as character.

What are the future plans in store for your winery/vineyard?

Our future plans for Therapy Vineyards is to grow the business to 15,000 cases, full capacity for our state-of-the-art wine cellar built in 2008. We hope to spread our wines across Canada with our unique portfolio of award-winning & frizzante style wines. For all of us here, Therapy = Pleasure.

Therapy Vineyards & Guesthouse 940 Debeck Road Naramata, BC 250.496.5271

therapyvineyards.com

FAVOURITE THINGS

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MEXICAN PALAPA A place under the sun

Spending Time with My Kids

$ 90,000

$ Priceless

Alexis Bittar olmeca vine capped drop earrings alexisbittar.com $ 195.00

Win

“A Breathtaking Retreat”

To Enter “A Breathtaking Okanagan Retreat” Visit absoluteokanagan.ca or thompsonokanagan.com/absolute

Sparkling Hill Wellness Resort

Sparkling Hill Wellness Resort Approx. Value $6,500.00

WHOLE BODY WELLNESS PACKAGE FOR 2 • 7 Nights in a Breathtaking Superior Room • 3 Course Dinner in PeakFine for 7 nights • Daily Hot Breakfast Buffet in Peak Fine • Access to KurSpa, Indoor Pool, Hot Pool & Outdoor Infinity Pool • Choice of 13 Personalized Treatments at KurSpa • Golf BC’s Best – 18 Holes of Championship Golf at Predator Ridge • Tour & Tasting at the Home of The Rolling Stones Ice Wine – Ex Nihilo Winery

The Cove Lakeside Resort • • • • • •

Value $2,500.00

3 Night Stay for 2 in a Deluxe Lakeview Room Dinner for 2 at Bonfire Restaurant Spa Treatments at The Spa at The Cove Virtual Tour & Tasting at Sandhill Winery A Gourmet Dinner for 2 at La Bussola Fine Italian Restaurant 18 Holes of Golf at The Harvest Golf Club

Watermark Beach Resort

The Cove Lakeside Resort

Watermark Beach Resort

Value $2,500.00

• • • •

3 Night Deluxe Stay for 2 a in a 2 Bedroom Condo Suite Massage Treatments for 2 at Illumination Spa Dinner for 2 at Watermark’s Wine Bar & Patio 18 Holes of Championship Golf at Nk’Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course • Experience Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre • Wine Tour & Tasting at the Stunning Nk’Mip Wine Cellars

Deadline To Enter: February 28, 2015

ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 61 Winner is responsible for own travel arrangements. Prizes non-transferable.

absolute | LIFESTYLE

Outdoor Living That Defies Convention Luxury and comfort need not be confined to the indoors.

It’s the annual dilemma. It’s followed closely by the annual debate. In third place, is the actually winner - the annual realization.

Why would we actually leave the Okanagan to go on vacation?

I was sitting in the kitchen last night looking over my

Jane Hoffman, Sheerwater Court

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by Albert Berkshire

calendar, airline miles burning a hole in my pocket, and life here came back into focus.

We started talking about booking a trip to Belize to do some snorkelling and stand up paddle boarding in Caye Chaulker. Warm winds, clean water, relaxing days on the beach. It was sounding idyllic. And then the conversation turned to the fact that we just bought a new home here

ABSOLUTE | LIFESTYLE

in Kelowna and we live across the road from Okanagan Lake. The beach is sandy, the lake gets really warm in the summer, and I can walk there with my coffee mug, book, and towel in less than 60 seconds.

For my family and friends who insist on living on the East Coast where they complain constantly about how much snow they get in the winter, and how humid it is in the

summer, hopping on a plane to a tropical destination seems like a nice idea. Then they come here. Within a day, they’re looking through real estate listings, checking boat prices, marvelling at the number of bikinis making their seasonal debut in mid-April (well, the guys are, at least), eyeballing convertibles at the car lots, and asking me, “Just how much does it cost to live here?”

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absolute | LIFESTYLE

Travel to enjoy a beach vacation? No thanks. I have one every day across the road.

Next up on the discussion list was a ski holiday with friends.

Good friends wanted to celebrate their anniversary with a ski holiday to Japan. I’ve been there a couple of times and enjoyed the trip. But it’s expensive to get to Japan, accommodations are pricey, and the food - well, let’s just say that its alarming for a vegetarian to learn that chicken and pork aren’t considered (or don’t translate well to) “meat” in Japan because they aren’t red. Yeah. Food is a challenge. But in the Okanagan Valley? Skiing is actually one of the reasons I moved here.

We had the debate on travelling with friends to ski for a week or two, and then it hit us - again. Apex, Baldy, Big White, Silver Star, itty-bitty Crystal Mountain - which is a Dilworth Homes

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local favourite for families, by the way - and just to the North of the Valley is Sun Peaks in Kamloops and the new big mountain experience on the block, Revelstoke Mountain Resort. I’ve skied most of them, which still leaves me with a few runs yet untracked. And we’ve been seasons pass holders at Big White since 2000. Admittedly, I’ve never been bored a day on skis. At least not out here.

Kelowna, where I now call home, is a personal launching pad to great skiing. You can be at Crystal in about 35 minutes, Big White or Silver Star in an hour, Apex or Baldy in 90 minutes, or Sun Peaks or Revy in under three hours.

And for those who like back country, cat or heli-skiing as an option, there are dozens of operations within a couple of hours that will take you places where cellphones are forgotten and life slows down to the pace of a resting heart - only there’s more adrenaline pumping than there is stress of the so called “big city life”. Fact is, it’s harder to decide where you want to go to ski than it is to find a

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place to ski. And I know for certain there’s an app to help that that.

In the end, the decision was that season passes would be a good idea again this year. There’s a lot of terrain here that suits every level of skier, including those of us who want the steep and deep day after day. So travelling to a ski holiday? That’s not necessary. We’re well covered here.

But don’t take my word for it. Everyone should come for a visit. I’ll even show you around if you can keep up.

When the ski vacation was put to bed, I was pretty much ready for some sleep, too. But the conversation continued down the hall. The ultimate marriage no-no was the

iPad in the bed. I was researching Bora Bora, Tahiti, New Zealand, and a possible return to Thailand. Paddling to camp is one of my favourite things to do in the summer.

But I have it here. Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake, Skaha and Osoyoos Lakes, the massive Shuswap Lake, and even the relatively newly formed Revelstoke Lake (a result of the hydroelectric damn build there in the late ’70’s) are all amazing places to paddle - or swim, or water ski, or SUP, or go houseboating, or just float around on an inner tube. Go somewhere else for water sports? Seriously, that’s another thing people come here to do.

My final attempt at burning off my mounting pile of airline points came with a promise of Blue Footed Boobies

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So at this point, you can tell I want to vacation almost permanently. It’s the Okanagan. It does that to you. You just have to realize that it’s all here. You don’t have to leave.

And that’s likely the reason so many people come here and stay - from Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg (Winterpeg, as we call it), and even random flat places in Saskatchewan. The licence plates tell the story, as do the car-top ski boxes, boats and trailers in tow.

Valley. The thought occurred to me that a wine and culinary tour - though not particularly easy a vacation for veg-head - would be fun. And then the master of logic chimed in from the other pillow with an uncanny amount of knowledge about local wineries and restaurants.

Clearly, one of us works from home where there isn’t a wide diversity on conversations, and one of us meets about 10 new people a day at work. I’m the former who hasn’t properly researched wine and food tours in the Okanagan. Perhaps I should have for this article, but my spousal fountain on knowledge informs me that there are a lot more options here than I thought. So I checked for you. Well, for me, really. According to the BC Wine Institute’s website, there are 864 vineyards supplying a total of 269 registered wineries in BC. And in my limited food touring experience, I can tell you the bigger wineries have some of the most amazing restaurants. And then there’s all the great independent restaurants and award winning chefs, which might be the other reason my wife feels a kitchen is not really necessary in a home.

Truth is, all of this started when I opened a Pinot Noir, not form the Okanagan Valley, but a bottle from Sonoma

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’ll hop on a plane to go see the Toronto Symphony Orchestra on a whim. Shoe shopping

and hiking over rain-soaked mountain ranges. The latter, of course was met with a scrunchy-face response. The climate here is warm and very dry, so anything rainforestrelated is not something you’ll come to appreciate as a vacation option. In actuality, extreme humidity makes my wife’s hair explode in all directions, and I find that’s good fodder for the family photo albums. In the end, South American backpacking and eco-tourism was wiped off the list of options for the next little while. We still haven’t conquered all of the Okanagan. Who knows, maybe a person never could do it all.

Wilden

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expedition? (yes, no man should have as many pairs of shoes as do I) I’m in my car and gone to Vancouver. Hiking in South America? Hmmmmm…there’s the rain factor. Mountain biking trip with the guys? Okay, I’ll tag along to Wherever-Whenever for the

weekend. But do we have to leave to do these things? Not at all. And that’s the beauty of the Okanagan.

It’s why I live here. It’s why so many people want to live here.

Yeah. Life is good out here.

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Vernon

Embrace an outdoor adventure-land like no other Incredible variety is the name of the game in Vernon.

As the largest community in the North Okanagan, Vernon offers a myriad of year-round options for the outdoor enthusiast. Silver Star Mountain Resort is in your backyard, and if cross country skiing is more your speed, nearby Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre offers world class skate skiing, track set and even snowshoeing. Silver Star has also remained current with the times by operating in the summer months. Wicked downhill mountain bike trails challenge even the finest seasoned athletes. Hiking and biking is very popular here and in the surrounding areas, with endless opportunities.

Residents and visitors appreciate the perfect lifestyle that Vernon offers. The community and the surroundings encourage you to get outside. Whether you are just going to one of the many beaches to switch off and relax, or are here to fly a hot air balloon at The Vernon Winter Carnival, Vernon has got you covered. With all the hotels and services to suit everyone’s needs, Vernon is the perfect spot to spend a day, a weekend or even a lifetime!

over 100 lakes within an hour’s drive of Vernon, it is no wonder that many people live on the water. If you have never seen Kalamalka Lake, my suggestion would be to make the effort. The blue/green waters are something right out of a Hollywood production, absolutely beautiful!

And, since the water never freezes, you can go wake surfing or water skiing every day of the year if your heart desires. It is chilly to wakeboard on Christmas Day, but well worth the stories you can tell for the rest of your days.

Vernon rests on the northern shores of Okanagan Lake.

Ponderosa pines, tranquil bays and remote picnic tables are all a part of the experience. Vernon also plays home to one of Canada’s premier golf resorts, Predator Ridge, a 36hole facility with all the bells and whistles. Predator Ridge has hosted the Telus Skins Game not just once, but twice!

Wander and explore the downtown murals while you are sipping ripe local recipes at Okanagan Spirits and jumping from shop to shop. Vernon will enchant your senses, keeping you as busy as you like, or blissfully relaxed, your choice.

The breathtaking and unequaled surroundings draw you in, with hillsides sliding into crystalline blue lakes. With

Kalamalka Lake - Darren Kirby, flickr.com

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Kelowna Okanagan lifestyle personified

With huge bodies of fresh water and a great mix of people and natural surroundings, it is easy to see why so many people visit and settle down in Kelowna, Canada’s favourite playground. If you could only use one word to describe Kelowna it would have to be ‘lifestyle’. People visit here and move here because of the lifestyle. If you enjoy long, hot summer days on a boat, patio or backyard, then this just might be the place for you (if you are not already here!).

Kelowna was originally established as an agricultural zone.

The benches above the city to the east and the west facing slopes have been successfully producing fruits, vegetables and wine grapes for over 200 years. And when we say wine grapes, we are not talking about the extras that wind up in boxed wine. We are referring to very specific varietals that have been recognized on a global scale.

All the traditional sports are highly visible here, cycling, soccer, skateboarding and skiing/snowboarding, but there is also a little bit of a ‘cool sport’ renaissance going on in Kelowna. Wakesurfing, stand up paddle boarding, and kite boarding are becoming regular sights on the waterfront.

Because the days are so long and the summer season

W.R. Bennett Bridge - Carlos LeGuerrier

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stretches on, Kelowna is an obvious choice for boating, golfing and just sitting on a beach soaking it all in. If sitting on the beach is too relaxing for you, get out and play one the many awe-inspiring golf courses in the area. Long, lush fairways flanked by hillsides and creeks are an obvious challenge for golfers of every skill level.

So, for the athlete in you, everything you need is within a few minutes drive. Hockey rinks, baseball diamonds, soccer pitches and the list goes on and on… For the other half of your brain that is searching for a chaise lounge or a hammock, there are so many beaches in and around Kelowna it would be nearly impossible to enjoy them all. In the winter months, skiing and snowboarding are less than an hour’s drive to Big White Ski Resort. They enjoy a longer winter and have ample lodging and services at the resort.

As the largest city center in the Okanagan, residents and visitors get to enjoy the benefits of a booming economic region, while still having the option to quickly hit the beach or jump in the lake, you know, summer stuff. Whether you are living here or visiting here, you are probably in search of the same thing, the incredible lifestyle!

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WEST KELOWNA The crossroads of traditional and contemporary There are few communities that can claim that the centerpiece of their town is an extinct volcano. But, West Kelowna has that distinction. Mt. Boucherie sits among the rolling hills, orchards and vineyards that dominate the landscape. Because of ancient volcanic activity the scenery has a certain rugged edge to it. This type of terrain is an adventurers dream! Trails for hiking and biking, cliffs, canyons and creeks all lead to the water. Once again, beach life reigns supreme. Ideal for unwinding and camping, there are several camping and RV sites at Bear Creek Provincial Park, a very popular destination during the summer months.

West Kelowna is the perfect cross section between modern upscale living and services, established community, and an agricultural region that is thriving. West Kelowna is probably the most “under the radar” community in the Okanagan. While it has been incorporated now for several years, it has seen a building boom, both residentially and commercially. While driving west across the bridge from Kelowna it quickly becomes evident that most (if not all) big box stores are visible, some of them are the biggest ones in Canada!

There are many very well established wineries in West Kelowna, and Quails Gate & Mission Hill should be at the top of your wine tour list. Like many of the new eco-

tourism wineries, Mission Hill has a full service restaurant, amphitheatre and a very large wine shop with so much more than just wine. Picturesque Quail’s Gate boasts a vineyard restaurant & patio with stunning views and delicious bites. The majority of the wineries in West Kelowna can be found between the highway and the lake, on your left as you are travelling south. There are several smaller farm-gate & boutique style wineries dotting the trail that have a certain charm as well, and are definitely worth a visit.

There is a large part of West Kelowna that lives along the water. West Kelowna is the proud home of Whiplash Cable Wake Park, powered by the world famous Sesitec System 2.0, which allows four riders to be on the water at once. If you wakeboard, wakeskate or wakeski, this is where you should spend some time!

West Kelowna is such a dynamic area. Everything from fruit & wine to shopping, outdoor adventure and all points in between, there is always something fun to do in West Kelowna.

Mission Hill Family Estate

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PEACHLAND

Sweetest spot on the lake There was a time when Peachland was just a small town that you would pass through on the way to somewhere else.

Well, this little beauty has grown up into a destination of its own. One of Peachland’s finest attributes are the pebble beaches that stretch the entire length of the town site.

Great for walking, running, family outings or just kicking back under a tree and gazing out into the sun drenched abyss, Peachland’s waterfront is simply captivating.

Peachland offers many unique boutiques, restaurants, shops & services, at both ends of town, allowing you to sip on a latté while taking in all the surroundings. The Farmers & Crafters Market, held every Sunday during the summer downtown on Beach Ave, brings together a variety of artisans, vendors and producers to share some of their finest wares.

Antler’s Beach – Chris Gardiner

The dog days of Summerland…

In the hillsides above Peachland is Zip Zone Adventure Park, boasting zip lines at heights of almost 400 feet that fly over Deep Creek Gorge, and tucked away at the opposite end of town, is Hainle Vineyards, home of North America’s first Organic Ice Wine. Hardy Falls on the south end of Peachland, provides an easy 20-30 minute walk over a network of bridges, leading up to the cool oasis of the falls. Whether you need adventure or a more relaxing time, Peachland is simply amazing!

SUMMERLAND

This lakeside community is the gateway to some of the finest wineries in the region, and on the planet! As you explore further inland from the highway you will discover that there is indeed treasure in these hills. In support of this industry they have developed ‘Bottleneck Drive’. This features 12 unique wineries mapped out, one after the other. This is still super exciting for the non-wine drinker, as there is a lot more to these wineries & vineyards than just grapes!

Biking and walking trails flank the lakeside, winding along through parks, marshes and waterfront resorts and restaurants. Like many of the other communities in the Okanagan, Summerland has deep agricultural roots.

Driving up into the hills, take notice that much of the surrounding area is orchard or vineyard. Be sure to stop at a road side stand for the freshest produce, jams and vegetables. This kind of flavour can change the outcome of your day!

The olde English style downtown area sits above the waterfront. Enjoy shopping in the boutiques, restaurants, spas and various farmers markets. Golf, hike or just relax and soak up the scenery, Summerland, where summer never ends!

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Trout Creek Vineyard - Darren Kirby, flickr.com

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Penticton & Naramata Where beaches and vineyards live harmoniously Penticton is truly something special, especially in the summer months. This is the consummate “hot spot”, as the town site is lucky enough to have lakes on both sides of it. This is a real beach community, glorious hot summer days followed by slightly cooler, relaxing summer nights. Of course, while being surrounded by so much water, boating, fishing and water sports are all at the forefront of popular things to do. I would also suggest floating down the canal that connects Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. This is a true adventure! Embraced by locals and visitors to the area alike. For winter sports enthusiasts, Apex Mountain Resort is the locals choice.

On the northern edge of town is Okanagan Lake and the beach that runs along Lakeshore Drive, is simply amazing. It stretches for a few kilometers and is directly across the street from a long row of hotels, B&B’s, restaurants and services. It’s like having paradise downtown! South of the city is Skaha Lake which gives you a similar experience, yet somehow, totally different. Lush parks with great shade trees and picnic tables flank the beach. This spot is more of a destination, meaning you can’t walk out of your hotel room and suddenly be at the beach. At both locations, the beaches slowly slip into their

respective lakes, perfect for wadding in the water with kids, or going a little deeper and heading out for a swim.

Now Naramata is a different story all together! Located on the eastern shores of Okanagan Lake, this region is world famous for producing some of the finest wines around. It is easy to spot the terraced benches above the lake with row upon row of many different varieties of grapes. The vineyards have discovered that if you build it, they will come! Many of these businesses now have elaborate tasting rooms, restaurants and guesthouses. There is a whole lot more to owning a winery these days, with added features like concerts with big name musicians, helicopter tours, weddings and fine dining. To say that the game has changed is the last 20 years would be a major understatement.

Many towns in this region share similar agricultural traits.

Rows of grapes, orchards and very fertile lands are enjoyed by visitors and embraced by locals. Alas, there is so much more to do here than just sit on the beach drinking wine, watching the sun go down, but sometimes, that is all you really need!

Naramata Bench Wineries, Tina Baird

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OKANAGAN FALLS & OLIVER The heart and capital of Canada’s wine country The Okanagan has become known as phenomenal wine producing region and is really taking the spotlight on the international stage. Well, in the Heart of the Okanagan Wine region lies Okanagan Falls, and just a little further down is Canada’s Wine Country Capital, Oliver.

A little over an hour’s drive south from Kelowna, Okanagan Falls is a small community settled on the northern tip of the Sonoran Desert, surrounded by a variety of wildlife, vineyards, and many unique types of desert flora & fauna. Resting on the southern shores of Skaha Lake, Okanagan Falls was originally named Dog Town after the lake’s original namesake. It wasn’t until 1930 when the name was changed to the Shuswap word for dog, “Skaha.” The town was subsequently renamed for the twin falls that once fell from where the lake empties into the Okanagan River, but the falls were reduced to a series of rapids in the early 1950’s after rocks were blasted to make way for the floodgates.

As irrigation systems grew & developed in the South Okanagan, along with an influx of soldiers looking to settle after the First World War, fruit orchards became popular as the area established itself. With interests turning towards growing grapes for wine in the 80’s, many fruit orchards were replaced with vineyards.

If you follow the rivers waters south of Okanagan Falls along

the highway, you come to Vaseaux Lake, a naturalists’ haven.

Home to protected marshlands, Vaseaux Lake is a migratory bird sanctuary, with a wooden boardwalk that allows visitors to wander through the undisturbed, natural plant & animal life. Set up with benches along the way, and a bird blind, bird watching is easy.

Continuing south along the highway, you are greeted by McIntyre Bluff, also known as Indian Head, looming over the road just before Oliver. Named the ‘Wine Capital of Canada’ because of the vast concentrations of vineyards & wineries within the area, Oliver has a climate for everyone. From the light spring time weather that brings out the colourful blossoms and the hot dry days of summer that develop flavours, to the cooler, colour-explosion of fall harvest, and crisp freshness of winter, not only do the fruits & vegetables love it here, the people do too.

As a thriving agricultural community, Oliver boasts spectacular scenery all within a ten minutes’ drive. Whether you stay near the valley bottom & orchards, or climb the mountainside with the vines and catch the views from above, the sights are wonderous.

Take a moment or a few to venture south in the Okanagan and enjoy the Heart & Capital of Canada’s Wine Country. Things are always delicious here.

Burrowing Owl Winery

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OSOYOOS

Sensitive eco-system and sizzling sunshine Imagine a place with no humidity, is hotter and drier than anywhere else in the country, and summer seems to linger months past its official end. Well, you have just discovered Osoyoos. People are flocking to this area thanks to the long, hot days and cool enjoyable summer nights. Spring comes early and winter never really arrives. The climate here is unparalleled. The word Osoyoos translates to “narrowing of the waters”. When you first lay eyes on this quaint little town, you will see that it all makes sense. Osoyoos Lake tapers in the middle and that is exactly where the town site lies. Less than five kilometers to the south is the Canada/US border.

Often, Osoyoos is one of the hottest places in the country, day after day after day. As a result, the lake is the warmest freshwater lake in Canada. As you can imagine, that is a huge draw for boaters, swimmers and beach loungers alike.

Commercial orchards are still very visible and a huge part of the local economy. For obvious reasons, with the growing popularity of viticulture (the cultivation of grapevines) some have chosen to convert their crops to wineries. And, they have done so with great success. Nk’Mip Cellars, Adega on 45th Estate Winery, Moon Curser Vineyards and Young & Wyse Collection are true in-town Osoyoos wineries, while

the hillsides and surrounding areas (towards Oliver) are littered with world famous brands.

Of course in an environment where there is so much sun and summer, with that comes an outdoor lifestyle. Golf, cycling and any waters port are super popular. Swimming in the lake or one of the resorts pools is also a great way to pass some time! There has been an influx of super modern upscale accommodations in the area. Places like Watermark Beach Resort and Walnut Beach Resort have the best of all amenities and comfort and style. The real gem here is Nk’Mip Resort.

This is ‘one stop shopping’ at its finest, as they provide every aspect of relaxation from spa, winery and cultural centre, to golf and an RV park. The cultural centre celebrates the legends, the lands and the people. This is a must see while visiting Osoyoos.

Osoyoos and the lazy days of summer are calling. Close your eyes and picture your chair on the shoreline while your feet dangle into the warm water of the South Okanagan, seems like a pretty tough day to beat! Oh, and don’t forget that you will probably be enjoying a glass of local wine, simply perfect!

Walnut Beach Resort

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Parting Shot

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Chris Gardiner

• Sales • Apparel • Equipment • Service • Wake School 11410 Petrie Road, Lake Country BC | 250.469.9462 |

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