ABSOLUTE Okanagan 2015

2015 / 2016

LIFE IN PARADISE DARE TO DREAM CEDARCREEK CAPITVATES Predator Ridge Perfection

Scarlet-Eve - Jonn Einerssen

Colorful Autumn - Christian Bergeron

Haven - Angela Morgan

At Rest - Brent Heighton

Dance Like No One Is Watching - Greg Metz

560 Raymer Avenue Kelowna 250.448.8888 www.gallery421.ca

• Freddy Couple’s Signature Course • New Golf carts with USB Ports for GPS and Cell Phones • Luxury Clubhouse Coming Soon • Wedding and Event Hosting • New Ownership, New Adventures

8600 Rising View Way, Vernon, BC | info@therisegolf.ca | www.therisegolf.ca

CONTRIBUTORS

Andrew Penner

Jim Tobler

Glen Eldstrom

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 20year 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 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 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 and www.flickr.com/photos/gleneldstrom

Albert Berkshire

Meaghan Moshansky

Jay Denyar

Albert Berkshire is a writer, producer and voice actor. His first novel of fiction, We Made A Pact, is published by Friesen Press. When Albert isn’t writing and producing advertising content for clients all over the world, he is making the most of the Okanagan lifestyle on a bike, a pair of skis, in a kayak, or on a trail somewhere up in the hills - and occasionally sitting poolside. His life permits that he live anywhere in the world an internet connection is found, but chooses to call Kelowna home purely for the lifestyle.

You can find Albert online at albertberkshire.ca

Meaghan Moshansky is an editor & creative writer based in the beautiful sunny Okanagan. Having spent much of her childhood poring over books, Meaghan is continually searching for the next great read.

Drawing inspiration from her surroundings, Meaghan enjoys heading out on weekend road trips with her fiancé Scott, in search of beaches, fresh foods, vineyards, and adventure! Something the Okanagan provides plenty of…

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.

CONTRIBUTORS Albert Berkshire Andrew Penner Jay Denyar Jim Tobler Meaghan Moshansky

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Cynthia Denyar Domenic Rampone

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Vivian Zhang

COVER PHOTO Chris Gardiner

EDITOR Jay Denyar

PHOTOGRAPHY Carlos LeGuerrier Chris Gardiner Eva Rinaldi Glen Eldstrom Michael Eger

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Meaghan Moshansky 8 | ABSOLUTE 2015 / 2016

PRODUCTION MANAGER Meaghan Moshansky

PUBLISHER Cynthia Denyar MAILING ADDRESS #200 1789 Harvey Ave., Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 6G4 Tel: 250.868.8249 Fax: 250.868.8256 ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES 250.868.8249 E-mail: info@absoluteokanagan.ca ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA

Subscribe to ABSOLUTE Okanagan, the Okanagan’s finest lifestyle magazine, available for $4.95 (+tax) per year. subscriptions@absoluteokanagan.ca ©2015 Absolute Okanagan. All rights reserved. Entire contents are copyrighted. Any reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisheris 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.

Make Grandad proud and visit our award-winning homes & townhomes today, starting at $469,900.

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Tower Ranch Discovery Centre & NEW Showhome - Open Daily Noon - 5pm 1832 Tower Ranch Blvd, Kelowna | 250.491.2918 Tower Ranch is located just 10 minutes from the University, Airport and Orchard Park Mall.

CONTENTS 16

12

35

54

Eva Rinaldi, flickr.com

16

OPUS | ROCK STAR CONCERTS

35

GOLF | BIRDIE BINGEING

20

DARE TO DREAM

44

DINING | OKANAGAN HONOURS

25

HOT SPOTS IN THE OKANAGAN

46

WINE | TRENDING UPWARD

29

ICONIC RESORTS | STUNNING OKANAGAN ACCOMMODATIONS

54

LIFESTYLE | THE WONDERLAND WE CALL HOME

Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band, Colin James, Tom Cochrane with Red Rider, and The Trews are coming to rock out in some of the finest venues across the Thompson Okanagan Valley.

When it comes to life in the Okanagan, let your imagination go free and see what you dream up. Allow us to provide some inspiration…

Check out a selection of the Okanagan’s hottest spots to relax & unwind, sip award-winning vintages, decorate life luxuriously and enjoy a delicious meal.

Breathtaking retreats coupled with the finest of amenities, views, and services will have you coming back year after year.

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by Andrew Penner It’s those lovely little “circles of life” on the score card that keep you coming back for more.

A local restaurateur was recently inducted to the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame. See why they chose him & why you want to go there for your next dining experience.

by Jim Tobler In the winemaking game, it’s all about soil & climate.

by Albert Berkshire It’s not just the weather that makes this place paradise, there is something more going on here.

Sherrin Stewart

Sherry Truman

Lora Proskiw

Jane Hoffman

Kristy Huber

Melissa McAfee

Greg Dusik

Carole Coleman

ABSOLUTE | OKANAG AN

THE OKANAGAN: EYE-POPPING and EXHILARATING Always has been and always will be…

We are experiencing the greatest time in the life of a city and region, the growth years. As things keep expanding, things will continue to get better. Constant changes and updates to city infrastructure are visible almost everywhere you look. The Kelowna General Hospital is undergoing major renovations & expansions, and the Kelowna International Airport is receiving a longer runway & updated terminal. New housing developments and communities continue to expand as the City of Kelowna’s footprint moves further afar. Neighbouring District of West Kelowna has recently become BC’s 51st city! All of this adds up to the ability to welcome visitors and residents alike to a modern updated region. As much as things continue to change, most of the charm of the Okanagan continues to stay the same. Rolling mountain backdrops, flawless

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fresh water lakes and hot summer days (one after another, sometimes for months at a time) grace this area, and likely will forever! As the old adage goes… the more that things change, the more that they stay the same. This holds true for one of the finest regions in the territory!

The Okanagan has always been well-known, if not famous, for its long, hot summer months. But, keep in mind that with all these mountains around, it gives way to a magical winter wonderland too. Winters in the region are pretty mild, certainly compared to the rest of Canada, however within an hour’s drive of almost every city or town in the region, there is a ski/snowboard resort. Snow sports are like farming, some years you have a banner crop and some years, well, you just

Chris Gardiner

ABSOLUTE | OKANAG AN

don’t do as well. This part of the world is no different. In the North Okanagan near Vernon is Silver Star Mountain Resort, renowned for dry Okanagan powder, an incredible terrain park with features for everyone and a great, colourful village.

They operate year-round, offering downhill mountain biking and a bike park too! Big White is centrally located in the area, just 45 minutes north east of Kelowna. They too benefit from the cold, dry snow, with several family oriented activities aside from skiing & snowboarding, and play host to many local, provincial, national & international events. As we creep further south we discover Apex Resort outside of Penticton and Mt. Baldy near Oliver & Osoyoos. There are so many options for you to choose from, it will be a difficult task to select one, even if just for the day. Whether you like cruising down groomed runs, slashing through the trees, or taking flight in the terrain park, with so much variety there is something for every skill and age level. There are lots of other choices for winter adventures as well. Ice fishing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice climbing and cross country skiing are all popular and easy when Mother Nature offers such an elaborate & extensive playground!

When the weather is delightful, usually for at least seven months of the year, everyone tries and spend as much time outdoors as possible. That’s why we are here, to soak up the

lifestyle. If you are in search of busy beaches full of children, teenagers & adults then head to Gyro Beach in Kelowna or Sun-Oka Beach in Summerland. These are the main targets for beachgoers seeking sun, excitement and activities. Both Gyro & Sun-Oka Beaches offer great sandy waterfronts while boasting amazing grassy areas with huge shade trees scattering the properties. Lots of people can be found playing volleyball, bocce ball, or frisbee in these hot spots and perhaps even the odd slack-rope walker. If you are in search of peace & quiet, then perhaps another beach is better suited for your needs. Good news though, you’re in luck! There are many (and we mean many) more public accesses to the water all along the entire length of the lakeshore. For the adventurer looking for something other than the beach, heading east or west out of the valley brings you into the more rural parts of the Okanagan where you can find fishing lodges, pristine wilderness lakes & campsites. Venturing into the hills and discovering what the vineyards, orchards, and hiking/biking trails have to offer will be spectacular.

The weather here often dictates what you do and when, but when it cooperates, it is mostly sunny and you can do whatever you want, whenever you want. From soccer, tennis, golf, and cycling, to volleyball, softball and football, organized leagues and weekend fun, there are enough fields, courts and courses

ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 13

ABSOLUTE | OKANAG AN

for everyone visiting or living in the Okanagan to go play on.

And, if it is too windy to participate in these sports, head down to Rotary Beach in Kelowna and watch the multi-coloured kite boarders dance through the air and across the water in choreographed chaos.

As you travel from North to South in the Okanagan Valley there are four main bodies of water, and literally over a hundred of smaller ones. Vernon is lucky enough to have shoreline on two lakes - Okanagan Lake, the largest body of water in the region and Kalamalka Lake, so unique with its crystal clear azure blue waters. Okanagan Lake runs from Vernon, all the way down to Penticton, with only one bridge spanning Okanagan Lake, the W.R. Bennett Bridge. It of course is located at the lakes narrowest point, in Kelowna. Okanagan Lake is not only a long lake, but a very deep lake as well, with some spots deeper than 1,000 feet.

It is rumoured that they have never actually found the bottom of Okanagan Lake, opening the door for the legendary stories of Ogopogo - an entirely different topic that you should definitely explore on your own‌ Okanagan Lake funnels into Skaha Lake via the Penticton Channel. For a relaxing afternoon, grab an inner tube, some sunscreen, a floating cooler and cruise down

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the channel with a bunch of your closest friends. If you are not up to floating down in the water, take the time to enjoy a leisurely walk alongside the canal to see with your own eyes how many people are actually doing this. On a sunny long weekend in the summer, you will be especially caught off guard by the sheer volumes of people enjoying this waterway. Skaha Lake is a little smaller than Okanagan & Kalamalka Lakes and comes to a halt at Okanagan Falls. The final body of water on the list is Osoyoos Lake, which heads South from the town of Osoyoos and makes its way across the border and into the U.S. The roadsides & lakesides, from the North Okanagan down to the border in the south, each have growing communities that boast a charm of their own. North of Kelowna there is an area sandwiched between Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake named Lake Country, aptly titled considering its surroundings.

Lake Country is a more rural area with homes, cottages, picnic areas and waterfront parks, but is also another budding business community. After crossing the bridge in Kelowna, you enter West Kelowna, British Columbia’s newest city. From a blossoming district to a full blown city, West Kelowna has seen lots of expansion and growth in the last few years. Heading south

Chris Gardiner

ABSOLUTE | OKANAG AN

from West Kelowna, you come to Peachland & Summerland.

Peachland is an adorable lakeside community that has pebble beaches stretching the entire length of the town, the best Sunday walk in the area, and is home to Canada’s highest zipline – a thrilling ride indeed! Summerland has an olde English charm, as well as a fantastic waterfront, with resorts, parks, beaches and restaurants nearby. Don’t forget about the 15 wineries that comprise the Bottleneck Wine Route, encompassing Summerland and the southern edge of Peachland.

Because this region is on the northern tip of the Sonoran Desert, the hills are covered with scrub brush and ponderosa pines, and these rich soils are famous for some amazing wines. Like the rest of the Okanagan, daytime temperatures in summer are fairly warm, consistently in the mid 30’s. If you are interested in learning about & tasting amazing vintages, you will definitely enjoy the Wine Capital of Canada and the Heart of Okanagan Wine Country.

With so many options to every aspect of life, living here can be as hurried as you want or as relaxed as you desire. This is the beauty of visiting or living in a region this size. The city life offers

the busy liveliness one looks for, but a quick 30 minute drive in every direction and you have absolute outdoor freedom! One of the greatest characteristics of the Okanagan Valley is the choices that it allows you to make- it provides you with the possibility to try something new or the comfort of keeping things more traditional.

As the “old” Okanagan makes way for the newer, more modern and updated environment, things in the area will inevitably change, but the things that you love the most will likely remain the same. Nature will remain untouched for the rest of time.

Lakes, mountains, streams and fields are the things that make up this beautiful landscape. While the inner city develops and improves, the fringes and zones further afar seem to remain the same. Whatever it is that you are looking for, the Okanagan has it, great shopping & dining, remarkable camping & remote fishing, and everything in between. This region caters to every want and need, but we tend to eclipse most other places with the little things, the free things. The brightly coloured sunsets and lapping waves that traipse the shoreline, these things are forever. The awe-inspiring Okanagan Valley is a true gem in the Canadian landscape.

ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 15

ABSOLUTE | OPUS

TOM COCHRANE WITH RED RIDER

PERFORM AT CEDARCREEK From early beginnings as a folk-based singer/songwriter playing the coffeehouses of Toronto’s famed Yorkville scene in the early ‘70s, Tom Cochrane became the driving force in adventurous rockers Red Rider prior to achieving massive international success (over six million copies sold worldwide and diamond-sales status at home) with breakthrough 1991 album Mad Mad World and its anthemic hit “Life Is A Highway.” Over the course of a long and illustrious career now spanning more than 40 years, the pride of Lynn Lake, Manitoba, an officer of the ‘Order of Canada’, Grammy nominee, eight time Juno award winner, and Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee, Tom Cochrane will grace the stage at CedarCreek with his band ‘Red Rider’.

Date: August 26, 2015 Time: 7:30pm Tickets: 778-738-1020 Venue: CedarCreek Estate Winery Pavilion 5445 Lakeshore Road Kelowna, BC cedarcreek.bc.ca

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ABSOLUTE | OPUS

COLIN JAMES

PERFORMS AT SUN PEAKS RESORT Part of the 4th Annual Summer Concert Series, Colin James returns to Sun Peaks after an electric performance in 2013. Enjoy as this six-time Juno award winner hits the outdoor concert venue for a free performance on Saturday, August 29.

Classic hits include “Five Long Years” and “Voodoo Thing”. James is hot off the release of his new album, Hearts On Fire and is looking forward to performing at Sun Peaks once again.

He has performed with the likes of Queen, Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt and others, has sold multi-platinum many times over, and continues to sell out shows coast to coast.

Date: August 29, 2015 Time: 12:00pm Tickets: 1-800-807-3257 Venue: Sun Peaks Resort 1280 Alpine Road Sun Peaks, BC sunpeaksresort.com

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ABSOLUTE | OPUS

The Trews

PERFORM AT Tinhorn Creek Vineyards In 1998, a group of four young Canadians from Nova Scotia, decided to form a serious rock band. Since 2002 they have received numerous accolades including winning the 2005 Canadian East Coast Music Award for Group of the Year and 13 Top 10 Canadian radio singles, including two #1s!

Date: September 12, 2015 Time: 7:30pm Tickets: 1-888-484-6467 Venue: Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Amphitheatre 537 Tinhorn Creek Road Oliver, BC tinhorn.com

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The Trews are a well-known Canadian classic rock band who have supported and joined Bruce Springsteen on stage as well as recently taken part in CapeFest with Slash from Guns N’ Roses and Aerosmith. The Trews bring with them a classic rock and electric sound that is sure to bring the house down and get the crowds dancing the night away under the Okanagan sky.

ABSOLUTE | OPUS

RINGO STARR & HIS ALL STARR BAND

ROCK THE SOUTH OKANAGAN

Born Richard Starkey, in Liverpool, England, Ringo Starr rose to fame in the early 1960s as a member of the legendary rock group the Beatles. In 1970, Ringo pursued a solo career and went on to have a successful & dynamic life, not only as a drummer, but singer, songwriter, collaborator and actor.

Ringo Starr’s 18th studio release, POSTCARDS FROM PARADISE, features 11 original tracks and is his first album to include a song written and recorded

by Ringo and his current All-Starr Band - Steve Lukather, Todd Rundgren, Gregg Rolie, Richard Page, Warren Ham and Gregg Bissonette POSTCARDS FROM PARADISE was produced by Ringo and recorded at his home studio in Los Angeles and, as always, features friends and family. The album’s guest artists include: Joe Walsh, Benmont Tench, Dave Stewart, Ann Marie Simpson, Richard Marx, Amy Keys, Peter Frampton, Nathan East, and Glen Ballard (among others).

Date: October 10, 2015 Time: 7:30pm Tickets: 1-877-763-2849 Venue: South Okanagan Events Centre 853 Eckhardt Ave. West Penticton, BC soec.ca

ringostarr.com

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View this home and others like it at janehoffman.com 20 | ABSOLUTE 2015 / 2016

Dare to Dream

Dream Big, Dream Bold, Dream Whatever Your Heart Desires‌.

Imagine stepping out on to your patio with expansive lake views, and relaxing by the pool with a favourite book. The setting sun still offers warmth from the day and basks the valley in a gentle golden glow.

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After a long day of work, slip downstairs to your private wine room and select a delicious vintage worthy of the royal family.

Uncork, pour & enjoy‌ the perfect way to wind down.

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View this home and others like it at janehoffman.com ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 23

As you wake up in the morning to the sun shining, birds chirping, and blue sky overhead, it becomes clear that today is the perfect day to go for a cruise on the lake. Heading out, you grab your keys to the boat of all boats, and slip it into the cool waters, joyfully listening to the vintage engine purr.

View this boat and others like it at absoluteclassicsmarine.com 24 | ABSOLUTE 2015 / 2016

ABSOLUTE | HOT SPOTS

Hot Spots

in THE Okanagan

The Hotel Eldorado, CedarCreek, LBV (La Bonne Vie) & The Curious Artistry & Alchemy Café The Hotel Eldorado Life in a Postcard - Hotel Eldorado at Night

This spectacular hotel is situated right on the shores of Okanagan Lake, a few kilometres south of the William R. Bennett bridge. Whether you’re enjoying the Boardwalk Bistro or staying in one of the luxury lake view rooms, you’ll understand what they mean when they say the Hotel Eldorado is ‘Life in A Postcard’. hoteleldoradokelowna.com

CedarCreek Estate Winery

CedarCreek Estate Winery, Vineyard Terrace Restaurant

LBV (La Bonne Vie) Design

CedarCreek released its first wines in 1987 and was one of the first 8 pioneering wineries of BC. With four generations of agricultural heritage and more than a quarter century of experience, CedarCreek Estate Winery has pursued perfection and produced some of the valley’s best wines resulting in CedarCreek being twice recognized as “Canada’s Winery of the Year”. In April 2015, Allen Meadows of burghound.com – the most respected writer on Pinot Noir in the world – selected the CedarCreek Estate Winery 2012 Block 4 Platinum Pinot Noir from 54 of the Okanagan’s best as the province’s top Pinot Noir. cedarcreek.bc.ca

LBV (La Bonne Vie) LBV is a lifestyle boutique committed to sourcing out beautiful products from all over the world. LBV offers interior design services, Bespoke Furniture, Wallpapers, Fabrics, Clothing and Accessories. Decor lines such as Oly Studio, Bungalow 5, Shine Home and Made goods.

Gorgeous clothing and accessories lines such as Nougat London, Chan Luu, Madison Marcus, Rich&Skinny, Malene Birger, We are Owls, Vlieger & Vandam, House of Harlow, and Linea Pelle. Let LBV help you live beautifully. labonneviedecor.com

The Curious Artistry & Alchemy Café

The Curious Artistry & Alchemy Café

They believe delicious food, great company and engaging conversations are the pillars of a wonderful life. The Curious is a place where delightful encounters, with old friends and new, happen all the time. Pull up a chair at their communal tables, perch at the top of their bar, or enjoy a front row seat at the pizza forno. Some say life is best when the unexpected happens, they agree. thecurious.ca ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 25

absolute | ENJOYMENT

COACH Crosstown Crossbody

MODE CONCRETE DREAM LOUNGER

$195.00

Updated with a bit of shine, this chic chain crossbody is elegantly sized for just the essentials. Its minimalist interior is secured by a playfully proportioned, lavishly plated update of the iconic Coach turnlock.

The Bay Kelowna thebay.com / coach.com

$4,000.00

It would be hard to find a more resilient chair than this sculpted cast-concrete lounger by Kelowna-based Mode Concrete. It would literally take a jack hammer to put a dent in this unique work of art.

On Display at: Factor Furniture, Kelowna factorfurniture.com modeconcrete.com

A Few Of

HER

Favourite Things Giant Cherries

$189.00

Perfectly shaped glass cherries with the stem to match

by Abbott Collections. These art-like giant cherries are perfect home décor. Available in other designs.

(Large cherry, 30 inches high) Art Knapp Kelowna artknappkelowna.com

KNIGHT’S CHOCOLATE

WINE GUARD – Bye Bye Fly

$38.95

Simple and ingenious!

These elegant stainless steel rimmed mesh screen keep those pesky fruit flies out of your favourite vintage. Perfect on the rim for special events and all occasions!

Sumac Ridge Estate Winery Summerland sumacridge.com wineguard.com

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[comfort zone] SKIN REGIMEN Deactivate aging, activate longevity. A complete line to correct the appearance of signs of aging and visibly prolong youthfulness. Made in Italy with renewable energy.

O Spa Kelowna ospakelowna.com

$40.00

Knight’s flagship chocolate bar is HUGE!!

It comes in at just over a whopping 2 1/2 pounds!! Packed full of locally grown sour cherries and mixed with tasty almonds, it’s no wonder that this beauty satisfies even the most qualified chocolate critics.

Urban Fare Kelowna urbanfare.com knightschocolate.com

absolute | ENJOYMENT

GOLDAMMER CYCLE

Roger Goldammer is not just a bike builder.

He is an Artist, a craft person and creator like no other, driven by perfection. Roger is not just limited to designing and building, he has a passion for two wheels, whether on his dirt bike, cruising on a sunny day or screaming down the salt flats at Bonneville. goldammercycle.com

Golfboard $6,500.00

This is undeniably the hippest and most exciting way to cruise around the links. Instead of just sitting in a traditional cart, play your round standing and carving your way up an down the fairways. Get barreled in the green room! golfboard.com

A Few Of

His

Favourite Things

Gibeon Meteorite $109.00

What is cooler than a 4 billion year old Gibeon Meteorite?

How about a guitar pick cut from a slice of said meteorite. Now you can be a rock star with a rock from the stars!

Bones & Stones Kelowna bonesandstoneskelowna.com

Secrid Wallet $99.00

Paper money and coins are now a thing of the past‌ Refined style, security and practicality are all functions of this wallet with ultra thin aluminum Cardprotector. Available in various textures, colours and sizes.

MacDermotts on Bernard Kelowna macdermottsonbernard.com

PIONEER GOURMET COFFEE $12.00

Respectfully named after families and figures that are stand out in the Okanagans history. Father Pandosy Espresso will make you feel blessed and is exciting on the tongue. Rampone French Roast is heavy, dark and like the Rampone’s will be around for generations!

Urban Fare Kelowna urbanfare.com pioneergourmetcoffee.com

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Chris Craft Luxury Boat

The Chris Craft Launch 28 Heritage Edition features twin Mercruiser 5.7 litre engines, and Axius Joystick control, making this luxurious boat an absolute dream on the water. Shown here in the customized Dark Blue Sapphire metallic paint, with teak wood accents throughout, this powerful & unique boat will quickly become the envy of everyone around.

Absolute Classics Marine Kelowna absoluteclassicsmarine.com

ABSOLUTE | ICONIC RESORTS

Iconic RESORTS

Showcasing the Okanagan’s finest Indulge in the finest accommodations the Okanagan Valley has to offer. From mountaintop getaways to lakeside retreats, this region provides all the luxurious amenities, breathtaking scenery and unforgettable memories one could ask for.

AMENITIES, LEISURE & DELIGHT

Royal Private Residence Club at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort

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Iconic RESORT

It’s special here. You notice that the minute you turn into our resort.

Predator Ridge Resort was created with a great reverence for its spectacular natural setting, knowing it would call out to those who wished to escape the ordinary.

Located in the sunny Okanagan Valley, Predator Ridge is the place to indulge your lifelong passion for golf or to begin a new love affair with the sport. But Predator Ridge is much more than a golf resort. It’s one of Canada’s top resort communities offering homeowners and resort guests the best of the Okanagan lifestyle - fine dining, a state-of-the-art fitness centre (with 25m lap pool), yoga, cycling, tennis, over 12kms of hiking & walking trails, a fresh market and wine store, and access to one of North America’s best spas, Sparkling Hill, and more.

With a range of accommodation options to suit your style, Predator Ridge Resort features little touches that make you feel like you’ve found your own special place: full kitchens, fireplaces, pet friendly options and more.

Some of the region’s most stunning scenery has been complemented by thoughtfully designed architecture expression to create a resort community like no other. There is a home for you at Predator Ridge that fits your life and style.

It’s hard not to get a taste for the good life when the good life surrounds you. Play for a weekend, stay for a lifetime. Predator Ridge is the natural way to escape from it all.

Predator Ridge Golf Resort 301 Village Centre Place, Vernon 1 888-578-6688 predatorridge.com

The Perspective - Resort Features Rest

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Relax

Connect

ENJOY

SAVOUR

OWN

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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 SERENITY

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Exclusive

Convene

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 on-water 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…

RELAXATION

SAVOUR

GATHER

ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 33

Iconic RESORT

Lakeside accommodations, with a private beach, in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley The only private licensed beach in the country.

The Okanagan’s hottest stretch of sand.

The best place to hit the sandy beach in the Okanagan Valley is, undoubtedly, Walnut Beach Resort, the swankiest scene in Osoyoos. Stretch out on a secluded private beach along Canada’s warmest lake. Or lounge on the expansive sundeck around an impressive outdoor heated pool, sipping reds and whites served to you in the comfort of your chair.

Inside, 108 carefully crafted designer suites give you luxurious comforts of home and then some. When you’re ready to explore, the area’s renowned wineries are just minutes away. Find out why Walnut Beach Resort is quickly becoming known as the best resort in the Okanagan and a great choice for vacations with the whole family. Plan yourultimate Okanagan stay today.

Walnut Beach Resort Overview & Amenities Spring, summer or fall, play on the private licensed Palapa Beach and take in spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy a workout in the studio, or just relax with a steam or sauna. Relax on the spacious Sun Arbour Pool Terrace and take in a soak in one of the soothing hot tubs, or a swim in the refreshing outdoor pool.

Flip through a magazine in the shade beneath a fragrant trellis of hanging flowers and allow us to bring you your favorite food and drink selections.

Any season, savour your new-found favorite glass of Okanagan wine at Vista Point Grill restaurant. Offering a mouth watering selection of tapas, specially created by Chef Raphael Roy, and complimented by a choice of indoor/outdoor seating and views of the lake. Gather fresh local produce and a bottle or two from one of dozens of local vineyards and prepare a gourmet feast in the barbecue area – a meal that can be enjoyed with friends and family in-suite or alfresco on the balcony.

Walnut Beach Resort 4200 Lakeshore Drive, Osoyoos 1.877.936.5400 walnutbeachresort.com

The Perspective - Features of the Resort Celebrate

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UNWIND

RELAX

ABSOLUTE | GOLF

Birdie Bingeing

in the Thompson Okanagan

by Andrew Penner Let’s be honest, we don’t play the game for double-bogeys and three-footers that lip out. We don’t play for skulls, shanks, or whiffs either. We play for the good stuff. For the fun. The glory. And for the birdies! Yes, indeed, it’s those lovely little “circles of life” on the card that keep us coming back for more.

And, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the best places to go on a birdie binge is the Thompson Okanagan.

Blessed with over 70 golf courses and one of the warmest climates in Canada – including Canada’s only true desert - the Thompson Okanagan is a golfing playground like no other. With sparkling lakes, fertile valleys, rolling orchards, vineyard-checkered benchlands, and pristine mountain forests, there is plenty of variety when it comes to the golf terrain. You can play a hot, desert course one day, a thrilling mountain course the next, and a lakeside charmer after that.

As they say, variety is the spice of life!

And, for golfers, birdies are the spice of life. Unless you have a one-footer for eagle, a birdie never disappoints. A birdie

Sagebrush Golf & Sporting Club

will lift your spirits, inspire high-fives, and put a smile on your face. A deuce on a par-3? Nothing quite like a circled two on the card! A three on a par-4? Well, you’ve obviously put a couple of great shots together or, perhaps, made a long bomb. A four on a par-5? An indication of your ability to put power and precision together.

But, let’s be honest, pars, even bogeys, can be good things, too.

While the pros may average three or four birdies per round, us mortals, well, we’ve got to be content with something less. Perhaps substantially less. And, that’s ok, it just makes bagging a bird all the more exciting!

One of the best places to go birdie hunting in the Thompson Okanagan is at the Predator Ridge Golf Resort. Located near the lake-surrounded town of Vernon and featuring two outstanding and scenic golf courses – as well as luxurious course-side accommodation – Predator Ridge is consistently recognized as one of the finest all-around golfing facilities in the Thompson Okanagan. Make that Canada.

ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 35

ABSOLUTE | GOLF

The original Predator Course – a Les Furber design that opened in 1991 – is a rolling campaign through fescue-capped hills and features a number of holes that could rightfully be considered “birdie opportunities.” In fact, during the 2008 Telus World Skins Game, the five professional players who participated – Greg Norman, Fred Couples, Camillo Villegas, Mike Weir, and Colin Montgomerie – made over 30 birdies between them during the two-day event.

The newer Doug Carrick-designed Ridge Course, which dives into rugged and rocky terrain and serves up scintillating views of Okanagan Lake, is also laced with some exceptional birdie holes. But, more importantly, they are just outstanding golf holes! The run from the 5th to the 7th, for example, is a stirring stretch that features elevated tees, jaw-dropping lake and mountain views, and plenty of go-for-broke options. The par-4 6th, for example, a signature hole in the Okanagan, plummets down the hill and invites long hitters to knock one as close to the green as possible. In other words, hit a good drive and it’s birdie time!

On the other side of the lake The Rise, a Fred Couples and Gene Bates design, also has some super-fun stretches where you can, hopefully, feast on birdies. The 7th, a short and sweet par-3 with a small green hugging a pond, is a great opportunity for a two.

That is, provided your tee shot stays dry! And the 8th and 9th are both exciting, down-the-mountain holes where anything

36 | ABSOLUTE 2015 / 2016

can happen. The 9th is a par-5 that plays under 500 yards and is certainly reachable. It’s a birdie hole if there ever was one! It also serves up, perhaps, the most spectacular view of any golf hole in the region.

Of course, the folks at Tobiano in Kamloops might beg to differ. Voted the Best New Course in Canada in 2008, Tobiano has, justifiably, received numerous accolades over the years.

It’s spectacular from start to finish. Although the 7, 367-yard Thomas McBroom design is laced with challenges – ravines, deep bunkers, and a handful of forced carries come to mind - there are definitely some holes that are ripe for the picking.

(Especially if you play the correct set of tees, which, for most players, will be the “Lake” tees.) Or, if you so choose, you can adopt the strategy of Arnold Palmer: that is, attack every hole with reckless abandon. Hey, it worked for him. He was one of the most proficient birdie makers in the history of the game!

Not surprisingly, given its beautiful climate and setting at the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers, there are plenty of other courses in the Kamloops region that are certainly worth playing. Rivershore, The Dunes, Sun Rivers, Talking Rock, Sagebrush, and the Kamloops Golf & Country Club are all beautiful layouts that have their own unique charms. And, of course, birdie potentials.

The Rise Golf Course

ABSOLUTE | GOLF

And there are other “mini” golf hot spots within the Thompson Okanagan that come with their own special brand of British Columbia beauty. The Shuswap region, for example, which is dubbed “The Houseboating Capital of Canada,” is a water-lover’s paradise. The courses here - Hyde Mountain, Canoe Creek, Shuswap Lake Estates, and the Salmon Arm Golf & Country Club, a parkland jewel that somehow manages to often fly under the radar – are perfect places to test your birdie-making prowess.

Featuring one of the sweetest par-5s you’ll play, the closing hole at Salmon Arm is about as good a place as any to mark a circle on the card.

McBroom design revs its engine early with a couple of inviting holes that plunge down the mountain. A birdie-birdie start?

Happened many times, I’m sure! Regardless of how well you get out of the gates, Tower Ranch is a drama-filled layout with heroic elements and amazing scenery throughout.

Another hot spot in the Thompson Okanagan – and, make no mistake, it does get hot! - is the South Okanagan. Here cactistudded hills merge with the vineyards and orchards and provide a compelling canvas for golf. Some of the great desert courses you’ll want to experience here are Nk’Mip Canyon, Fairview Mountain, and the Osoyoos Golf Club. With an extra-long golf season and plenty of après-golf activities – such as boating, beaching, and wine touring – hunkering down in the South Okanagan (bring your sunscreen) is never a bad call.

Over the past fifteen years, or so, visitors to the Kelowna area – as well as thousands of avid local golfers – have taken advantage of the extremely successful Play Golf Kelowna discount program, www.playgolfkelowna.com. The popular value cards offer instant savings to five local golf courses and three driving ranges. It’s really a no-brainer if you plan on sticking around for a while and enjoying some of the 2,000 hours of annual sunshine that this area receives each year.

Without a doubt, the exceptional golf in the Kelowna area is highly touted in these parts. The lakeside city is home to over a dozen courses and many are in the “stunning” category. Tower Ranch, for example, which is located high above town on arid benchland, has a “wow” factor that is off the charts. The Thomas

Other long-standing area favourites in Kelowna include The Okanagan Golf Club (home to 36 holes of mountain golf), The Harvest Golf Club, Gallagher’s Canyon, Black Mountain, Shannon Lake, and Sunset Ranch. Golf in the morning and a wine tour in the afternoon? That’s not a bad plan “A.”

What’s also a no-brainer in the Thompson Okanagan is chasing after elusive birdies. But, make no mistake, there are many to be had. So just, go ahead, grip it and rip it! And put a circle around it when you’re done.

ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 37

Golf Okanagan THE Predator Course

• Practice Facility • Dining • Accommodation • Fitness Centre • Real Estate • Pet Friendly • Academy managed by former LPGA player, AJ Eathorne • Swing Like a Girl and Swing Like a Kid programs

Holes:

18

Par:

71

Yardage:

7090

Rating:

74.2

Slope:

137

Designer:

Les Furber

Built:

1991

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 golf experience.

predatorridge.com | 1-888-578-6688

THE Ridge Course

• Practice Facility • Dining • Accommodation • Fitness Centre • Real Estate • Pet Friendly • Academy managed by former LPGA player, AJ Eathorne • Swing Like a Girl and Swing Like a Kid programs

Holes:

18

Par:

72

Yardage:

7123

Rating:

73.8

Slope:

133

Designer:

Doug Carrick

Built:

2010

Holes:

18

Par:

72

Yardage:

6843

Rating:

72.8

Slope:

137

Built:

2008

A challenging but playable course taking advantage of the natural topography of the area, the Ridge Course is defined by incredible vistas, long, scenic fairways and beautiful granite rock outcroppings.

predatorridge.com | 1-888-578-6688

The Rise Golf Course

• 18 hole Regulation Course • Pro Shop • Practice Facilities Include Putting Green, Sand Practice & Warm Up Area • New Golf Carts with USB Ports for GPS & Cell Phones • Luxury Clubhouse Coming Soon • Wedding & Event Hosting

Perched 1,000 feet above Okanagan Lake, the spectacular layout of our Fred Couples designed course will accommodate golfers of all abilities. With generous landing areas and five sets of tees on every hole, The Rise Golf Club will offer a balance of variety, enjoyment, and challenge. Each hole is distinct in its character with dramatic elevated tees and breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake on 12 of our 18 holes.

therisegolf.ca | 1-877-243-7417

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Golf Okanagan Sunset Ranch Golf & Country Club

• 18 Hole Championship Course • Restaurant and Lounge • Pro Shop and Clubhouse • Tournaments, Weddings and Banquets • Putting, Chipping Greens and Bunker Practice • CPGA Professionals

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. Voted “Finalist- Kelowna’s Best Golf Course” 2011 & 2013.

Play Sunset Ranch this season to see why!

Holes:

18

Par:

72

Yardage:

6500

Rating:

71.2

Slope:

133

Designer:

J. Bruce Carr

Built:

1990

Holes:

36

Par:

72

Yardage:

6794, 6885

Rating:

73.1, 72.3

Slope:

138, 133

Designer:

Les Furber,

sunsetranchbc.com | 1-877-606-7700

The Okanagan Golf Club

• Two 18 Hole Championship Courses • GBC Golf Academy • Pro Shop and Clubhouse • Tournaments, Weddings and Banquets • Putting & Chipping greens, Practice Sand Bunkers, Double Ended Driving Range • CPGA Professionals

Take 384 acres of fertile, rolling high-desert country in the rainshadow of the Cascade Mountains, where blossoming orchards and vineyards rise above Lake Okanagan. Blend in the rich green artistry of golf course architects Les Furber and Nicklaus Designs. It all adds up to The Okanagan Golf Club, home of The Quail & The Bear courses, one of British Columbia’s most intoxicating golf destinations.

Nicklaus Design Built:

1994, 1999

Holes:

18

Par:

72

Yardage:

6818

Rating:

130

Slope:

72.4

Designer:

Dave George,

golfbc.com | 1-800-446-5322, Press 4

Nk’Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course

• • • • • •

Driving Range Golf Boards Practice Area, Putting and Chipping On Staff CPGA Pro Restaurant & Lounge Tournaments, Business & Social Functions

Owned and operated by the Osoyoos Indian Band, Nk’Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course expanded from a relaxed nine-hole course to a championship model in 2001. We have redesigned our course to include 2 new spectacular holes for 2015. 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.

Sam Baptiste & Tony Baptiste Built:

2001

nkmipcanyon.ca | 1-800-656-5755

ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 39 ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 39

ICONIC CHEFS

THE OKANAGAN’S FINEST IN DINING

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ABSOLUTE | DINING

The Patio Restaurant at Lake Breeze Vineyards

Mark Ashton Iconic Chef Graduating from a private French Culinary School in 1993, Chef Mark Ashton travelled the world exploring the roots of some the traditional cuisines he had grown to love and honing his philosophy of uncomplicated fullbodied flavour.

In the heart of our wine farm is a hidden gem embraced by a lush garden and a gentle lake breeze. It is here in the idyllic setting of our Patio Restaurant where friends and family are invited to gather, share a meal and create a memory. Where only the finest and most premium of ingredients will do, Chef Mark Ashton’s philosophy ensures that everything in his kitchen is made in-house, from scratch. His dishes entice with an uncomplicated full-bodied flavour and provide the perfect complement to the award winning wines of Lake Breeze Wine Farm.

Though many come for our wine, it is the experience of the harmony created when food and wine are paired perfectly together that will often be most remembered.

Always a drive worth taking, our Patio Restaurant is located along one of the most scenic wine routes in North America, the Naramata Bench. Enjoy panoramic views of Okanagan Lake, acres of stunning vineyards and orchards teeming with fruit as you make your way to the heart of our Wine Farm for the perfect lunch.

The Patio Restaurant at Lake Breeze Vineyards 930 Sammet Road Naramata, BC Reservations: (250) 496-5659 ext. 204

lakebreeze.ca

ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 41

ABSOLUTE | DINING

Vineyard Terrace Restaurant at CedarCreek Estate Winery

Jeremy Tucker Iconic Chef 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.

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 Vineyard 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.

Vineyard Terrace Restaurant at CedarCreek Estate Winery 5445 Lakeshore Road Kelowna, BC 778.738.1020

cedarcreek.bc.ca

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ABSOLUTE | DINING

Range Lounge & Grill at Predator Ridge

Jeremy Luypen Iconic Chef

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.

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.

Range Lounge & Grill at Predator Ridge 301 Village Centre Place Vernon, BC (250) 542-3436

predatorridge.com

ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 43

ABSOLUTE | DINING

Iconic Okanagan RESTAURATEUR is Inducted to the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame In June 2015, the British Columbia Restaurant and Foodservices Association (BCRFA) announced the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame 2015 Inductees and local Iconic Okanagan Restauranteur, Franco Coccaro of La Bussola made the list. “We are thrilled to once again be inducting some incredible people in our industry,” comments Heidi Romich, Chair BC Restaurant Hall of Fame. “We had a record of 52 nominees this year making a difficult decision for our more than 80 judges to determine this year’s recipients.”

“The BC Restaurant Hall of Fame was established to recognize the individuals in the restaurant industry who have made significant contributions to the BC restaurant scene; making it the finest in Canada. Paying tribute to individuals, past or present, who have shaped the vibrant culinary industry in British Columbia,” states Ian Tostenson, President/CEO BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association.

Franco Coccaro was born in the small, peaceful village of Valle dell’Angelo, in the Province of Salerno, Italy. This quaint village is located in the Campagna region of Southern Italy and Francesco Coccaro Owner of La Bussola

is nestled among the mountains of the Cilento National Park.

Valle dell’Angelo is very much an agricultural area, and artisan products were something that Franco grew up on.

In 1974, La Bussola founders, Franco Coccaro and Lillo Santamaria, fell in love with the beautiful City of Kelowna nestled in the valley along Okanagan Lake, after traveling throughout most of Canada. Shortly thereafter, La Bussola Restaurant was established and given its name, which means compass in Italian and one can therefore appreciate its appropriateness.

The first Italian fine dining experience in Kelowna was an immediate success. Franco and Lillo offered traditional Italian meals made with the finest local ingredients as well as an extensive wine list including both Italian and Okanagan wines. Signature dishes such as Scampi La Bussola style brought people near and far to this quaint Italian restaurant in downtown Kelowna.

Today, one will usually find the Coccaro family together at the restaurant on Ellis Street. Their expertise and passion for food & wine allows them to offer guests a truly unique and wonderful culinary experience in an elegant yet comfortable setting. Come see why Franco & La Bussola were chosen, and enjoy an evening out with this local favourite!

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

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ABSOLUTE | DINING

La Bussola Italian Fine Dining

Lauretta Coccaro Iconic Chef

Family owned since 1974, La Bussola has provided the Okanagan with an authentic Italian experience for over forty-one 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 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.

La Bussola Italian Fine Dining 1451 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC (250) 763-3110 labussolarestaurant.com

ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 45

ABSOLUTE | WINE

Trending Upward Very fine wines abound.

It really was not so long ago that the Okanagan Valley was struggling to decide whether to commit further to its fruit crops, or make the gradual, perilous switchover to vinifera grapes. Selecting the right grapes in the right locations was tough enough, and is a process that a winemaker such as the esteemed John Simes at Mission Hill Family Estate, says is “barely out of its infancy.” That pragmatic view, though is what is making the veritable explosion of fine wines coming out of the Okanagan possible: an intrepid group of

by Jim Tobler owners, growers and winemakers is conspiring to bring out the very best this wildly variegated land can offer.

The adage, as espoused by, for example, Pascal Madevon, formerly at Osoyoos Larose and now at the splendid Don Triggs project called Culmina, is that “winemakers can only do so much. It is about what the soil and the climate can give us.” Fair enough, and Culmina is a great example of what is going on these days. They have adjacent vineyards planted to completely different varieties, because of variations in soil and in heat units

Carlos LeGuerrier

46 | ABSOLUTE 2015 / 2016

ABSOLUTE | WINE

VALLEY TEAM We speak to Winemaker Darryl Brooker and General Manager Scott Locke, at Kelowna’s CedarCreek Estate Winery 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 vines are 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 our Vineyard Terrace Restaurant will also be open for dinner, and we hope you’ll be there. - 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 in kindergarten, 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, British Columbia 778.738.1020

cedarcreek.bc.ca

FAVOURITE THINGS

Lunch at our Vineyard Terrace Restaurant

Travelling

Food and wine in the perfect setting.

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

Spending quality time with loved ones

$35

$5000

$Priceless

ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 47

ABSOLUTE | WINE

those very particular vineyards receive. It is a bit of microcosm for the entire valley, since soil and climate variations are the absolute norm, not the exception.

John Skinner, proprietor at Painted Rock, has been pushing hard since his winery opened, seeking the optimal places to plant his estate vines. Early results were extremely encouraging, but around the 2010 vintage, John and his team noticed something. “The fruit in barrel just seemed far more explosive, rich, than any vintage before that. For some select parcels, the difference was quite profound. That meant some planting choices were being validated as the vines matured. It’s not something we anticipated at this exact time, but what a fantastic thing, to know the vines are evolving this way.” The reasonable expectation is that, vintage variations being taken into account, these wines will get better and better with each passing year. Skinner has built an idyllic tasting room and small events space right at the winery as well. “I kept on looking at the view at the end of each work day, and thought, ‘we have to build a tasting room, so people can share this incredible view.’ ” That’s exactly what he did.

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars, who have been

around a long time and have always been a bastion of quality, are finding their pinot noir and chardonnay programs have hit their stride, and the reserve lines boast that nice Okanagan mix between New World fruitiness and Old World (Burgundian) earthiness and finesse. It is a testament to how staying the course, and believing in the soils, can pay off, with wine drinkers being the true beneficiaries. Not only that, but Blue Mountain even found a little vineyard where pinot blanc seems to thrive, and they make one of the best in all the world.

There is now room for more specialized wineries, such as the amazing Fox Trot, where the pinot noir hits great heights, as does the chardonnay. And JAK Meyer, at his Meyer Family Vineyards, is making single-vineyard pinot noir and chardonnay that are beginning the discussion of how micro-climate wines done well can lead the way for the Okanagan to have a place on the world stage.

Black Hills Estate Winery is celebrating the 15th vintage of its flagship Nota Bene Bordeaux blend, in and of itself a bit of an accomplishment. At riesling specialist Tantalus, the wines just keep getting better and better, done in a unique, racy, beautifully acidic style reminiscent of certain

Therapy Vineyards

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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?

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.

Poplar Grove Winery 425 Middle Bench Road North Penticton, BC 250.493.9463

poplargrove.ca

Photo: Poplar Grove Winery- The Legacy 2008

FAVOURITE THINGS

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.

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?

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.

Spending time in OUR vineyards with friends and family

Tony Holler, Barb Holler and the vineyard crew

Heirloom tomato salad

from the Vanilla Pod Restaurant, made with vineyard grown tomatoes

My Dog Massimo

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vineyards in Alsace. The Rhone-style whites at La Stella , particularly a gem called Ava, are another fine example of what magic happens when a specific grape variety is planted in its ideal soil conditions. Meanwhile, Burrowing Owl is enhancing their already stellar reputation, going from great vintage to great vintage, and the picturesque setting is fantastic for tasting room visitors.

The Naramata Bench is a force unto itself, with plenty of dining options, including the proximate Penticton, just a quiet bike ride away. Poplar Grove, Hillside Estates, Lake Breeze, Nichol, and Laughing Stock Vineyards are at the top of their game, and that’s just a small sample of what Naramata has to offer visitors. The bonus is that so many great wineries are huddled relatively close together, so you can really get an education in styles and grape varieties, and not have to spend a lot of time driving.

Quails’ Gate celebrated their 25th anniversary earlier this year, and proprietor Tony Stewart is primed for the next 25. “It was a great milestone for our family,” he says.

“But in some ways we feel we are just getting started.”

The winery tasting room, and the fabulous restaurant, are a must-visit in West Kelowna, as is the monumental Mission Hill Family Estate winery, a scant few kilometres form Quails’ Gate, presiding over Lake Okanagan and estate vineyards from the top of Mount Boucherie.

Mission Hill is the keystone of von Mandl Family Estates, which now owns Cedar Creek as well, and is building two sensational new wineries that will specialize in pinot noir and chardonnay near Cedar Creek, and the more robust red varieties much farther south, in the Sonoran desert sub-climate. Mission Hill’s Legacy series, of the flagship Oculus, plus Compendium, Quatrain, and the lovely chardonnay called Perpetua, comprise another clear sign that the Okanagan is evolving in the stature of its wines.

And it is not only at the high end of the market that wines of distinction are performing well. Tinhorn Creek, with Sandra Oldfield is staying the course with wines of great character, including a by now iconic cabernet franc that has led the way for over a decade.

Stoneboat, Quinta Ferriera, Spierhead, and Road

Lake Breeze Vineyards

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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

Spending Time with My Kids $ Priceless

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

MEXICAN PALAPA A place under the sun $ 90,000

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13 are all worth seeking out, among many others.

In the hills above Summerland sits the intrepid Haywire winery, which has a made a big impression in a small amount of time, bringing in worldrenowned soil and rootstock expert Alberto Antonini to help them make the best decisions when marrying vines to soil. Many wines are, as the wine labels announce, “raised in concrete”. Remarkable results for sparkling wines, pinot gris, chardonnay, and even gamay noir, make this a winery to watch as time goes on, and their plantings continue to mature.

The Okanagan is blossoming, vintage by vintage, and while Similkameen and Vancouver Island are now home to quite a few nice wineries, along with a few in the Lower Mainland area, and even some of the Gulf Islands.

The surprise might be that it is a relative neighbour, in Kamloops, that has found some almost ideal

limestone-based soils in which to grow vinifera grapes.

Sagewood, Monte Creek Ranch and Privato Wines, are three worthies. Harper’s Trail Estate Winery has perhaps made the biggest splash, with some racy, textured single-vineyard Rieslings, a Field Blend White that has caught on big time, and even a surprising rich, luscious cabernet franc. You can expect some interesting things to come out of this region, as time goes by, testament to the fact that the entire province is now becoming appointment wine viewing, and tasting.

It seems the Okanagan is an increasingly exciting place to visit, as each tourism season arrives. New hotels, a by now abundant range of dining out options, and so much more visitor-friendly activities, both within the world of wine and beyond it as well, mean a week is hardly enough time. Three weeks sound good!

Carlos LeGuerrier

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Valley Family We speak to Owner Tony Dyck and CEO Tyler Dyck of Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery.

Left Photos: The Dyck Family - Jeremie, Melissa Duncan, Tyler, Patricia & Tony, the ‘Show Stopper’ 25ft Copper Still, and Fruit Pickers at Coldstream Ranch in 1918.

What makes a visit to your distillery so unique.

Coming to the Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery offers visitors a chance to experience the art of distillation and the opportunity to taste award winning spirits. All our spirits are made in house using beautiful, German made copper pot stills. The purring sound and beautiful aromas that the stills create can only be experienced by visiting our distillery. We offer the visitor ‘theatre’ which is something that gives us the advantage against the many other top attractions in the Okanagan Valley.

Where do you source your raw material from?

We have many different sources of raw material, but the common denominator is that it is all sourced from British Columbia. The many orchards, berry farms and grain fields all supply the raw material that is used as the base for our many spirits. The quality of BC fruits and grains is world renowned which is the backbone in the quality spirits that we produce.

What is the ‘best’ product that you make?

Okanagan Confidential

‘Best’ is so subjective. Many people like different spirits for different reasons and considering we make over 25 it is hard to choose just one. What I can say is that our Master Distiller Peter von Hahn has been producing a ‘Blackcurrant Liqueur’ that is regarded as one of the best in the world. In 2013 and again 2015 the liqueur was awarded a double gold medal by the World Spirits Organization, Klagenfurt Austria. Peter tells us that it is the quality of the fruit grown in the province of BC that makes this product world class.

Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery is an internationally acclaimed craft distillery, producing world class spirits in downtown Kelowna & Vernon.

Made from 100% natural BC fruits and grains, these fine spirits have won numerous awards domestically and internationally. Producing more than 25 varieties of spirits in a traditional copper-pot still, that include Fruit Brandies, Liqueurs, Grappa, Whisky, Gin, Vodka, Aquavit and a genuine Absinthe.

How do I get a bottle of your Single Malt Whisky ‘The Laird of Fintry’ The award winning Laird of Fintry Single Malt Whisky has been a fantastic success for the business, so much so, that we sell all of what we can make. Whisky is a product that needs aged for a minimum of three years so production time is a lengthy process.

During that time we have many customers who come forward wanting to ‘put their name down for a bottle’ – unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, we end up with more names than bottles. We have to do a lottery each fall to choose the lucky winners who are entitled to buy a bottle.

Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery 267 Bernard Ave. Kelowna, BC | 778.484.5174 5204 24th Ave. Vernon, BC | 250.549.3120

okanaganspirits.com

FAVOURITE THINGS

Fentimans Ginger Beer The mix for an excellent ‘Moscow Mule’

Glencairn Whisky Glass Perfect for our Laird of Fintry Single Malt

The Drunken Botanist From plants to spirits

$ 10.95

$ 24.95

$ 12.95

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The Wonderland We Call Home

Call it an experiment in seeing the Okanagan lifestyle from the other side of the … well, border.

by Albert Berkshire In the fifteen-plus years I’ve called the Okanagan Valley home, I’ve met countless people who have vacationed here from major cities and little towns from BC to Newfoundland and Labrador, and from Europe, South Asia, South and Central America, and throughout the United States. They all have something in common. They don’t want to leave.

But to see it for the beautiful gem that it is, I (possibly, foolishly) took a road trip vacation. Where I went is much less of importance than what it was I realized while I was away.

And these are things you never think about when it comes to your lifestyle - or desired lifestyle - until you see your home from the other side of the fence.

Many of these meetings have been on a chairlift at Big White Ski Resort, Silver Star Mountain Resort in Vernon, and Apex in Penticton; and at times when I’ve been bobbing around on Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake talking to paddlers. And it is rare that we mountain bike anywhere in the Okanagan Valley without meeting riders who are here on vacation. Year after year, the Okanagan lifestyle draws visitors here for a weekend, a week, and quite often, for the rest of their life. It’s that kind of place.

The Okanagan is clean. I’m sure it’s partly due to our mild winters and our regional municipalities’ focus on creating a welcoming and eye-pleasing place for visitors. After all, we thrive on tourism here. It does, however, feel so much more important to us. Spend enough time in the area and it’s entirely likely the cleanliness of the ’Valley will fade into the norm, but it doesn’t fade from importance. It’s nice to walk down the street and not be blown over by a dust storm whipped up from a centimetre or two of grade B gravel left

Wilden

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over from winter road maintenance. And mountain biking and rock climbing. People I’ve come to know here in the ’Valley are always riding. It could be winter riding on fat bikes up in the hillside, or just commuting to work, to grocery shop, or to socialize. We have more friends come to our house on their bikes then we do by car. Rock climbers occasionally default to the climbing gyms for a few of the colder winter days here, but most of the year their posting photos on Facebook of their climbing buddies bouldering in Myra Canyon or climbing the bluffs at Skaha Lake. Beyond the year long activity that dominates our lakes and mountains, there’s a general feeling of wellness here. People walk. People golf.

People ski. It’s certainly not activities that are exclusive to

the Okanagan Valley, but it seems to go on longer. You don’t fight the elements here to walk down a sidewalk. In fact, you can see our sidewalks all year long. The golf courses enjoy a particularly long season. In the South Okanagan, Penticton, Oliver, and Osoyoos to be more exact, they may close for a month or two in winter, but that’s more to protect the greens than it is because of unfriendly playing conditions. And then there’s the skiing. We usually start early in the mountains surrounding the Okanagan, and in the spring, when the best snow is falling, the only reason the resorts need to close down is because everyone is gardening, or hiking, or riding, or golfing again. This place is a gift for the lifts-not-needed backcountry skiing crowd.

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On a few occasions over the last couple of years I’ve toyed with moving to a couple different mountain towns in search of a change of pace. But when I’m there in the spring and fall, I realize the Okanagan doesn’t really have a shoulder season.

You know, that time of year when winter is more or less over, but there’s still too much snow to do any of your favourite summer activities. Or in the fall when it’s too cold to ride or paddle, but too soon to ski or go sledding. We have this overlap here that makes life more fluid. It’s like a perfectly folded omelette in which everything is harmoniously blended (can you tell I just had breakfast on a restaurant patio?). Fluid.

Yes, that’s exactly how life is here.

More than any of the reasons the Okanagan lifestyle is so wonderful, so rewarding is this - the Okanagan is beautiful.

When I came here for a job interview in January of 2000, I was coming from Thunder Bay. The ducks were swimming around the sailboats at the marina. In Thunder Bay, there was four feet of ice on Lake Superior. Now, while that might skew my opinion a little at the time, fifteen years later I am still amazed - and appreciative - that I can live somewhere this beautiful.

Though, it’s not just the weather.

Residential architecture is focused on lifestyle. Homes here are built with the environment and the indoor-outdoor lifestyle

in mind. It’s noticeable everywhere. Golf course communities, town homes with oversize garages to accommodate ski boats, condos with car share programs and social activity centres are all part of the landscape from the North Okanagan to the southern most part of the Valley. Walkways, cycle paths, trails and bicycle commuter lanes are all included in the grand design of the region, and they are used by everyone.

The beauty of the region is enhanced naturally. I grew up in a place whose anthem included the line, “on pine-clad hills”, yet finding a pine tree there was a scavenger hunt. Here, they dot the landscape in a stately manner. The contrast of the colours - the blue skies, the green hillsides, the rich aquamarine lakes - capture your eye and hold your attention just a little longer than the norm. That beauty is relaxing…calming. Newcomers buy into the lifestyle and almost seamlessly blend into the pattern of appreciation that flows through the area. The wildlife here seems to agree. There’s something wonderful about watching an osprey and her young riding the thermals over a lake. In fact, the power companies here erect nesting poles and install osprey cams specifically for the protection of the species. It’s one more way the beauty of the region holds the attention of visitors and convinces people to make the Okanagan Valley their home.

Glen Eldstrom

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Phase 6 of the fastest-selling lakeview homesites in the Okanagan start in the mid $200s. Just 16 minutes from the airport, and you’re home. To views that last forever.

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When I look back at my weekend away, I can appreciate that we all live where have to live at that point in our life. But think for a moment about what you really love in life, and then think about where you’d love to do it every day. That’s one of the things that keeps me here. Certainly I could write (work) from anywhere, but the cleanliness, the activity, the

beauty…the lifestyle is what keeps me here. The Okanagan Valley continues to welcome more and more permanent residents every year. It’s one of the few places in the world I’ve been, to which I can’t wait to return.

And that’s been my view from both sides of the border.

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OSOYOOS The lazy daze of summer…

If you haven’t already discovered Osoyoos, then prepare to be amazed! This little gem boasts weather statistics that you would expect to find somewhere closer to the equator.

Spring comes early, and summers are hot and long - really hot and really long, lasting much beyond summer’s official end. With no humidity, Osoyoos is often singled out as the hottest and driest spot in the country, more than anywhere else during the summer months. The beauty of this scenario is that all the heat from the daytime is accompanied by cool refreshing nights. Another bonus: because the temperatures are so high, day after day, Osoyoos is home to Canada’s warmest freshwater lake, which is quite a designation. As you can imagine, it is a huge draw for boaters, swimmers and beach loungers alike.

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. Water to the north and water to the south, this is a true lake playground.

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 are littered with world famous brands.

In an environment where there is so much sun and summer, comes a bountiful outdoor lifestyle. Golf, cycling and any watersport are incredibly popular. Swimming in the lake or at one of the resorts’ pools is also a great way to pass some time!

With 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, coupled with comfort & style. A real treasure in Osoyoos is Nk’Mip Resort. This is ‘one stop shopping’ at its finest, as the resort provides every aspect of relaxation, from a spa, winery and cultural centre, to a golf course and an RV park. The celebration of the legends, the lands and the people at the cultural centre is a must see while visiting.

Time to relax, ease back in your favourite beach chair, and sip your favourite local vintage, all the while dangling your feet into your favourite warm lake. All of this combined, adds up to a level of relaxation that is beyond your most vivid dream. The lazy days of summer are here, and you’ve made it!

Watermark Beach Resort

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OKANAGAN FALLS & OLIVER No whine with great wine!

Right in the heart of the Okanagan’s wine growing region lie the communities of Okanagan Falls and Oliver. This area is well known to be the Wine Capital of Canada and has a renowned reputation for producing award winning vintages year after year.

Resting on the southern shores of Skaha Lake, is a small community surrounded by vineyards, a variety of wildlife, and many unique types of desert flora & fauna. Okanagan Falls is a unique area in the Valley; once carved out by long forgotten glaciers, Okanagan Falls is just beyond the northernmost point of the Great Basin Desert and is the narrowest part of the Okanagan Valley. With vineyards that stretch out northwards towards the eastern bench of Skaha Lake, across the warm waters to Kaleden, and finally down South, over the rolling hills of Vaseux Lake, Okanagan Falls is truly the Heart of Wine Country.

If you follow the rivers waters south of Okanagan Falls along the highway, you come to Vaseux Lake, a naturalists’ haven.

Home to protected marshlands, Vaseux 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 made easy.

Continuing south along Highway 97, 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 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.

No one could have ever projected the success that this irrigation system would bring and what a profound impact it would have on the entire area. Now vineyards and orchards are a livelihood, a hobby and has even spawned its own following: Agri-Tourism. Don’t pass on the chance to travel south to Wine Country and take in all the sights & services of this spectacular area.

Inniskillin Dark Horse Vineyard

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Penticton & Naramata Where beach life and world-class vintages collide…

Some communities are blessed with lakes, others are lucky enough to have mountains, and some even have rivers. Well, Penticton is lucky enough to have all of this! The town site is pinched between two large lakes conjoined by a river. It’s recommended to go floating down the canal that connects Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. This is a true adventure, embraced by locals & visitors to the area alike! Nothing says summer time fun like lakes and rivers. Like much of the Okanagan, Penticton is subject to phenomenal weather. Hot & dry during the day light hours, and cooler during the night.

This makes for the perfect combination of all day fun followed by great sleeping weather. For winter sports enthusiasts, Apex Mountain Resort is the local’s choice.

Penticton is located at the southern end of Okanagan Lake (and the northern end of Skaha Lake). On the Okanagan Lake side of town, the beach runs along Lakeshore Drive, and 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 wading in the water with kids, or going a little deeper and heading out for a swim.

The hillsides above the eastern shores of Okanagan Lake are home to some of the most famous wineries in the region; this is Naramata, and it’s entirely different than its neighbour Penticton! Known 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 & local musicians, festivals, tasting parties, weddings and fine dining.

Rows of grapes, orchards, and fertile lands are traits that are shared by many towns in this grand region. Enjoyed by visitors and embraced by locals, it would be an understatement to say that the wine game has changed dramatically in the last 25 years. There are many options for fun in Penticton & Naramata, but sometimes all you really need is to sit at the beach, indulge in local vintages, and watch the sun go down…

John Bilodeau/ Penticton Wine Country Tourism

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WEST KELOWNA The most charismatic community Mt. Boucherie sits among the rolling hills, just south of the main highway that passes through West Kelowna. There are few communities that can make the claim that the centerpiece of the town is an extinct volcano, but, West Kelowna has that distinction. Surrounded by orchards, rolling hills and vineyards, there is lots of fertile land in the area. With all this rich soil, coupled with varied terrain, West Kelowna is an outdoor adventurers dream. Trails for hiking, paths for biking, cliffs for climbing and creeks & canyons for exploring, every valley, ravine, and gulch all lead to the water. Like many Okanagan communities, the lake is the life body of agriculture and lakeside fun. With RV parks & designated campsites within easy reach, West Kelowna is a popular choice during the summer months.

Home to several very well established wineries, West Kelowna boasts an incredible wine trail with diverse destinations.

The majority of the wineries in West Kelowna can be found between the highway and the lake. Part of the charm of this area is that they also house many farm-gate and boutique style wineries, these too are well worth a visit. Mission Hill Family Estates has long been a presence in the wine industry and have seemingly mastered the art of eco-tourism; with a full service restaurant, an amphi-theatre which hosts a famous list of musicians & bands, and a very large wine shop,

there is so much more than just wine here. Picturesque Quail’s Gate and nearby Volcanic Hills both play home to a vineyard restaurant & patio, while providing stunning views & delicious bites.

There is a large portion of West Kelowna that stretches along the shoreline of Okanagan Lake. This section of lake 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 even wakeski, this is where you should spend some time! On the other end of West Kelowna’s waterfront is Gellatly Bay. Recently updated to improve the lakeside walking path, and the Aquatic Park’s wharf & diving boards, Gellatly Bay also has a zipline in addition to its clustering of beaches.

Modern upscale living and a thriving agricultural community have blended together nicely. From shopping, everything wine, fruit, outdoor adventure and all points in between, West Kelowna will always bring a smile to your face. Whether you are just in town for the day, or have come to take part in the Westside Daze festivities, this dynamic area with its lively culture is waiting for you at the cross roads of modern and contemporary.

City of West Kelowna/Darren Robinson

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Kelowna That Okanagan way of life

It is easy to see why people come to and settle down in Canada’s favourite playground. With a great mix of people, natural surroundings and huge bodies of fresh water (and dozens of smaller lakes too), the combination makes Kelowna the perfect target, not only for summer enjoyment, but year-round excitement too.

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.

This is the right place for you if you enjoy long, hot summer days on a boat, patio or even nestled down in a back yard.

For the more active sportsperson there is a “cool sport” renaissance going on along the beaches of Kelowna. If you are on a boat, chances are you are wakesurfing. If you are on the shore, chances are you are about to go stand up paddleboarding. And, if the wind is howling… chances are

you are going kite boarding, a remarkable sport that can be enjoyed by spectators at Rotary Beach in the Lower Mission.

More traditional sports are also highly visible, soccer, baseball, cycling, skateboarding, skiing and golfing are super popular with locals and guests. For those seeking a more relaxing pace, all you need to do is pull up a piece of beach and sit back and say “ahhh…” There is a wide range of choices when it comes to somewhere to rest your weary bones. Large busy tracts of sand are popular with the younger crowd or visit one of the smaller more secluded public accesses found all along the shoreline. Getting out and discovering new spots to stretch out your hammock or open up your chaise lounge is a great way to spend an afternoon, day, or even a weekend. For winter exploits, Big White is less than an hour away and there are endless sledding and snowshoeing opportunities in every direction.

Kelowna is the largest city in the Okanagan and it is constantly undergoing an economic boom. It has the benefits of a larger city but still can have that small community feel if you want it to. People that live here and visit here are all in search of the same thing, lifestyle and that Okanagan way of life!

Glen Eldstrom

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ABSOLUTE | COMMUNITY

Vernon

Enchant your senses

Vernon is the largest community in the North Okanagan and offers a myriad of year-round options for the outdoor enthusiast. With both cross country skiing & downhill skiing in your backyard at Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre and Silver Star Mountain respectively, the name of the game here is variety! Silver Star is not just a winter haven either, they have broadly expanded their operations with numerous downhill runs and a full bike park operating during the summer season. The trails are a challenge to even the most seasoned mountain bike athletes. The region is also fraught with crosscountry trails and endless opportunities for hiking.

Vernon rests on the northern shores of Okanagan Lake & Kalamalka Lake. Ponderosa pines, tranquil bays and remote picnic tables are all a part of the experience. Swan Lake, near the city centre, is a bird watcher’s paradise, as it is a breeding, nesting a migration sanctuary for many different species. Vernon also plays home to one of Canada’s premier golf resorts, Predator Ridge, a 36-hole facility with all the bells and whistles. Predator Ridge has hosted the Telus Skins Game not just once, but twice, and is the summer home of Hockey Canada.

Embrace an outdoor adventure land like no other. Residents and visitors alike appreciate the perfect lifestyle that Vernon has to offer. The community and its 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 & services to suit everyone’s needs, Vernon is the perfect spot to spend a day, a weekend or even a lifetime!

The atmosphere draws you in with breathtaking and unequalled surroundings. It is such a treat to see hillsides slide into crystal clear blue lakes. There are over 100 lakes within an hour’s drive of Vernon. For this reason alone, it is no wonder that people that live here and visit here, love to be on or in the water! If you have never seen Kalamalka Lake, take the suggestion 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.

While you bounce from shop to shop, be sure to take notice of the downtown murals and make a pit stop at one of the eateries or coffee shops to sip & sample local recipes. Rest & relax in Vernon, take the opportunity to recharge your batteries. Once refreshed, head out and fully enjoy what the North Okanagan has to offer. Venture out and enchant your senses!

The Rise Golf Course

ABSOLUTEOKANAGAN.CA | 65

Parting Shot

66 | ABSOLUTE 2015 / 2016

Chris Gardiner

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