Wine Tour Handbook

Spring 2011 - Spring 2012

T H E

O F F I C I A L

Regional Maps including the Okanagan, Lower Mainland,

Vancouver Island & Gulf Islands

Your complete directory to

British Columbia Wineries Tasting Notes :: Wine Festivals :: Attractions :: Restaurants Accommodations :: Lifestyle Developments

Page 32 :: Enter to WIN

Wine Festival Event Package

CONTENTS The O f f i c i al 2 0 1 1 Wi n e To u r H a n d bo o k to B r it ish Co lum b i a

PUBLISHER Tammy Tomiye eXpose design studio EDITOR Julianna Hayes ADVERTISING Tammy Tomiye, Terry Varga ART DIRECTOR Tammy Tomiye EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHY Averill Creek / Brian Sprout Jackson Triggs / Julianna Hayes Predator Ridge Golf Resort Quails’ Gate Estate Winery See Ya Later Ranch / Tammy Tomiye Vincor International Tourism BC: Andrea Johnson; JF Bergeron; Don Weixl; Tom Ryan; Randy Lincks; Dannielle Hayes; Bob Young; Caroline West ©iStockphoto.com/webphotographeer ©iStockphoto.com/laughingmango The Wine Tour Handbook to British Columbia is published annually by eXpose design studio.

To obtain copies of this publication, please contact eXpose design studio at: phone/fax (250) 764-4272 or email exposedesign@shaw.ca No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the Publisher.

Printed in Canada COVER PHOTO CREDITS Bear Cub Vineyard, Jackson Triggs Ladies Dining in Vineyard, Tourism BC/Andrea Johnson Pouring Red Wine, ©iStockphoto.com/webphotographeer COVER INSET PHOTOS Grapes, Tourism BC/Andrea Johnson Cellar, Tourism BC/JF Bergeron Food & Wine, Tourism BC/Andrea Johnson Vineyard Tasting, Tourism BC/Andrea Johnson CONTENTS PAGE PHOTO Tourism BC/JF Bergeron

4. B.C. Wine Country :: 4. The Regions

6. Vine to Wine 6. BCWI and VQA 20. WINERIES OF BRITISH COLUMBIA :: Directory.

20. Okanagan / Similkameen Valley 28. Coastal Region

30. Fraser Valley 31. O KANAGAN WINE FESTIVAL SOCIETY SPECIAL SECTION :: The OWFS has provided you with the Wineries of the Okanagan Valley Map (34), year round Okanagan Wine Festival information (33) and a tear-out Passport Contest entry form (32).

35. Festival Files :: Keeping up with the Consumer Tastings

Festival Directory 37. B.C. WINE REGIONS / MAPS :: Tour information including detailed route descriptions and maps, region by region. 38. Tour Operator Directory 39. North Okanagan: Salmon Arm, Armstrong, Vernon, Lake Country 40. Central Okanagan: Kelowna, West Kelowna 41. South Okanagan: Peachland, Summerland, Penticton, Naramata 42. South Okanagan: Okanagan Falls, Similkameen Valley 43. South Okanagan: Oliver, Osoyoos 44. Fraser Valley, Greater Vancouver 45. Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands 46. Kootenays 47. DINING OUT :: 48. Restaurant Directory.

50. ATTRACTIONS :: 51. Things-To-Do Directory.

55. ACCOMMODATION :: 56. Accommodation Directory.

58. B.C. LIVING :: Relocation Directory.

61. The Mystique of Wine :: Can you Talk the Talk?

Wine Lingo and Trivia

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE The Official Wine Tour Handbook to British Columbia is your guide to the wonderful and diverse B.C. wine country. Inside you’ll find tips on touring and tasting, maps to help you find your way around and space for you to jot down your own notes on wines and memories of your tour. Our comprehensive list of BC wineries makes this guide an invaluable tool for your wine tour experience.

Wine festival information, restaurant, attraction, accommodation, and development listings are all at your fingertips. Keep this guide handy and enjoy your visit!

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B.C. Wine Country I t ’s i n t h e Gl a ss

By Julianna Hayes

Tourism BC/Don Weixl

Prominent wine critic Jancis Robinson once referred to one of B.C.’s grape-growing areas as the“most famous wine region she’s never visited.” In 2009, she finally crossed it off her bucket list.

Her glowing description of it as “a ribbon of lakes with sandy beaches threaded between slopes of ponderosa pines, granite cliffs and vine-covered benchland,” could easily have been plucked from a tourism brochure. But you know what? All of B.C.’s wine-growing regions really are that beautiful with diverse landscapes that are truly unique. Yes it’s true, any place can call itself pretty. Where British Columbia wine country really delivers is in the glass – to which Robinson firmly attested.

The Regions

The Okanagan/Similkameen Valley is B.C.’s largest and oldest wine appellation and has experienced unprecedented growth over the last two decades.

The Okanagan is an ecological wonder. It stretches more than 100 kilometres and is arid, receiving less than 30 mm of precipitation annually. Okanagan Lake fills most of the valley floor and offers welcome respite from the blistering summer heat. An additional attraction is the vast array of wildlife species, including big horn sheep, cougars, burrowing owls and even rattlesnakes. The Okanagan is home to Canada’s only desert, an extension of the Sonoran, which stretches up from Mexico.

This divergent terrain has created unique microclimates in the various pockets of the valley. For that reason, you will find a profound diversity in the varieties of grapes and styles of wines produced here. For example, in the south part of the valley, one will find increasing plots containing highly-prized reds once thought never possible to grow here, such as Zinfandel, Syrah, Carmenere and Sangiovese.

Vancouver and the Gulf Islands wine region is far more humid, but is also blessed with microclimates that favour winegrowing.

The Cowichan Valley, for example, enjoys rather dry summer months with just over 100 cm of rainfall annually.

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Vancouver and the Gulf Islands have a longer growing season, a lower risk of frost in the spring and fall and little or no snow in the winter. These areas are more suitable for growing aromatic whites and lighter-style reds. But fine wines are also being made from tree fruits, berries and even honey. Many island producers purchase grapes from the Okanagan to make fuller-bodied wines.

This charming region harkens back to a simpler time, with an easy, casual approach to life.

Agritourism is very strong with roadside and farm-gate produce at the ready.

Growing conditions are similar in B.C.’s third primary wine producing region, the Fraser Valley, which has a collection of wineries in an area rich in agricultural roots. Its proximity to Vancouver makes it highly accessible and provides excellent opportunities for rural daytrips and urban excursions. Fraser Valley producers focus mainly on growing whites and lighter reds, along with picking up fruit from the Okanagan.

B.C. Wine Country Vine to Wine

by Julianna Hayes

If during your travels you find yourself in a vineyard on the eve of harvest, pick a grape and pop it into your mouth. Like plucking a still-warm-from-the sun apple off a tree and biting into it, a fresh-fromthe-vine grape will kick the crap out anything you’ll find in a grocery store.

When they say wines are made in the vineyard, they’re not kidding. There’s no way man could replicate something this dazzling in a lab.

The fate of a wine is all but decided the moment the fruit is plucked from the vine. If the quality is there and the grapes are handled with care, winemakers can produce an exceptional vintage

Few people fully understand the amount of blood, sweat and tears that goes into each bottle. So we’ve put together this breakdown of the process from vine to wine:

Cycle of Life: The process starts with the planting of the vine, of course. There is typically a twoto-four year waiting period before growers will begin to harvest fruit from the vine.

The annual growth cycle begins in the spring in B.C. with bud break when temperatures consistently surpass 10C daily. Bud break is followed by flowering in 40-80 days, when the clusters that will eventually become grapes begin to take shape. Fruit set occurs quickly after this and the berries start to form.

As the fruit develops, vineyard managers will tend to the “canopy” or leaf formation on the vine. It is important to keep this in check to allow for sun exposure for the fruit and so that the vine doesn’t use up all it’s energy on making leaves. It is also during this period that growers will thin out the fruit to achieve maximum ripeness.

The next important stage is veraison, which signals the beginning of ripening. Until this time, the berries are green and virtually rock hard to the touch. Veraison is when the grapes begin to change colour and develop sugar. It usually occurs 40-50 days after fruit set and is one of the most dramatically noticeable periods in the vineyard. Final thinning is typically done during or just prior to veraison.

Harvest Time: Harvest of dry table wines begins in B.C. in early to mid-September and typically continues through to late October. The average ripeness for red grapes is between 23-25 Brix and for whites 21-23 Brix.

Grapes are harvested either by hand or machine cultivated. Whites are typically pressed immediately and separated from their skins using a bladder press before fermentation. In the case of reds, winemakers need to extract tannins and colour from the skins, thus this fruit typically goes through a crusher/destemmer which crushes the grapes just enough to release the juice. The juice and skin - called must - is fermented together.

PAGE 6 PHOTO CREDIT

Tourism BC/Andrea Johnson

Dirty Laundry Vineyard Newly Expanded Come visit our beautiful boutique winery with a great story behind our name, award winning wines, free tastings and a unique gift shop.

Our Wineshop is Open 10am - 5pm Daily 7311 Fiske Street, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z2 p: (250) 494-8815 f: (250) 494-8850 e: info@dirtylaundry.ca www.dirtylaundry.ca 6

British Columbia Wine Tour Handbook

Yeast is added to grapes to start the fermentation process. During this time, the skins will rise to the top forming what is called the cap, which has to be pushed or “punched down” to interact with the juice. The yeast will consume all or most of the sugar in table wines. The juice is gently squeezed and pressed and separated from the skins.

Red wines and some whites such as Chardonnay often go through a secondary fermentation where a special bacteria is added to encourage malolactic fermentation. This converts sharp malic acid into smooth lactic acid and softens the wine.

Winemakers use either French or American oak with varying degrees of toast (the char inside the barrel). Depending on the characteristics they seek, they leave the wines in barrel for a few months to up to three years. Age of the barrel is also a consideration, as newer barrels will impart more complexity and structure.

Whites are generally filtered to produce clean, clear looking wines free of any sediment. Many wineries tend not to filter their higher-end reds to preserve character and thus sediment can often be found in these wines. Decanting is recommended.

Whites are typically released soon after bottling, but reds will often be held back several months to a few years for further development inside the bottle.

BCWI and VQA

by Julianna Hayes

The establishment of the British Columbia Wine Institution (BCWI) and the creation of the Vintner’s Quality Alliance (VQA) in 1990 are considered a critical turning point in the province’s wine history.

In response to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between Canada and the United States, the industry needed to become more competitive in anticipation of an onslaught of high-quality imports. Thus less-desirable labrusca varieties were pulled out to prepare for further plantings of premium vinifera grapes.

The BCWI oversaw the development of BC VQA, which set minimum quality standards for BC PAGE 7 PHOTO CREDITS (L to R)

wines and conducted research and development on behalf of the industry. Simply put, BC VQA = 100% BC Wine. Since its introduction the industry has seen phenomenal growth and it has bolstered consumer confidence in the BC brand.

Today, the BC Wine Authority is charged with regulating BC VQA standards while the BCWI operates as a voluntary trade association with 111 member wineries and an additional 15 grapegrower partners. The mandate of the BCWI is to support and grow the Wines of British Columbia (BC VQA) as the preferred quality choice for consumers and encourage continued growth in the BC wine industry.

Tourism BC/Tom Ryan :: Tourism BC/Andrea Johnson Averill Creek :: Tourism BC/Randy Lincks

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Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.

Ernest Hemingway

Touring Notes Wine #1 :: _ ______________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________

2010 Blackberry Table The flagship wine of Coastal Black, our Blackberry Table is bold and fruit forward from the first nose to the final sip. Rich in it’s blackberry depth and well structured with the fruits natural acidity, it pairs well with our local artisan Bison meats and gives fantastic body when blended into your favourite spaghetti sauce.

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2009 Raspberry Dessert Our limited vintage dessert wine is a bottleofyourtreasuredsummermemories brought to life with each taste. The full weight of raspberry flavour easily transports you to a hot July day running barefoot through Grandma’s berry patch. Of course now that your grown, the raspberries have 17% alcohol and pair lovely with dark chocolate and fine cigars.

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2009 Spiced Mead A taste of wine making history is found in every drop of our signature Spiced Mead.

Crafted using our own estate produced honey the subtly of the fireweed nectar is brought to life with the light accents of cinnamon and ginger. This wine goes beautifully with any traditional holiday meal or simply enjoy it with friends around a glowing hearth.

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Unique features and other notables: Nestled at the base of Mt Washington, Coastal Black is the home of the largest cultivated blackberry farm in all of Canada. Come stroll through the vineyard or sit and relax on our patio where you can enjoy a glass of wine and a slice of artisan bread made daily on site in our authentic Pompeii oven. Keep your eye on our website for information on our upcoming first annual Blackberry Festival held on the estate at the end of the summer.

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Coastal Black Estate Winery 2186 Endall Road, Black Creek B.C. V9J 1G8 Phone: (250) 337-8325 www.coastalblack.ca

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Mission Hill Family Estate welcomes visitors year round. Join us daily for a wide range of tours & tastings, educational wine & culinary seminars and performances in our outdoor amphitheatre. From May through October dine on the awardwinning Terrace.

PERPETUA Perpetua shows great restraint with regards to oak, opting for a fresh, mineral laden, food friendly style. The nose shows notes of honeysuckle and lemon-lime along with hints of fennel, hazelnut and a subtle suggestion of vanilla bean. The palate is crisp and lively with yellow apple, lime, jasmine and a faint note of praline and oak spice on the finish. A clean, pure reflection of our top Chardonnay vineyard in Osoyoos.

QUATRAIN Made in a ripe, fruit forward style, Quatrain shows intense aromas of coffee mocha, sage, and both black and red fruits. The rich, full bodied palate has ripe notes of blackberries, black raspberries and plums, with cocoa, red licorice and allspice adding further complexity. A wine pleading to be consumed early, but with the density and power to be enjoyed for the next four years or more.

COMPENDIUM Our top Cabernet driven blend, Compendium, is dense and deep with captivating aromas of red currants, cedar, cinnamon and hints of mint. The mineral-infused palate is pure and fresh, with classic southern Okanagan notes of dried earth, sage, plum and sundried blackberries. With ample tannins and fresh acidity, this wine will cellar well and be a perfect foil for rich meats or game.

S.L.C. RIESLING ICEWINE (Select Lot Collection) Classic sweet-tart Icewine profile, with an exhilarating blast of ripe Bartlett pear. The lively, citrus-driven structure cleanses the palate and provides a counterpoint for the decadent sweetness. Vibrant and long on the finish, with a mouth-watering citrus aftertaste.

Ask about our library wines, seasonal offers and limited release wines that are only found at the cellar door.

Join our wine club and receive member benefits including advance wine releases delivered from our cellar to yours.

Wearelocated15minutesfromdowntown Kelowna, just off Boucherie Road on the west side of Lake Okanagan.

Mission Hill Family Estate 1730 Mission Hill Road, West Kelowna, BC V4T 2E4 Phone: (250) 768-6448 www.missionhillwinery.com

Touring Notes Wine #1 :: _ ______________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Wine #2 :: _ ______________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Wine #3 :: _ ______________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Unique Feature of the Winery :: _____________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Notes :: _________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________

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Touring Notes Enjoy a Tasting Experience with our Wine Evangelist in our new Vineyard lounge.

Wine #1 :: _ ______________________________________ _______________________________________________

Join us for one of the most innovative and

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enjoyable wine tasting experiences you

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may ever have. Our “Tasting Experience” is hosted in our beautiful new vineyard lounge immersed in the middle of our vineyard. In this spectacular setting you can taste the wine right beside the vines

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that literally make the wine. This is an

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exceptional way to feel and learn the

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connection of our terroir to the wines you are enjoying!

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Our Tasting Experience is hosted by our impassioned “Wine Evangelist” who

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will give you fascinating insight into the

Wine #3 :: _ ______________________________________

wines of our region. As well you get the

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opportunity to taste Black Hills flagship Nota Bene as well as our Carmenere, Alibi,

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Chardonnay and Viogner. Further, you

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will get a sneak peak of the winery and

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enjoy a barrel sample of our 2009 Syrah!

All is all, this 75 minute long tasting is a magical experience for your palate!

The Tasting Experiences cost only $20

_______________________________________________ Unique Feature of the Winery :: _____________________ _______________________________________________

per person and are run at 11:00 am and

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1:30 pm, seven days a week. We also

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conduct a special “Food and Wine Pairing Experience” at 4 pm each day for only

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$30.00 per person. Reservations are a

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must, so call the friendly folks at Black

Notes :: _________________________________________

Hills Estate Winery at (250) 498-0666 and we will be pleased to help you out!

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Black Hills Estate Winery 30880 Black Sage Road, Oliver, B.C. V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 498-0666 www.blackhillswinery.com

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Situated at the North end of the Golden Mile Bench adjacent to the first hole of the Fairview Mountain Golf Course is an elevated plateau formed from a portion of the alluvial fan emanating from Reed Creek. On this plateau sits Fairview Cellars producing elegant reds from the Bordeaux cultivars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

Touring Notes Notes :: _________________________________________ _______________________________________________

Established in 1985, the winery boasts a selection of 22 wines consisting of the following brands: Gehringer Brothers, Optimum Series, Minus 9 Icewine, Dry Rock,and Gehringer Signature Icewine.

Award-winning varietal wines have established Gehringer Brothers as one of the premier wineries in B.C. They invite you to the wineshop to taste their unique varietals

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Our 95-acre estate is home to some of the Okanagan’s oldest vines, rooted here in the “Golden Mile Bench’s” exceptional terroir.

Visit our new 23,000 sq ft winery and taste our portfolio of outstanding wines. Enjoy a snack from the mini-deli and relax on our patio with a glass of award winning wine.

Accomodation? The Villa at Hester Creek has six luxurious suites, call now to book yours.

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Road 13’s Philosophy: Our motto, “it’s all about the dirt” reflects our belief that great wines start in the vineyard. Our wines express the special character of the South Okanagan’s renowned Golden Mile Bench.

We firmly believe that our efforts in the vineyards are reflected in the final wines and that the art of winemaking is about creating a final bottle that, when opened and tried, conveys a very specific sense of place.

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On the hillside overlooking vineyard, sagebrush, and the old gold mining creek that gave the winery its name,Tinhorn Creek Vineyards is located just south of Oliver BC, in the famed Golden Mile wine growing district. Tinhorn Creek Vineyards offers an unrivalled visitor experience and wines that rank among the best in the world.

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Blasted Church 378 Parsons Road, Okanagan Falls phone: (250) 497-1125 www.blastedchurch.com intrigued@blastedchurch.com Kraze Legz Vineyard & Winery 141 Fir Ave, PO Box 108 Kaleden, BC V0H 1K0 phone: (250) 497-6957 www.krazelegz.com info@krazelegz.com Meyer Family Vineyards 4287 McLean Creek Rd, Okanagan Falls , BC V0H 1R1 phone: (250) 497-8553 www.MFVwines.com info@mfvwines.com Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery, 2320 Oliver Ranch Road, Okanagan Falls, BC V0H 1R2 phone: (250) 497-7945 www.nobleridge.com wine@nobleridge.com PAINTED ROCK ESTATE WINERY 400 Smythe Drive, Penticton, BC V2A 8W6 phone: (250) 493-6809 www.paintedrock.ca info@paintedrock.ca

Touring Notes Notes :: _________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________

See Ya Later Ranch 2575 Green Lake Road, Okanagan Falls , BC phone: (250) 497-8267 www.sylranch.com info@sylranch.com

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Stag’s Hollow Winery & Vineyard 2237 Sun Valley Way, Okanagan Falls, BC V0H 1R2 www.stagshollowwinery.com info@stagshollowwinery.com

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Tangled Vines Estate Winery 2140 Sun Valley Way, Okanagan Falls , BC V0H 1R2 phone: (250) 497-6416 www.tangledvineswinery.com craig@tangledvineswinery.com Wild Goose Vineyards 2145 Sun Valley Way, Okanagan Falls, BC V0H 1R2 phone: (250) 497-8919 www.wildgoosewinery.com info@wildgoosewinery.ca

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Wineries o f B r it ish Co l u mbia

Gray Monk Estate Winery, Brian Sprout

We recommend that you call ahead or refer to winery websites to ensure that they are open at the time of your visit. Winery information may change throughout the course of the year. For information updates or to be added to our list please forward information to exposedesign@shaw.ca.

Okanagan / Similkameen Valley 8th Generation Vineyard 6807 Hwy 97, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z9 Phone: (250) 494-1783 www.8thgenerationvineyard.com Aces Okanagan Estate Winery (not open to the public) Phone: (250) 809-9339 www.aceswine.ca Ancient Hill Winery (opening 2011) www.ancienthillwinery.com Antelope Ridge 32057 – Rd #13 Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 498-6966 www.anteloperidge.com Arrowleaf Cellars 1574 Camp Road Lake Country, BC V4V 1K1 Phone: (250) 766-2992 www.arrowleafcellars.com Baccata Ridge Winery 66-68 McManus Road , Grindrod, BC V0E 1Y0 Phone: (250) 838-0512 Beaumont Family Estate Winery 2775 Boucherie Rd., Kelowna, BC V1Z 2G4 Phone: (250) 769-1222 www.beaumontwinery.com Black Hills Estate Winery 30880 Black Sage Road Olive,r BC V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 498-0666 www.blackhillswinery.com Join us in our covered outdoor lounge and be apart of our Tasting Experience. Indulge in a

private vineyard and winery tour followed by a sit down guided tasting of current and future releases, sold out wines and barrel samples. Starts April 28th and runs daily throughout the summer, reservations highly recommended.

See ad on page 14/15.

Black Widow Winery 1630 Naramata Road, Penticton, BC V2A 8T7 Phone: (250) 487-2347 www.blackwidowwinery.com Blasted Church 378 Parsons Road, Okanagan Falls phone: (250) 497-1125 www.blastedchurch.com.

Getting religion never tasted so good! Stop in and try our new heaven-sent Storytelling Series.

See ad on page 18/19.

Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellars (By appointment only) 2385 Allendale Road Okanagan Falls, BC V0H 1R2 Phone: (250) 497-8244 www.bluemountainwinery.com Bonaparte Bend Winery Ltd 2524 Cariboo Highway, Cache Creek, BC V0K 1H0 Phone: (250) 457-6667 www.bbwinery.com Bonitas Winery 20623 McDougald Rd., Summerland, BC, V0H 1Z0 Phone: (250) 494-5208 www.bonitaswinery.com Bounty Cellars #7-364 Lougheed Road, Kelowna, BC V1X 7R8 Phone: (250) 765-9200 www.bountycellars.com

Wines of British Columbia (BC VQA) www.winebc.com

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British Columbia Wine Tour Handbook

Burrowing Owl Estate 100 Burrowing Owl Place (off Black Sage Road), Oliver, B.C. V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 498-0620 Toll free: 1-877-498-0620 www.burrowingowlwine.ca Open May – October, 7 days a week for sales and tasting from 10am to 5pm. Public tours on weekends at 11 am & 2 pm; $5 per person. Call ahead for winter and spring hours.

See ad on page 25.

Calliope Vintners (not open to the public) www.calliopewines.com Calona Vineyards 1125 Richter Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 2K6 Phone : (250) 762-9144 www.calonavineyards.ca Camelot Vineyards 3489 East Kelowna Road, Kelowna, BC V1W 4H1 Phone: (250) 862-8873 www.camelotvineyards.ca Cassini Cellars 32056 Hwy 97, Oliver, BC Phone: (250) 485-4370 www. cassini.ca Castoro de Oro Estate Winery 29690 Highway 97, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 495-4991 CedarCreek Estate Winery 5445 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, BC V1W 4S5 Phone: (250) 764-8866 www.cedarcreek.bc.ca Celista Estate Winery 2319 Beguelin Road, Celista, BC V0E 1L0

Okanagan Wine Festival Society member

Touring Notes Located in West Kelowna’s Lakeview Heights area, Mt. Boucherie Family Estate Winery is only a five-minute drive from downtown Kelowna across the Okanagan Lake bridge.

The winery is owned and operated by the Gidda family, who have been growing grapes in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys since 1968. The Giddas now own one of the largest family-owned vineyards in British Columbia, with over 300 acres of grapes.

All Mt. Boucherie wines are made to the highest standards from only 100% Estate Grown grapes and proudly bear the VQA quality seal.

Wine #1 :: _ ______________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Wine #2 :: _ ______________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________

Wines to look for: 2007 Summit Reserve Summit 2008 Family Reserve Zinfandel

Unique Feature of the Winery :: _____________________

The Tasting Room and Gift Boutique is open daily year round.

Summer 10am to 6pm Winter 11am to 5pm

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Mt. Boucherie Family Estate Winery 829 Douglas Road, West Kelowna, BC Phone (250) 769-8803 www.mtboucheriewinery.com

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Phone (250) 955-8600 www.celistawine.com Cellars at The Rise, The 364 Cordon Lane, Vernon, BC V1H 1Z9 Phone: (250) 549-4481 www.therise.ca Cerelia Vineyards & Estate Winery 2235 Ferko Road.

Cawston BC V0X 1C2 Phone: (250) 499-8000 www.cerelia.ca Chandra Estate Winery 33264-121st Street, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 485-4081 www.chandrawinery.com Church & State Wines 31120 - 87th Street, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 498-2700 www.churchandstatewines.com Clos Du Soleil Winery 2568 Upper Bench Road, Keremeos, BC, V0X 1N4 Phone: (250) 499-2831 www.closdusoleil.ca

Dunham & Froese Estate Winery 38614-107th Street (Secrest Road), Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 498-WINE www.dunhamfroese.ca EauVivre Winery & Vineyards Ltd. 716 Lowe Drive.

Cawston, BC V0X 1C2 Phone: (250) 499-2655 tasting room fax: (250) 499-2675 fax www.eauvivrewinery.ca postmaster@eauvivrewinery.ca EauVivre is a boutique winery specializing in handcrafted wines sourced from premium grapes grown in local Similkameen vineyards.

Edge of Earth Vineyards 4758 Gulch Road, Armstrong, BC V0E 1B4 Phone: (250) 546-2164 www.edgeoftheearthvineyard.com Elephant Island Orchard Wines 2730 Aikens Loop, Naramata, BC V0H 1N0 Phone: (250) 496-5522 www.elephantislandwine.com

Columbia Gardens Vineyard 9340 Station Road, Trail, BC V1R 4W6 Phone: (250) 367-7493 www.cgwinery.com

Ex Nihilo 1525 Camp Rd., Lake Country, BC V4V 1K1 Phone: (250) 766-5522 www.exnihilovineyards.com

Crowsnest Vineyards 2035 Surprise Drive, Cawston, BC V0X 1C0 Phone: (250) 499-5129 www.crowsnestvineyards.com

Fairview Cellars 13147-334 Ave., Oliver, BC Phone: (250) 498-2211 www.fairviewcellars.ca Fairview Cellars is located adjacent to the first hole of the Fairview Mountain Golf Course. “From the Heart, For the Heart.”

See ad on page 16/17.

D’Angelo Estate Winery 979 Lochore Rd, Penticton BC V2A 8V1 Phone: (250) 493-1364 www.dangelowinery.com Deep Creek Wine Estate & Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery 5355 Trepanier Bench Road Peachland, BC V0H 1X2 Phone: (250) 767-2525 www.hainle.com Desert Hills Estate Winery 30480 - 71st Street, Black Sage Road, Oliver, BC V0H1T0 Phone: (250) 498-1040 www.deserthills.ca Dirty Laundry Vineyards 7311 Fiske Street, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z2 Phone: (250) 494-8815 www.dirtylaundry.ca Come visit our beautiful boutique winery with a great story behind our name, award winning wines, free tastings and a unique gift shop.

Enjoy one of our picnic basket lunches and a glass or bottle of wine on our gorgeous vine covered patio while enjoying the vista.

See ad on page 6.

First Estate Cellars 5078 Cousins Place Peachland, BC VOH 1X2 Phone: (250) 767-6465 Forbidden Fruit Winery 620 Sumac Rd., Cawston, BC V0X 1C0 Phone: (250) 499-2649 www.forbiddenfruitwines.com Foxtrot Vineyards 2333 Gammon Road, Naramata, BC V0H 1N0 Phone: (250) 496-5082 www.foxtrotwine.com

Granite Creek Estate Wines 2302 Skimikin Rd., Tappen BC V0E 2X0 Phone: (250) 835-0049 www.granitecreek.ca Gray Monk Estate Winery 1055 Camp Road, Okanagan Centre, BC Phone: (250)766-3168 Toll Free: 1-800-663-4205 www.graymonk.com British Columbia’s oldest family Estate Winery. Today, they own and maintain over one hundred acres of lush vineyards, which produce some of the world’s finest wines.

Greata Ranch Vineyard 697 Hwy 97 South, Peachland, BC V0H 1X9 Phone: (250) 767-2768 www.greataranch.com Haywire Winery www.haywirewinery.com Herder Winery & Vineyards 2582 Upper Bench Road, Keremeos, BC V0X 1N4 Phone: (250) 499-5595 www.herder.ca Hester Creek Estate Winery 13163 - 326th Avenue, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 498-4435 Toll free: 1-866-498-4435 www.hestercreek.com The new Hester Creek winery is beautiful, winning wines, friendly and knowledgeable staff and a patio with a view of the valley. It’s all here.

See ad on page 16/17.

Hidden Chapel Winery 9756 Pinehill Road, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 490-6000 www.hiddenchapelwinery.com Hollywood and Wine 9819 Lumsden Avenue, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z8 Phone: (250) 494-0311 www.hollywoodandwine.ca House of Rose 2270 Garner Road, Kelowna, BC V1P 1E2 Phone: (250) 765-0802 www.houseofrose.ca

Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery www.prospectwinery.com Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery Road 8, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 498-3537 E-mail: gbwines@me.com www.gehringerwines.ca Established in 1985, 26 years of tradition boasts a selection of 22 wines under these labels: Gehringer Brothers, Optimum

Wines of British Columbia (BC VQA) www.winebc.com

Series, Minus-9 Icewine, Dry Rock and Gehringer Signature Icewine.

See ad on page 16/17.

Howling Bluff Estate Winery 1086 Three Mile Rd., Penticton, BC V2A 8T7 Phone: (250) 490-3640 www.howlingbluff.ca Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards Road 11 West, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 498-6663 Toll free: 1-800-498-6211

Okanagan Wine Festival Society member

Rustico (rus.ti.co) “simplicity and charm typical of the countryside, rural setting with a relaxed welcome-home attitude, romantic, artisan, handcrafted quality.”

Swirl and savor our boutique winery portfolio from old-fashioned tumblers while sharing the ambience of an antiquefilled olden-days’ tasting saloon. Toast to the ranching, mining and agricultural history of Oliver and Osoyoos in the South Okanagan TryFarmer’sDaughterDryGewürztraminer, Isabella’s Poke Pinot Gris, Doc’s Buggy Pinot Noir, Mother Lode Merlot or Last Chance, big red blends and if still cellared, share our certified gold editionThreesome, a CabFranc / CabSauv / Merlot blend or maybe Bonanza the old-vine Zinfandel.

Bring along your country picnic to the chuckwagon and we’ll provide dishes and cutlery. Then enjoy the misted coolness of our shady old pergola and corral overlooking hundreds of vineyard acres across the valley to Lake Osoyoos.

Touring Notes Wine #1 :: _ ______________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Wine #2 :: _ ______________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Unique Feature of the Winery :: _____________________ _______________________________________________

The winery’s mezzanine floor is the home of the Oliver Sagebrushers, a 45-strong member group of the Oliver Community Arts Council and while many wineries display artwork, Rustico’s Quails’ Roost Gallery is the only full-on community art gallery at a winery in the Valley.

_______________________________________________

Rustico Farm & Cellars Hwy. 97 to Rd.16 to 123rd St. and left to the covered wagon.

Phone (250) 498-3276 www.rusticowinery.com

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________ Notes :: _________________________________________ _______________________________________________

_______________________________________________ British Columbia Wine Tour Handbook

23

www.inniskillin.com Located on the western slope of the valley, north of Osoyoos Lake, the Dark Horse Vineyard on site is planted with award winning noble varieties. Open daily 10am-5pm.

Icewine Discovery Tours at 11am, 1pm & 3pm daily. Winter 10am to 4pm, tours by appointment.

See ad on page 12/13.

Intrigue Wines Toll Free: 1-877-474-3754 www.intriguewines.ca Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate 38691, 97th Street, Oliver, BC VOH 1T0 Phone: (250) 498-4500 Toll Free: 1-866-455-0559 www.jacksontriggswinery.com Open Year Round for Tasting 10:00am to 6:00pm Summer.

10:00am to 4:00pm Winter.

See ad on page 12/13.

JoieFarm Wines 2825 Naramata Road, Naramata, BC V0H 1N0 Phone: (250) 496-0073 www.joie.ca Kalala Organic Estate Winery 3361 Glencoe Road, West Kelowna, BC V4T 1M1 Phone: (250) 768-9700 www.kalalawines.ca Kettle Valley Winery 2988 Hayman Road, Naramata, BC V0H 1N0 Phone: (250) 496-5898 www.kettlevalleywinery.com Kraze Legz Vineyard & Winery 141 Fir Ave, PO Box 108 Kaleden, BC V0H 1K0 phone: (250) 497-6957 www.krazelegz.com info@krazelegz.com Kaleden’s first winery. Swing by and visit our speakeasy, try our award winning wines and take in the view from our scenic picnic area.

See ad on page 18/19.

La Frenz Winery 740 Naramata Rd Penticton, BC V2A 8T5 Phone: (250) 492-6690 www.lafrenzwinery.com La Stella 8123 – 148th Ave., Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V0 Phone: (250) 495-8180 www.lastella.ca Lake Breeze Vineyards 930 Sammet Road, Naramata, BC V0H 1N0 Phone: (250) 496-5659 www.lakebreeze.ca Larch Hills Winery 110 Timms Road, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 2P8 Phone: (250) 832-0155 www.larchhillswinery.com Laughing Stock Vineyards 1548 Naramata Rd., Penticton, BC V2A 8T7 Phone: (250) 493-8466 www.laughingstock.ca Le Vieux Pin Winery 34070 73rd & Black Sage Rd Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 498 8388 www.levieuxpin.ca Little Straw Vineyards 2815 Ourtoland Road, Kelowna, BC V1Z 2H7 Phone: (250) 769-0404 www.littlestraw.bc.ca Marichel Vineyard & Winery 1016 Littlejohn Road, Naramata, BC V0H 1N0 Phone: (250) 496-4133 www.marichel.ca Meadow Vista Honey Wines 3-1352 Industrial Road, West Kelowna, BC V1Z 1G5 phone: (250) 769-2337 www.meadowvista.ca Meyer Family Vineyards 4287 McLean Creek Rd, Okanagan Falls , BC V0H 1R1 phone: (250) 497-8553

Wines of British Columbia (BC VQA) www.winebc.com

24

British Columbia Wine Tour Handbook

www.MFVwines.com info@mfvwines.com “Crafting single vineyard wines of Excellence”. Come visit us at our wine shop and tasting room nestled under the cliffs of Peach Mountain in Okanagan Falls. Daily from 10-5 May to October.

See ad on page 18/19.

Mission Hill Family Estate 1730 Mission Hill Road, West Kelowna, BC V4T 2E4 Phone: (250) 768-6448 www.missionhillwinery.com Dramatic underground cellars, an outdoor amphitheatre, and a 12-story bell tower provide visitors with an unforgettable winery experience. Wine Shop & Tasting Rooms open year round. Participate in a wide range of educational tours & seminars to be enjoyed, no matter your level of wine knowledge.

See ad on page 10/11.

Moon Curser Vineyards 3628 Hwy 3 East Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V6 Phone: (250) 495-5161 www.mooncurser.com Moon Curser Vineyards is a boutique winery specializing in uncommon noble varietals like Tempranillo and Roussanne. Rated number twelve amongst Canadian wineries by Wine Access Magazine. See ad on page 7.

Mt. Boucherie Family Estate Winery 829 Douglas Road Kelowna, BC V1Z 1N9 Phone: (250) 769-8803 www.mtboucheriewinery.com One of British Columbia’s largest family owned & operated vineyards, featuring 100% estate grown grapes. The Gidda family has been growing grapes in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys since 1968.

Taste award winning wines at their scenic wine shop overlooking Lake Okanagan. Open daily year-round.

See ad on page 21.

Nichol Vineyard & Estate Winery 1285 Smethurst Road, Okanagan Wine Festival Society member

Naramata, BC V0H 1N0 Phone: (250) 496-5962 www.nicholvineyard.com

Phone: (250) 763-6344 www okanaganvilla.com www.tastevibrantvines

Nk’Mip Cellars 1400 Rancher Creek Road, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V0 Phone: (250) 495-2985 www.nkmipcellars.com North America’s first aboriginal owned & operated winery dedicated to crafting premium VQA wines.

Traditional Style “Feastivals” hosted Aug - Oct, offer the chance to experience NK’Mip’s mystical atmosphere & breath taking view.

Open all year, tours & tastings daily May-Sept. See ad on page 12/13.

Oliver Twist Estate Winery 33013 Road 9A, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 485-0227 www.olivertwistwinery.com Welcome! Visit the outstanding staff in our tasting room and enjoy a sample of our wines as you enjoy the view from our tranquil patio.

Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery 2320 Oliver Ranch Road, Okanagan Falls, BC V0H 1R2 phone: (250) 497-7945 www.nobleridge.com wine@nobleridge.com “Noble Ridge – A place where great wine is made; great memories are created. Taste our award-winning wines in the Shop, Patio, in the Vineyard.” See ad on page 18/19.

Orofino Vineyards 2152 Barcelo Road, Cawston, BC V0X 1C0 Phone: (250) 499-0068 www.orofinovineyards.com

Okanagan Spirits 2920 28th Avenue, Vernon, BC V1T 1V9 Phone: (250) 549-3120 www.okanaganspirits.com Set in downtown Vernon, Okanagan Spirits is the region’s award winning distillery, making specialty spirits from the many fruits grown in our valley. Our distillery welcomes visitors to come and experience first hand, the delicate process of taking ‘carefully selected’ local fruit and distilling these into award winning products. We produce a strong selection of fruits spirits and berry liqueurs, complimented by Canada’s only Genuine Absinthe. We are open all year round, six days a week.

See ad on page 24.

Okanagan Villa Estate Winery Vibrant Vine Vineyard 3240 Pooley Rd, Kelowna BC V1W 4G7

Orchard Hill Estate Cidery 23404 Highway 97, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 689-0240 www.orchardhillcidery.com

Ovino Winery 1577 Yankee Flats Road Salmon Arm, BC V1E 3J4 Phone: (250) 832-8463 www.ovinowinery.com Painted Rock Estate Winery 400 Smythe Drive, Penticton, BC V2A 8W6 phone: (250) 493-6809 www.paintedrock.ca Situated on a spectacular bench overlooking Skaha Lake, Painted Rock is creating ultra-premium Okanagan wines. Join us in the tasting room May 1-Oct 15; 11am5pm. See ad on page 18/19.

Peller Estates 1125 Richter Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 2K6 Phone: (250) 762-9144 www.peller.com

Wines of British Columbia (BC VQA) www.winebc.com

Perseus Winery & Vineyards 134 Lower Bench Road Penticton, BC, V2A 1A8 Phone: (250) 490-8829 www.perseuswinery.com Poplar Grove Winery 1060 Poplar Grove Rd., Penticton, BC V2A 8T6 Phone: (250) 493-9463 www.poplargrove.ca Quails’ Gate Estate Winery 3303 Boucherie Road, Kelowna, BC V1Z 2H3 Phone: (250) 769-4451 www.quailsgate.com

Osoyoos Larose Estate Winery (Not open to the public) PO Box 1650, Highway 97, Oliver, BC VOH 1T0 Phone: (250) 498-4981 www.osoyooslarose.com

Parallel 49 Vineyards Hwy 97 and Road 8, Oliver BC V0H 1T0

Pentage Wines 4400 Lakeside Road, Penticton, BC V2A 8W3 Phone: (250) 493-4008 www.pentage.com

Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery 34664 71st Street Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 498-4756 www.quintaferreira.com Located in the heart of Oliver, our 20 acres of vineyard and winery are located on the popular Black Sage Bench with a breathtaking view of the landscape and community. Join our community by following us: www.twitter.com/QuintaFerreira and www.facebook.com/ QuintaFerreira Raven Ridge Cidery 3002 Dunster Road, Kelowna, BC V1W 4H4 Phone: (250) 763-1091 www.ravenridgecidery.com Recline Ridge Vineyards & Winery 2640 Skimikin Road, Tappen, BC V0E 2X0 Phone: (250) 835-2212 www.recline-ridge.bc.ca Red Rooster Winery 891 Naramata Road, Penticton, BC V2A 8T5 Phone: (250) 492-2424 www.redroosterwinery.com

Okanagan Wine Festival Society member

British Columbia Wine Tour Handbook

25

Road 13 Winery 13140-316 A Avenue, Road 13, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 498-8330 www.road13vineyards.com Road 13’s Philosophy: Our motto, “it’s all about the dirt” reflects our belief that great wines start in the vineyard. Our wines express the special character of the South Okanagan’s renowned Golden Mile Bench. See ad on page 16/17.

Robin Ridge Winery 2686 Middle Bench Road, Keremeos, BC V0X 1N2 Phone: (250) 499-5504 www.robinridgewinery.com Rollingdale Winery 2306 Hayman Rd Kelowna, BC V1Z 1Z5 Phone: (250) 769-9224 www.rollingdale.ca Ruby Blues Winery 917 Narmata Rd., Penticton, BC V2A 8V1 Phone: (250) 276-5311 www.rubytuesdaywinery.com Rustic Roots 2238 Hwy 3, Cawston, BC V0X 1C2 Phone: (250) 499-2754 www.rusticrootswinery.com Rustico Farm & Cellars Hwy. 97 to Rd.16 to 123rd St. and left to the covered wagon.

Phone (250) 498-3276 www.rusticowinery.com Swirl and savor our boutique winery portfolio from old-fashioned tumblers while sharing the ambience of an antique-filled olden-days’ tasting saloon. Bring along your country picnic to the chuckwagon where we’ll provide dishes and cutlery, then stroll through and enjoy our on-site community art gallery. See ad on page 23.

St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery 5225 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, BC V1W 4J1 Phone: (250) 764-7888 www.st-hubertus.bc.ca St. Laszlo Vineyards 2605 Hwy. 3, Keremos, BC V0X 1N0 Phone: (250) 499-2856 Sandhill Wines 1125 Richter Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 2K6 Phone: (250) 762-9144 www.sandhillwines.ca See Ya Later Ranch 2575 Green Lake Road, Okanagan Falls , BC phone: (250) 497-8267 www.sylranch.com Located in a historic 100 year old stone house, surrounded by vineyards and overlooking

26

Okanagan Falls, dog-friendly See Ya Later Ranch offers award-winning wines year round.

See ad on page 12/13 & 18/19.

Seven Stones Winery 1143 Highway 3, Cawston, BC V0X 1C3 Phone: (250) 499-2144 www.sevenstones.ca Silk Scarf Winery 4917 Gartrell Road,Summerland BC Phone: (250) 494 7455 www.silkw.net Silver Sage Winery Road 9, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 498-0310 www.silversagewinery.com Skimmerhorn Winery 1218 - 27th Avenue South, Creston BC V0B 1G1 Phone: (250) 428-4911 www.skimmerhorn.ca Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery 6206 Canyon View Drive, Summerland, BC Phone: 250 494-0377 www.sleepinggiantfruitwinery.ca Sonoran Estate Winery 5716 Gartrell Road, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z6 Phone: (250) 494 9323 www.SonoranEstate.com

Summerhill Pyramid Winery 4870 Chute Lake Road, Kelowna, BC V1W 4M3 Phone: (250) 764-8000 www.summerhill.bc.ca Sunnybrae Vineyards & Winery 3849 Sunnybrae-Canoe Point Road, Tappen BC Phone: (250) 835-8393 Tangled Vines Estate Winery 2140 Sun Valley Way, Okanagan Falls , BC V0H 1R2 phone: (250) 497-6416 www.tangledvineswinery.com Tangled Vines is a boutique winery featuring white wines made by “three guys and a girl”. When life gets too tangled, unwind with our wines!. See ad on page 18/19.

Tantalus Vineyards 1670 Dehart Road, Kelowna, BC V1W 4N6 Phone: (250) 764-0078 www.tantalus.ca Therapy Vineyards 940 Debeck Road, Naramata, BC V0H 1N0 Phone: (250) 496-5217 www.therapyvineyards.com Thornhaven Estates 6816-Andrew Avenue Summerland, B.C. V0H 1Z7 Phone: (250) 494-7778 www.thornhaven .com

Sperling Vineyards 1405 Pioneer Road, Kelowna BC V1W 4M6 Phone: (250) 764-1767 www.sperlingvineyards.com SpierHead Winery 3950 Spiers Road, Kelowna BC Phone: (250) 763-7777 www.spierheadwinery.com Stag’s Hollow Winery & Vineyard 2237 Sun Valley Way, Okanagan Falls, BC V0H 1R2 www.stagshollowwinery.com info@stagshollowwinery.com Stag’s Hollow is an established family winery with a philosophy of quality, balance and sustainability. Taste familiar varietals like Merlot and Pinot Noir but also discover new ones like Tempranillo & Grenache. See ad on page 18/19.

Stoneboat Vineyards 7148 Orchard Grove Lane, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 498.2226 www.stoneboatvineyards.com Sumac Ridge Estate Winery 17403 Hwy 97 N Summerland BC V0H 1Z0 Phone: (250) 494-0451 www.sumacridge.com Open Daily for Wine Tastings, Winery Tours or a Founder’s Tasting in an intimate tutored environment.

Enjoy the wine! Enjoy the Food! at

Wines of British Columbia (BC VQA) www.winebc.com British Columbia Wine Tour Handbook

BC’s Premier Estate Winery.

See ad on page 12/13.

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Road No. 7, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 498-3743 Toll free: 1-888-484-6467 www.tinhorn.com On a hillside overlooking vineyards, sagebrush, and the old gold mining creek that is its namesake, Tinhorn Creek offers visitors an unrivalled experience with stunning views, a self-guided tour, and stunning wines from its estate vineyards.

Bench. See ad on page 16/17.

Township 7 Vineyards & Winery 1450 McMillan Avenue, Penticton BC V2A 8T4 Phone: (250) 770-1743 www.township7.com Turtle Mountain Vineyards 3111 Agnew Rd, Vernon, BC V1H 1A1 Phone: (250) 540-1011 The Vinegar Works 10216 Gould Avenue, Summerland, B.C. V0H 1Z8 Phone: (250) 494-7300 www.valentinefarm.com Van Westen Vineyards (by appointment only) RR#1 - 850 Boothe Road, Naramata, BC V0H 1N0

Okanagan Wine Festival Society member

Cowichan Valley G roup

of

W ineries

Come visit... stay a while and experience our unique niche of boutique wineries and cideries. We look forward to meeting you!

Rocky Creek Winery

22 Oaks Winery #1 - 6380 Lakes Road, Duncan phone: (250) 709-0787 www.22oakswinery.ca Averill Creek 6552 North Road, Duncan phone: (250) 709-9986 www.averillcreek.ca

Touring Notes _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________

Damali Lavender Farm, Winery and B&B 3500 Telegraph Road, Cobble Hill Phone: (250) 743-4100 www.damali.ca

_______________________________________________

Enrico Winery 3280 Telegraph Road, Mill Bay phone: (250) 733-2356 www.enricowinery.com

_______________________________________________

Glenterra Vineyards & Thistles Cafe 3897 Cobble Hill Road, Cobble Hill phone: (250) 743-2330 www.glenterravineyards.com Merridale Ciderworks, bistro and orchard spa 1230 Merridale Road, Cobble Hill phone: (250) 743-4293 /1.800.998.9908 www.merridalecider.com Rocky Creek Winery 1854 Myhrest Road, Cowichan Bay phone: (250) 748-5622 www.rockycreekwinery.ca

_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________

_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ British Columbia Wine Tour Handbook

27

Phone: (250) 496-0067 www.vanwestenvineyards.com View Winery & Vineyard, The #1-2287 Ward Road Kelowna, BC V1W 4R5 Phone: (250) 860-0742 www.theviewwinery.com Volcanic Hills Estate Winery 2845 Boucherie Road, West Kelowna, V1Z 2G6 Phone: (778) 755-5550 www.volcanichillswinery.com Wild Goose Vineyards 2145 Sun Valley Way, Okanagan Falls, BC phone: (250) 497-8919 info@wildgoosewinery.com B.C.’s original Farmgate winery!!

Growing and producing premium British Columbia wines!

See ad on page 18/19.

Willow Hill Wines Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 498-6198 www.willowhillwines.com Working Horse Winery 5266 Coldham Road, Peachland, BC V0H 1X2 Phone: (250) 448-5007 www.workinghorsewinery.com Young & Wyse Cellection 9503 12th Avenue , Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V1 Phone: (250) 495-3245 www.youngandwysewine.com The Coastal region 22 Oaks Winery #1 - 6380 Lakes Road Duncan, BC V9L 5V6 Phone: (250) 709-0787 www.22oakswinery.ca Come taste our wines in our beautiful tasting room overlooking the lake and mountains..... Enjoy a bottle in our gorgeous picnic area with friends. See ad on page 27.

Alderlea Vineyards 1751 Stamps Rd RR#1, Duncan, BC V9L 5W2 Phone: (250) 746-7122 www.alderleavineyards.com Averill Creek 6552 North Road, Duncan, BC V9L 6K9 Phone: (250) 709-9986 www.averillcreek.ca Join us on the slopes of Mount Prevost in our tasting room or on our patio overlooking spectacular views of the Cowichan Valley. Open 11am - 5pm, 7 days a week, Apr 16 - Oct 10. Call or check out our website for winter hours, maps, directions and more. Twitter @ AverillCreek. Wine on Island Time!

See ad on page 27.

Baillie-Grohman Estate Winery 1140 - 27th Avenue South Creston, BC V0B 1G1 Phone: (250) 428-8768 www.bailliegrohman.com

De Vine Vineyards 6181B Old West Saanich Road Saanichton, BC V8M 1W8 (250) 665-6983 www.devinevineyards.ca

Beaufort Vineyards & Estate Winery 5854 Pickering Road, Courtenay, BC V9J 1T4 Phone: (250) 338-1357 www.beaufortwines.ca

Deol Estate Winery 6645 Somenos Rd., Duncan BC V9L 5Z3 Phone: (250) 746-3967 www.deolestatewinery.com

Blue Grouse Estate Winery Vineyards & Winery 4365 Blue Grouse Road, Duncan, BC V9L 6M3 Phone: (250) 743-3834 www.bluegrousevineyards.com

Divino Estate Winery 1500 Freeman Rd., Duncan, BC V0R 1L3 Phone: (250) 743-2311 www.divinowine.ca

Blue Moon Estate Winery 4905 Darcy Road Courtenay, BC V9J 1R5 Phone: (250) 338-9765 www.bluemoonwinery.ca Carbrea Vineyard & Winery 1885 Central Road, Hornby Island, BC V0R 1Z0 Phone: (250) 335-3120 www.carbreavineyard.com Chase & Warren Estate Winery 6253 Drinkwater Road, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 8W6 Phone: (250) 723-WINE www.chaseandwarren.ca Cherry Point Vineyards 840 Cherry Point Rd., RR3, Cobble Hill, BC V0R 1L3 Phone: (250) 743-1272 www.cherrypointvineyards.com Church & State Wines 1445 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1J5 Phone: (250) 652-2671 www.churchandstatewines.com Coastal Black Estate Winery 2186 Endall Road, Black Creek, BC V9J 1G8 Phone: (250) 337-8325 www.coastalblack.ca Coastal Black wines are handcrafted on site with our own berries and honey. Our hope is to excite your palate, and revive your body and spirit with our wines that are full of flavour and complexities.

See ad on page 8/9.

Damali Lavender Farm, Winery and B&B 3500 Telegraph Road Cobble Hill, BC V0R 1L4 Phone: (250) 743-4100 www.damali.ca Indulge Your Senses. Wander in the lavender fields, sample our wines including some specialties flavoured with lavender. Enjoy a glass in the picnic area overlooking the farm.

See ad on page 27.

Wines of British Columbia (BC VQA) www.winebc.com

28

British Columbia Wine Tour Handbook

Dragonfly Hill Vineyard Winery 6130 Old West Saanich Road, Victoria, BC V9E 2G8 Phone: (250) 652-3782 www.dragonflyhillvineyard.com Enrico Winery 3280 Telegraph Road Mill Bay, BC V0R 2P3 phone: (250) 733-2356 www.enricowinery.com Home to award winning wines and friendly people! Join us in our Cantina for a wine tasting and stroll through our picturesque vineyards of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Ortega, Cabernet Foch, and Cabernet Libra.

Relax and sip wine in our picnic area by the trout pond. We would love to meet you and show you around.

Our mission is to please you with premium quality wines.

See ad on page 27.

Garry Oaks Vineyard 1880 Fulford Ganges Rd., Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2A5 Phone: (250) 653-4687 www.garryoakswine.com Glenterra Vineyards & Thistles Cafe 3897 Cobble Hill Rd, Cobble Hill, BC V0R 1L5 phone: (250) 743-2330 www.glenterravineyards.com Estate Grown, Sustainably farmed, small lot wines. Sit indoors or on the patio and enjoy seasonally inspired cuisine at Thistles Cafe in the vineyard.

See ad on page 27.

Godfrey-Brownell Vineyards 4911 Marshall Rd., Duncan, BC V9L 6T3 Phone: (250) 715-0504 www.gbvineyards.com Honeymoon Bay Blackberry Winery 9940 Southshore Road, Honeymoon Bay, BC V0R 1Y0 Phone: (250) 704-6111 www.honeymoonbaywinery.com Malahat Estate Winery 1197 Aspen Road, Malahat, BC V0R 2L0 Phone: (250) 474-5129

Okanagan Wine Festival Society member

One hundred and fifty years ago the Hudson’sBayCompanybeganconstruction of Fort Berens on a sage-brush covered bench on the east side of the Fraser River, at Lillooet, British Columbia. This trading fort was to serve the thousands of prospectors who flocked to the region in search of gold. This historic site is now home to Fort Berens Estate Winery, Lillooet’s first winery and vineyard.

In the spring of 2009, we planted 20 acres with six varietals: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. This fall, we expect our vineyard to hang ripe with grapes for the first time. Until we harvest our first crop of grapes, we source premium grapes from the Okanagan. Our wines are hand crafted: elegant, well balanced and with lots of fruit. Offered at a fair price, our wines are accessible for a broad audience and allow for outstanding food paring.

Fort Berens Estate Winery Ltd. 1881 Highway 99 North PO Box 758 Lillooet, British Columbia V0K 1V0 Canada phone: 250 256 7788 fax: 250 256 7780 toll free: 1-877-956-7768 email: info@fortberens.ca twitter: @FortBerens

Touring Notes Wine #1 :: _ ______________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Wine #2 :: _ ______________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Unique Feature of the Winery :: _____________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Notes :: _________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ British Columbia Wine Tour Handbook

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Marley Farm Winery 1831 Mt. Newton X Road, Saanichton, BC V8M 1L1 Phone: (250) 652-8667 www.marleyfarm.ca

Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse 2487 Mt. St Michael Road, Victoria, BC V8M 1T7 Phone: (250) 544-4824 www.seacider.ca

Merridale Ciderworks, bistro and orchard spa 1230 Merridale Road, Cobble Hill, BC V0R 1L0 phone: (250) 743-4293 Toll Free: 1-800-998-9908 www.merridalecider.com Sample authentic ciders and fruit brandies, browse the farmhouse store, relax in the orchard spa, and enjoy fresh local fare at the bistro. A unique, family-friendly destination in the Cowichan valley!

See ad on page 27.

Silverside Farm & Winery 3810 Cobble Hill Road Cobble Hill, BC Phone: (250) 743-9149 www.silversidefarm.com

Middle Mountain Mead Winery 3505 Euston Road, Hornby Island, BC V0R 1Z0 Phone: (250) 335-1397 www.middlemountainmead.com Mistaken Identity Vineyards 164 Norton Road, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2P5 Phone: (250) 538-WINE (9463) www.mistakenidentityvineyards.com MooBerry Winery 403 Lowry’s Road Parksville, BC V9P 2B5 Phone: (250) 954-3931 www.mooberrywinery.com Morning Bay Vineyard & Estate Winery 6621 Harbour Hill Drive, Pender Island, BC V0N 2M1 Phone: (250) 629-8351 www.morningbay.ca Morningstar Creek Winery 403 Lowry’s Road, Parksville, BC V9P 2B5 Phone: (250) 954-3931 Muse Winery 11195 Chalet Road, N. Saanich, BC Canada V8L 5M1 Phone: (250) 656-2552 www.musewinery.ca Rocky Creek Winery 1854 Myhrest Road, Cowichan Bay, BC V0R 1N1 phone: (250) 748-5622 www.rockycreekwinery.ca Sustainable. 100% Vancouver Island Grapes. Estate-grown boutique winery and outdoor patio to enjoy the wines after meeting the owners.

Try our WOW factor. Cheers!

See ad on page 27.

Salt Spring Vineyards 151 Lee Road, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2A5 Phone: 250-653-9463 www.saltspringvineyards.com Saturna Island Winery 8 Quarry Road, Saturna Island, BC V0N 2Y0 Phone: 250-539-5139 www.saturnavineyards.com

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Kermode Wild Berry Wines 8457 River Road South, Dewdney, BC V0M-1H0 Phone: (604) 814-3222 www.kermodewildberry.com Lotusland Wines 28450 King Rd., Abbotsford, BC V4X 1B1 Phone: (604) 857-4188 www.lotuslandvineyards.com

SouthEnd Farm & Vineyards 319 Sutil Road Quadra Island, BC V0P 1N0 Phone: (250) 285-2257 www.southend.ca

Lulu Island Winery 16880 Westminster Hwy, Richmond BC V6V 1A8 Phone : (604) 232-9839 www.luluislandwinery.com

Starling Lane Winery 5271Old West Saanich Rd., Victoria, BC V9E 2A9 Phone: (250) 881-7422 www.starlinglanewinery.com

Neck of the Woods Winery 3033 232nd St, Langley, BC Phone: (604) 539-9463 www.neckofthewoods.ca

Venturi-Schulze Vineyards 4235 Vineyard Road, Cobble Hill, BC V0R 1L5 Phone: (250) 743-5630 www.venturischulze.com

Pacific Breeze Winery 6-320 Stewardson Way, New Westminster, BC V3M 6C3 Phone: (604) 522-2228 www.pacificbreezewinery.com

Zanatta Winery & Vineyards 5039 Marshall Rd., Duncan, BC V9L 6S3 Phone: (250) 748-2338 www.zanatta.ca

Paradise Ranch (not open to the public) Phone: (604) 683-6040 www.icewines.com

The fraser valley Blackwood Lane Vineyards 25180 8th Ave., Langley, BC V4W 2G8 Phone: (604) 856-5787 www.blackwoodlanewinery.com

Domaine de Chaberton Estate 1064 - 216th Street, Langley, BC V2Z 1R3 Phone: (604) 530-1736 www.domainedechaberton.com Fort Berens Estate Winery Ltd. 1881 Highway 99 North Lillooet, BC V0K 1V0 Phone: (250) 256 7788 Toll Free 1-877-956-7768 www.fortberens.ca Fort Berens Estate Winery is Lillooet’s first winery and vineyard.

Our award winning wines are hand crafted: elegant, well balanced and with lots of fruit.

See ad on page 29.

Fort Wine Company 26151-84th Ave., Langley, BC V1M 3M6 Phone: (604) 857-1101 www.thefortwineco.com Isabella Winery 11491 River Rd., Richmond, BC V6X 1Z6

Rivers Bend Winery 15660 Colebrook Rd., Surrey, BC V3S 0L2 Phone: (604) 574-6106 www.riversbendwinery.com St. Urban Winery 47189 Bailey Road, Chilliwack, BC V2R 4S8 Phone: (604) 824-6233

Blue Heron Fruit Winery 18539 Dewdney Trunk Rd., Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2R9 Phone: (604) 465-5563 www.blueheronwinery.ca

Wines of British Columbia (BC VQA) www.winebc.com British Columbia Wine Tour Handbook

Phone: (604) 288-0608 www.isabellawinery.com

Sanduz Estate Winery 12791 Blundell Road, Richmond, BC V6W 1B4 Phone: (604) 214-0444 www.sanduzwines.com Township 7 Vineyards and Winery 21152-16th Avenue, Langley, BC V2Z 1K3 Phone (604) 532-1766 www.township7.com Vista D’oro Winery 20856 4th Avenue, Langley, BC V2Z 1T6 Phone: (604) 514-3539 www.vistadoro.com Wellbrook Winery 4626-88th Street, Delta, BC V4K 3N3 Phone: (604) 946-1868 www.wellbrookwinery.com Westham Island Estate Winery 2170 Westham Island Rd., Delta, BC V4K 3N2 Phone: (604) 940-9755 www.westhamislandwinery.com

Okanagan Wine Festival Society member

Four Spectacular Seasons, Four Fun Festivals

The Okanagan Wine

Festivals The Okanagan Wine

Festivals

Start Planning Your Visit to Okanagan Wine Country

For more information on our four Okanagan Wine Festivals, contact www.thewinefestivals.com or email info@thewinefestivals.com or call 250-861-6654.

!

Passport

To enter this contest your Passport must be validated by eight or more participating wineries.

Rules 1. After your Passport is validated by eight (8) or more participating wineries, simply complete and detach this card with your name, address and phone number, and drop off at participating wineries or mail to the address listed below.

2. Entrants must be 19 years of age or older.

3. Early bird draws are on August 1 and September 1 for Two (2) free tickets to the Friday Night Grand Finale Consumer Tasting in Penticton.

4. The final draw takes place on Oct 31, 2011 and the Grand Prize includes one (1) night package for two (2) to the 2012 Spring Wine Festival. Package will include two (2) airfares, one (1) night accommodation and event tickets.

Participating Wineries 8th Generation Aces Winery Arrowleaf Cellars Beaumont Family Estate Black Hills Estate Winery Blasted Church Vineyards Blue Mountain Bonitas Winery Burrowing Owl Vineyards Calona Vineyards Camelot Vineyards Cassini Cellars Castoro de Oro Estate Winery CedarCreek Estate Winery Cerelia Vineyards Church & State Wines Crowsnest Vineyards D'Angelo Estate Winery Desert Hills Estate Winery Dirty Laundry Vineyards Dunham & Froese Edge of the Earth Vineyards Elephant Isl. Orchard Wines Ex Nihilo Vineyards Fairview Cellars

Forbidden Fruit Fort Berens Estate Winery Ganton & Larsen Prospect Gehringer Bros. Estate Gray Monk Estate Winery Hester Creek Estate Winery Hidden Chapel Winery Hillside Estate Winery Hollywood & Wine House of Rose Howling Bluff Inniskillin Okanagan Intrigue Wines Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Kalala Winery Kettle Valley Winery Ltd. Kraze Legz Vineyard La Frenz Winery La Stella Winery Le Vieux Pin Winery Lake Breeze Vineyards Larch Hills Winery Laughing Stock Vineyards Little Straw Vineyards Lulu Island Winery Meadow Vista Honey Wines

Meyer Family Vineyards Misconduct Wines Mission Hill Family Estate Moon Curser Vineyards Mt Boucherie Estate Winery Nk’Mip Cellars Noble Ridge Estate Winery Okanagan Villa Estate Oliver Twist Orofino Vineyards Osoyoos Larose Ovino Winery Painted Rock Estate Winery Peller Estates Pentâge Wines Perseus Winery & Vineyards Poplar Grove Quails’ Gate Estate Winery Quinta Ferreira Recline Ridge Winery Red Rooster Winery Road 13 Winery Robin Ridge Winery Rollingdale Winery Ruby Blues Winery Rustic Roots

Sandhill See Ya Later Ranch Seven Stones Silk Scarf Silver Sage Winery Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery Sonoran Estate Winery Sperling Vineyards Spier Head Winery St. Hubertus Estate Winery Stag’s Hollow Winery Stoneboat Vineyards Sumac Ridge Estate Winery Summerhill Pyramid Winery Tangled Vines Tantalus Vineyards The View Winery Therapy Vineyards Thornhaven Estates Winery Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Township 7 Volcanic Hills Wild Goose Vineyards Young & Wyse WInery

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Name_ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________________________________________________ City/Prov __________________________________________________ Country/Postal_ ______________________ Phone ____________________________Email_ __________________________________________________

Festivals

1527 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 2A7 Phone: (250) 861-6654 Fax: (250) 861-3942 Email: info@thewinefestivals.com Website: www.thewinefestivals.com

❑ PLEASE ADD ME TO YOUR MAILING LIST PRIVACY STATEMENT The Okanagan Wine Festivals Society uses all information provided herein in accordance with its Privacy Policy. To view the policy please visit www.TheWineFestivals.com or contact us for a printed copy.

Offer not valid where prohibited by law.

!

The Okanagan Wine

The Okanagan Wine

Festivals Start Planning Your Visit to Okanagan Wine Country The Spring Okanagan Wine Festival Savour spring and fine wine in the warm

Okanagan sunshine. Described as­“one of Canada’s best small festivals”, the Spring Festival is a perfect marriage of wine and culinary tourism.

2011: April 29 - May 8 2012: May 4 - 13 2013: May 3 - 12 The Summer OkanaganWine Festival Expanding in 2011 from the intimate weekend

at Silver Star Mountain Resort to a valley wide festival for guests to come and treat yourselvestowineeducation,arts,music,gourmetmeals,winetastingandoutdoor recreation. 2011: July 8 - 16 2012: July 7 - 15 2013: July 6 - 14 The Fall Okanagan Wine Festival This is the only wine festival in North America that

takesplaceduringtheheartofgrapeharvest. Enjoyover165eventsthroughoutthe valley including vineyard tours, lunches, dinners, events and the fall wine harvest.

2011: September 30 - October 9 2012: September 28 - October 7 2013: October 4 - 14 The Winter Okanagan Festival The most unique of all the festivals, the Winter

FestivalofWineisheldatSunPeaksResort. Enjoywinemastersdinners,educational seminars and a unique progressive tasting of acclaimed wines and world famous Okanagan Icewines.

2011: January 19 - 23 2012: January 18 - 22 2013: January 16 - 20

Purchase Your Tickets Today! For more information on our four annual Okanagan Wine Festivals, contact www.thewinefestivals.com or email info@thewinefestivals.com

or call 250-861-6654.

download our free app on iTunes

www.thewinefestivals.com or access our site from your mobile www.owfs.mobi

The Okanagan Wine

Festivals

1527 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 2A7 Phone: (250) 861-6654 • Fax: (250) 861-3942 Email: info@thewinefestivals.com Website: www.thewinefestivals.com

Festival Files

Keeping up with the Consumer Tastings

by Julianna Hayes

British Columbia is home to a variety of wine festivals hosted by various associations, consordiums, wineries, restaurants and accommodators alike – from casual brunch food and wine pairings, celebrity beach parties, to fine dining and large consumer tasting events. Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter are all open season for celebrating and showcasing one of BC’s most intriguing and fastest growing industries.

To help you get the most out of your wine festival experience and avoid that dreaded hangover, have an open mind and a game plan. Here are some things you should know before you go: • Scope out the room at consumer tastings before lining up for your first wine. Make note of the producers and/or wines you really want to try and head to those spots first while your palate is still fresh • Take notes, but keep them simple. You won’t be able to keep all the wines straight in your head, so it helps to have written reminder of what you liked and what you didn’t.

• Keep yourself hydrated and your palate refreshed with lots of water.

• Don’t feel the need to drain your glass of every drop. Even though the samples look small, the alcohol will accumulate in your system rapidly.

A couple sips will be enough to judge the wine - dump out the rest.

• Don’t wear white – red wine will splash (especially when you wear white).

• Carry a shoulder bag or knapsack to stash magazines, tasting notes, free samples etc. Avoid clutches, as you’ll want to keep your hands free.

• Wear comfortable shoes – low or no heels and closed toes are preferable even indoors. You’ll be surprised how much walking you do and how heels can trip you up after “a couple.”

• Dress in layers. Crowded rooms heat up fast, especially where alcohol is served.

• And last but not least, arrange for a safe ride home ahead of time. Use the hotel shuttle service or some events include free cab rides home. Check for safe ride home options on event organizers’ websites or by calling them direct.

• Don’t wear cologne, perfume, scented hair products or deodorants. These fragrances will interfere with your sense of smell and those around you.

Festivals Directory

Okanagan Wine Festivals Society 1527 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 2A7 Phone: (250) 861-6654 www.TheWineFestivals.com mobile phone at www.owfs.mobi www.twitter.com/OKWineFests www.facebook.com/OKWFS The Okanagan Wine Festivals continue to be one of the top attractions in North America. We offer four annual/ seasonal wine festivals, each having their own reason for being an enjoyable time for all those attending. For information on our award winning wines visit us at: www.OkanaganWineAwards.com.

PAGE 35 PHOTO CREDIT

Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival info@osoyooscelebritywinefestival.com www.osoyooscelebritywinefestival.com The 3rd Annual Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival runs from June 9 to 12, 2011. Rub shoulders with A-listers from Film & Television along with regional Chefs and Winemakers while enjoying the Okanagan’s best cuisine, wine and entertainment. Check out our website or contact us for more information on future festival dates.

©iStockphoto.com/webphotographeer British Columbia Wine Tour Handbook

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British Columbia Wine Tour Handbook

Day Tripping

Way To Go

by Julianna Hayes

Imagine, if you will, visiting a winery by helicopter; pedalling and tasting your way by bike; organizing a thoughtful excursion with the sturdy maps in this guide; or following the roadside wine route signs willy-nilly in an aimless exploration of British Columbia’s wineries.

Whatever your style - or your budget- daytripping through the Okanagan, Fraser Valley and Gulf Island wine regions has never been easier. You’ll have an unparalleled opportunity to experience the fine wines of B.C., while taking in its extraordinary landscape.

In recent years, trips of this nature have been made simple with a determined approach by producers to help you find your way to their doorsteps. They’ve linked elbows with their neighbours to present themselves as packaged destinations - creating ready-made daytrips such as Okanagan Falls’ Corkscrew Drive, Oliver’s Golden Mile Bench, and Kelowna’s Wine Trails that help you plan fun daytrips.

In addition, on major highways and roadways you’ll find Wine Route signs that will guide you to your destinations. Just remember to have a responsible driver, given B.C.’s strict drinking and driving laws.

Another option is to use the services of a tour company that will provide you with a ground tour or even a bird’s eye view of this incredible landscape and ease all the risk.

But before you put rubber to the road or eye in the sky, let’s cover a little history. B.C. wine country is considered one of the new kids on the winery block, yet there is a tradition that dates back 140 years. Father Charles Pandosy is credited with setting up the first vineyards at the Obelate Mission near Kelowna back in the 1860s. The purpose was to make sacramental wines for his parish.

It wasn’t until 1926 when the first commercial vineyards were planted and a winery began offering products for sale to the general public. It was not a stellar beginning. B.C.’s early foray into the industry was synonymous with sweet jug wines bearing laughable names like Fuddle Duck and Hot Goose.

The turning point for the B.C. industry came in the latter part of the 20th century. Prior to the 1990s, the British Columbian wine industry was well protected. Producers relied on the domestic market for 99 per cent of their sales. But when free trade was announced, winery operators were faced with the options of radical change or being replaced by imports. They stepped up to the plate.

The vineyards were once planted mostly in French hybrid varieties, which were hardy but tended to produce wines of little dimension. In order to compete with the anticipated flood of imports, local vintners gambled with Mother Nature and began replacing these less desirable vines with traditional noble vinifera grapes.

PAGE 37 PHOTO CREDIT

Enrico Winery

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Prior to the introduction of Free Trade there were just 14 wineries operating in the province with approximately 3,400 acres of mostly hybrid grapes. Growers pulled out about 2/3 of the vines, leaving barely 1,000 acres in the ground.

That move, while drastic, was the catalyst for remarkable growth. There are now more than 130 wineries producing grape and fruit wines, ciders and other wine-type products in the province. And vineyards have multipled to about 6,000 acres. The most commonly planted variety today is Merlot, followed by Chardonnay.

Ok, let’s hit the road. Plan your wine country excursions using the detailed maps included in this section.

Tour Operator Directory Grape Escapes Wine Tours 597 White Avenue, East Penticton, B.C. V2A 1Y8 Toll Free 1-877-362-3382 email: wine@GrapeEscapes.ca web: www.GrapeEscapes.ca Twitter: @GrapeEscapes_ca Grape Escapes is the premier wine tour company of choice in the South Okanagan. We treat every client like you are our only client, and this impeccable personal relationship, service, and experience is what stands us apart from the rest. Select from one of our six unique viticultural zones, combinations, or create a custom designed excursion of your favourite wineries. We are passionate about helping consumers discover our fabulous Okanagan wines, feel confident about buying wine, ordering wine in a restaurant or just talking about wine and having fun! We’re driving you to drink… legally… and loving it!

PAGE 38 PHOTO CREDITS (L to R)

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MJO TOurs 206-3317 30th Avenue, Vernon, BC V1T 2C9 Phone: (250) 545-3016 Toll Free: 1-877-726-6548 info@mjotours.com www.mjotours.com Our mission is to ensure your experience is second to none with solid local knowledge, exclusive “behind the scenes” wine experiences – MJO provides you with a great touring adventure.

Wine Country Helicopter Adventures Nkmip/spirit Ridge resort in Osoyoos, BC Phone us -250-498-9441 Toll free - 1-855-403-HELI(4354) www.winecountryheli.com winecountryheli@telus.net Come see the beautiful Okanagan Valley from a perspective few get to experience. Enjoy our helicopter winery adventures, sightseeing tours or choose from several other heli-adventures we offer. We have something for everyone to enjoy.

Quails’ Gate Estate Winery/Brian Sprout :: Tammy Tomiye Tourism BC/Andrea Johnson :: See Ya Later Ranch

The Okanagan Valley Once known as the mecca for “peaches and beaches, the Okanagan Valley is increasingly being recognized as a destination for the wine tourist. It is the largest of the five recognized British Columbia appellations and several daytrips are necessary to take it all in. The main corridor is Highway 97 connecting the north to south and a wine route signage program initiated in the 1990s alerts travelers to the turnoffs for local wineries. Just watch for the grape logo.

The Okanagan is an ecological wonder. It stretches more than 100 kilometres and is fairly arid, receiving less than 30 mm of precipitation annually. One of the predominate features is Okanagan Lake, which fills most of the valley floor and offers welcome respite from the blistering summer heat.

The expanse of shimmering blue water and abundant beaches along the lake has helped to transform the valley into Canada’s summer playground. An additional attraction is the vast array of wildlife species, including grizzly bears, big horn sheep, cougars, burrowing owls and even rattlesnakes. The Okanagan is also home to Canada’s only desert, an extension of the Sonoran, which stretches up from Mexico.

This divergent terrain has created unique microclimates and soil types in the various pockets of the valley. For that reason, you will find a profound diversity in the varieties of grapes and styles of wines produced here.

North Okanagan Your tour will take you through Vernon, the oldest and second largest city in the valley. A little further north is the quaint farming community of Armstrong, known as the cheese capital of Canada.

And just outside Salmon Arm you’ll find the Shuswap Lake region, an area that offers more than 1,000 km of gorgeous shoreline..

North Okanagan Salmon Arm / Armstrong Vernon / Lake Country

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Central Okanagan Kelowna / West Kelowna

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Central Okanagan As far as destinations go, the Central Okanagan has it all. With Kelowna, the valley’s largest city at its heart, the area offers the scenic wonders of the great outdoors with the convenience of an urban setting. It is here you will find miles of sandy beaches hugging the shores of Okanagan Lake and North America’s longest floating bridge spanning one mile of waterway at the lake’s narrowest point. The region is home to a dozen wineries, ranging in size from cottage-style to what would be considered as large commercial. They are all conveniently located in pockets in and around the City, in Lake Country and the Lakeview Heights area on the Westside of the lake. This home to Kelowna’s Storied Wine Trails.

Peachland / Summerland The names of these two charming lakeside communities should give you some clue as to what awaits in Peachland and Summerland. Both are picturesque, peaceful retreats bathed yearly in ample sunshine and located right along Highway 97 between Kelowna and Penticton.

Peachland offers clean pebble beaches and hiking trails. Summerland is home to the Kettle Valley Railway, ornamental gardens, a salmon hatchery and, of course, the Bottleneck Drive.

Penticton / Naramata Penticton is a lovely city sandwiched between two lakes - Okanagan Lake and Skaha - and just a short drive away from Apex Mountain ski resort. There’s a terrific river channel in the heart of the city that draws thousands of tubers each year. Tucked away on the other side of Penticton is the captivating benchland known as Naramata. The main road winds its way along the southeastern tip of Okanagan Lake past farm properties that give the area an old English countryside appeal. Perhaps it’s this charm that has resulted in a high concentration of wineries. Whatever it is, Naramata is Nirvana for the daytripper and if you don’t mind the occasional hill climb, this is the ideal spot for a bike tour.

South Okanagan Peachland / Summerland Penticton / Naramata

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South Okanagan Okanagan Falls / Similkameen Valley

Okanagan Falls As you head further south, you’ll begin to notice the landscape become more arid and desert like.

This really becomes apparent when you reach the Okanagan Falls area, which has a decidedly old west flavour. A word of warning, there are no falls in Okanagan Falls. They disappeared when a series of dams were constructed back in the 1950s. However, if you’re a wildlife buff keep an eye out for big horn sheep, they are frequently visible from the Highway. Among the landmarks you’ll notice between here and Oliver is McIntyre Bluff, vertical cliffs which rise 250 meters on the edge of Vaseaux Lake. Check out the Corkscrew Drive for your wine experience.

Similkameen Valley This picturesque appellation lies to the west of the southern portion of the Okanagan Valley – look for the turn off to the Crowsnest Highway (Highway 3) between Penticton and Okanagan Falls. This region has a decidedly rural feel with ranches and fruit farms dotting the landscape. It includes the communities of Keremeos and Cawston where many of the wineries are concentrated. Keremeos is known as the “Fruit Stand Capital of the World,” and indeed in the summer and fall months there are smatterings of stands selling fresh local produce and assorted fruit products. Cawston is a bustling agricultural center of approximately 900 people. The town boasts two fruit packing plants, one for organic produce - a fast-growing segment of the area’s economy.

WINETOURS Driving you to drink... legally... and loving it!

photography courtesy of Tourism BC/Don Weixl

1-877-362-3382

597 White Avenue, East, Penticton, B.C. V2A 1Y8

email: wine@GrapeEscapes.ca

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web:

www.GrapeEscapes.ca

Twitter:

@GrapeEscapes_ca

Oliver / Osoyoos This region is home to Canada’s only desert. Indeed, the area frequently records the highest daily temperature during the summer months. Here the landscape is dotted with sagebrush and cacti, yet the soil is rich enough to sustain thriving vineyards when irrigated. Recently, the town proper declared itself the “Wine Capital of Canada” and it comes by that name honestly. The region features two preferred growing areas - Golden Mile and the Black Sage Bench. Osoyoos features a beautiful lake and is the last town before the U.S. Border.

PAGE 43 PHOTO CREDITS (L to R)

Nk’Mip Cellars :: Vincor International Vancouver Island, Caroline West :: Jackson Triggs, Tammy Tomiye

South Okanagan Oliver / Osoyoos

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Fraser Valley Stretching along the winding and scenic Fraser River from Hope to south and east of Vancouver is the Fraser Valley where a growing collection of wineries are setting roots thanks to a unique microclimate that blesses the area otherwise known for its rainfall. The region is deeply agricultural with green rolling farmland that gives way to urban density. It’s also an ecological wonder bordered by the Coast Mountains and Cascade Mountains, the Fraser Canyon the US border and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Wineries can be found in various pockets including Langley, Abbotsford, Surrey, Richmond and Delta.

Fraser Valley :: Greater Vancouver

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Vancouver Island :: Gulf Islands

Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands In the world of wine, B.C.’s coastal waters are home to the temptation islands. There are more than two dozen producers of grape, fruit and cider-based wines which now make their home onVancouver Island and neighbouring isles, regions that not so long ago few people would envision as a viticultural hotbed. Some say coastal British Columbia is where the Okanagan was a decade ago and that there is the possibility of 50 or more wineries thriving on Vancouver and the Gulf Islands.

This is the ultimate tour for foodies as amid the vineyards there are dozens of roadside stands and farm-gate operations pedaling every thing from balsamic vinegar to spring lamb, Saskatoon berries to asparagus, fresh farm-baked bread and produce.

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What the region lacks in heat, it more than makes up for in charm and beauty. Vancouver and the Gulf Islands wineries typically are quaint, family-run cottage operations each with its own signature and style. Wineries on Vancouver Island can be found throughout the Cowichan Valley, Duncan, Nanaimo, Saanich Pennisula, Sooke and close to the capital city of Victoria. Wineries can be found on the following Gulf Islands: Pender, Saturna, Hornby, Salt Spring, Thetis, Quadra and Bowen.

Kootenays Even wine is being made in this area, known mostly for its skiing and forestry industry, a testament to the expansion of the wine industry in B.C., and the endless possibilities for the future.

Kootenays :: Trail

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British Columbia Wine Tour Handbook

DINING OUT Savour the Flavours of B.C.

by Julianna Hayes

B.C. wine country is blessed with an incredible selection of fine restaurants, thanks in no small part to the abundance of fresh local foods that literally grow on their doorsteps. Along with the grapes, there is a thriving orchard industry that brings seasonal fruit to the table.

Plus the Pacific Ocean and interior fresh water lakes provide trout, oysters, salmon, spot prawns and more, which can literally be plucked from the water and served on the same day.

In the finest independent eateries, on-staff sommeliers have the task of procuring wines, managing the cellar, and training the hospitality staff on wine service. These guys know their stuff and are able to make suggestions on wines that will best complement each food item on the menu. This pays off for both the restaurateur and the winery since the consumer usually has a wining and dining experience they won’t soon forget.

The same is true at winery restaurants. While the selection of wines will mostly be limited to their own products, the advantage here is two-fold. First all, the menu is typically built around the wines, showcasing them to their best advantage. Many of the dishes will infused with the same wine that has been recommended to pair with them – thereby creating the ideal match. Secondly, many winery restaurants have picturesque settings with unstoppable views at mountains, over lakes or rolling vineyards.

PAGE 47 PHOTO CREDIT

Tourism BC/Dannielle Hayes

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Restaurant Directory

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The Barking Parrot Bar 21 Lakeshore Dr. W Penticton, BC V2A 7M5 Phone: (250) 493-9753 www.barkingparrot.com The hottest place to be and be seen.

Featuring a large outdoor patio that runs along Okanagan Lake, where patrons can enjoy the sun and the passing foot traffic. With a dynamic menu and choice selections of featured wine, the lounge offers a modern, chic and inviting atmosphere for guests to wine, dine, and unwind. You can cozy up on the couches by the fireplace or enjoy the spacious lounge offering numerous TVs and a large 10 foot drop down screen projecting live sporting events.

Bogner’s of Penticton 302 Eckhardt Ave West Penticton BC 250.493.2711 www.Bogners.ca Fine European cuisine refashioned for the contemporary palate with the added touch of incorporating fresh home-grown produce as key ingredients. Summer patio barbeques $27.

PAGE 48 PHOTO CREDITS (L to R)

Vancouver, Coast and Mountains, Bob Young :: Food & Wine, Stock Vancouver Island, Caroline West :: Quails’ Gate Estate Winery

British Columbia Wine Tour Handbook

Bufflehead Pasta and Tapas Room 21 Lakeshore Dr. W Penticton, BC V2A 7M5 Phone: (250) 493-9768 www.thebufflehead.com The Bufflehead Pasta and Tapas Room, authentic Italian cuisine on

the shore of Okanagan Lake.

Relax beside the fire or out on the patio, either way the lake view free.

Grapevine Restaurant at Gray Monk Estate Winery 1055 Camp Road, Okanagan Centre Phone: (250) 766-3168 Toll Free: 1-800-663-4205 www.graymonk.com There are many ways to enjoy a wonderful wine experience at Gray Monk along with your tour. We now have our long-awaited for Grapevine Restaurant, where you can enjoy gourmet food prepared by the Grapevine culinary team and wines by the glass, or by the bottle, on our lovely deck overlooking the beautiful Lake Okanagan.

The Hooded Merganser Bar, Grill & Marina 21 Lakeshore Dr. W Penticton, BC V2A 7M5 Phone: (250) 487-4663 www.hoodedmerganser.ca The Hooded Merganser Bar & Grill is a chic and sophisticated waterfront restaurant & lounge that takes Penticton’s dining scene to the next level. It offers its guests insurmountable views of Okanagan Lake and a menu that offers a fusion of eclectic tastes and textures complemented by a diverse wine collection.

The Keg Steakhouse & Bar 1580 Water Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1J7 Phone: (250) 763-5435 www.kegsteakhouse.com Steak grilled to perfection or succulent prime rib paired with flavourful local wines makes for a winning dining experience unique to the Okanagan. The Keg offers casual dining with a contemporary flavour. It’s your best choice for a great night out.

La Bussola 1451 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC Phone: (250) 763-3110 www.labussolarestaurant.com

Lauretta and Franco have 34 years of dining experience and offer homemade Italian cuisine, an extensive Okanagan wine list and festive service in a warm atmosphere.

Mission Hill Family Estate Dinning Terrace 1730 Mission Hill Road, West Kelowna, BC V4T 2E4 Phone: (250) 768-6443 www.missionhillwinery.com Our culinary program led by Winery Chef Matthew Batey offers guests private events, culinary classes and an outdoor dining experience on our award-winning Terrace.

Pheasant & Quail Pub & Private Liquor Store 3110 Lakeshore Road Kelowna, B.C. V1W 3T1 Phone (250) 860-1066 www.pheasantandquail.com As one of British Columbia’s premier neighbourhood pubs and liquor store, the Pheasant & Quail has carved out a solid niche in the Kelowna hospitality marketplace by serving high quaility food and beverage products in a friendly casual pub atmosphere. Great food and service indeed.

Pheasant & Quail Private Liquor Store stocks a large selection of local VQA wines including a great assortment of imported wines to compliment a full wine service to our customers. Also provided in our “one stop service” are a variety of spirit products from many distillers around the world. r a n g e at Predator Ridge Resort 301 Village Centre Place, Vernon, BC V1H 1T2 Phone: (250) 542-3436 Toll Free: 1-888-578-6688 www.PredatorRidge.com For an early morning breakfast, relaxing lunch or an upscale yet unpretentious dinner, r a n g e ’ s expertly prepared fare and warm, welcoming service will exceed your expectations.

The Sonora Room Restaurant at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 100 Burrowing Owl Place (off Black Sage Road) Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Local: (250) 498-0620 Toll free: 1-877-498-0620 www.burrowingowlwine.ca Open February – December. Fine cuisine paired with award winning wines in a beautiful vineyard setting.

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attractions The Sky’s the Limit

by Julianna Hayes

Wine touring may have been your main draw to British Columbia, but you may feel the desire to step off the trail when you realize how much else it has to offer.

B.C. is brimming with attractions for adults who want a relaxing escape or families who are seeking a thrill. Consider a visit to a day spa, hot springs or botanical gardens. Take in a helicopter tour, a shopping trip or ride an old-fashioned steam train.

B.C. is an ecological wonder with a desert interpretative centre, old growth forests and marine-life migration points. It’s a golf and ski mecca, offers world-class fishing, snowmobiling, boating and RVing opportunities and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches anywhere.

The area is also teeming with a diversified arts and cultural community that continues to flourish and enrich the experience of visitors. There are ballet companies, theatre groups, galleries and museums.

You find symphonies, chamber orchestras, jazz clubs and French cultural centres. The streets are home to public art. The parks are filled with buskers and craftspeople.

And many wineries, which once offered only wine to those who appeared on their doorsteps, now have added cultural components to their venues. Several have constructed outdoor amphitheatres, which provide concert series or theatre productions during the summer months. Some have onsite art

PAGE 50 PHOTO CREDIT

Kettle Valley Steam Railway

WineCountryHelicopterAdventures Makeyoursouthokanaganvacationan experienceyou’llrememberforalifetime!

• Helicopter Winery adventures • Helicopter Silver mine adventure/BBQ picnic • Golf and Spa packages • Weddings/Honeymoons • Sightseeing Adventures • Customized Heli-Adventures and more

Located at Nkmip/spirit Ridge resort in Osoyoos, BC www.winecountryheli.com ph: 250-498-9441 tf: 1-855-403-HELI(4354) email: winecountryheli@telus.net 50

British Columbia Wine Tour Handbook

galleries featuring local artisans. Others offer cooking classes and educational wine seminars. Consider letting someone else do the driving for you to check out these venues by hiring a professional wine tour company.

There are thriving multicultural organizations, which embrace the province’s undeniable First Nations heritage or embrace the traditions of the region’s newcomers. There are countless festivals dedicated to music, theatre, art and wine, and ones that combine them all.

Whether it’s adventure you seek or a little rest and relaxation, B.C. wine country has it all.

Things-To-do Directory Amici’s Hair & Body Spa 595 Lawrence Ave Kelowna BC V1Y 6L8 Phone: (250) 762-3000 amicis1@shaw.ca www.amicishairandbodyspa.com Welcome to the Amicis Experience.

Coni and her team are committed in providing high quality salon services in an intimate and comfortable setting. All of our services are personalized for every individual, both male or female that come to our friendly salon!

Beyond Wrapture Day Spa Phone: 1-866-548-8899 www.beyondwrapture.com

Choose a delightful adventure in pampering at Beyond Wrapture Day Spa! We guarantee you will leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to welcome your world!

Locations: Summerland Waterfront Resort, Lake Okanagan Resort, Coast Capri Hotel, Big White Ski Resort CanaDream RV Rentals & Sales 2510 27th Street NE Calgary, AB T1Y 7G1 1.403.291.1000 1.800.461.7368 www.canadream.com CanaDream has a fleet of more

than 750 vehicles available for hire or rent from eight locations across Canada. CanaDream makes it easy for you to take a motorhome vacation anywhere in Canada and Alaska with a choice of rental vehicles for one to six people.

Whether you choose to rent a truck camper, a van conversion or a Class C motorhome, you can be sure that your CanaDream RV will enable you to experience Canada at your own pace.

Grape Escapes Wine Tours 597 White Avenue, East Penticton, B.C. V2A 1Y8 Toll Free 1-877-362-3382

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email: wine@GrapeEscapes.ca web: www.GrapeEscapes.ca Twitter: @GrapeEscapes_caGrape Escapes is the premier wine tour company of choice in the South Okanagan. We treat every client like you are our only client, and this impeccable personal relationship, service, and experience is what stands us apart from the rest. Select from one of our six unique viticultural zones, combinations, or create a custom designed excursion of your favourite wineries. We are passionate about helping consumers discover our fabulous Okanagan wines, feel confident about buying wine, ordering wine in a restaurant or just talking about wine and having fun! We’re driving you to drink… legally… and loving it!

Kettle Valley Steam Railway “The Okanagan’s Heritage Railway” 18404 Bathville Road Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0 Phone: (250) 494-8422 Toll Free: 1-877-494-8424 www.kettlevalleyrail.org A unique way to experience the scenic beauty of Wine Country! Ride May to October. The

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British Columbia Wine Tour Handbook

90 minute journey includes live music and a trip onto the Trout Creek Bridge circa 1913.

MJO TOurs 206-3317 30th Avenue Vernon, BC V1T 2C9 Phone: (250) 545-3016 Toll Free: 1-877-726-6548 info@mjotours.com www.mjotours.com Our mission is to ensure your experience is second to none with solid local knowledge, exclusive “behind the scenes” wine experiences – MJO provides you with a great touring adventure.

Okanagan Wine Festivals Society 1527 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 2A7 Phone: (250) 861-6654 www.TheWineFestivals.com mobile phone at www.owfs.mobi www.twitter.com/OKWineFests www.facebook.com/OKWFS The Okanagan Wine Festivals continue to be one of the top attractions in North America.

We offer four annual/seasonal wine festivals, each having their own reason for being an enjoyable time

for all those attending. For information on our award winning wines visit us at: www.OkanaganWineAwards.com.

Orchard Plaza Shopping Centre Cooper Road and Harvey Avenue Phone: (250) 763-7787 Located in the heart of Kelowna’s premier shopping area. This regional centre features a wide array of shopping and entertainment opportunities. Medical and dental, three financial institutions and five theatres.

Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival info@osoyooscelebritywinefestival.com www.osoyooscelebritywinefestival.com The 3rd Annual Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival runs from June 9 to 12, 2011. Rub shoulders with A-listers from Film & Television along with regional Chefs and Winemakers while enjoying the Okanagan’s best cuisine, wine and entertainment. Check out our website or contact us for more information on future festival dates.

Pheasant & Quail Private Liquor Store 3110 Lakeshore Road Kelowna, B.C. V1W 3T1 Phone (250) 860-1066 www.pheasantandquail.com Stocks a large selection of local VQA wines including a great assortment of imported wines to compliment a full wine service to our customers. Also provided in our “one stop service” are a variety of spirit products from many distillers around the world.

www.PredatorRidge.com Play two of the best Okanagan golf courses with immaculately groomed fairways. The new Ridge Course was just awarded Canada’s Best New Golf Course for 2010.

collector. Open Tuesday through Saturday or by appointment.

Wine Country Helicopter Adventures Nkmip/spirit Ridge resort in Osoyoos, BC Phone us -250-498-9441 Toll free - 1-855-403-HELI(4354) www.winecountryheli.com winecountryheli@telus.net Come see the beautiful Okanagan Valley from a perspective few get to experience. Enjoy our helicopter winery adventures, sightseeing tours or choose from several other heli-adventures we offer. We have something for everyone to enjoy.

Predator Ridge Resort 301 Village Centre Place, Vernon, BC V1H 1T2 Phone: (250) 542-3436 Toll Free: 1-888-578-6688

Tutt Street Gallery 9 - 3045 Tutt Street Kelowna, BC V1Y 2H4 Phone: (250) 861-4992 info@tuttartgalleries.com www.tuttartgalleries.com Established in 1984, Tutt Street Galley represents original work by some of Canada’s finest contemporary artists. The Gallery provides a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for the first time purchaser or the seasoned

PAGE 53 PHOTO CREDITS (L to R)

Beyond Wrapture Day Spa :: Shopping, Stock Boating, Tammy Tomiye :: Wine Country Helicopter Adventures

Toll free Reservations 1.888.860.1212

Each Best Western hotel is independently owned and operated

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Overlooking Skaha Lake

Enjoy your stay in Penticton

European Sauna & Spa Pool Facilities

Waterfront Inn Overlooking Skaha Lake, Penticton BC

1.800.563.6006 / www.waterfrontinn.net

• Coast Capri Hotel • Big White Resort • Lake Okanagan Resort • Summerland Waterfront Resort p: 250.448.8899 tf: 1.866.548.8899

www.beyondwrapture.com 54

British Columbia Wine Tour Handbook

Accommodation Just Like Home (but more fun)

by Julianna Hayes

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Likewise, one person’s idea of a great night’s sleep is bedding down in a tent under the stars, while another demands 600-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets.

Fortunately, B.C. wine country can accommodate both and everyone in between.

One of the unique factors of this province is the variety of its landscape. It gives you the option of centering yourself in an urban setting with all the amenities at your doorstep. Or you can escape it all to the peace and tranquility of a quaint village or even into the woodlands where your neighbours are of the winged and four-legged variety.

From lake or ocean-front resorts, city-centered boutique hotels and highway motor lodges to quiet village bed & breakfasts, RV parks and remote campgrounds, you find something to meet your comfort level and your budget.

If you’re heart is set on the great outdoors, there are plenty of scenic parks that will provide the most basic of overnight stays - a campfire area, and a place to pitch your tent. But you can roll up in a giant, tricked-out motorhome, and there will be places that can accommodate you too. They’ll have lots of space and all the necessary hook-ups so you can appreciate the stars at night and enjoy your satellite TV too.

If you think a 40-foot RV is akin to “roughing it,” there is a large selection of fine hotels that offer valet, concierge and head-to-toe spas services. And many resorts provide unique “wine country packages,” such as tours and safe storage for your wine purchases.

There are lots of kid-friendly options, as well, some places even have onsite amusement parks and waterslides. And if Rover comes along for the ride, many facilities have designated rooms for people traveling with pets.

PAGE 55 PHOTO CREDIT

Ramada Inn & Suites Penticton

S trand L akeside R esort. . . enchanting, inviting and oh, so Okanagan.

7343 Okanagan Landing Road, Vernon, BC | (250) 542-3716 | 1-888-988-7488 | www.strandresort.ca

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accommodation Directory Apple Orchard RV Park 4410 Wallace Hill Road, Kelowna V1W 4C3 Phone: (250) 764 3442 www.appleorchard.ca Featuring 10 full service, drivethrough sites for big rig and fifth wheeled RVs. 50 and 30 Amp electrical service, wireless internet, water and sewer. On-site washrooms/showers and laundry room. Large sites nestled in amongst an apple orchard. Close to lake, hiking/biking trails, golf courses and award winning wineries.

Best Western Kelowna Hotel & Suites 2402 Highway 97 North, Kelowna, BC V1X 4J1 Phone: (250) 860-1212 Toll free: 1-888-860-1212 www.bestwesternkelownahotel.com Enjoy our premium full service hotel, located minutes from several renowned wineries. We offer well appointed guest rooms with upscale amenities, a full service spa, restaurant, sports bar, indoor /outdoor mineral pool, two outdoor hot tubs, private garden courtyard & BBQ area, and business centre. Enjoy your complimentary hot buffet breakfast daily.

250.860.1212

The Guest House at Burrowing Owl Winery 100 Burrowing Owl Place (off Black Sage Road), Oliver, B.C. V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 498-0620 Toll free: 1-877-498-0620 www.burrowingowlwine.ca A beautiful 11 room Guest House overlooking Burrowing Owl Vineyards. Breakfast is included.

Amenities include meeting space, an all season hot tub and a 25 meter solar heated outdoor pool.

The Cove Lakeside Resort 4205 Gellatly Road West Kelowna, BC V4T 2K2 (250) 707-1800 (877) 762-2683 www.covelakeside.com Located in the heart of Okanagan wine country, this premier waterfront resort offers luxurious all suite accommodation and features beach, pools, hot tubs, private marina, Spa at The Cove, Bikram Yoga and Bonfire Restaurant & Bar. The Villa At HEster Creek 13163 - 326th Avenue, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: (250) 498-4435 Toll free: 1-866-498-4435 www.hestercreek.com

FREE Hot B uffet Break 2 Out fast door Hot T ubs In/Ou t Hea ted M ineral Large Pool BBQ C ourty Resta ard urant & Spo rts Ba r

Accommodation? The Villa at Hester Creek has six beautifully appointed suites with private patios, stunning views and breakfast included.

Sumptuous lodgings!

The Lakeside Resort RR4, S6, C5, 37005 81 St. Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: 1-800-220-7330 www.lakeside.bc.ca “Tranquility in Wine Country.” Enjoy relaxing wine tours or our famous “Steak-on-the-Lake”™ golf packages.

Park-like setting, lakeview suites, outdoor spa.

The Outback Lakeside Resort 9845 Eastside Road Vernon BC V1H 1Z2 (250) 545-5005 (877) 546-5005 www.theoutbackresort.com This distinctive waterfront resort offers serenity & exclusive luxury in two and three bedroom beautifully appointed vacation homes that are discreetly situated overlooking the waters of Okanagan Lake or nestled among the natural pine forest. Enjoy the beaches, pools, hot tubs and private marina. A place of retreat, an opportunity to relax.

Kelowna Hotel & Suites

2402 Hwy 97 N, Kelowna www.bestwesternkelownahotel.com Toll free Reservations 1.888.860.1212 56

British Columbia Wine Tour Handbook

Each Best Western hotel is independently owned and operated

Penticton Lakeside Resort 21 Lakeshore Dr. W Penticton, BC V2A 7M5 Phone: (250) 493-8221 www.pentictonlakesideresort.com Located on the shores of Okanagan Lake in British Columbia’s beautiful Okanagan Valley, the Penticton Lakeside Resort, Convention Centre & Casino is a destination all its own.

203 deluxe guest rooms and suites each with its own balcony, offer spectacular views of the beautiful lake and mountains. You won’t find a more elegant setting to enjoy the diverse activities the resort and the region have to offer. The facilities of a first class hotel await you!

Predator Ridge Resort 301 Village Centre Place, Vernon, BC V1H 1T2 Phone: (250) 542-3436 Toll Free: 1-888-578-6688 Web: www.PredatorRidge.com Stay at Predator Ridge Lodge or enjoy the views from the Peregrine Cottages. With a variety of accommodation choices, your stay will be a memorable one.

Ramada Inn & Suites Penticton 1050 Eckhardt Avenue West, Penticton, BC V2A 2C3

Phone: 250 492-8926 Toll free: 1-800-665-4966 www.pentictonramada.com Resort-style hotel. From standard rooms to deluxe suites with fireplaces and jetted tubs. Heated outdoor pool & hot tub. Pub onsite.

Wine tours available.

Strand Lakeside Resort 7343 Okanagan Landing Road Vernon, BC V1H 2J6 Phone: (250) 542-3716 Toll Free: 1-888-988-7488 www.strandresort.ca Sparkling blue waters, endless sunshine and a truly unhurried pace to life. Kick off your shoes. Clear your mind. This is your own personal retreat - the perfect place to refresh your soul and energize your lifestyle. Welcome to Strand Lakeside Resort.

Veranda Beach 299 East Lake Road Oroville, WA Phone: (509)476-4000 Toll Free: 1-888-476-4001 VerandaBeach.com Veranda Beach is a vibrant cottage resort village on Lake Osoyoos that provides the perfect base for wine touring in the South Okanagan with a choice of beachfront, lakeside

and vineyard cottages. You will particularly love the completely screened verandas to enjoy the long summer nights, mile of private sandy beach, and opportunity to stay in a working vineyard. Add a little golf, some boating, some R&R and you’ve got the perfect place to escape the everyday, to relax, to breathe.

Waterfront Inn 3688 Parkview St Penticton, BC V2A 6H1 Reservations Toll free in Canada and USA 1-800-563-6006 www.waterfrontinn.net Overlooking Skaha lake, beach and park. Situated in the heart of wine country we are in near proximity to all your vacation needs. Quiet, off highway across from tennis and beach, volley ball courts, children’s playground waterslides, river channel rafting, children’s theme park, marina, roller blade paths and rock climbing at Skaha Bluffs nearby shopping, take-out and dining within walking distance close to airport. Complimentary wireless high speed internet. Indoor spa-pool and European steam sauna.

B.C. Living Vacation in your own Backyard

by Julianna Hayes

During your visit to B.C. wine country you’ll likely find yourself slowing in front of homes with “For Sale” signs or picking up real estate publications and newspaper sections.

Indeed, the grape-growing regions of British Columbia are among the most sought after areas of Canada in which to live - thanks in large part to the desirable climate, natural beauty and incredible amenities, not the least of which is the wine community.

After a couple years of adjustment, courtesy of the economic slowdown affecting the world, the real estate market in B.C.’s wine growing regions has begun to rebound. Still there are excellent investments to be had.

Residential options range from contemporary, urban facilities to remote country settings, luxurious waterfront developments to scenic snowy getaways high in B.C.’s mountainscapes. There are opportunities to settle among the vineyards or along the countless golf courses which pepper B.C.’s landscapes.

If you do decide to invest in wine country real estate, you can look forward to enjoying plenty of the area’s bounty grown literally on your doorstep.

relocation Directory INVUE High-Rise Condo Residences Show Suites and Sales Office Open Daily Noon-5:00pm (closed Fridays) 2040 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC Phone: 250-862-1047 Toll Free: 1-888-862-1047 www.invueliving.com This 14-story landmark offers spacious two-bedroom suites featuring desirable lake and city

58

views. With contemporary interiors and convenient lifestyle amenities set in quality concrete construction, there is no equal in condo residences within the Okanagan Valley.

Location ● Quality ● Price

Toll Free: 1-866-578-2233 www.PredatorRidge.com Experience Okanagan Resort Living for yourself. Predator Ridge Real Estate has some of the finest homes for sale in the Okanagan.

Predator Ridge Limited Partnership 100 Mashie Crescent, Vernon, BC V1H 1V8 Phone: (250) 503-1739

SONOMA PINES Sales Centre and Show Homes Open Daily Noon – 5:00PM On Carrington Road beside Two Eagles Golf Course

PAGE 58 PHOTO CREDIT Predator Ridge Golf Resort

British Columbia Wine Tour Handbook

Nature Inspired Living www.wilden.ca

Imagine life in a beautiful Okanagan sanctuary. Spacious hillside homes woven through 1,000 acres of parkland and forested trails. Nature at your doorstep; sandy beaches, orchards and vineyards just minutes away. Now available are lots and homes for all lifestyles and budgets. Wilden is even breaking new ground in ecologically sensitive development. Offering an affordable geothermal system to each homebuyer is just one of Wildens ways of helping ensure a clean, healthy environment. This is Wilden - it’s all natural!

Valley View Lots Lake View Lots

from $139,900

from $229,900

Four Bedroom Townhomes

from $429,900

Sales Centre and Show Homes open Daily 1-5 (except Friday) Call 250-717-7966 or 250-863-4166

Toll Free 1-866-762-2906

3823 Sonoma Pines Drive, West Kelowna, BC Phone: 250.768.3703 www.sonomapines.com Established in 2004, this colourful Santa Fe style development has recently introduced fresh new neighbourhoods with single family and townhome residences that offer stunning lake, vineyard and fairway views. Visit this timeless, golforiented community in the retail hub of West Kelowna. Over 300 residents love living here!

SOPA Square 3013 Pandosy Street Kelowna, BC 250 762 5818 info@sopasquare.com www.sopasquare.com Living at SOPA Square provides for all your daily living needs including boutiques, restaurants and sidewalk cafes in a trendy, pedestrian friendly urban atmosphere.

Strand Lakeside Resort 7343 Okanagan Landing Road Vernon, BC V1H 2J6 Phone: (250) 542-3716

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Toll Free: 1-888-988-748 www.strandresort.ca Warm and inviting, Strand Lakeside Resort is designed for relaxed, yet sophisticated living. Inside your residence, quality finishings offer style and functionality, while outside, thoughtful amenities encourage full enjoyment of the Okanagan’s legendary lifestyle.

Strand Lakeside Resort...you will simpy never want to leave.

Veranda Beach 299 East Lake Road Oroville, WA Phone: (509)476-4000 Toll Free: 1-866-837-2632 VerandaBeach.com The developers of Veranda Beach, a vibrant cottage resort village on Lake Osoyoos, just south of the Canadian border at Osoyoos, are pleased to offer the rare opportunity to own in a working vineyard with their recent release of Vineyard Cottages, to complement the lakeside cottage offering, village center amenities including an outdoor pool, hot tubs, children’s pool, restaurant, general store, fitness center and activity

PAGE 61 PHOTO CREDIT Tourism BC/Don Weixl

British Columbia Wine Tour Handbook

center, recreation area and marina.

Veranda Beach is the perfect place to escape the everyday, to relax and breathe.

Wilden Presentation Centre 286 Clear Pond Place Kelowna, BC V1V 2X6 Phone: (250) 762-2906 www.wilden.ca 5 show homes to showcase 5 of the Okanagan’s finest Builders. Wilden offers a fresh approach to Hillside living. Enjoy your new home in a spectacular setting offering views of Kelowna and Lake Okanagan with parkland and hiking literally at you door. Wilden stretches across the most prized view-lot real estate in the Okanagan. The largest master planned community between Vancouver and Calgary is laced with secluded lakes, wetlands and hiking trails. Close to downtown and several award winning wineries.

The Mystique of Wine

Can You Talk the Talk?

by Julianna Hayes

If the appreciation of wine were as simple as lifting a glass to your lips and drinking deeply, the mystique that surrounds it would not exist.

But the world of wine is filled with such complexities that it merits its own language. Unfortunately, when you attend events like the Okanagan Wine Festivals and you don’t speak the language, it’s like watching a foreign film without subtitles. You may like the pretty pictures, but you won’t understand a darn word anyone is saying.

Don’t throw in the towel just yet. Wine-speak doesn’t have to confound you. We’ve put together this handy glossary of terms, along with some great wine trivia to turn you into a pro in no time.

Wine Lingo at Your Fingertips Balance – The structure of wine. Wines should have fruit, acid and tannins in equal proportions.

Brix – The standard way to measure the sugar content in

grapes. Most table wines are harvested between 19 and 25 degrees Brix.

Chaptalization – The practice of adding sugar to the

grape must (crushed juice and skins) prior to fermenting, to compensate for low sugar content in the grapes.

Corked – Wines that smell of mould resulting from a defective cork.

Finish – The aftertaste that lingers in your mouth after

swallowing a sip of wine. Wines with a long finish or good “length” are desirable.

Flinty – A sharp, metallic tang sometimes found in very dry white wines.

Foxy – Wines that are overly “grapey” smelling and tasting. An undesirable quality.

Lees – The sediment that accumulates in the bottom of the

barrel during fermentation. Wines will often be aged “sur lees” to give them a creamy, buttery texture.

Did you Know?

• A vertical tasting involves sampling the same wine from different vintage years. This will show you how a wine can change from year to year based on the whims of Mother Nature.

• A horizontal tasting is tasting different wines with something in common from the same vintage. For example, tasting 2010 Rieslings from different wineries or regions.

• Meritage was originally created in California and is a blended wine that can be summed up as “New World Bordeaux.” The term is a combo of the words “merit” and “heritage” and pronounced the same. The red blend is made from at least two of the five Bordeaux grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The white Meritage is a blend of at least two of Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Vert, and Semillon.

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Wine Lingo at Your Fingertips Maderization – Oxydation of some types of wines.

Mousse – The effervescence in a sparkling wine. Some

people think itIn the glass it perceived as the bubbling but the surface of the glass can affect this perception. Premium quality sparkling wine has a mousse composed of small, persistent string of bubbles.

Noble rot

– A desirable fungus brought on by Botrytis cinerea that results in dehydrated and shrivelled grapes that are highly in concentrated sugar. Noble Rot grapes are an component of many B.C. late harvest dessert wines.

Punt – The indentation found in the base of a wine bottle.

Tannin – Found in wine from the skin and pips of the grape

and oak barrels. Tannins form the basis for the long life of wines and their levels are highest in reds due to barrel aging. Tannins in young wines can impart a bitter astringency in the mouth.

Tannins will fade with time, helping wines age gracefully.

Did you Know?

• A closed wine is, simply put, one that doesn’t smell like much. Many fine wines go through a ‘”closed” or “dumb” period as part of their development. Some can take several years before developing the aromas that are considered highly prized by aficionados.

• Open wine should be sealed as tightly as possible and stored in the refrigerator, even reds. Colder temperaturesslowdownthechemical reactions caused by oxygen. Limiting the wine’s exposure to oxygen by pouring it into a smaller bottle will also improve its shelf life. So save those half bottles!

• Volatile acidity refers to a wine that has excessive acidity, specifically to soil and climate where the wines grapes are grown. A region’s acetic acid. A wine with V.A. will smell “terrior” can be a wine’s signature. vinegary and in extreme cases like nail polish remover. Understandably, Véraison – A grape-growing term meaning “the onset of it’s considered a fault and those wines ripening.” It’s the noticeable period when red grapes begin to that exhibit it will be penalized if change colour. not rejected altogether when under scrutiny for certification, such as in the tasting panel of B.C. Vintner’s Wine by Numbers Quality Alliance system. People can confuse V.A. with desirable • One standard acre of grapevines produces five tons of characteristics of acidity, particularly grapes; 13.5 barrels of wine; 3,017 litres; 3,985 bottles; in New World wines.

15,940 glasses.

Terroir – Literally means “earth” or “dirt” in French but refers

• One barrel of wine equals 738 lbs of grapes, 24.6 cases of • Temperature can affect how a wine tastes. Cold masks flavours. The wine, 221.4 litres, 295.2 bottles, 1,180 glasses. ideal serving temperature for whites • B.C. by the numbers: wine regions - 5; grape wineries in is three to seven degrees Celsius 2011 - 193; grape wineries in 1990 - 17; current number higher than the average refrigerator. of vineyards - 710; grape varietals - 60+; ratio of red to Likewise with reds, if you serve them white produced - 51% to 49%; 2009 grape harvest too warm, all you can taste is the 19,879 tons; 1995 grape harvest - 8,108 tons; 2009 wine alcohol. production - 12,921,350 litres; 1995 wine production 4,864,800 litres Value of 2009 grape crop - $40,305,170.

• The proper formula calculating the calories in a glass of wine is this: 1.6 multiplied by percentage of alcohol multiplied by number of ounces.Thus, drink eight ounces at 14 per cent alcohol, the calorie count is 180. Those with a penchant for big reds, which can tip the scales at 16 per cent alcohol, you’re sipping 204 calories. Drink a whole bottle and you’re in the 610 to 665 calorie range.

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PAGE 62 PHOTO CREDITS (L to R)

British Columbia Wine Tour Handbook

Tourism BC/JF Bergeron :: ©iStockphoto.com/laughingmango Julianna Hayes :: ©iStockphoto.com/laughingmango Cellar – Tourism BC/JF Bergeron