Visiting vineyards in the Okanagan

The wine-producing region of the Okanagan extends from Kelowna in the north to Osoyoos Lake in the south, close to the American border. Although the vineyards are still relatively young and still developing, the expertise of the wine-growers there is indisputable and many high-quality wines are produced by the region.

Discover wine from Okanagan Valley

When you arrive in the valley, you’ll be surprised by two things (other than the astounding mountains surrounding the area).

First, the climate is surprisingly warm compared to other Canadian wine-growing regions. The Okanagan Valley has one of the highest numbers of degree days—a measurement that calculates the number of days in which the average temperature is above 10 degrees Celsius, which is the minimum temperature needed for grapevines to grow.

Secondly, the area contains an impressive number of innovations whose purpose is to repel grape-eating animals, of which there are many in the region.

The day before harvesting begins, the vines are covered with nets, loudspeakers broadcasting the cries of birds of prey are spread throughout the vineyards and electrified fences surround the plots of vines. But rest assured—the Okanagan’s vintners are very welcoming to visitors of the human sort!

While there are many great places to visit in the area,
here are three destinations that are sure to please.

Quail’s Gate

Be sure not to miss Quails’ Gate in the north, between Westbank and Kelowna. Founded in 1989 by Ben Stewart, it includes approximately 80 acres of vineyards in which no less than 14 different grape varieties are cultivated, although the best sites are devoted to Pinot Noir.

Planted in the volcanic soil of Mount Boucherie, the estate’s Pinot Noir stock is amongst the oldest in the region, with some over 40 years of age. Since 2005, Stewart has been attempting to make a great Pinot through fermenting clonal blends, which means he creates his blends from various clones and parcels of land during the fermentation process instead of after, as was the tradition.

Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the estate’s wines accompanied by excellent dishes from the Quails’ Gate restaurant, Old Vines.

Executive chef Roger Sleiman prepares regional cuisine with dishes composed largely of local produce. The wild Arctic caribou with the house Pinot Noir is pure delight.

Mission Hill

A few miles from Quails’ Gate is Mission Hill, considered the Mondavi of the north. Located near to an expensive residential neighbourhood, Mission Hill’s most impressive feature is its monumental architecture. Owner Anthony Von Mandl spent six years reinventing the dilapidated estate, which he bought in 1981.

With the help of New Zealand oenologist John Simes, Von Mandl successfully created exceptional vintages, including the well-known Oculus and Quatrain. Since 1994, when the estate won an award for Best Chardonnay from International Wine and Spirit, Chardonnay has increasingly become the focus of the estate, which continues to produce surprising wines, year after year.

We especially recommend taking in the full experience on the Mission Hill terrace, where you can sample distinctive regional cuisine while enjoying a magnificent view of the valley. In summertime a glass of Chardonnay will be both refreshing and a good match for the menu’s salmon and seafood dishes.

NK’MIP Cellars

Besides having one of the most spectacular views in the south Okanagan Valley, NK’MIP Cellars is the first North American winery owned and operated by a First National band. The vineyards occupy a territory of close to 138 acres, which the band first started to develop in the 1960s.

Under the supervision of head oenologist Randy Picton, NK’MIP creates its wines from Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Every year, new vines are planted to meet the ever-growing market. The estate’s wines have received several international awards.

Surrounding the vineyards are all the makings of a great stay: a seasonal outdoor restaurant, called The Patio; the Spirit Ridge complex of comfortable mini-apartments; and a nearby golf course, the Sonora Dunes.

To stay at the estate is to delve into First Nations expertise, a combination of tradition and modernity.

For more details on these destinations, visit:

quailsgate.com

missionhillwinery.com

nkmipcellars.com

winebc.com

Have a great vacation!