BC/Canadian Wine Region

[chefski]

I was fortunate enough to have lived in BC for a couple of years and last year took my family to the Okanagen Valley wine region about 4 hours east of Vancouver. What a treat! With the rolling hills and the 60-mile lake running in the middle from N-S, it was like a slice of Tuscany.

It is still up and coming, but the wines were quite nice as well. They're doing some nice reds and blends along with the cooler climate whites. And, of course, the famous ice-wines are tremendous and happen every year.

All in all, very impressed and if you are in the Pac NW or Seattle, well worth the trip across the border north and a bit east. Too bad the Canadian Gov. doesn't relax its liquor laws so we could get more of these in the states...

[dmatus]

I was there as well, and I feel compelled to mention that a few of the prime wineries in the Okanagan have FABULOUS restaurants on site which are well worth a try.
We ate at the Mission Hills Winery in Kelowna and I must say it was one of the best meals I ever had! Granted, it's hard not to be enthralled simply by the "Mediterranean" setting while enjoying a meal which was prepared to compliment the wine when so often pairings are visa-versa (wine chosen to compliment the food).
The restaurant's open-air setting overlooking the endless blue of Lake Okanagan was just lovely, with trellised grapevines hanging overhead.
For all you art-lovers, they have a genuine (and very large) Chagall tapestry hanging right at the entrance to the wine tour.
Another note-worthy spot, the restaurant at Quail's Gate Winery. Also an absolutely spectacular setting although you have to get out on the patio for the "open-air" experience.
A third winery worth a stop (but alas, no restaurant) is Mt. Boucherie. We loved their Pinot Noir.
To top it off, these three are contiguously located within stones throw of one another so it makes for an easy outing. Take your camera and make reservations!
A bit further south but also very memorable for their cute boutique with tasting bar and their top-rate wines (in my opinion) is Sumac Ridge Estate Winery. Try the Pinnacle and the Pinoit Blanc.
Happy Travels!

[swanseycarrick]

Originally Posted by chefski

What a treat! With the rolling hills and the 60-mile lake running in the middle from N-S, it was like a slice of Tuscany.

It is still up and coming, but the wines were quite nice as well. They're doing some nice reds and blends along with the cooler climate whites. And, of course, the famous ice-wines are tremendous and happen every year.

wow I think I might take my daughter there , sounds interesting with the wine area there , forget the trip to Tuscany

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