Touring the South Okanagan
Canada’s Desert Wine Country
by Mireille Sauvé

The Okanagan Valley is chock full of wineries – from boutique to gargantuan, from measly to grand. While wine touring in general practically guarantees a good holiday, here is one important bit of information that makes planning a trip to the South Okanagan in particular a wise idea; Many of the most acclaimed wines in B.C. are made from grapes harvested in these southern vineyards.

Now, one would be foolish to suggest that the South Okanagan produces all of the country’s best wines. In fact, possibly the best thing about Canada’s wine selection is the wonderful variety that it offers and as such its top wines hail from across the nation.

A dozen years ago, there were but a handful of tasting rooms to visit in the bottom half of the valley, as the large and established producers tended to base themselves in the Central Okanagan, most of them situated within close proximity to Kelowna.

But time has changed a great deal for this southern section of Canada’s agricultural wonderland. Looking at a wine map of the Okanagan Valley today, it has become increasingly difficult to make out the names of wineries in the South Okanagan, as one winery name overlaps another on the crowded piece of real estate. A winery boom down south is absolutely evident as industry knowledge spreads that the area’s vineyards are producing some of the province’s most acclaimed white and red wines.

As in all wine regions, the most exciting time to visit wineries is in the fall, when vines are weighted with their bounty of grapes, presses are reeling with freshly squeezed juice and the scent of fermentation is in the air. Indeed, harvest is when the buzz is out that the next great vintage is in the works, and this couldn’t be truer than in “Canada’s Wine Capital – Desert Wine Country”.

So book your group’s private stay at the area’s prized Okanagan Wine Country Villa, hop into your car and set off for a tour of this small piece of paradise. Here is a day’s itinerary to get you started:

10:00 am – Tinhorn Creek
Named for the charming little creek that once snaked through these hills, a visit to Tinhorn Creek is a great way to start the day. Set off on a self-guided tour through demonstration vineyards followed by an in-depth tasting of award-winning wines and a browse through their large selection of souvenirs. Unique to this winery is its devotion to the arts – an impressive grass-tiered amphitheatre hosts everything from Shakespeare to country music, with events happening about once a month.

11:00 am – Inniskillin Okanagan
One of the many wineries owned by wine giant Vincor International, Inniskillin Okanagan is situated amongst its industry peers on the famed “Golden Mile”. The tasting room is small and quaint, offering visitors a taste through their rather extensive lineup of wines. If you schedule your day right, you can embark on their signature “Icewine Discovery Tour” which runs daily at 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00, including a lovely walk over to Dark Horse Vineyard and a tasting of Inniskillin’s world-famous Icewines.

Noon – Nk’Mip Cellars
As Canada’s first Aboriginal owned and operated winery, there is a lot to be learned about the area’s history at this stop and a great tasting room to explore too with cookbooks, gourmet ingredients and more available for purchase. This itinerary’s southernmost destination, Nk’Mip is a perfect stop for lunch, featuring an incredible view of the valley’s vineyards along with some of the finest cuisine in the Okanagan. Menu options include an unparalleled selection of cured and smoked meats or delectable wild salmon filet, all reflecting the native history of the winery and its culture. After lunch you can opt for a 30-minute guided cellar tours and extensive wine tasting of both the Nk’Mip and the Qwam Qwmt Reserve lines.

2:00 pm – Antelope Ridge
Once known as Domaine Combret, this established winery is headed up by winemaker Olivier Combret who is making great strides with the quality of his wines under the new label of Antelope Ridge. Upon entering this quaint and simple tasting room it is likely that you will be greeted by the winemaker’s parents who, while they appreciate any efforts to speak with them in their native language of French, don’t much approve of the custom of spitting wine samples out. You may have to step outside to expel your samples if you are watching your alcohol intake – a must if you are tasting and touring by car.

2:45 pm – Hester Creek
A friendly and passionate tasting room staff will greet you at this beautiful property, nestled on the western hillside of the Golden Mile. A stunning view of neighbouring vineyards accompanies knowledgeable guidance as you taste your way through the extensive array of wines made by Hester Creek. Scheduled additions to the property include Villa Suites for vacation rentals and a full restaurant; the latter planned to open sometime in 2008.

3:30 pm – Jackson-Triggs
If you are a classic wine enthusiast who believes that ‘boutique is better’, be prepared to have your bubble burst at this impressive winery – Canada’s second largest producer of wines. Located just north of the Golden Mile near the town of Oliver, this giant member of the Vincor wine group makes wine that range in style from simple to outstanding, with everything in between. Awards abound in the tasting line-up at this beautiful new tasting room.

4:15 pm – See Ya Later Ranch
The final stop of the day is this well-established winery near Okanagan Falls, historically known as LeComte Vineyards, then Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards and now the catchy new title of See Ya Later Ranch. Perched at the top of the winding Green Lake Road, this newly renovated tasting room and patio features everything from sport shirts to sparkling wine. Next to the winery’s “Barking Lot” (they’re a dog-loving bunch) is a patio with a breathtaking view where they offer a light lunch service between 11:00 and 2:00 daily.

With the day’s touring finally complete, a drive back to Oliver may be in order where you can take in delicious menu selections at Toasted Oak Restaurant and Wine Bar, conveniently located on Highway 97 right next door to the town’s only VQA store.

Sipping, sight-seeing and souvenir wine shopping down south – what better a way to spend an autumn holiday?

Southern Exposure
What’s a tour of the South Okanagan’s wine country without a few souvenirs? Here’s a small sampling of what we brought back…

Tinhorn Creek Cabernet Franc +530717 $16.99
One of the area’s most acclaimed red wines, this Cabernet Franc is medium-bodied with firm tannins and blackberry flavours. Drink with beef stew or roasted lamb.

Inniskillin Okanagan Reserve Merlot +76877 $17.99
This distinguished red wine incorporates aromas of black cherries and vanilla, offering red berries on the palate. Firm tannins make this a good wine to cellar or to drink with a barbecued steak.

Nk’Mip Cellars Pinot Blanc +626432 $16.99
Bursting with aromas of fresh orchard fruit, this light-bodied white wine is a sensory souvenir of the Okanagan Valley. Apricot flavours pair with mild acidity to make this an ideal reception wine.

Antelope Ridge Cabernet Franc +735878 $22.90
A blockbuster wine for the price, this is a full-bodied red wine, rich with flavours of cocoa and ripe blackberries. This is a wonderful wine to enjoy with prime rib.

Hester Creek Chardonnay Semillon +603738 $14.99
A rare blend of white grapes, this wine is medium in body and offers a combination of citrus and green apple flavours, with good acidity. Light and refreshing, this pairs well with halibut.

Jackson-Triggs Proprietors Reserve Shiraz +593103 $19.99
Medium-bodied and smooth, this is a syrah that’s been crafted in the Australian style, hence the name ‘Shiraz’. Ripe berry flavours and a spicy finish make this a nice match with grilled burgers.

See Ya Later Ranch Riesling +579045 $15.99
Light and crisp with delicious fresh lemon flavours, this is a delightful food-friendly wine which exudes charm. Mineral notes make this a great accompaniment to goats cheese salads.

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