Photo© by Wayne Duchart - Photography West
WINE - International Acclaim:
(some excerpts from the Kelowna Visitor Guide)
In recent years, as vineyards in the valley focus more and more on premium grapes, Okanagan wine producers have achieved international acclaim for their fine, fruity wines. In 1996, for example, local wineries brought home more than 150 medals from internationally-recognized competition. So it's no surprise that this incredible natural bounty is now attracting wine lovers from around the world. Each year more and more tourists flock to the valley specifically for the wines and each year there are more to sample as the numbers of wineries increase. There are now more than 30 wineries located within the 150 kilometre radius from Vernon to Osoyoos, each with its own distinctive style. They range in size from the quaint farm-gate and estate operations to large commercial producers.
Farm-gate and estate wineries are required to use only British Columbian-grown grapes in all their products and must grow a large portion of the fruit in their own vineyards. All the production must be done on site and offer visitors a grass-roots look at the process of winemaking. Commercial wineries are entitled to use imported grapes in their wines, although they will produce some quantities made entirely from B.C. grapes. The Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) symbol identifies those wines made from 100 per cent B.C. fruit
Every year there are two festivals celebrating wine in the valley. The first is a small three-day affair marking the beginning of the growing season. The 1997 spring festival is slated for May 1-4 and will feature a variety of gourmet dining and wine tasting events as well as tours. It will be the third year for the event.
The fall Okanagan Wine Festival has been around much longer and celebrates the harvesting of the grapes. Slated for October 3-12 this year, it consists of an array of events including vineyard dinners under the stars, brunches, barbeques, tours and special tastings. During the festival, two competitions take the forefront: the People's Choice Awards, where consumers get to sample a wide variety of wines and choose their favorites; and the Consumer Tasting, a two-day affair where consumers again get to judge, while a panel of wine experts make their own selections.
The festival has become so popular, tickets for many of the events are sold out well in advance despite the addition of new activities each year. Tourists planning on attending any of the festivities are advised to book early.
Calona Wines Ltd., 1125 Richter Street has been producing since 1932 and features a wide selection of award-winning VQA table, late-harvest and ice wines. Tours and tastings are provided. 250-762-9144.
A short drive away at 2270 Garner Road, you'll find House of Rose, a farm gate winery offering visitors terrific wines and an outstanding tour highlighting the vine to wine process. 250-765-0802.
Next on your list is St. Hubertus Estate Winery, located at 5225 Lakeshore Road, 11 km south of Highway 97, which has the oldest vineyard in B.C. Sample some of the award-winning Swiss-style wines. 250-764-7888.
Just a stone's throw away at 4870 Chute Lake Road you can explore Summerhill Estate Winery, known for some outstanding vintages and a magnificent new "Champagne" house overlooking Okanagan Lake. 250-764-8000.
Quails' Gate Estate Winery is located on the Westside at 3303 Boucherie Road, where you'll find the wineshop housed in a 120-year-old pioneer log cabin and get to try some highly-acclaimed wines. 250-769-4451.
Also on the Westside is Mission Hill Winery, one of Canada's largest commercial wineries. 250-768-7611.
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