There are plenty of good reasons to go wine tasting in the Okanagan in October. For starters:
The wine is always good no matter what month you decide to visit, but come October and over the Fall/Winter in general it’s much easier to book accommodation as the wineries are less busy with everyone back to work and back to school. So may I suggest a not so little gem of a place to stay…Summerhill Pyramid Winery Guest House (shown in photos on this page). Not only is it amazingly spacious with a view to die for, but the winery + bistro is adjacent to the guest house. A hop, skip and a roll home away.
Inclusive and approachable evenings centered around a love of wine.
Introducing
Vin Van is a pop-up wine company run by two friends, neighbours and wine obsessives: Jo & Steph.
Hailing from different sides of the Atlantic, they were on the same page when it came to what was missing from the food and drink culture in Vancouver, and decided to try something of their own.
“We run a weekly wine bar on Wednesday’s at Dock Lunch, a wine focused supper club series in unexpected locations throughout the city, as well as bespoke private and corporate events.
These events are about sharing our combined mix of influences of good wine and food in unpretentious, approachable environments.
Inspired by the wine bars of Europe, our wine bar evenings aim to be casual, inclusive and never pretentious. We bring in new wines every week so there’ll always be something surprising to sip on!”
Here’s hoping your month gets off to a good start.
On this first day of October I’m attending my very first Zoom wedding, and hopefully my last. Well I’m not really attending – rather watching from my computer. Yup, you read that right! And to be fair; it is a very tiny gathering. still no excuse! One of my best friends is re-marrying her ex-husband. Throughout their divorce of many years and other relationships, they’ve remained each others’ best friend – which only proves that friendship and respect are key ingredients for a successful partnership. The good thing is I don’t have to dress up although I might put on some makeup. I think all eyes will be on the couple exchanging vows…but just in case. Can you believe I actually said “the good thing is that I don’t have to dress up?”
Today also marks the first day that VIFF (Vancouver International Film Festival) begins. VIFF celebrates its 40th edition from October 1-11, 2021 with a kaleidoscopic collection of Canadian work, East Asian cinema, powerful documentaries, narrative cinema from some of the world’s leading lights, elevated genre fare, and much more. Big screen or small, VIFF is excited to share the 2021 program with film fans in Vancouver and across the country. Explore the full program at viff.org and on VIFF Connect starting today.
Antonio Banderas + Penelope Cruz in “Official Competition” Hmmm this should be interesting.Ties between Tiger and Trainer: An Iranian Zookeeper takes Maya, a Bengal tiger he raised from birth for her first trip out of the Mashhad zoo for a film shoot by the Caspian Sea – once home to the now extinct Caspian tiger.
I also want to introduce my exclusive local gift packages.
The Champagne Birdcage
Something new although I’ve been thinking about doing this for a long time and always enjoyed putting gift baskets together for special occasions. Two options filled with small lot, carefully chosen wine/cheese/chocolate delights. A few of my favourite things packaged up to please for all kinds of celebrations. Many of you don’t reside here in Vancouver, let alone Canada, but maybe you know someone who lives here and is looking to gift something unique. Certain companies have gifted their clients and also special customers of some organizations have purchased these but hey; they also make a perfect wedding, anniversary or holiday present. Have a peek and let me know what you think…
Try to contain yourself as you have a browse through some luxury lifestyle homes for those who like to think “outside the box” for price souring housing solutions.
Numerous shipping containers are artfully arranged in a starburst pattern for this Joshua Tree Home – the brainchild of London based Whitaker Studio.
These home are made from shipping containers. That’s right. Some ranging from small “tiny house” structures featuring a single container to larger, more ambitious projects that combine numerous containers that result in opulent luxury homes. These shipping container spaces offer something for every budget and lifestyle.
Affordable Housing – two shipping containers built on a low budget.California-based Kubed Livingoffers multiple different shipping containers such as this 160 sq. ft. studio built from one container.
I just spent a little time in a winery built out of two shipping containers with windows cut out large enough to have a view of the vineyard. I couldn’t believe it!
Canadians looking for a chic container home can contact Alberta based Honomobo. Built from rigid steel to provide durable, efficient living space.Toronto based Storstacis in the business of selling new and used shipping containers. This one is made from two containers.The main floor includes two shipping containers that saddle bag a wedge-shaped space . I’m still trying to wrap my head around this one.
Every time I see a container now I envision what the inside would look like if I wanted to make it into a home. The way things are going you just may see them becoming more mainstream.
The SMALL LOT FIVE- little hidden gems; BIG on taste.
vinAmité Cellars: Hiding in plain sight
Photo: d. king
“vin-ah-mee-tay” – meaning: harmony, friendship, meeting of minds of family and friends.
The word “vin” in French means wine
The word “Amite” is an old fashioned word going back to Medieval times,
Meaning friendship and balance in life.
Photo: d. king
Photo: d. king
Here we sampled a few whites with names like “Chanson d’amour” which alone was enough to make us want to buy a bottle or two. Followed by a single red varietal Petit Verdot and a few blends with charming names like “Compass” and “Hidden Corner.”
We were tipped off to make sure to order the charcuterie cone (yes; it’s a cone, not a board.) And it was Fab!
This hand-crafted family estate vineyard makes small quantity wines with character and taste that are true to each grape varietal and honor the history of the wine and the winemakers’ special touch.
The vineyard is well over two decades old, yet each wine is carefully crafted to the tastes of modern life. The wines are enjoyable and easy drinking. With $15 tasting fee you get a crystal Riedel wine glass – lightly inscribed with their name on the glass. Very classy.
We no sooner pulled up to this boutique style winery when we were eagerly greeted by a very friendly golden retriever. A nice start to another favorful and flavourful tasting.
The 10 acre property located adjacent to the first green of the Fairview Mountain Golf Course was purchased by Bill Eggert in 1989. After development of the water system the vineyard was started in 1993.
I can’t remember what Margeaux bought but I ended up with a bottle called Bucket O’ Blood – a white wine it is not. It wasn’t open for tasting however a table of six ordered a full bottle and raved about how good it was. They said every time they go to the winery they order the same bottle. Sold!
We skipped straight to the Second Chapter. This is certainly a unique winery that produces no more than 4,000 cases featuring truly local wines inside a funky building made out of two 40 x 8 sea cans.
Apparently it’s a trend. Guess you can refer to it as a cannery. I’ll blog more on the home can craze separately because I was fascinated by them and have been checking out some amazing examples – you wouldn’t even know what they were…if you didn’t already know what they are. But getting back to wine…
Our firecracker pourer Dianne Gibson @diannegibsongirl entertained us with stories and she happens to also design amazing corsets and costumes. She was a riot. The wine was good but it would have been a totally different experience had she not been there. Let’s just say she made it better. I would go back just to see her again. Ok; let’s not forget who I am – to also drink wine.
River Stone is a small, family owned and operated winery located on a small knoll in the middle of the valley, just south of the well-recognized McIntyre Bluff and just north of Oliver.
Photo: d. king
The day we arrived they were in the middle of a private tasting on their gorgeous outdoor garden setting.
One more thing: I clearly make no apologies for drinking gorgeous wine. Photo: d. king
See the idyllic farmhouse in the distance? That’s the winery. It may be yellow in color (even though in this photo it looks to be white) but the entire site is truly ‘green’. You won’t see any wires running to their buildings because they’re 100% off the grid!
Photo: d. king
The place wasn’t even open when we arrived on the drive out. They were in the midst of getting set up and their computer was down so we went for a walk for half an hour then came back to be first in line. Margeaux already left for her drive back to Castlegar so I did a mid morning round on my own. Don’t worry; my boyfriend was the designated driver.
Let me be clear that as a rule I never drink wine before noon. Normally not even before 5:00 pm. 5:01 is when I start. What a surprise.Fabulous wines. I bought one of each and called Margeaux to tell her she missed a good tasting. Margeaux; having FOMO (fear of missing out – I didn’t even know what the letters meant until just recently so don’t feel bad), ended up ordering a case with the four bottles I sampled.
My friend and I experienced two exceptional wine country dining experiences.
Wine Tasting at Tinhorn Creek. Photo: d. king
Burrowing Owl Tasting. Photo: d. king
Photo: d. king
The Sonora Room Restaurant at Burrowing Owl Winery is where Margeaux and I had dinner on the first of our two night stay in Oliver, B.C. That was after wine sampling next door at the winery, and before finishing off our special bottle from the restaurant’s wine library. The library holds exclusive wines with a list changed regularly that are no longer publicly available for sale. And of course, they go along to compliment the menu. They have a very talented culinary team.
We both had the chef’s specialty of the day – Beef short rib – was phenomenal! Photo: d. king
From their website:
“The philosophy… is to embrace the
privilege and the opportunity to
showcase many of the local producers
with their array of local organic
produce, fresh, seasonal fruits and
artisan breads and cheeses.”
Instead of dessert we decided to go back to our luxury B+B “uncorked” and polish off the leftover wine with a cheese assortment and “Hooray” decadent chocolate truffles (the ones that are included in my gift packages – but more on this later). Yes we indulged!
The views from Burrowing Owl – fyi you can book a room there too.
Photo: d. king
Photo: d king
The second night we chose Miradoro at Tinhorn CreekWinery on the advice of the maître d’ from the Sonora Room at Burrowing Owl. There are many fine places to dine in Oliver but these two restaurants were highly recommended and we also wanted to do wine tasting at their wineries before dinner so it was perfect.
Photo: d. king
At Miradoro the locally sourced market cuisine menu has a Mediterranean influence, drawing inspiration from countries like Italy, Spain and Portugal – countries that know a thing or two about food and wine pairing.
When it comes to modern, local and sustainable cuisine, Chef Jeff Van Geest (check him out; he’s amazing) is one of British Columbia’s most celebrated chefs.
Not only were the wines superb but the panoramic views from the valley below were to die for! Both restaurants have amazing outdoor seating however it was a bit chilly both nights so we decided to dine inside.
The view from our outdoor wine tasting looking over to Burrowing Owl. Photo; d. king
Photo: d. king Again; we ordered the exact same thing. This time delicious stuffed wild salmon.
Both restaurants including their adjoining wineries require reservations. We were very lucky the first night especially because we got in due to a cancellation – the room was booked a few weeks in advance. And this is in September!
Next I’ll blog about the small lot wineries. So many wines; so little time!
Next time we’re going here on the advice of a winery owner and others:
Come eat, drink and relax at Popolo Cafe! We’re located inside a beautifully renovated church. Choose from a variety of unique sitting areas and enjoy fresh homemade pasta dishes and more with a glass of local wine, beer, or an espresso beverage.
Photos from an afternoon gathering last Friday at Summerhill Pyramid Winery in Kelowna amongst interesting people and the most delicious Asian Fusion food...with a twist.
A sampling of creative Chinese, Korean and Japanese delicacies put together by chef Yan Cowan of Lucky Dragon Catering, who is considering to franchise. And lucky us; we were invited which was an unexpected but welcome surprise considering I had booked a reservation at the bistro for myself, my boyfriend and my next door neighbour who happened to be in Kelowna at the same time.
It was a feast for hungry eyes!
gyoza
Yan (the caterer who prepared all this food) Chris (her commercial realtor friend) and Stephen (proprietor of Summerhill Pyramid Winery – the best all organic winery ever).
rice with eggplantsesame chicken wingsSushi
Although the Summerhill Bistro is always excellent, it’s not every day that you get to be part of a most yummy experiment.
The foodie in me will always appreciate times like this. Friends old and new make it all that much more worthwhile.
What can be better than spending a weekend over wine, food, fun and friendship?Not much!
This way to a good stay. Photo: d. king
That’s exactly how I spent last weekend – with my dear long time girlfriend Margeaux. We go back to working together over thirty years ago first selling advertising at an established Canadian film publication. Wanting to branch out, we convinced our boss to fly us to Toronto once we didn’t think there’d be a twice to cover the Genie Awards (recognizing the best of Canadian cinema – now merged with the Gemini Awards to include Canadian television…but to my non-Canadian friends, you’ve probably never heard of either). By some sheer godsend in between partying with celebrities like Donald Sutherland & Kim Cattrall at the event, our commentary and photos ended up getting published in the magazine. Later we worked on a Canadian Mad Max style film together But I digress…
Margeaux met me halfway (well almost) in Oliver, British Columbia – Canada’s wine capital.
I see a sign, there must be wine
She drove from Castlegar, BC and I had spent the night before in Lake Country, Kelowna with my boyfriend so I was not too far away. The drive from Vancouver to Oliver takes about 4 ½ hours and we were lucky to stay with a friend on Thursday night and watch the sunset while drinking champagne on a sailboat. I had to set the scene. Sundown was also the end of a holy Jewish holiday; Yom Kippur. Breaking a fast with champagne? Winenot?
Photo: d. kingPhoto: d. king
Margeaux had booked a perfect B+B in Oliver that appropriately goes by the name Uncorkedrun by Ian & Judy Born, a couple originally from small farming communities. Uncorked is located within a 15 minute (if that) drive of 40+ wineries in either direction and a lakeview location with a saltwater pool you can use from May – October.
It’s quiet here and all 3 private entrance rooms have en-suite bathroom and flat-screen TV. The beds are king-size, super comfy with new mattress and deluxe bamboo bedding. After all, you need a good night’s sleep for next day wine tasting. There’s a BBQ, shared lounge with efficiency kitchen and a coffee tray was left outside the room in the morning with the little extras (milk, cream, sugar) and full homemade breakfast included.
Frittata with extras – Photo: d. kingAvocado Toast – Photo: d. king
I was not expecting a menu from which to choose what we’d prefer for breakfast. That was a pleasant surprise. Dietary restrictions noted. Judy’s homemade farm fresh breakfasts are beyond. Coffee, juice, fresh fruit salad, free range local eggs, home grown tomatoes, homemade jams, etc….It was exceptional. As was her advice on which wineries were her favourites (she works at one twice a week which we visited – to be blogged about separately).
As a local, Judy provided plenty of relevant information about small lot wineries (producing less than 5,000 cases) that are excellent that I would probably have passed by had she not mentioned them…including tipping us off to some wineries that are now run by big corps and foreign investors. A few other well known ones that are overblown and such. After our weekend we really appreciated her guidance.
we stopped in hereGarden Room Bed – Photo: d. kingOutside private entrance to room – Photo: d. king
Aside from our drop in to District Wine Village and a vintage shop on Saturday, we managed to visit 7 wineries in total. Two well known wineries where we had dinner and 5 distinctive small lot fabulous wineries we’d never know about had Judy not circled them on our wine map. And as usual, the wine and conversation flowed and the time went way too fast. We decided to do this sametime next year. We’ll stay here again if the rooms are available.
The first of an open-ended number of Wine Wednesday posts for the unforeseeable future.
District Wine Village Ampitheatre before noon on opening Saturday. Photo: d. king
SIP HAPPENS
Just spent 3 unforgettable nights and days in Oliver; The Wine Capital of Canada, home to nearly half of British Columbia’s vines and more than 40 wineries. While there, my friend Margeaux and I were at the official opening day of the first wine village in Canada, aptly named District Wine Village. It’s a unique on-site vineyard built around a huge Ampitheatre with a local community mindset, celebrating artisan production and craftsmanship in wine, beer, food and entertainment. You don’t have far to go from one tasting to another and I hear the venue for live music is amazing. Unfortunately we didn’t stay for the concert as we had dinner reservations elsewhere that evening.
Photo: d. king
History taken from their website (link below):
The History
Many business ideas are born over glasses of wine and that is exactly what happened with Okanagan Falls born and raised, long-time friends and neighbours, Max Brock and Matt Kenyon. Max had previously travelled throughout the US and had seen the model of winery clusters in other wine regions and wanted to bring the model to BC, the first of its kind in Canada. Together, they created a concept to launch this one-of-a-kind village in wine country. Expanding on this concept was to include Matt’s love of beer and food resulting in the inclusion of a craft brewery and a restaurant on site. Sadly, Max passed away before breaking ground. The District Wine Village project continued on, and is now being built in honour of Max and his family.
Michael Daley, an industry veteran was brought on as Director of Operations to bring the project to fruition, and the vision to life in further planning and the building out of the village. The rest as they say is history.
Well actually it starts at home. However if you have an opportunity to have as good or bettera meal in a restaurant that resembles your grandmother’s home, then look no further. The owner appropriately refers to it as “my apartment café” as the exact location was her home.
Our charcuteriestarter included parma prosciutto and a whipped feta with olive oil. Photo: d. king
Noticed the heritage building with the inviting sign out front by accident during the summer when I was on Main Street. Unfortunately the restaurant was closed at the time. A few of the surrounding business owners who were sitting out front raved about the regular lunches that are served only by RSVP and then received at the takeout window. Elizabeth; the owner and chef, used to reside at what is now the restaurant, specializing in lunch and brunch menu. I called to make a reservation and was told they were opening for dinner (and would continue to on occasion for private parties) starting September 10th. Voilà! Went with my friend Janice on a lovely evening where we sat outside. The inside is very tiny with only a few tables that were already reserved. Lucky for us the weather cooperated. The food is local, sustainable, creative, comfort food. Of course I had to check it out.
Photo: d. king Autumn Salad with crispy Kale and homemade Spaetzle with local mushrooms. Excellent! Wish I had a bigger appetite for the Rib-Eye and Steelhead.
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