The Okanagan Valley of British Columbia is a fantastic location with world-class wineries. This article reviews three Okanagan wineries not to be missed.
Best for Value: Arrowleaf Cellars
Arrowleaf Cellars in Lake Country, Kelowna has a cute little wine shop with free tasting, and knowledgeable friendly staff. It’s in a fantastic location overlooking Okanagan Lake with picnic areas. Bring lunch, buy a bottle of wine and enjoy the view and location.On top of all of that, it’s some of the best priced wine for the quality in the Okanagan.
Two of my favourites are the Bacchus at the unbeatable price of CAN$13.99, and the Solstice Reserve (CAN$28.00).
Best for Atmosphere: Vibrant Vine Vineyards
Vinbrant Vines Vineyard in Kelowna is the most fun you’ll have at a winery. The owners Wyn and Marion are from Wales, and bring the Welsh hospitality, friendliness and charm to the Okanagan. Vibrant Vines combines great wine with great atmosphere. The bottles have psychadelic designs to match the art in the wine store.
During the summer Vibrant Vines has run live music on the weekends and plays during evenings. There’s a lovely garden with lots of space so it’s a great place to have a nice bottle of wine and a fantastic time.
Vibrant Vines only has 4 wines (including a Sauvignon Blanc, Pirate Chardonnay, Riesling and Gewurztraminer) so far, but it’s well worth the visit.
My favouite: 2010 Gewurztraminer (CAN$25).
Best for Style: Quail’s Gate Winery
Quail’s Gate in West Kelowna is not to be missed if you’re looking for a fantastic bottle of wine in a higher price range. It’s also one of the best dinner spots in the Okanagan. It’s at a fantastic location, and wheter you eat inside or outside on the patio there’s a spectacular lake view. The restaurant consistently serves food that is worth coming 10 kilometres or 1000s of kilometres for the food, and especially the wine.
My favourite: 2008 Stewart Family Reserve Pinor Noir (CAN$45).
More information is available at the respesctive website:
Arrowleaf http://www.arrowleafcellars.com /
Vibrant Vines http://tastevibrantvines.com /
Quail’s Gate http://www.quailsgate.com /