Jenna Labossiere 10/12/22 Jenna Labossiere 10/12/22

Fall Harvest Wine Tour Throughout the Okanagan Valley

Fall in the Okanagan Valley is one of the best times to explore the region. The leaves are changing colour, the air is crisp, and the sky is clear with the sun shining bright. Fall is also one of the best times for wine touring in the valley and offers a front row seat to the fall harvest.

During harvest, grapes are collected, separated, and crushed to begin the wine making process. The excitement of harvest fills the wineries as everyone works hard to begin the creation of the year’s wines. What was once a valley of volcanoes now offers a one of a kind terroir perfect for housing more than 200 wineries throughout, each offering cohesive sections to tour at once.

Wherever you are in the Okanagan Valley or within the other wine regions of the Thompson Okanagan, Thompson Valley, and Similkameen Valley, most wineries are still open and ready to welcome visitors. Grab your favourite sweater, sip on a pumpkin spice latte and begin your fall harvest wine tour via biking, walking, carpooling, or with an excellent tour company.

Photo by Destination BC/@vancouverfoodie

Lake Country

50th Parallel

Located on the beautiful hillside of Lake Country overlooking the Okanagan Lake, 50th Parallel is a winery experience like no other. Even though it is a short drive from Kelowna, it offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy the views of the vineyards, mountainsides, and lake while you sip on delicious varietals. This winery is the furthest north of the Okanagan valley then any other winery in this blog. Enjoy an excellent Pinot Noir as the only red varietal produced at the winery accompanied by multiple aromatic white wines, the flagship Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Chardonnay, and sparkling wine. Lake Country’s wine trail is quickly growing and offers a great way to spend a fall day exploring it.

When planning to visit the winery reservations are recommended, but not required.

Kelowna

Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Summerhill Pyramid Winery is located on Lakeshore drive in Kelowna and is known for its exceptional organic wine and stunning views. With their passion to live in harmony with the earth and naturally produce delicious varietals and high-quality food ingredients for their restaurant on their property, you do not want to miss this winery. One of the many unique features of the property is a pyramid that is home to the wine cellar where the wine sits to age and where yoga programs are occasionally offered. Summerhill Pyramid Winery was the first certified organic winery in the Okanagan and continues to find new ways to further its efforts in sustainability still to this day.

Reservations are not necessary to do a wine tasting at the winery.

View from Summerhill Pyramid Winery — Photo by @panxphotography

CedarCreek

Seven minutes down the road from Summerhill Pyramid Winery you will find the magnificent CedarCreek Estate Winery. Nestled on a hillside overlooking Okanagan Lake and surrounded by Vineyards, the views will take your breath away. Home Block restaurant is their resident bistro that offers fresh farm-to-table dishes sourced from the garden on the property and surrounding farms. The waste from the restaurant and winery is composted and fed to the resident chickens when possible.

Being situated in the northern part of the Okanagan Valley, it allows for the winery’s grapes to slowly age on the vines and develop their flavours longer, creating award-winning wine. Reservations are required to take part in a wine tasting.

Continue to more wineries on the Kelowna wine trail and enjoy being chauffeured around with a guided tour.

: Destination BC/@vancouverfoodie — Photo by Destination BC/@vancouverfoodie

West Kelowna

Quails’ Gate Winery

Quails’ Gate Winery was founded by the Stewart family who first came to the Okanagan and began planting on the land in 1908. In 1961, they planted their first vines and were one of the first properties to enter the wine-making industry in the valley when the winery was founded in 1989. To this day it is still a family owned and operated business.

Here, enjoy high quality wines and stunning views of the vineyards and the Okanagan Lake from the West side overlooking Kettle Valley in Kelowna. If you are hungry during your tour and looking for a locally sourced snack, the Market at Quails’ Gate offers a selection of sandwiches, baking, and woodstove pizza to enjoy in their picnic area. Along with their decadent restaurant with stunning views and market, they offer dinner in the vineyards throughout the summer and into the fall. Reservations are required to enjoy an incredible indoor or outdoor wine tasting.

The Westside Wine Trail, in West Kelowna, is ever growing and is composed of different style wineries that are perfect to break up your day on a guided wine tour or your own.

Peachland

Fitzpatrick Winery

As you continue South through the Okanagan Valley you will find Fitzpatrick Winery located on the famous Greata Ranch off Highway 97 between Peachland and Summerland. Greata Ranch was once one of the Okanagan’s main peach and cherry producers shipping these fruits up throughout the valley via the steam ferry that used to travel up and down the lake. Over the years it has been passed through many hands and now is owned by the Fitzpatrick family who remembered the incredible property from visits in the early 1900’s. Fitzpatrick Winery is an extraordinary winery that specializes in sparkling wine along with other varietals and offers stunning views up and down the Okanagan valley. Reservations are recommended to ensure a spot for wine tasting.

Fitzpatrick is an excellent halfway stop during your travels to the other Peachland winery and Summerland wineries during your tour.

Penticton

Play Estate Winery

Play Estate Winery offers a diverse selection of wines, including sparkling wine along with a divine Italian restaurant experience. The name “Play” was inspired by the theater and highlights the winery’s pursuit and overall expression of the Arts.

Play has the newly created Sonetto Italian Restaurant that promises to make you want to return over and over again. Enjoy stunning views of Skaha Lake and surrounding mountains while sipping on Play’s wines. Reservations are not required to enjoy a wine tasting, except for larger groups, but are recommended to dine at their restaurant.

Vineyards in Penticton — Photo by Destination BC/Gabriel Cabrera

TIME Family of Wines

TIME Winery is owned and operated by the McWatters family, a legacy family of the Okanagan valley who has created more than 50 vintages of wine in the Okanagan Valley. TIME Winery and Restaurant is home to multiple collections of wine, the McWatters family legacy brand the McWatters Collection, Evolve Cellars, TIME Winery, and our newest label addition, Chronos.

Located in Penticton, this restaurant and winery offers multiple tastings and delicious food. Reservations are recommended to enjoy this establishment.

Multiple wineries are spread throughout Penticton and offer an opportunity to explore the views of both Okanagan and Skaha lake on guided tours.

Naramata

Poplar Grove

Poplar Grove is one of the original five wineries on the Naramata Bench, founded in 1993. Recognized for their expert wine making, they thrive and succeed at creating distinctive wines that reflect the Okanagan. The winery is home to 140 acres of estate vineyards featuring eight key varietals of Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Sustainability is very important to Poplar Grove and many efforts, including solar panels on the roof of all their buildings, are being made to reduce their impact on this earth.

Along with their wine, they are home to a restaurant that makes for an excellent stop to enjoy lunch or dinner during your wine tour. Reservations are highly recommended to ensure you have a spot in the tasting room when you arrive.

The Naramata Bench is famous for it’s endless wineries. Looking for a way to explore the Bench without having to drive? Rent a bike or book a wine tour to enjoy your day.

Hillside Winery

What was originally an apricot orchard became a sloping 3.5 acre vineyard on the Naramata Bench that would become Hillside Winery. From the winery’s origin story of being one of the first vineyards to lobby for the Farmgate Winery Policy, a policy that would allow small vineyards of five acres or less to produce and sell on their premise. To the unique architecture of a 72 foot tower, designed by Robert MacKenzie back in 1997, you will enjoy learning about this winery's story just as much as you enjoy trying their multiple varietals of wine.

Here you can enjoy wines from a large selection of reds and whites that are driven by the unique terroir of the Naramata Bench. Stop at The Bistro at Hillside Winery for lunch as they offer small dishes packed with flavour sourced from local ingredients allowing for a sharing styled meal. It is recommended to book a wine tasting prior to arriving to enjoy an indoor and outdoor tasting.

Biking along Naramata Bench — Photo by Destination BC/@vancouverfoodie

Oliver

Covert Farms Family Estate

Covert Farm Family Estate is a 650-acre regenerative farm and winery that offers an oasis for you to enjoy the Oliver landscape and unique varietals of wine. Covert Farm is one of the most family friendly wineries in the valley with a yard full of activities for kids and adults, including a slip-and-slide for the hot summer days. Enjoy a wine tasting along with a harvest tractor tour of the property where you can pick your own pumpkin, and the option to roast smokies and s’mores at the communal firepit.

With three different vineyard blocks throughout the valley, Covert Farms puts viticulture as the main focus in their production and is constantly looking for new ways to be more sustainable and resilient against climate change. Reservations are required to book a tour and wine tasting.

Tractor at Covert Farms Estate Winery — Photo by @geebird11

District Wine Village

The District Wine Village is home to 13 wineries, one brewery, one distillery, an eatery, and a Multi-Purpose Amphitheater with 610 person capacity, all in one location for your convenience and pleasure. This beautiful facility offers wine from all over the valley and the Thompson Okanagan region. Here, you can spend your afternoon sipping on wine on the many terraces of the wineries. During the fall, the District Wine Village hosts multiple events like fall harvest and Oktoberfest.

The village is the first ever winery cluster in the Thompson Okanagan that offers a unique facility for existing wineries and beginning wineries to showcase their best varietals. Reservations are not required at the wine village.

Explore the many Oliver wineries located within short distances of each other via local wine tours.

District Wine Village Courtyard — Photo by District Wine Village

Osoyoos

Phantom Creek Estates

Phantom Creek Estates will take your breath away from the first moment you see it on the hillside from the highway. Built to inspire and amaze, this winery has ensured it is just as appealing to the eye as it is to your taste buds. Their organically certified vineyards sit on the Black Sage Bench and on the Golden Mile Bench.

Enjoy stunning views of the valley and the beautiful architecture and art while enjoying flavorful wine and delicious food. Book a tasting and a private tour and explore the beautiful property.

There are many hidden gems of wineries to enjoy in Osoyoos along with multiple wine tour operators.

Author of the blog, Jenna Labossiere — Written by Jenna Labossiere

Born and raised in Kelowna, Jenna loves being able to be a tourist in her own backyard. She hopes to be able to showcase the Thompson Okanagan’s local businesses and natural attractions in order to encourage others to take the opportunity to enjoy them as much as she does.

Jenna Labossiere 10/20/21 Jenna Labossiere 10/20/21

Fall in the Southern Part of the Thompson Okanagan

Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in the Thompson Okanagan. Plan a fall vacation or staycation in the southern part of the Thompson Okanagan.

South Okanagan

The South Okanagan is composed of communities surrounded by beautiful mountains and lakes. This part of the region offers the perfect climate to create a large selection of wine varietals which is why it makes sense that this is home to the heart of B.C.’s wine industry.

Begin your fall adventure by admiring the fall colours from a different perspective on Okanagan Lake and take a Kayaking tour with Hoodoo Adventures in Penticton. Hoodoo Adventures offers outdoor experiences of all kinds that are accommodating to anyone looking to be outdoors. Once back on land, visit the farmer’s market on the 100 block of Penticton’s Main Street every Saturday from 6am - 2pm until October 30th.

End your day at Poplar Grove, a winery in Naramata nestled on the side of Munson Mountain, overlooking the Okanagan Lake. There, enjoy a delicious meal and incredible wine. If you are looking to spend most of your time in wine country, stay at the Naramata Inn. This over 100 year old building is the perfect home base to tour the wineries, cideries, and breweries of Naramata and Penticton.

Carry on to Okanagan Falls, a small community that is known for being right on the shoreline of Skaha Lake, the Okanagan falls, and their delicious ice cream shop, Tickle Berries.

The brand new District Wine Village located in Oliver is a must-see destination. This stunning facility houses multiple wineries and breweries all in one location for your convenience and pleasure.

The South Okanagan has multiple festivals in the fall including Pig Out Trails and the Festival of the Grape. Both celebrate harvest season and include delicious wine and food.

If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, hike the trails through sẀiẀs Provincial Park in Osoyoos. This park is located within the traditional territory of the Osoyoos Indian Band and is proudly managed by them. The name means a place where it is shallow or narrow in the middle of the lake. It explains how the area was once used to cross Osoyoos Lake by foot or by horse. This park has trails and lakeside campsites.

A more challenging, but picturesque hike in Osoyoos is called nʕaylintn (McIntyre Bluff). This is a 10-km (6-mi) loop that offers stunning views of the South Okanagan Valley. While in the South, spend a few nights at Spirit Ridge Resort where Indigenous culture comes together with a unique lodging experience that includes golf, wine, and contemporary spa services.

Similkameen Valley

Fall temperatures in the Similkameen Valley offer the perfect conditions for hiking, biking, and fishing. China Ridge is located just outside of Princeton and offers 45km of pristine trails.

Witnessing the vibrant fall colours of Cathedral Provincial Park is something you don’t want to miss. Composed of Old Growth Forest, this park is covered with well-marked trails that take you to breathtaking views of meadows, waterfalls, and mountains. You have an option to hike into the park, which is 16 km (10 mi) with a 1300 m (4265 ft) incline, or take a Unimog, an off-roading vehicle that can drive you to the heart of the park (Need to reserve your seats). Once arrived at Quiniscoe Lake at 2072 m (6800 ft), you have the option to camp or stay at the Cathedral Lakes Lodge. With the lake as your base camp, explore the many trails around the area, and don’t forget to bring your fishing gear.

Manning Park is located in the North Cascade Mountains and has 70,000 hectares of four-season fun. With little to no cell reception, this is the perfect place to unplug and unwind from a busy daily life. Whether you’re exploring the park by foot, canoe, or horseback, you will be amazed by the extensive trails and beauty.

The Similkameen has many rivers that are ideal for fly fishing. The region is well known for Rocky Mountain White Fish. If you are looking for a family-friendly fishery, Tulameen’s Otter Lake is a great place to catch Pennask, Rainbow trout, and Kokanee.

While driving between adventures be sure to stop at one of the many produce stands in Keremeos and Cawston. If you would prefer to see the region by air, take a helicopter tour and touch down in a vineyard of one of the many wineries in the region or next to a river with Valhalla Helicopters.

Boundary

If you are truly looking for a picturesque fall getaway Boundary Country is the perfect place to go. This region is composed of friendly communities filled with rich history, surrounded by ranch land and rolling hills covered in beautiful foliage. Museums and art galleries can be found throughout Boundary and depict how this beautiful area came to be. Stop at Gallery 2 in Grand Forks, Arts on 3 Gallery in Christina Lake, and Deadwood Junction in Greenwood to find art from local artisans.

If you want to know more about the history of Boundary, stop in the smallest city of Canada, Greenwood. Here, you will find the Greenwood Museum that depicts the mining, forestry, architecture, and Japanese internment history of the region.

At one time, Boundary had many active railways running straight through it. Now, those paths, where the tracks used to lay, have been converted into rail trails for bikers and walkers. Spend the day, or a few, exploring the 2,000 km (1,243 miles) of trails along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Trans Canada Trail, and Columbia Western Trails.

Being hungry in Boundary is an easy problem to solve with so many local food vendors that offer farm-fresh foods to enjoy while dining in or taking out. A few to check out are The Wooden Spoon which offers daily lunch and breakfast specials, homemade soups, and pastries. Or the Borscht Bowl which offers traditional Doukhobor cuisine consisting of delicious homemade Borscht and other Russian menu items.

Your adventures in Boundary can be perfectly complemented by a stay at a peaceful campground or a quirky accommodation. Blue Mountain Lodge offers both cabin accommodations and campsites right on the shorelines of Christina Lake.

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About Jenna Labossiere

Born and raised in Kelowna, Jenna loves being able to be a tourist in her own backyard. As a Brand Ambassador for the Thompson Okanagan region, she hopes to be able to showcase the region’s local businesses and natural attractions in order to encourage others to take the opportunity to enjoy.

Jenna Labossiere 3/29/21 Jenna Labossiere 3/29/21

B.C. Parks You Don't Want To Miss

There are so many provincial parks within our region, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit first. Here are few great options of parks to add to your bucket list this year.

Spring has Sprung in the Thompson Okanagan which means it’s time to pull out our camping gear. With the Thompson Okanagan region being 71, 600 km² / 27,644 mi², there is no shortage of beautiful provincial parks and natural attractions to explore.

Whether you’re spending the day or a few nights in a tent, trailer, or under the stars, there is no better way to escape the city than to enjoy the calming beauty of the region’s diverse nature and wildlife. While exploring, be mindful of the trace you are leaving behind. Sticking to the trails, cleaning up after yourself, and giving wildlife their space are just a few simple and sustainable practices that will go a long way.

There are so many provincial parks within our region, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit first. Here are few great parks to add to your bucket list this year. Remember to respect travel restrictions and find parks to explore within your community.

Overnight Campers

Boundary Creek Provincial Park

This park is located along the Kettle River offering 16 spaced out and well covered campsites. These campsites are run on a first-come, first-served basis. Enjoy cycling, fishing, and walking the trails. While out walking see if you can spot the remainders of the B.C. Copper Company smelter that once employed 400 men from 1901 to 1918.

The park is accessible to all, has running water, and can accommodate larger RV’s.

Provincial Park Entry Sign - Photo by B.C. Parks

Jewel Lake Provincial Park

Jewel Lake Provincial Park is a hidden gem within Boundary Country. It offers a chance for visitors to immerse themselves in nature, along the 3km lake and the dense surrounding forest. Here, you can fly fish for trout, swim, cycle, and canoe.

While not suitable for fifth wheels and RV’s, there are 26 vehicle-accessible campsites. This park is accessible to all.

Campsite at Jewel Lake - Photo by B.C. Parks

Picnic tables on the Shoreline - Photo by B.C. Parks

Silver Beach Provincial Park

Silver Beach Provincial Park is located on the north end of the Seymour Arm of Shuswap Lake. This is the site of a historical gold rush town called Ogden City (now called Seymour Arm). Along with its beautiful fir trees, there are sandy beaches on the banks of the lake. Here, you can enjoy your time next to the water or in it, doing water sports, swimming, house-bating, and fishing for over 19 different species of fish.

The park is accessible to all and has pit toilets, it can be accessed by boat or car.

Silver Beach is operated by Silvertip Park Services Ltd.

Email: parkinquiries@telus.net

Phone: 250 320-9305

Green Marsh and Shoreline of Silver Beach - Photo by B.C. Parks

Overhead view of the Lake and Beach - Photo by B.C. Parks

Bridge Lake

With a small campground located on the south end of the lake, near the Bridge Lake community, this park protects a large amount of untouched shoreline. It is a great place to catch a glimpse of many species like the river otter, black bear, fox, bald eagle, etc. Horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and canoeing are all popular activities here.

The park is accessible to all with no running water and is only accommodating to tents.

The lake in the evening - Photo by @jeannie_haller

The lake behind beautiful trees - Photo by @adeley_bean

Daytime Visitors

Christina Lake Provincial Park

If you are looking to spend the day by the water where you can picnic, swim, fish, and maybe even water ski, then you should check out Christina Lake Provincial Park. With 350 meters of sandy beaches, a lake with a reputation of being the warmest in Canada, and over 200 vehicle parking spots, this location is the perfect place to spend a sunny day.

The park is accessible to all and has plenty of trees to offer a shady spot to escape the sun.

Pathway to the picnic area on the beach - Photo by B.C. Parks

The view of the Christina Lake - Photo by B.C. Parks

Boothman’s Oxbow Provincial Park

Surrounded by the rare riparian black cottonwood tree, grasslands, and wildlife, this park is the perfect place to enjoy a nature walk and a picnic. Swimming, angling (a style of fishing), kayaking, hiking, and wildlife watching are all favourite activities here. Grab your fishing gear along with a picnic and enjoy a relaxing day on the lake.

The lake with a mountain background - Photo by @kristarobertsgeary

All of the provincial parks above welcome your furry friends to tag along with you, just be sure they are on a leash when they do.

Once again while travel restrictions are still in effect, we encourage you to explore B.C. Provincial Parks within your community. Sometimes the greatest sights are just outside our door.

Written by Jenna Labossiere

Born and raised in Kelowna, Jenna loves being able to be a tourist in her own backyard. As a Brand Ambassador for the Thompson Okanagan region, she hopes to be able to showcase the region’s local businesses and natural attractions in order to encourage others to take the opportunity to enjoy.

Lucie Eger 8/27/20 Lucie Eger 8/27/20

Hoodoo Adventures - Fresh Air is the Best Medicine

Mike, Lyndie, and the dedicated team at Hoodoo Adventures care deeply about building stronger connections - to the outdoors and among their community. With innovative initiatives to get people outside and active, they remain a gateway to adventure and constant for their community through times of uncertainty.

“You can throw a pandemic at the community and it still comes down to connections and communication, being out there in nature, getting exercise. It sounds simple and is so often forgotten, but to us it’s the most important thing there is.”

— Mike Hill

Mike & Lyndie - Owners of Hoodoo Adventures

Mike, Lyndie, and each member of their dedicated team care deeply about building stronger connections - to the outdoors and among their community. Highlighting the best the Okanagan has to offer, Hoodoo Adventures provides authentic outdoor adventures, indoor/outdoor activities including a climbing gym, tours, and events.

This year has been a rollercoaster with many necessary changes and COVID-19 adjustments, but Hoodoo Adventures is still here and ready to come back stronger than ever. The passion and dedication Mike and Lyndie pour into their business is reflected back by an appreciative community of adventurers - within Penticton and beyond. The outdoors is more popular than ever, but bringing big groups of people together on tours or hosting large events is off the table for now. They have had to be creative, constantly re-adjust, and focus on opportunities to do things differently.

“Everything is being questioned and up in the air, but when you get down to the core of why we do this - it’s still there and authentic as ever. One of the reasons our business even exists is because Lyndie wanted to affect change in the youth of Penticton, let them see where they live and how amazing it is. We’re still doing that, at smaller numbers and in different ways - we’re a gateway to adventure.”

— Mike Hill

Knowing that cost may be a barrier, Mike and Lyndie brainstormed ideas of how to get locals more involved in outdoor activities without having to purchase gear or worry about maintaining it. On top of their already popular rental programs, Hoodoo Adventures has introduced a new Membership Deal, offering unlimited access to equipment and time slots at the climbing gym, as well as discounts to tours and courses - all at a very low monthly rate.

“Being outdoors during the pandemic, and all throughout the year, is essential for us. It brings us both balance and peace, and helps bring a sense of normalcy to our lives, especially during challenging times. The hardworking team at Hoodoo Adventures is always looking for unique and innovative ways to showcase fun and play outside while discovering all that the region has to offer. We recently took part in their Virtual Challenge, which had us discover four new-to-us hikes!”

— Kim & John of Hidden Gems of BC

During another innovative pandemic initiative, participants biked or hiked along routes equipped with maps provided by Hoodoo Adventures. The “Virtual Challenge” included checkpoints to take photos of and submit for a chance to win great prizes from local businesses. Many locals took the opportunity to get outside with their closest circle, substitute for kids’ canceled P.E. classes, and stay connected to the community from a distance.

““We do have an amazing community and live in this amazing place, we’re very lucky and we have to remind ourselves of that as well. It’s important to focus on your own mental health too, it’s so easy for the anxiety of all of this to take over. Luckily what we do helps people with that and provides that fresh air and connection to nature that is more important now than ever.””

— Lyndie Hill

Follow @HoodooAdventures on Instagram, find them on Facebook and learn more about rentals, memberships, the climbing gym & tours on HoodooAdventures.ca.

You may not be able to travel far from home this year - but it’s a great opportunity to explore our beautiful backyard. Get out there, whether it’s on a solo adventure or with those closest to you. Pretend you’re a tourist in the region you call home and be surprised by what a little change of perspective can do to renew your sense of adventure. 😊

About the Author

Lucie has been calling the Okanagan home since 2011, after moving overseas from a tiny town with a high cow population in southern Germany. She has a serious love for travel, music and languages - seeking to continuously grow and broaden her perspective. As a writer and Yoga teacher, Lucie hopes to inspire community, compassion, and a conscious way of living

Thompson Okanagan 2/24/20 Thompson Okanagan 2/24/20

Why Getting From Osoyoos to Kelowna on Electricity Has Never Been Easier

A big part of building a responsible and sustainable destination includes creating a transportation network that’s suited for the next generation of tourism.

That’s why when my partner and I were putting together a road trip up Route 97 through Washington and onwards to Kelowna, we thought it was important to find a full or partial-electric vehicle to take with us to experience the hard work this region has been doing to make it accessible for future road trips.

With a 2020 Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid in tow, we crossed the border at Oroville-Osoyoos (a much easier crossing than the Peace Arch in Blaine) and were impressed with just how easy charging was at almost every turn.

Our first day’s itinerary had us just over the border at Nk’Mip Cellars, Canada’s first indigenous winery. The Osoyoos Indian Band owns and operates the grounds, which has slowly turned into a destination itself with Spirit Ridge Resort, a nine-hole golf course and the Nk’Mip Desert & Heritage Centre on the northern side of the property. They’ve also installed two Tesla charging stations, which we were told get plenty of use in the busy season.

Just down the road in the city centre, we charged our Volvo overnight at the Watermark Beach Resort, which has three stations (two Tesla, one regular). We imagined that in lesser weather, the covered, indoor charging parking would be quite an asset.

As we began the drive north, we were surprised to see just how many wineries and tourist destinations embraced EV driving with charging stations just about everywhere we went. Signage along Route 97 indicated charging options every few miles with more sporadically spread out as the highway opens up north of Oliver.

We stopped for a midday tour and lunch with Ruth Hanbury, then-president of Liquidity Winery in the hills outside Okanagan Falls. As we were chatting about the new age of road tripping, she mentioned that the winery has seen an increase in EV tourists over the last year (Liquidity has actually had their charging station for a number of years as part of a larger national EV initiative.)

Speaking of driving, the northern third of Washington State offers an easy before or after trip just across the border, especially driving electric.

There are currently 21 charging stations operating from Winthrop in the Cascade foothills to Davenport in the far desert. Much of the development is thanks to Plug-In North Central Washington - an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to developing EV tourism in their part of the state. A group of eight enthusiasts made up of retirees, industry advocates and general citizens have built a reliable and technical network of chargers for virtually any EV. It makes a trip starting in Seattle or Portland quite easy. They’ve literally mapped out charging stops along the way for EVs of almost any battery capacity.

Getting from northern Washington to Kelowna on one charge is rather simple too. There are no shortage of Teslas or other long-range EVs making the trek and as a tech industry hotbed, Kelowna is full of charging stations, especially before venturing further north.

Resources for EV drivers:

If you’re new to EV driving, the one thing you must do is download the Plugshare app. As the most comprehensive and continuously updated map documenting charging stations throughout Canada and the US, this is the most surefire way to ease “charging anxiety”. Much of the data is user-generated and you’ll find out which destinations have chargers, if there are any fees involved and if any are currently out of service.

Power Trips Okanagan has a fleet of Teslas available for rental and can arrange pickups in Kelowna or Vernon.

About Geoff Nudelmann

Geoff Nudelman is a copywriter, journalist and brand strategist tackling the globe one soccer match at a time. He travels in search of lesser-known destinations and the stories that bring these locales to life. He currently writes for Barron's, Lonely Planet and AskMen.com. He lives in Portland, Oregon.

Aman Dosanj 9/9/19 Aman Dosanj 9/9/19

6 New Food Ventures in Penticton

Recently, there’s been an explosion of new things to really kick up the food and drink scene in Penticton a notch. From our craft beer and cider trails to Asian eats to naturally fermented wines, there’s a lot going on.

The South Okanagan has always made me swoon. The drive alone from Peachland to Summerland is enough to do just that. Recently, there’s been an explosion of new things to really kick up the food and drink scene in Penticton a notch. From our craft beer and cider trails to Asian eats to naturally fermented wines, there’s a lot going on.

Here’s an insider perspective into what’s new with hopefully just enough background to make you want to get to know them better yourself:

Wayne & Freda

The Okanagan is known for its power to draw people back in. It is an all too familiar tale that you hear over and over again, especially as I was also one of those people. Sometimes, you need to move away in order to really see how special it really is and that’s when the magic happens.

This has been the case for Wayne and Freda’s owners, Jen and Ryan, who moved back from Vancouver to set up shop and make their romantic 10-year coffee shop dream a reality. Oh, and how they’ve blown it out of the water since opening this year.

Whether its the inviting look and feel with all its small touches by former interior decorator, Jen, the lightly caffeinated atmosphere, the sustainable choices on their menu or the tribute to both their grandparents with choice of name, Wayne and Freda is a business with intent.

“We very much wanted to create a space that would elevate the neighbourhood and connect the community. Almost daily we get to see people run into each other here. Big smiles, often even bigger hugs are exchanged. Daily, there are tables of families and friends gathered to spend time together, to joys or to soften the blows of a hard day – these moments and exchanges are the life force behind this place”, says owner, Jen.

Well, how do I top that? The Okanagan is a place where people can truly dream. W & F has been a great addition to our community. Within walking distance to pretty much everything in the downtown core, this is the perfect spot to start your day before heading to the Penticton Farmers’ Market (or any day at that), to scheme away in one of their many nooks or to just say hi.

105-249 Westminster Avenue W, Penticton

Sushi Genki

Husband/wife tag team originally from Kumamoto City in Japan, who made their way to Canada via the Fairmount Banff Springs hotel before deciding to call Penticton home. As a former small family business, I applaud their ballsy open hour decisions in search of some work/life balance. Closed on weekends and open until 7:30 PM on the other days, I hope more follow.

Their tiny location is buzzing with takeout orders for their stellar sushi, ramen and udon. The washroom is behind the curtain through the kitchen, so that’s a pretty cool adventure in itself. Sushi Genki has been around for a number of years, but they’re new to me, so think of it as more of a hidden eat of the Okanagan. You’re welcome!

104-95 Eckhardt Avenue E, Penticton

JoieFarm

Winemaker/Owner, Heidi Noble is a chef turned self-taught winemaker and she makes delicious small lot wines. This year, JoieFarm has amped up their collaboration game by teaming up with Yellow Dog to conspire on a barrel-aged beer/wine hybrid called ‘Like Minds’, which is available on tap in the winery’s Picnique area.

They also continue to spark conversation with their limited release experimental label called Chic Fille. It was also an opportunity for Heidi to revisit her self-taught roots and an opportunity for apprentice winemaker, Alyssa Hubert to shine.

Under this label is their, now sold out, Pinot Noir Rosé, which had an incredible raspberry lemonade colour to it with added sparkle, a Gewürztraminer that was left on skins for a sexy pink hue, a Pinot Blanc and two Pinot Noirs (fruit from the same vineyard, one fermented with ambient yeast and the other fermented with a Burgundian cultured yeast strain). In their words, ‘This collection is fun, flavourful, très chic adventure: a tour of cool-climate, lake-moderated terroir at its purest and natural winemaking techniques at their most elegant.’

The Picnique area is open with Benton Cheese, True Grain Baguettes and Oyama Sausage providing snacks for a non-pretentious, picnic blanket filled winery experience overlooking the lake. I was fortunate enough to have a tasting with Alyssa who was working the outdoor tasting bar that day. If you go, ask for her.

2825 Naramata Road, Naramata

Gusto Ferrari

How does a woodfire pizza besides the Penticton Rec. Centre sound? Random and awesome is the answer. Family owned and operated by a real life northern Italian family, with Chef/wife, Roberta in the kitchen, and husband, Flaminio, front-of-house and the kids helping to serve.

Italy is known as the land of fast cars and slow food. Opened in December 2018, The Ferrari family combines both those things with 48-hour fermented dough, sauces made from imported San Marzano tomatoes and the likes of Cannery Brewing, Truck 59 cider and a South Okanagan wine selection going hand-in-hand with the Italian stuff.

Another random fact is that Flaminio used to sell pizza ovens in Italy, so it’s definitely safe to say pizza is their forte with around 15 pies on offer.

201 Okanagan Avenue E, Penticton

Creek & Gully Cider

This is what happens when two former Joy Road Catering alumni’s with farming backgrounds put their brains together and take a chance.

The unfortunate reality of our food system means that there is little economic value in organic apples nowadays. So, first time small business owners, Kaleigh Jorgensen and Annalise Simonsen decided to turn their orchard’s apples into cider with their Slow Food thinking philosophies in mind.

In their words, ‘We believe small actions have a big impact’.

With 4 releases in their portfolio, there is one thing in common: their ciders are made using just one ingredient - apples! Leaning towards drier styles with no added sugar or water, they let the cocktail of apples do the talking with natural fermentations and a bit of Okanagan sparkle.

You can meet the ladies, as well as Spooky the dog, in their beautiful ‘cider cathedral’, have a tasting in thrifted mis-matched glassware or sip on their natural cold pressed juices. Oh yeah, I should mention that this is a cidery where the apples come directly from their orchard(s) and you’re welcome to wander and ask questions. They’re down the road from Poplar Grove Cheese and Lock & Worth for a really diverse tour of ‘The Bench’.

1053 Poplar Grove Road, Penticton

Neighbourhood Brewing

Ok, this one is exciting.

The BC Ale Trail has been exploding with craft brewers popping up everywhere. Port Moody is home to some excellent breweries, including Yellow Dog. Now, the Yellow Dog family is expanding with a second location in Penticton. The head brewer from Yellow Dog relocated his family to the South Okanagan, meaning we’re seriously stepping up our brew game with Neighbourhood Brewing. Another cool thing to see is the support from their neighbours at Cannery, Bad Tattoo and Slack Water, to name a few.

Although they haven’t been able to break ground on their building yet, they have recently launched their brand new beers in cans. Good things come to those who wait and all.

187 Westminster Avenue, Penticton

Doing things the right way is often the hardest way. Good people deserve good things, and when we support small, independent or family-run spots, your spending choices really does matter and make a difference. I closed the doors of my own family-run restaurant in 2016, but I always promised to do what I can to try and help.

The Okanagan is this change that’s happening and that’s pretty bloody exciting to watch.