OCTOBER 14TH, 2010
With
the leaves turning gold and the crush in full swing, there’s no better
time to hit wine country (with plenty of trunk space).
wine
Neighboring
wineries in the Similkameen Valley may get a wee bit of Pinot envy when
they get their hands on the 2008 Pinot Noir from Orofino.
The husband and wife team have struck gold with this delicious
specimen—so scoop it up now before the sommeliers do. Orofino
Vineyards, 2152 Barcelo Rd., Cawston, B.C., 250-499-0068, www.orofinovineyards.com
wine
One of the Okanagan’s original cult wines, Black Hills
just turned 10. At a recent vertical tasting of 1999-2008 Nota Bene
vintages we pegged the 2008 as the real deal (as was the 2003, but we
finished the last remaining bottle—oops). Open it now or lay away for
your next notable occasion, like no car day, or the start of a new
month. 30880 Black Sage Rd., Oliver, B.C., 250-498-0666, www.blackhillswinery.com
wine
Named for the towering pine rising from the vineyard (pictured), Le Vieux Pin
is a must on the wine route. The tropical flavours and crisp acidity
are promised and delivered in the 2009 Sauvignon Blanc and the elegant
and simple label (no sunsets or dogs with umbrellas here) is almost as
pleasing as what’s inside. Le Vieux Pin, 34070 73rd and Black Sage Rd.,
Oliver, B.C., 250-498-8388, www.levieuxpin.ca
dine
Pack your own picnic and take in the stellar views from the communal table on the patio behind La Stella
and order a bottle of the delicious “Super Tuscan”-inspired 2007
Fortissimo. So tall, dark and handsome you may want to take one home.
8123 148th Ave., Osoyoos, B.C., 250-495-8180, www.lastella.ca
recline
Well
appointed and surrounded by wineries, where better to uncork some of
your recently acquired cargo than Watermark Beach Resort. Look out over
Lake Osoyoos from your balcony, or place your order at the wine bar
downstairs. And for the morning after, a continental breakfast of
yogurt, fruit and granola or the create-your-own eggs benedict may be
just what the doctor ordered. Watermark Beach Resort, 15 Park Pl.,
Osoyoos, B.C., 250-495-5500, www.watermarkbeachresort.com
For a stunning Okanagan photo gallery by Darren Jacknisky of Edmonton's www.bluefishstudios.ca, please visit our Editors' Diary.
For more new Okanagan itineraries, click here.
