Guest experiences now range from culinary education to concerts and boutique hotels
OKANAGAN WINERIES: MORE THAN JUST GREAT VINO
It was a little more than 20 years ago that inspired – and hopeful – vintners began industriously planting grapes on the sunny slopes of B.C.’s Naramata bench. Today, this region’s wineries are bearing fruit in more ways than one. In addition to award-winning wines, many local wineries provide guest experiences that promise unexpected and satisfying extras.
When it comes to stunning architecture Mission Hill Estate Winery tops the charts.
Proprietor Anthony von Mandl spared no expense; Mission Hill’s gardens, lawns and warm Tuscan-hued buildings form a monument to tasteful elegance. The winery’s grassy amphitheatre overlooking Okanagan Lake is the site of summer concerts by artists such as Juno-award-winning flamenco guitarist Jesse Cook, who played here on June 22.
Just across the lake, the setting at CedarCreek Estate Winery is slightly more understated, but no less impressive.
This summer, CedarCreek will entertain guests with top-calibre performances by artists including Alan Frew, who will play here on July 23. On August 6, Brazil’s Yamandu Costa Trio graces Cedar- Creek’s stage, followed by stage performer/singer Michael Burgess on August 13.
“The Vineyard Theatre at CedarCreek Estate Winery is an incredible setting for live music, and we are thrilled to welcome such highly acclaimed musical artists,” says CedarCreek president Gordon Fitzpatrick.
Nearby, Quail’s Gate Estate Winery last year expanded its offerings with a new 4,500-square-foot hospitality centre that features a demonstration kitchen, wine and food pairings, and space for special events. Gazing across the waters of Okanagan Lake’s Green Bay proprietor Tony Stewart says with pride, “We have one of the nicest views of any tasting bar in the Okanagan.”
Further south, in the charming lakeside community of Peachland, Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery has also created an impressive guest experience based on opportunities for in-depth wine and food education.
Wine buffs may recognize Hainle’s name as Canada’s first winery to produce ice wine, an achievement that earned this small vintner a coveted place in Canada’s wine history. At Hainle, however, guests can choose from over 100 B.C. wines, a comprehensive list that recently earned Hainle rank among B.C.’s top-three wine lists according to Okanagan Life magazine.
International hotelier and chef Scott Wilshaw, who is responsible for Hainle’s cookery school and guest services, says, “Guests here can get what they want, when they want it. You get to pick the wines you would like to taste. And you can sit or stand at the wine bar, or take a seat at a table hosted by a wine host.”
Even the tables in Hainle’s restaurant are thoughtfully dedicated to wine education. Custom built from reclaimed timber, each glass-topped table serves as a showcase of winemaking artifacts.
“Each table tells a story,” says Wilshaw. “This isn’t your average tasting bar. The number of people who pause to take pictures of the tables themselves is a testament to how interesting they are.”
While on property, guests may also find themselves in the midst of a cooking class.
“If a cooking class is in session—you are welcome to watch in. It happens every day,” says Wilshaw. “We are all about enabling guests to experience the best of the Okanagan, and enjoy a glass of wine as you do.” Like other members of the Okanagan wine community, Wilshaw is helping add depth and richness to the region’s vacation offerings.
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