Blog

Okanagan Canada Day

This long weekend, whether you’re heading up to the lake or hanging out in town, you’re going to need wine. The weather forecast points to right about average for July, so bring on the patio lounging and barbecues.

With the char-grilled flavour effect and often spicy or zesty sauces, a good rule of thumb for BBQ wine is not to go too delicate. An often overlooked wine, Okanagan Gamay Noir is the quintessential BBQ wine, not too heavy but still packed with buckets of lush fruit and just the right balance of smoke and spice.  Whether you are grilling some artisan burgers or your family’s secret recipe ribs, Gamay is sure to be a hit on a hot summer day.  Enjoy your Gamay chilled when the thermometer starts rising.

For your whites at the barbecue, Oaked Chardonnay is a solid match for grilled chicken or in season halibut right off the grill  and Sauvignon Blanc is great with rich sable fish or a local artisan cheese board.  You can never have too much Pinot Gris for when friends stop by.  Marry the Gris with some oysters on the half shell or prawns on the BBQ and you will really win some points with family and friends. 

For salads or lighter fair a crisp and refreshing Pinot Blanc hits the spot.
Our country is 146 years old this year and that is something to celebrate.  Have some BC Sparkling on hand for when the fireworks get going or to kick start your party.  After all sparkling goes with everything…even the red and white!

Happy Canada Day everyone!

Jun 28, 2013 at 2:00 PM Permalink

Lieutenant Governor General's Wine Awards 2013

Congratulations to all of the 2013 Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in British Columbia Wines.  Here are the Okanagan Falls Winery Association wines that won:

Stag's Hollow Winery
Cachet No. 03 Limited Edition 2010

Synchromesh Wines
Storm Haven Vineyard Riesling 2011

Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery
Mystic River Vineyard Pinot Blanc 2012

This year was the largest competition in the 11-year history of the awards, with 402 wines submitted from 109 wineries across the province. For a full list of the 2013 winners, check out the website.
 

Jun 26, 2013 at 9:00 AM Permalink

Okanagan Falls Party in the Park 2013

Back for it's second year the Okanagan Falls Winery Association's Party in the Park kicks off summer on Friday July 12th, 2013.  The event runs from 5pm till 9pm at Kenyon Park and tickets are going to go fast.

Get your beach party groove on with the great sounds of The Gal Avanters.

Meet the elusive winemakers and owners of the 12 OK Falls Winery Association wineries and enjoy the excellent southern BBQ prepared by The Chef Instead.  Dinner and dancing with a live band at Kenyon Park seems like an awesome way to kick start an Okanagan summer! Tickets are $50 and are available at

http://www.eventbee.com/v/ofwapartyinthepark

So tell your  friends, to come celebrate summer and the wine of Okanagan Falls on the beach, along with the personalities that make up the OK Falls Winery Association. Summer never felt so good.

Jun 20, 2013 at 9:00 AM Permalink

Penticton Restaurants

Penticton is located in the centre of an amazing agricultural area. From May through October some of the best fruit, produce, and grapes in the country can be found here. This has of course led to a burgeoning culinary scene set against the perfect backdrop and paired with some delicious Okanagan wines.

Here are a few of our picks for places to eat in Penticton:

Lunch / Dinner

• The Cobblestone Restaurant and Wine Bar at Naramata Heritage Inn
• The Patio at Lake Breeze Winery
• Hillside Estate Winery Bistro
• Vanilla Pod at Poplar Grove Winery
• The Kitchen at Misconduct Winery
• The Hooded Merganser at Penticton Lakeside Resort
• Theo's Greek Restaurant

Lunch

• Brodo on Main Street
• The Bench Market

Of course there are many other great restaurants throughout the Okanagan Valley.

If you have any other suggestions, or if there is somewhere that you've particularly enjoyed, please feel free to comment below!

Jun 8, 2013 at 4:12 PM Permalink

Wine Bloggers Conference Penticton

In the spirit of the 2013 Wine Blogger's Conference being held in
Penticton this weekend, we thought it appropriate to create a series
of blog posts highlighting some of our favourite things to do here in
the Okanagan.

Whether you're joining us locally from the Okanagan, or from abroad in
Canada and the US we welcome all of our cyber wine friends to this
amazing part of the world.

We hope you'll enjoy a sunny weekend here along with some fantastic
wine and great people. Should you require any information while you're
here, or would just like to stop by for a glass of bubbly please
contact us in the tasting room and we'll be happy to assist you.

If you're just tuning in and wondering what's happening for the
conference, or would like to attend, you can find full details at the
Wine Blogger's Conference website.

Jun 6, 2013 at 6:53 PM Permalink