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NOTHING SAYS RELAXATION like quiet country roads, the buzzing sound of crickets and sumptuous sips of wine at dusk. This week, I'm introducing you to BC's wine country and the surrounding area of Penticton. About a 6 hour drive from Vancouver, this mellow town in the heart of BC's Okanagan is the perfect haven for outdoor activity, fresh and local food and wine sampling galore. The Tourism Penticton website says it best: "time to breathe". PLACE: Naramata Bench (CLICK FOR MAP) LOCATION: Penticton, B.C. |
Close your eyes for a minute and picture this: You're sitting on the Hillside Estates Winery and Bistro in the sunshine looking out over Okanagan Lake and distant mountain ranges. There are billowy clouds and vineyards as far as the eye can see. Crickets are chirping in the background and the air is sweet and dry. You're sipping on a glass of Muscat Ottonel and sampling an array of decadent cheeses from the region. Good friends. Good conversation Good times. If this isn't a great way to unplug, I don't know what is!
Wine tasting in the Okanagan has been a bucket list item for many years. So when I found out a friend was planning a trip - I promptly invited myself, my boyfriend and dog along for the ride.
We chose a somewhat unorthodox - and budget friendly - way to experience the region by camping at the Lost Moose Resort for $30 per night. The campsite is set high above Penticton and boasts amazing views of the town and surrounding country landscape. It's basic, but does have hot showers and flushing toilets, as well as a restaurant.
The site is also a hop skip and a jump way from a number of amazing hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as the famed Naramata Bench, which is home to many of BC's best vineyards.
Our original plan was to bike between the vineyards, but unseasonably rainy weather and two young dogs prevented us from fulfilling our plan. But that didn't stop us from having a blast as we cruised between vineyards, piloted by our designated driver. Each winery offers tastings ranging from $3-$5, with around 4 or 5 different wines to sample. The tasting fee is waived if you buy wine. It's really hard not to buy everything you try, simply because there are so many amazing wines to choose from.
My personal favourites were the Viognier from La Frenze, the Massacre Rose from Misconduct Winery and the award winning Oasis at Black Widow Winery.
When not wine tasting, there are plenty of great outdoor activities to experience in Penticton; including wake boarding, Kayaking or canoeing, hiking and mountain biking.
If you have wine tasting on your bucket list, there's no better time to make it happen.
PENTICTON RESOURCES:
Penticton and Area Cycling Association
View VIA UNPLUGGED in a larger map
