As we start to enjoy more time at home, many of us are honing our skills in the kitchen, from conquering cassoulet to mastering sourdough boules. But what to drink with this abundance of homemade fare? We’re not looking any further than our own (greater) backyard, especially since April marks the return of B.C. Wine Month.
By Daenna Van Mulligen
A wine writer based in Vancouver, Daenna launched her website WineDiva.ca 15 years ago and followed it with WineScores.ca in 2008. Daenna’s been a regular contributor to Vines Magazine and TASTE Magazine for a decade and took on the wine specialist role at Montecristo Magazine in 2017. In 2018 she became a contributor to the new publication, Vitis. Daenna was the wine voice on Tasting Room Radio for seven years and has been a guest/keynote speaker in New Zealand and Portugal. She’s an international wine judge and the first Canadian Valpolicella Wine Expert; she was also an educator for the International Sommelier Guild.
The Okanagan Valley is a celebration for the senses. There are endless options for outdoor enthusiasts and plenty of havens for those who prefer to escape and be pampered.
Whether you’re an activity-driven personality or a seeker of tranquillity, you’ll likely find common ground in the region’s most famous adventure—wine tourism.
Flourishing, wine tourism has become a draw for visitors from all over the world. In fact, One million people visit the 370 licensed wineries in BC each year, most of those being in the Okanagan.
So, if you love delicious food and drink, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are a few suggestions on where to visit.
CedarCreek Estate Winery
Wines to try:
Platinum Label Block 4 Pinot Noir
Platinum Label Block 3 Riesling
CedarCreek has been a pillar of East Kelowna since the mid-1980s. Established by Senator Ross Fitzpatrick, over the decades CedarCreek has become synonymous with some of the country’s best wines.
CedarCreek was awarded Winery of the Year at the 2019 InterVin International Wine Awards.
Recently launched, the winery’s Home Block Restaurant is a windfall for locals and visitors alike. Mouthwatering terroir to table cuisine is cooked on large woodfire grill, which is nearly as eye-catching as the dining room’s picturesque views over Lake Okanagan.
Summerhill Pyramid Winery
Wines to try:
Cipes Blanc de Blanc
Cipes Blanc de Franc
Visitors from all corners of the globe have taken countless images of Summerhill’s enormous sparkling wine glass fountain and nearby pyramid cellar in the last couple of decades. But even if you’re not a social media maven, or keen on a kekuli gathering on every equinox, solstice and full moon, a visit to East Kelowna’s Summerhill will still reward you with its strong commitment to organic and biodynamic agriculture and overall sustainability. Sparkling wines are the strength of this estate, so you should definitely imbibe in some while enjoying an organic (and very veg-friendly) meal at their Sunset Bistro.
Quails’ Gate
Wines to try:
The Connemara
Clone 220 Chenin Blanc
The Stewart Family of West Kelowna has been farming in the area since the early 1900s. In 1961 they planted their first grapes and started making wine under the Quails’ Gate label in 1989, which means they are celebrating 30 years.
Old Vines The Restaurant has the same local farm to table philosophy as many local wineries share; the welcoming wood and glass room is as cozy in the winter months as it is exhilarating when the windows roll open to become one with the patio in the summer. Come for the views, stay for the delicious food and wine.
Poplar Grove
Wines to try:
Pinot Gris
Legacy Red
Along the quaint and winding Naramata Bench, on the outskirts of Penticton, Poplar Grove is only one shining star. However, for an all-around experience it stands out.
Founded in 1993, it was one of the first five wineries established on the bench; they soon became respected as much for their cheeses as their wines. Today, the cheeses can be purchased at nearby Lock & Worth Winery, but you can sit and dine in Poplar Grove’s onsite restaurant while taking in the stunning lake vistas.
Black Hills
Wines to try:
Viognier
Syrah
Hardly needing an introduction thanks to their most famous wine, Nota Bene, Black Hills Estate Winery has expanded its wine portfolio, and offers much more than its flagship red. Located near Oliver on the Black Sage Bench, Nota Bene is a modern and sleek winery that offers a handful of personalized wine tastings in their Wine Experience Center. If you want to simply grab a glass and a pizza or charcuterie board, you can simply sit back and chill by the outdoor pool.
With today’s fast-paced lifestyles, what often gets short-changed is family time. This spring break is a great opportunity to reconnect and create some truly memorable times.
Discover amazing formations, ancient fossils and underground waterfalls at Horne Lake Caves in Parksville or the Caves in Canmore. The great thing about caves in the winter is that they are never too cold and offer easy family expeditions.
A trek through the trails at night is a must to see the spectacular winter constellations. Visitors to Kicking Horse Lodging can enjoy the use of both snowshoes and binoculars when getting out after dinner this March Break.
Ziplines are a great adventure for the whole family. Get out the kids out of their comfort zone and give them an adrenaline rush with a zipline course. Wildplay is one company with zipline and adventure courses that open in the spring close to both The Beach Club Resort and The Royal Kelowna.
Fat biking is no longer a fad and has allowed Canadians to extend their biking season. Equipped with wide tires, cyclists can float across snow-covered trails. In Canmore, both guests of the Grande Rockies Resort and Solara Resort and Spa have access to fat bikes for the family.
On a budget? Nothing is easier and maybe more fun than a visit to an authentic ice cream parlour. In Parksville, you can find the Coombs Ice Cream Parlour offering scoops for all ages and where you can also see the goats on the roof of the Coombs Old Country Market.
Your 3rd night’s on us!
Book and stay by:
March 31, 2020
Non-Refundable. Non-Cancellable. Blackout dates may apply. Minimum 3-night stay required. Subject to availability.
by Rachael Skerrett
When one takes a thirty-five-minute flight northeast of Vancouver, Canada, a beautiful body of water called Okanagan Lake will come into view. The Big White Mountain, sprinkled with snow, will glisten in the background and first-time visitors, along with locals alike, will question themselves on how a view like Kelowna’s really exists.
Along with the aerial views on arrival, our hotel views from The Royal Kelowna provided a welcoming introduction to the Okanagan Valley and all of its beauty. We spent our first night with a glass of wine at the rooftop pool before taking the boardwalk over to the Waterfront Restaurant where we became acquainted with our first taste of Canadian wines. From that moment on, our week was as full-bodied as the Cabernets we drank, every view as rich as the next and every taste left a lingering desire to experience more.
We didn’t waste a moment of the time we had in Kelowna. Day two started with the morning fog that swept over William R. Bennett Bridge. A cup of coffee in hand, wearing our complimentary robes, we sat on the balcony taking in the morning view. The comfort and beauty of our suite made it difficult to leave, but when there are over 40 wineries within a 20-minute drive, our palates encouraged us to seize the day.
We wandered the grounds of several estates each offering their own unique wine tasting experience. Mission Hill Winery was a modern dream which included an amphitheatre built into the foothills of the property. Their tasting room not only had a wide selection of wines but also had a variety of takeaway goods from traditional wine glasses to organic dog food cookbooks (yes, you read that correctly).
Cedar Creek Winery, located on the other side of the lake, was a cross between a wine and culinary experience. It had everything you could ever ask for all in one place: great wine, great food, and great people. From historically delicious wineries to new age establishments, it was hard to not fall in love with Okanagan wine country.
When the sun set and the wineries closed, I adored nothing more than coming back to our suite at The Royal Kelowna. It was those simple nights cuddled up by the fireplace with a bottle of wine that I will remember the most. Hopefully, if you’re reading this, you’ll get the chance to visit Kelowna for yourself one day, and when you do, don’t forget to sip, swirl, and savour every moment along the way.
by Isabella Thordsen
In the far West of Canada lies British Columbia, or “Beautiful British Columbia” as the locals call it. And after three weeks of exploring the cinematic province, BC continues to be the most amazing gift that keeps on giving. With over 2000 kilometres covered, my friend and I decided to explore one of the lesser-known paradises of Canada in search of some downtime and wellness with The Royal Kelowna hotel.
And today I wanted to share how I found a little slice of headspace in Kelowna, a small jewel in British Columbia’s wine region called The Okanagan (pronounced; Oh-Ka-Na-Gan).
Arriving at The Royal Kelowna in the evening, here I was sat overlooking the majestic Okanagan Lake. A quick elevator ride later, I was at the top of this traditional wood-panelled hotel and walked into a world of beautiful dark pink colours, blue rolling hills and a few glimmers of orange light reflecting off the lake —
“aaaand breathe…” — the little voice in my head started saying.
There is something humbling and inspiring about being infinitely smaller than the natural wonders around you. The rocky cliffs, breathtaking mountains, rolling hills, and vast lakes of the world’s more untouched landscapes really make you check yourself and evaluate our small role to play on this earth whilst so many bigger forces are around us.
After a cold drink at the panoramic bar on top of the Royal Kelowna, it was time to wind down and enjoy the weekend exploring this magical valley (and its famous vineyards, of course!).
Our suite was already waiting, and a well-earned snooze was needed before waking up to beautiful sunshine for our Sunday stroll around town.
Waking up with a list from the helpful staff here, we had a curated “to-do” list for all the sights in the area, and after a watermelon breakfast, we headed for a stroll along the boardwalk and harbour in front of the hotel.
A few minutes’ walk from the hotel to the melting pot of the city centre, and it was clear straight away that Kelowna was a happy, community-driven, family town. And how could they not be — a stable climate all year round, some of the best ski areas on their doorstep in the winter and some of North America’s most acclaimed vineyards within walking distance.
Less than 100 metres from the lakefront, you can find the main street which is full of stylish coffee shops, trendy poke bowl takeaways, bohemian bars and urban wineries — it really was buzzing! We decided to sample everything available and fell in love with the poke bowls at Pacific Poke. The spicy tuna “build it yourself” bowl was a little slice of heaven as we watched families and friends enjoy the last of their weekend together. It was a heartwarming day all round!
Another must-visit location in the Okanagan Valley is, of course, the Westside Wine Trail just over the bridge from Kelowna.
Following the beautiful lake views, you can drive through the magnificent vineyards set on either side of the road and try a multitude of old world and new world wines.
After a few stops, we made it to the stunning Quails’ Gate Winery, nestled in the foothills above Okanagan Lake. As one of the oldest wineries in the region, we had to sample a few of their award-winning bottles and couple it with a few treats from the restaurant.
The winery has a great design and certainly has a premium feel as you wander around the grape vines and their beautiful restaurant — another great stop for a visit and to see a view right down the valley.
With life so fast-paced thanks to apps such as Uber and Amazon Prime making everything instant, places like Kelowna, far removed from the hustle and bustle, provide a little break from the noise of normal millennial life. The natural beauty gave us an “excuse” to live in the moment and not on our screens — anything else would be disrespectful to this glorious region.
By Lisa Kadane
Kelowna shines in every season, but during the long, hot days of summer, visitors can do everything from wine tour to set sail, and most activities and attractions are easily accessible from The Royal Kelowna. Need some inspiration for how to spend your summer holiday? Here’s a curated Kelowna bucket list.
Visit iconic vineyards on a Westside Wine Trail tour
Stop in for wine tastings at Mission Hill and Quails’ Gate estates, along with two or three more boutique wineries, on a tour with Uncorked Okanagan. Along with varietals from Merlot to Viognier, appreciate vineyard vistas and lake views while someone else does the driving.
Tee up at The Harvest Golf Club
Grab a fruit snack right from the tree while swinging through this championship-length, 18-hole golf course that’s nestled among fruit orchards in pastoral southeast Kelowna. After a great game, grab a bite at Masa’s Grill and pair local wine with seasonal favourites.
Set sail on Okanagan Lake
See the city and the surrounding Okanagan Highlands from the glassy surface of Okanagan Lake on a boat tour or private yacht charter. Kelowna Cruises runs sunset dinner sails with live entertainment in July and August, while Holy Doodle Sailing Charters offers a more intimate experience on an S2 8.5-metre yacht.
Cycle the Myra Canyon train trestle trail
Rent a bicycle from Myra Canyon Bike Rentals, located on site seasonally at the Myra Station trailhead, and then pedal 12 kilometres (one way) over 18 historic train trestles and through two tunnels as the most scenic stretch of the Kettle Valley Railway Trail bends around the deep canyon. Pack a picnic and stop for lunch at one of several viewpoints of Okanagan Lake and downtown Kelowna.
Dine with a lake view at the Red Fox Club
Watch the light fade across the valley from the patio at the Red Fox Club, located on the grounds of Indigenous World Winery in West Kelowna. Match award-winning wines with reimagined Indigenous cuisine such as the Bannock Board, Wild & Cultivated Mushroom Pie or Local Foraged Juniper Scented Beef.
Try a Vinotherapy treatment at Beyond Wrapture spa
Literally soak in wine during a Vinotherapy treatment at one of Kelowna’s premier day spas. Beyond Wrapture’s popular massage treatment rubs in Red or White Vino-lotion that’s high in antioxidants for a protective effect on the skin that also helps strengthen and repair connective tissue.
SUP a section of the Kelowna Paddle Trail
Exercise your abs on a stand-up paddleboard and explore part of Okanagan Lake’s new 27-kilometre paddle trail that passes by 20 beaches, two bird sanctuaries and the Downtown Marina between McKinley Beach and Bertram Creek Provincial Park. SUPs, kayaks and canoes can be rented from Okanagan Beach Rentals at four beach locations around town.
Hike to the top of Knox Mountain
Trek 300 metres above the lake for a great workout and the best views in town from the top of the city’s largest natural area park located just five minutes from downtown. Look for native species including the pretty Okanagan sunflower, stately ponderosa pine, and mule and white-tailed deer, on the two-kilometre (one way) grind up Apex Trail to the summit of this extinct volcano.
Bowl with a side of craft beer at BNA
Quaff a seasonal saison or hipster IPA between bowling frames at Kelowna’s coolest craft brewery. Located inside the historic British North American Tobacco Company building in the city’s vibrant Cultural District, BNA has become a hub for nightlife thanks to its food and drink, six 10-pin bowling lanes and retro-casual vibe (check out the retrofitted Airstream trailer that doubles as a bar).
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