Good Food and Good Wine...Life is Good!- Sarah In BC

  While driving through the interior of B.C., you should never miss the opportunity to stop in the Thompson Okanagan, or The Okanagan. It was settled by fur traders in 1812, and in the 1860’s, farmers started planting the orchards and vineyards for which it is now known. Here you get the best of everything, lakes and beaches, and mountains in every sky line. From camping, to boating, to skiing and snowboarding, there is defiantly something for everyone.

  But on to the important part, food and wine! Our first stop on our journey was Davidson’s orchards. More of a tourist destination than farm, it has tree orchards, grapes, a petting zoo, and of course a country store with fresh baked goods, homemade soaps and lotions, and locally made jewellery and gifts. Entertaining enough, a short walk through an orchard is a great way to start your morning.

  Next to the wineries! We really had no back ground knowledge of the some 120 different places we could stop, so we drove around and randomly picked one. I really have nothing to compare with, but I can say I was very impressed with our choice. Ex Nihilo, in Latin meaning “Out of nothing” was inspired by a love of wine and art, and evidence of this is everywhere, from their beautiful tasting room to the bottles they design. Unfortunately their wines are only available through the winery itself, not through the LBCO or liquor stores. My favourite by far was their pinot noir ice wine, 150 dollars a bottle.

  Time for lunch, my favourite part. By suggestion of our very knowledgeable wine guide, we drove out to Sparkling Hill resort in Vernon, the northern part of the Okanagan. The calling card to this hotel is the 3.5 million Swarovski crystals they have “sparkling” up the joint. Chandeliers, glass doors, statues, this stuff is everywhere! They have 2 dining rooms, Peakfine, for fine dining in the evening, and Barrique & Java, for slightly more casual afternoon dining. Monte Cristo sandwich, and quinoa salad, tuna melt on Panini and roasted red pepper soup, and of course some wine, made 2 very happy ladies that afternoon. So happy in fact we indulged in some dessert, raspberry cream tarts, and rhubarb crisp with orange sorbet. Clearly you can see why the Okanagan has adopted the phrase “Life is Good!”  

Have a Great Long weekend ladies and gents! 

Love Sarah