LAST week, for various reasons, I found myself on the patio at Quails' Gate's impressive, vista-kissed tasting room, at around 10 in the morning.
The first wine up was Quails Gate Chenin Blanc 2012. Think hints of papaya with a burst of lemon-lime and zippy acidity ($18.99, 90 points).
One of the smartest things Quails' Gate ever did was not to pull out their Chenin. The perfect "breakfast" wine, combined with the dazzling view, it reminded me, yet again, what a stunning region the Okanagan is and also how we tend to take it for granted.
One question I get asked a lot is: "We're going to be in the Okanagan and don't have a lot of time but want to do some wineries."
When it comes to wine touring we've all matured a lot in the last decade. But there are still some basic ground rules that apply.
Employ a designated driver
Designate one person who won't drink and who will keep the water cold. Staying well hydrated is rule number 2, especially when the temperature's nudging 35 degrees and up.
Better still, before you take your own wheels, consider calling a recognized wine tour operator who knows their way around the region and likely has special access to the wineries with whom they work.
Experience Wine Tours is the brainchild of Matt and Shannon Wentzell, who combine their passion for food and wine (supported by strong professional credentials) with extensive knowledge of the valley. They do the work. You get to sit back and relax between wineries in their spacious, air conditioned van. Plus they're loads of fun. More info and bookings at experiencewinetours.ca.
- Don't be overl yambitious Visiting just a few wineries in a specific area will allow you to take your time and not get stressed out in traffic. It doesn't make much sense to try to taste in Osoyoos and Kelowna on the same day. The B.C. Wine Institute website (winebc.com) offers one of the best resources for customizing your tour, whether you plan to visit the Okanagan, Similkameen, The Shuswap or Vancouver Island.
- Don't forget to eat
There's no shortage of great dining destinations, although many wineries offer the chance to enjoy your own picnic, usually with a stunning view.
However if you have your heart set on a hotspot such as Quails' Gate's Old Vines, Tinhorn Creek's Miradoro, Mission Hill's Terrace, Gray Monk's Grapevine, or Vanilla Pod at Poplar Grove, be sure to make a reservation.
Another of my favourite destinations, Black Hills Estate has just joined forces with Flatbread Farms to offer artisan wood-oven fired pizza at their striking new tasting lounge. The wine lounge and flatbread pizza patio is open daily to the end of October. Bonus: you can also plug-in your Prius while tasting.
And if you're staying in Kelowna, put Waterfront Restaurant and Wine Bar on your list where Mark Filatow is putting out some of the best tastes on the plate and in the glass on either side of the Coquihalla.
? Leave the perfume or aftershave at home
Do we really still have to say this? Actually, yes. Nothing kills a tasting room quicker.
If you're Island bound, Taste Victoria Festival of Food and Wine kicks off with a gala tasting July 25 and a host of special events through July 28. Tix and details at victoriataste.
com . . .
Belly's Budget Best ? Gehringer Brothers Private Reserve Pinot Gris 2012
Easy sipping apple and pear notes, quite understated but very clean with good acidity (BCLS $14.99, 88 points).
