Swap dry January for the dry desert climate of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia wine country, writes Vivian Vassos
What impresses me about the Okanagan Valley, and particularly the Oliver Osoyoos wine region, is its diversity of grape varietals, all crafted to a world-class standard,” says David McBean, the general manager of Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos, British Columbia.
Unlike many wine regions, which specialise in just one or two types of grape, he adds: “In the Okanagan you can find it all, from crisp pinot gris and buttery chardonnays to dark fruitforward cabernet francs and rich syrahs.”
And unlike anywhere else in Canada, Osoyoos sits in the country’s only desert. Hugging the US border with Washington state, the Okanagan Desert features a semi-arid climate, which sees Canada’s warmest temperatures in winter.
Yet it’s also home to mountainous terrain and sparkling lakes – with fruit orchards and vineyards lacing the hillsides to produce a juicy cornucopia for both the plate and the bottle.
“For a sommelier and hotelier, this diversity is a dream,” says McBean. “It allows us to pair an incredible range of wines with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.”
Culinary travel is no longer just a trend – it’s a must for clients with an interest in culture as well. This region offers a unique opportunity for Canada-bound travellers to expand their wine palate, as it’s also home to lesser-known wines such as viognier, gewürztraminer, tempranillo and malbec – a rare combination all in one place.
Indigenous-owned winery in Canada
Another rare find is Nk’Mip Cellars. As the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America, the work that’s done here goes beyond the wine barrel. The First Nations People of the Osoyoos Indian Band are part of the Okanagan Nation, and they’ve been stewards of this land for millennia.
Nk’Mip has been producing wines for almost 50 years but current winemaker Justin Hall, who worked his way up from starting as a cellar hand in 2004, is North America’s first Indigenous winemaker. He now runs the entire Nk’Mip operation – from planting to bottling – and the group is leading the way for Indigenous peoples in the winemaking industry.
The vineyard’s Patio Restaurant is open from spring to autumn, serving farm-to-table food from chef Ken Dia’s seasonal menu. Perched on a hillside overlooking Lake Osoyoos, it’s within view of the vines sprawling over the valley.
One unique menu item is the House Fry bread, the chef’s take on a traditional Indigenous deep-fried flatbread; recommend clients slather it with his honey sumac butter for a tangy hint of spice.
Things to do in the Okanagan Valley
It’s not just fine food and wine that draws in visitors; the adventurous will appreciate the active nature of the Okanagan Valley just as much. There are hiking trails and bike paths of various lengths, plus paddleboarding and kayaking, to help burn off the odd indulgence.
At the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, we meet Leane Lees – events coordinator, our guide and a member of the Syilx Band.
We venture out to walk one of the centre’s trails, just a one-mile sliver of the 32,000 acres of desert that is the Osoyoos Indian Reserve.
I notice Lees is carrying a long walking stick. “For the rattlesnakes,” she says, as she strides fearlessly down the path.
“Do you hear the horses?” she asks. Their whinnies are familiar to her ears though I’m not sure I can pick up the sound – yet it excites us nevertheless. “If we’re lucky we may see them,” she smiles. “We’ve got a number of wild horses on the reserve.” Lees encourages us along the trail as the sun emerges from the clouds, the air turning suddenly from a light breeze to desert heat.
Through the sagebrush that looks thirsty for water, a series of sculptures come into focus. It’s part of Living Lands, the permanent outdoor sculpture exhibit by Indigenous artist Virgil ‘Smoker’ Marchand. His massive metal sculpture, The Chief, welcomes visitors at the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre’s road entrance.
The three-metre-tall sculpture depicts a chief on horseback in full headdress, hands raised to the sky, holding a peace pipe in offering.
“Beyond the wine, the region’s breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality and food culture make it worth travelling to,” says McBean.
“It’s not just a visit; it’s an immersion into one of the most exciting wine regions in the world.”
Book it
North America Travel Service sells a 13-night fly-drive itinerary, BC Culinary Connoisseurs, from £4,099, based on two sharing. The price includes flights, two nights’ accommodation at the Walnut Beach Hotel, car rental and all listed excursions, based on a May departure.
northamericatravelservice.co.uk
Premier Holidays offers an 11-night Rainforest to Rockies self-drive itinerary from £2,499, including car hire, two nights’ room-only at the Watermark Beach Resort and flights with Air Canada departing Heathrow on June 15, flying into Vancouver and home from Calgary. Departures from Manchester start from an additional £20.
premierholidays.co.uk
Ask the expert
Jenna Labossiere, marketing, media and communications manager, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
“Our role is to showcase the region and introduce the travel trade to the experiences, itineraries and routes available. We also are able to connect travel professionals with the appropriate individuals, whether that be communities or business owners.”
For more information, visit totabc.org/travel-trade
PICTURES: Destination BC; Jacquie Tremblay/Deeper Image Photography; Shutterstock/Josef Hanus