Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/288963
45 | bcliving.ca K E T T L E V A L L E Y L A K E B R E E Z E FOXT R OT H O W L I N G B L U F F R E D R O O ST E R L A F R E N Z P E N T I CTO N & W I N E C O U N T RY V I S I TO R C E N T R E D I RT Y L A U N D RY S E E YA L AT E R R A N C H U P P E R B E N C H W I N E RY & C R E A M E RY Swirl, Sni , Sip and Spit Tasting newbies should be sure to hit the Penticton and Wine Country Visitor Centre (left) where sta will teach you to swirl-sni -sip – and spit. You may be shy about spewing a mouthful of premium plonk, but demonstrate that you can spit like a pro and a wine- maker might just pull out something really special from under the counter. e Wineries With so many wineries in this area it's hard to work out an itinerary, but here's a start. Head to Dirty Laundry Vine- yard's patio and while you wait for the historic Kettle Valley steam train to whistle into sight, sip a glass of Bordello, their naughty, aromatic big red blend. At See Ya Later Ranch, high above Okanagan Falls, raise a glass of Gewurztraminer, with the added complex- ity of a touch of Ehren- felzer blended in. On the Naramata Bench, you'll get an eyeful with the art collection at Red Rooster. But keep your head and remember to sample the Reserve Viognier. One of the lesser-known white varietals, this medium- bodied wine will make you a fan. Don't miss Lake Breeze Winery (above), where you can pair the lively award-winner Seven Poplars Sauvignon Blanc with a bite on the garden patio; La Frenz with its big red Bordeaux blend, Grand Total Reserve; or Kettle Valley's Adra Station Chardon- nay Reserve, named for a tunnel on the historic Kettle Valley Railway near the winery. Also look in on little gems like Upper Bench Winery & Creamery with its hand-crafted cheeses, and family-owned wineries such as Howling Blu Estate with its oral and fruity Sauvignon Blanc/ Semillon blend and Foxtrot Vineyards, known for its premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. PENTICTON AND NARAMATA Straddling the narrow strip between Okanagan and Skaha lakes, Penticton is all about hot sand beaches and cool water sports. Ideally located for wine touring, this compact city is the gateway to three major regions: Summerland's Bottleneck Drive, Okanagan Falls' Corkscrew Drive and the renowned Naramata Bench. P E N T I CTO N N A R A M ATA EAT & STAY Try to time your visit for Saturday morning when the north end of Main Street morphs into the pedestrian- friendly Penticton Farmers' Market, ideal for a grazing brunch. Locals swear by the piled-high deli sandwiches at Il Vecchio Delicatessen for lunch, while a "hybrid" paella, stu ed with extra seafood like scallops, is featured on the Vanilla Pod (above) menu at Poplar Grove Winery for both lunch and dinner ($20/$32). If you're into global fusion, book ahead for the food, entertainment and ambiance of the Dream Café before snuggling into the period elegance of the Naramata Heritage Inn, about a 20-minute drive north of Penticton. p42-47_Travel_Wine.indd 45 2014-03-13 11:42 AM