Photo by Pauline Boldt
My FavEs
1. Visiting See Ya Later Ranch: Cool, fresh wines to enjoy while experiencing the fantastic views of the Okanagan Valley and listening to the crazy stories of a quirky original owner and his love of dogs!
2. Restaurants tucked into wineries: Quail’ s Gate, Mission Hill, Burrowing Owl— these and many more help us dive into the food and wine culture.
3. Staying and playing at Summerland Resort in Summerland on Lake Okanagan— magical!
4. Casual picnic at Blasted Church, overlooking the valley and the lake.
5. Discovering Howard Soon, s Small Lots program— rich, expressive wines produced in tiny amounts! a message from tina jones
Early in my career I had the privilege of meeting Harry McWatters( whose interview we feature on page 43). Harry is the visionary who helped bring us the VQA( Vintners Quality Alliance) system in Canada. His influence on me was profound: he believed that B. C. had what it takes to make great wine, and he believed that Canada could be in the same game as the big players. He made me a believer in Canadian wine, and in wine from the Okanagan.
Today that belief is being lived out as a reality! For me, the Okanagan is one of those truly wonderful places that Canadians can really celebrate! There’ s an easy warmth about the region and the people, and a yet-to-be-discovered quality. Penticton, Lake Okanagan, and the whole region is a playground for families— a summer destination that everyone can enjoy.
And there’ s a newness in the air around the wine industry. It is the unmistakable feeling of quiet excitement that comes from people who know they have something special to offer. Brilliant white wines, fantastic sparkling, and reds that get better with each vintage— it is a world-class wine destination, unfolding for us to enjoy.
Join us in an issue that uncovers some of the treasures of our Okanagan. We are especially thrilled to offer you an interview with the amazing Harry McWatters. His conversation with Sylvia Jansen gives us some great insight! Andrea Eby and Todd Antonation show us the ins and outs of the distinctive Okanagan Crush Pad project; Gary Hewitt explores why so much Okanagan wine is so frustratingly hard to get in Manitoba; and everywhere in the magazine we celebrate the great Okanagan wines that Banville & Jones is proud to offer!
Enjoy,
Tina Jones
10 http:// banvilleandjones. cornervine. com