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
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