A hypnotic calm falls over the Okanagan region of British Columbia in the winter. The tourists leave. The air grows brisk. It's time for a wine tour.
The wineries on the Lakeshore Wine Route welcome visitors in from the cold to taste and relax. They also offer peaceful off-season walks in the hills, talks on their processes and time to chat with the owners about the wines they love. At one winery you can even enjoy quiet time in a pyramid.
The tour takes you to Tantalus Vineyards, Summerhill Pyramid Winery, St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery and CedarCreek Estate Winery.
First stop in pursuit of big flavour
Tantalus Vineyard's 75-acre estate specializes in high quality, single vineyard Riesling, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
"Single vineyard," says general manager Jane Hatch, means "all of our wines are grown and made at our estate."
Tantalus is the first LEED-certified (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) winery in British Columbia, she explains. And at this winery, it's all about biodiversity.
A 10-acre mature forest forms the centre of the vineyard. It's home in turn to fifty-three beehives and numerous bird-nesting boxes. Tantalus farms as sustainably as possible, which is part of why it all tastes so good.
Tantalus also offers private tours for guests. Tours take about an hour and are by appointment only. A senior member of the winery staff takes visitors into the vineyard to discuss how it all works, show off the winery, and give guests a good look at operations. The tour ends in the gallery-style tasting room, where 40-feet of floor-to-ceiling glass windows offer panoramic views.
“The relaxed atmosphere during the off-season allows you to enjoy one-on-one service with the tasting bar staff," says Jane. She's proud of her team, who she says are handpicked for their excellent customer care and wine knowledge.
From vines to wines
Just four kilometres from Tantalus is Canada’s largest certified organic winery. Known for its award-winning wines, Summerhill Pyramid Winery’s intimate atmosphere provides a fully immersive wine experience compliments of its knowledgeable staff.
Run by the Cipes family, Summerhill is not only a place to taste organic wine, its 65-acres of vineyard and nature reserves make a wonderful hike.
One of the Okanagan's first European settler cabins and a First Nations' winter dwelling called a Kekuli can be found on the property. The spacious, dome-shaped Kekuli makes for a peaceful and inspiring place to sit and reflect.
Set above the winery is its namesake pyramid-shaped wine cellar. The unusual and captivating structure nods to the sublime nature of the wine.
Daily guided tours include an introduction to organic wine making and a tour through the cellar to see how the “champagne” method works. Next comes a walk up to the Pyramid to experience its unique surroundings. The final destination is a guided tasting.
Summerhill’s onsite restaurant, the Sunset Organic Bistro, is open throughout the year and features organic food and wine pairings.
The varied menu includes seafood, seasonal vegetables and grass-fed organic beef. Off-season specials include wine sold at wine shop prices with free corkage.
On Fridays, the bistro offers happy hour specials and live music from talented musician James Elser.
“James is the resident musician, and he really has the music living inside him. It just flows out of him freely and easy, which makes everyone feel so good,” says Ezra.
To sip and to savour
Three kilometres away is the much-loved St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery.
Run by brothers Leo and Andy Gebert, the winery’s idyllic rural landscape provides the perfect backdrop for wine tasting.
Just 11 years ago, the Okanagan Mountain Park fire wreaked havoc on the property.
“The winery and house went up in flames in 2003, and the original St-Hubertus portion was entirely destroyed,” says Andy, the younger of the brothers. Ten weeks later they were back in business again. “It’s amazing, with wine you can bribe anyone to show up and help,” he adds, laughing.
The winery’s high quality, award-winning wines continue to be crafted using 100% estate-grown grapes.
“We only make wine that we grow ourselves,” says Andy.
From well-balanced Pinot Noir to luscious dessert wine, the winery offers a variety of delicious flavours for you to enjoy.
St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery is like home. Upon arrival, the tight-knit, friendly staff offers a warm welcome. There are no guided tours, so visitors are invited to wander and enjoy a relaxing and leisurely stroll around the vineyard. Compared to the busy and hectic summer months at the winery, the contrasting calmness and serenity of the off-season are hypnotic.
“There is a more spiritual world in the vineyard in the winter. Everything is asleep and there is not so much hard work to do,” says Andy.
The Wine Shop offers a variety of items, including wine accessories, independent Canadian wine books/cookbooks and local artisan foods and products. Tastings are available during the fall and winter months
The adventure of wine is a short trip away
Just about a kilometre further south is the final destination, CedarCreek Estate Winery. Twice named Canada’s Winery of the Year, CedarCreek’s fertile soil produces award-winning wines, including the unique Platinum “Block 2” and “Block 4” Pinot Noirs as well as their delicate and aromatic Gewürztraminer.
Its views are breathtaking.
“The vineyards are gorgeous in November,” says marketing manager Anahita Pouget. And Lakeshore is so accessible.
Located near the city of Kelowna, the four wineries allow you to have “the best of both worlds,” she adds. “Everything you need in a city setting with easy access to a rural landscape.”
Located within CedarCreek's Mediterranean-style main building, the Tasting Room’s exposed wood beams and rich, warm tones are inviting to both novice and well-seasoned wine lovers.
Off-season allows more time for its professional staff, with in-depth knowledge of wine, to chat and answer questions.
“It’s a wonderful time to enjoy great wine and great stories,” says Anahita.
Call and make an appointment for tasting or arrive and book one there.
Although the Vineyard Terrace restaurant is closed during the winter months, the chef still provides yummy pairings.
The last sips are sometimes the best
During the colder months, CedarCreek offers guided winery tours for groups of 8 or more (should call ahead).
For those wishing to enjoy the Lakeshore Wine Route overnight, CedarCreek offers corporate rates at the landmark Hotel Eldorado.
With its spectacular landscapes, delicious wines and welcoming atmosphere, the Lakeshore Wine Route is a winter destination worth exploring.
Getting to wine country
It's a short plane ride from Vancouver. Rates are affordable and flights are reliable during colder months. Or it's about a five hour drive from the city.
Spend the night at one of the many hotels you can find nearby in downtown Kelowna. Or find a bed and breakfast and stay the night in the valley and enjoy the sound of silence as the sun goes down.
Jane Hatch (back row on the left-hand side) and Tantalus staff courtesy of Lionel Trudel
Chef Jesse Croy at Sunset Organic Bistro; courtesy Summerhill Pyramid Winery
Andy and Leo Gebert of St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery; courtesy Susanne Gebert
CedarCreek tasting room: courtesy CedarCreek Estate Winery
Hotel Eldorado; courtesy Shawn Talbot Photography