The New Way to Wine Taste: Exploring the Okanagan
As you may have seen, I’ve been re-working Faven for the last little while, with my new website (yay!) and now - a JOURNAL! I’d always hoped to have my business not only focused on wedding stationery and design, but also a lifestyle journal, filled with beautiful recommendations, pretty finds and thoughts. So here goes...
For the past few years I’ve managed to turn a trip to the Okanagan, and specifically Penticton, into an annual occurrence. The lakes, beautiful vineyards, bike riding trails and (of course) wine touring does so much to revive me and get me ready for the summer!
Overlooking Naramata Bench
Our Stay in Pretty Little Kaleden
Kaleden, a quaint town just a short 15 minute drive South of Penticton, was the central spot for our weekend getaway with two other couples. I had only been to Kaleden once before, as my good friends were married at Linden Gardens a few years ago. A beautiful garden oasis, their outdoor wedding was magical (after the early afternoon windstorm of course) and definitely made me want to return again.
When we pulled up after a long, rainy day of driving, I was SO excited to realize our Airbnb not only overlooked Skaha Lake, but was also directly beside the Kaleden Hotel Park. I’ve seen this gorgeous abandoned building in so many wedding photos from the Okanagan, and hadn’t realized where it was. We had peaceful breakfast in the mornings sitting at a picnic table in its grassy park, gazing at the vines climbing over the aged stones and eagerly planning our weekend ahead.
Kalenden Hotel Park
Built in 1910 and only open for two and a half years, this gorgeous building is now a community park and popular wedding location
Wine Touring is a Little Different
My (obviously) favourite part of the trip, and though it was a little different due to the COVID-19 safety regulations this year, our wine tasting adventure was still so enjoyable and safe.
“it’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it’s a sip of wine ... it’s summertime! ”
To start the day we rented electric bikes from Freedom Bike Shop in downtown Penticton. In the past, we’ve rented regular bikes (what were we thinking?!) to ride up the Naramata Bench and cruise back down. I mean, as much as I did normally love the exercise and arriving at the winery red faced and sweaty from pedalling up the Kettle Valley Trail for an hour… once you rent an electric bike… you’ll never go back.
Tastings at La Frenz Winery overlooking the vineyard
Our trip consisted of visiting the following wineries (I may forget the order, it was a busy day of tastings)
The fun Ruby Blues Winery, a tasty double poured wine flight at Red Rooster, light and fresh tastings at La Frenz Winery, a lavender filled garden at Little Engine Wines, a beautiful and much needed lunch at Poplar Grove, and a last minute stop at the Three Sisters Winery. We cruised between the wineries, barely feeling any hills as we focused on enjoying the sun, the views and the enjoyment of racing past the regular bikers.
The lavender at Little Engine Winery
Changes during these times
Of course, I can’t mention visiting wineries in 2020 without mentioning the new rules and regulations. Here in British Columbia, we are so fortunate that the counts of COVID-19 cases are low (and fingers crossed they stay that way!) But with the re-opening of the province, the many wineries in the Okanagan have new rules:
You should make a reservation to any winery you’d like to go to. Each winery has limited capacity for their guests so if you want some wine - BOOK!
For respect of the wineries and them needing some business this year - if you can’t make your reservation time, please call to cancel. We want all the wineries to survive for years to come and get all the happy wine tasters they can.
Be respectful and treat everyone nicely. Everyone is trying to figure out this wacky situation and new rules so be happy :)
Ready For the Rest of the Summer
Though it was a seemingly quick trip for the weekend away from Vancouver, it made me appreciate how lucky we are to live in a province where we can adventure from our homes and still do the summer activities we cherish. The freedom that comes from not being stuck in lockdown, or having groceries delivered, or staying in a short radius of your home. We are just so fortunate to be able to take off for the weekend and enjoy the company of friends, sun and lots of tasty wines.
Now go #exploreBC (only if you live here though), be safe, wear a mask and wash your damn hands!
Leave a comment if there’s anything else you’d like to know.
x
Natalie
