We’ve long dreamt of cycling through wine country, stopping to sip vintages at the wineries we pass, but the thought of schlepping up hills after a couple of glasses was enough to derail our cycling dreams. Thankfully,HeatStroke Cycle Sip and Cycle offers tours where cyclists get a little help from electric bikes. Our recent excursion began at Watermark Beach Resort, where we hopped in owner Richard Cooper’s convertible Impala and cruised up to The Golden Mile with the music blasting. After a short bike lesson in a parking lot, we were ready to roll. —Vitamin Daily
The wineries on the tour rotate, but if you get to visit Road 13, you’ll be glad to gun your throttle for the electric assist to get you up long hill. You’ll be rewarded by spectacular views, and a glass of their outstanding sparkling Chenin Blanc in the Club 13 member’s lounge. Starting this summer, try a frozen rosé Slurpee they have trademarked as Frozé!
If you work up an appetite, peaches are ripe for the picking roadside, as you’ll be kicking up some dust on the gravelly back roads. The bikes go up to 30 KM an hour, and though one member of our crew did get a little road rash, feel really safe and are lots of fun.
A huge highlight was lunch at Black Hills Winery (actor Jason Priestly is a partner) in a poolside cabana that’s reserved for wine club members. Their Nota Bene is always good, but If they’re serving the sold-out Carmenere, do say yes! Lunch might include gazpacho, watermelon-and-feta salad in an endive, and a baby gem Nicoise, all prepared in an on-site shipping container.
In case you decide to buy as you imbibe, Heatstroke’s owner will pick up your purchases and have them delivered to your hotel, or he’ll tow them in a cart behind his bike.
HeatStroke Cycle is located at Watermark Beach Resort, so there’s no better place to make your HQ. With their new Wellness program, there’s stand up paddle boarding (complete with meditation) and lakefront sunrise yoga to get your morning zen on before you put your tipsy steering skills to the test.
Watermark Beach Resort, 15 Park Pl, Osoyoos, 250-495-5500. www.WatermarkBeachResort.com
Grape Minds is a multi-part summer travel series exploring British Columbia’s incredible array of wineries.
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