While it may be most widely known as Canada’s Napa Valley, Osoyoos is so much more than that. Foodies, sun-worshippers and anyone who loves getting out and getting active in the great outdoors would all do well with a trip to this Okanagan paradise. Below, notes from our own recent three-day stay. —Aurea Dempsey
stay. Easily accessed from Vancouver by air to Penticton (plus a scenic under-an-hour drive), Spirit Ridge at Nk’Mip Resort, nestled on the slopes of Anarchist Mountain in the South Okanagan, boasts a two pools, a golf course and a spa. Take a luxury suite and enjoy your own fully equipped kitchen and private-deck barbecue. Don’t feel like cooking? The resort’s restaurant, Mica, offers local, seasonal plates and panoramic patio views. Plenty (plenty) of wine via tastings, tours and outdoor dining opportunities at Nk’Mip Cellar and Vineyard—voted the country’s best for its scrumptious Pinot Blanc, Merlot and famous Dream Catcher vintage—round out this luxury experience. spiritridge.ca
cycle and savour. Seasoned rider or rookie, Heatstroke Cycle and Sport’s winery tour on electric bikes makes sightseeing (and sipping) sweat free. Stops on our tour included Bartier Bros., Montakarn Estate Winery and, finally, Hester Creek Estate Winery, where we tucked into a Tuscan-inspired lunch at Terrafina. The custom charcuterie board, pot of mussels and famous brick-oven pizza are all enhanced by sensational vineyard views and a glass (or bottle) of delicious rosé. Note of caution: you’ll be hard-pressed to get moving again. That good. heatstrokecycle.com
run (or not). If a cycle tour, horseback ride or round of golf isn’t enough activity for you, consider the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association’s Half Corked Marathon, which takes place each May. Register early … or simply show up as a spectator. Even on-lookers are guaranteed loads of fun at the finish line, where a feast of food-truck fare, and yes, plenty of wine, too, await. oliverosoyoos.com
savour some more. For an elevated dining experience, make your way up, way up, to Miradoro, Tinhorn Creek, a 30-minute drive from the resort. Situated on high terrain, the restaurant overlooks rows of vines, stunning gardens and breathtaking mountain views. Beyond the award-winning Tinhorn wines and pairings, Miradoro offers exquisite European-inspired and sustainable cuisine, including a main of pork tenderloin with a side of lentil greens on par to any Michelin-star resto we’ve tried. Top off your evening with an outdoor concert at Tinhorn’s natural on-site amphitheater—check the winery’s website for upcoming dates and acts. tinhorn.com
Sun kissed, belly full and maxed out on iPhone photos (not to mention bottles of wine in our suitcase), we were sad to depart Osoyoos. But alas, all good things must come to an end (now, if only our hangover would do the same). #uncorkthesun
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