Roast ‘n’ Rosé in Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country

As Canadians, we can’t, from time to time, help but take for granted all the beauty we’re treated to on a daily basis. Majestic mountains, giant lakes and lush forests are the norm in our home. Other times, however, like on our recent trip to Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country in beautiful B.C. to attend Pig Out, we’re left breathless. Even though the grape vines are yet to fully bloom for the season, the landscapes—coupled with the rolling terrain and glistening waters—alone are worth the trip. —Rachel Johnston

check in. After checking into Spirit Ridge at NK’MIP Resort—an oasis in Canada’s only desert region and home to Nk’Mip Cellars, North America’s first indigenous-owned winery—we whisked off to Tinhorn Creek for a late-afternoon tasting, plus dinner at its acclaimed Miradoro Restaurant. Situated on the bountiful Golden Mile Bench, this carbon-neutral winery implements sustainable bottling practices and hosts up-and-coming Canuck bands at its breathtaking ampitheatre overlooking the vines. We opened our meal with the Warm Local Roots Panzanella With Sun Chokes, Feta Espuma and local Jack’s Honey, matched to a crisp glass of Oldfield Reserve Rosé. Then, along with an order of Oldfield Series Syrah, we savoured the chef’s Ras Al Hanout Lamb Shank atop hot-pink Beet Hummus and Pickled Turnip. For the homestretch, we skipped the tempting dessert selection in favour of another glass of chocolate-like Syrah (when in wine country, right?!). Returning to Spirit Ridge, our private outdoor Jacuzzi kept us good company before we slipped off to dream land.

check out. Because morning tastings are acceptable in wine world, we couldn’t resist a stop at staple winery Gehringer Brothers Estate. Among the first to start producing in the region (33 years ago), owners Walter and Gordon Gehringer trained in Germany with world-acclaimed winemakers after their father chose the perfect patch of land on the coveted Golden Mile Bench.

pig out. Pig roasts have symbolized celebration since, well, forever, and this year’s Pig Out festival at Covert Farms Family Estate certainly didn’t disappoint. Flanked by friendly faced llamas and furry baby calves, the grounds overlooking Covert’s quintessential organic-vineyard views were packed with wine-loving folks sporting their finest Cinco de Mayo garb and sunnies (the weather could not have been more perfect). A gigantic bouncy pillow and farm tours kept the kiddos busy while us "adults" were spoiled with full access to 41 wineries and a plethora of pork offerings, including Kismet Estate’s masala-themed fare paired with the winery’s Infinity Rosé, and Burrowing Owl‘s to-die-for corn bread topped with pulled pork. Mexican live music (costumes included) had us tapping our toes while our fingers grasped many more samples of rosé—we seriously tried every single one on offer, before hopping the shuttle back to Spirit Ridge, where we spent the rest of the day by the crystalline pool. Sigh. (Pig Out photo by Leila Kwok.)

watch out. For information on next year’s can’t-miss Pig Out event, which promises to be bigger and better than ever, keep an eye out for updates at oliverosoyoos.com. (Pig Out photo by Leila Kwok.)