OCTOBER 7TH, 2010
Cruise
the Crowsnest Highway while the pine tree hillsides are peppered with
autumn gold on your way to wine country for a weekend where life
imitates a luxury car commercial.
stay
With shades of maize and sienna both inside and out, a fully outfitted suite at Spirit Ridge
in Osoyoos lends itself well to hunkering down with a bottle of a new
fall release. For the best vineyard view, book one of their private,
spacious one bedroom villas close to the adult-only pool area and
invite a couple of gal pals along. Villas from $199, www.spiritridge.ca
spa
Treat yourself to the new Young & Wyse organic treatment at the Sonora Desert Spa.
The anti-aging body polish/facial/massage all-in-one treatment uses
certified organic products by Italian line Comfort Zone. Named for the
new Osoyoos winery, it includes a glass of their shiraz to warm you up
for the rest of your October wine tastings. $149, 75 minutes, www.sonoradesertspa.com
stop
Get pesticide-free squash at Harker’s Organics in Cawston and a pint of pumpkin pie gelato at Osoyoos Gelato on Main Street. On your way home, take a pie stop in Hope at Home Restaurant for diner-style apple à la mode.
dine
Ask for the plush blue velvet corner booth betwixt two walls of white frames at Passa Tempo
and order the Ocean Wise ahi tuna with a glass of local chard or pinot
noir. For a cocktail cleanser, take a Bison Grass Caesar at the bar. www.passatemporestaurant.com
do
If you’re new to wine touring, start your journey with an in-depth tour and tasting ($7.50) led on-site by a wine educator at NK’MIP Cellars on-site.
With this year’s late harvest, you could get a glimpse of grape action
(we saw pinot being pressed). After Oliver’s bounty, be sure to head
due north to Okanagan Falls for the 2009 gewürz and pinot gris releases
from Meyer Family Vineyards and Wild Goose.
See photos from our trip on today's Editors' Diary.
