North Okanagan Wine Touring
Just drove up to Vernon for an overnight and stopped at a couple of wineries. I was on a quest for the award winning Volcanic Hills Rose. Unfortunately it was sold out but we did a tasting and discovered the delicious Pinot Gris. At $16.90 per this wine is crisp, refreshing and excellent value. The Gewurztraminer at $17.90 is also worth trying. They were offering a vertical tasting of the Gew 2009 and 2010. It was good to see just how different the vintage can be. Both were delicious but very different. In our group of 3, 2 liked the 2009 best and I personally preferred the 2010. The winery is in Westbank so combines well with a visit to Quail's Gate or Mission Hill.
We visited Quail's Gate and tasted a couple of their justly famous Pinot Noirs. They have a Quail's Gate Pinot Noir, a Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir and a Dijon Clone Pinot Noir. The first two are delicious; the family reserve is justly more money. I walked away with a bottle of the Dijon Clone Pinot Noir and am looking forward to tasting it.
On the way home we stopped and had lunch at Gray Monk. I like their Pinot Gris; it's my white pick at Cactus Club. The restaurant at Gray Monk is magnificent with a patio overlooking the lake. If the tasting room is busy, I'd recommend getting a flight of wines to share while you look over the food menu. We all 3 had the crab and heirloom tomato salad and it was a hit. I like the menu based on what is local and seasonal. Knowledgeable staff are helpful and cheerful. Reservations are recommended for the restaurant. We arrived shortly after noon and were lucky enough to get a table, by 1pm they were full.
We visited Quail's Gate and tasted a couple of their justly famous Pinot Noirs. They have a Quail's Gate Pinot Noir, a Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir and a Dijon Clone Pinot Noir. The first two are delicious; the family reserve is justly more money. I walked away with a bottle of the Dijon Clone Pinot Noir and am looking forward to tasting it.
On the way home we stopped and had lunch at Gray Monk. I like their Pinot Gris; it's my white pick at Cactus Club. The restaurant at Gray Monk is magnificent with a patio overlooking the lake. If the tasting room is busy, I'd recommend getting a flight of wines to share while you look over the food menu. We all 3 had the crab and heirloom tomato salad and it was a hit. I like the menu based on what is local and seasonal. Knowledgeable staff are helpful and cheerful. Reservations are recommended for the restaurant. We arrived shortly after noon and were lucky enough to get a table, by 1pm they were full.
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