For our 11^th annual Okanagan wine tour we decided to head north to Kelowna and Lake Country.

It was the worst weather we have ever had.

Our 1^st stop was Fitzpatrick Vineyards at Greata Ranch to try the award-winning sparkling wines.  I bought all 3 and look forward to toasting life with them.  The winery is beautiful and they have a restaurant with a fantastic view of the lake.

At Quails’ Gate we did a tasting before lunch.  Their Pinot Noir is a star.  Lunch was a little uneven but the parmesan fries are still delicious, the mussels perfect and a grilled halloumi was outstanding.

The Hatch was our next stop.  It’s a happening place with lots of young people having a good time.

I didn’t like any of the wines, though I think they have some good ones not available to taste.

Our final stop of the day was at Beaumont Estate Winery.  One of our group rightly loves the rose.  We had such a good time there.  They have a set up with drums a stand-up base and a guitar.  The owner played guitar, I got my bongo mojo going and Shirley sang and danced.  A first for a wine tasting experience.  We had a great time.

Our final stop was our 3-bedroom cottage at Falcon Point, Predator Ridge and made dinner at home to enjoy with some of the great wines we had picked up.

Day 2 started at Mission Hills for a Reserve tour and tasting.  The tour and tasting were great and the winery and art collection are fantastic.  Great wines and the best gift shop I’ve ever seen in a winery.

We headed back across the lake and stopped at Tantalus.  Sadly they were sold out of almost everything.  I bought some reisling and pinot noir, both signature grapes.

We did a tasting and lunch at the newly renovated Cedar Creek.  It will be absolutely fantastic when completed.  The new restaurant Home Block had just opened the day before but it was flawless.  The French fries were fantastic and the calamari the best I’ve ever tasted.

Our final stop was Sperling Vineyards.  A nice simple tasting room with some exceptional reislings.

Day 3 we started in Lake Country at Ex Nihilo, pretty fine Pinot Noir, a bit young to be released, in my opinion but I think it will be delicious in a few years.

Next, Intrigue Wines.  Another fantastic gift shop and some of the best value wines in the Okanagan.  I’m drinking a glass of their Riesling right now.  It gulpable.

Then Gray Monk for tasting and lunch.  Terribly slow service at the Lookout Restaurant and OK food.

Final stop Arrowleaf Cellars, they keep winning awards but I’ve never been and still am not a fan.

After a break we took advantage of 50^th Parallel’s complimentary shuttle from Predator.  What a beautiful winery and Block One restaurant.  Lots of great art, super tasting.  I didn’t love the pizza but they have a fabulous forno and the warm olives and broccolini, done gomae style was great.

And so another Okanagan wine tour ends.