January isn’t the best month to show off the finer points of the Okanagan Valley, but Quails’ Gate is certainly an exception. Lunching there with Bill Wightman, hospitality director at Quails Gate, in mid-January, the restaurant was pleasantly abuzz with some visitors to the area, a group of men-about-town, some locals and a few staff, all enjoying their gastronomic delights. While it wasn’t a sparkling summer day, there is something about the ambiance in the restaurant, the nearby vineyards and of course Okanagan Lake that made this experience feel like one well worth enjoying at any time!
The wine shop is filled with a selection of Quails’ Gate award winning wines as well as great gift ideas. It is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Treat yourself to a private tour at only $15 per person, and by appointment. Wine shop tastings are free for the first two, with a small fee for additional sampling.
Old Vines Restaurant is open daily for lunch from 11 am to 2:30 pm. Visit their wine bar from 2:30 to 5pm and enjoy dinner from 5 pm. Call 250 769 2500 for reservations. And Quails’ Gate is thrilled to welcome their new chef de cuisine, Nav Dhillon. Nav previously spent four years at Mission Hill as senior sous chef, and is taking over much of the day to day operations of the kitchen at Old Vines…look for some exciting menu changes in the coming months.
Look for a delightful selection of new releases this spring and Quails’ Gate also has some spectacular events coming up. Barrel Room Dinner May 1st, Dinner in the Vineyard July 16th and Dinner on the Bluff July 25th.
~Deanna Rainey