This issue is loaded with great things to do, places to go and things to see. The wine industry has morphed so many times over the years, it is hard to imagine a time when things weren’t as much fun as they are now.
Once upon a time, not so long ago, wine touring in BC consisted of going in, having a sip or two, maybe a tour, and then, off you go. My how things have changed. Today, BC wineries offer up world-class restaurants, picnic lunches, outdoor areas where you can bring your own snacks, and of course, great entertainment.
In addition to giving advice on what to pair with your newly discovered wine, wineries offer you foods, prepared on site, that pair well with their wines. As an added bonus, there’s entertainment. Some wineries even pair the entertainment to wine. BC wineries offer everything from open air amphitheatres with amazing musical guests, to intimate and casual music serenading you on a deck overlooking a vineyard, lake, or rolling landscape.
Unfortunately, there is a problem with this. That being, you need to extend your stay in our wine areas in order to truly appreciate all they have to offer. All kidding aside, this is not a bad thing. What once may have been a one or two day trip doing tastings, is now a week long sojourn into the flavours of BC. Make sure you promise yourself to come back again and again until you’ve experienced them all. Add to that the uptake in fruit wines, craft breweries, distilleries, cideries and meaderies, and you’ve got one full tasting vacation. Those who live here know that our restaurants rank right up there when compared to elsewhere in the world. Producers connect with top-notch restaurants and work with the chefs to ensure the perfect pairings with their liquid refreshments.
And then . . . there’s chocolate. Many wineries offer chocolate cups to taste their dessert and ice wines. Then there’s the chocolatiers who infuse their chocolates with these lovely libations. We love our chocolate and wine so much, we even have events celebrating the pairing. There’s yoga paired with bubbly and chocolate and painting paired with vino and chocolate. Check online or with Visitor Centres to find out what great fun you can have while tasting your way through BC.
Darcy Nybo