So Much to Do!
Summer’s in full swing and there’s so much going on you may find it difficult to decide where to go and what to do.
Wine touring is always a plus this time of year, with new releases, comfy patios and great food thrown into the mix. You can hire someone to take you around on their air-conditioned buses, you can get an eBike and pedal your way around with or without a guide, or you can have a designated driver take you around.
One of my favourite things to do is make a day plan. Start with a walk on one of the gorgeous beaches or trails that BC has to offer. As the sun makes its way across the sky, find a nice place to grab picnic goodies for later in the day. Once that is accomplished, packed and cooled as necessary, it’s time to head to a nearby winery.
Many wineries offer patio seating, and you can bring your own picnic basket. If you don’t feel like shopping first, many wineries also offer brunch, lunch, appies and dinner on their patios. Some even make a picnic lunch for you. Taste a few wines, eat some delicious food and bask in the sunshine.
Once you’ve had your fill, head out for another walk at one of BCs protected park areas. Whether it’s the Osoyoos Dessert Centre or the Vaseux Lake, Kelowna or Vernon bird sanctuaries, you’re sure to see some gorgeous examples of what Mother Nature has to offer. If you’re wine touring near the ocean, there are dozens of protected areas to choose from.
By mid-afternoon, it could be getting pretty warm outside. This is the time to visit some of the museums and art galleries in the area. But, you don’t have to go to a museum or art gallery to get some fabulous examples of local artist’s work. Many of BC’s wineries support local artists and have their work hung in their tasting areas. Take your time tasting the wine, and taking in all the creative vibes these artists have to offer.
When the afternoon is spent, it’s time to find another great winery for more tastings and tours. Most of the wineries in BC offer tours in their temperature-controlled cellars which makes for a great way to cool off from the late afternoon sun.
One of the beauties of BC’s wineries and tasting rooms is they usually have a gift area filled with extraordinary locally made goodies. From funky kinds of ketchup to savoury jams and wine-infused jellies, the choices are almost endless. You can find BC-grown teas, hot sauce, pate, energy bars, honey, loaves of bread, and noodles with all ingredients grown in BC. Make sure you make room in your suitcase for these delicacies.
Once you’re done with shopping, it’s time to eat. BC has some of the best restaurants in the world and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the meals you find at even the smallest winery. Red Seal Chefs love BC, and we are so lucky they do. You’ll find organic, vegan, vegetarian and all types of foods for your eating enjoyment. There are offerings from Arctic char to mushroom pate and everything in between.
Once your evening meal is complete, it’s time to take in some entertainment, and maybe get in some dancing. Several wineries offer live music on their patios. Others have natural outdoor amphitheatres where they feature bands and musicians of all ilk. Imagine listening to a symphony under the glow of a setting sun, or dancing to rock and roll at a festival. Take in jazz, blues, and folk at any number of wineries and venues at BC wineries and events.
The talent we have in BC is sometimes overlooked. From the creativity of the winemaker to the carpenters that create the perfect wine bar for tasting, to the artists, chefs, musicians and writers, there’s so much to discover.
Wine touring is about finding your favourite new wine. It’s also about finding your new favourite restaurant, preserves, book, painting, sculpture or musician.
Take your time and pick an area you want to know more about and go explore. There are so many events and special places to explore right here in BC. Take your time and take it all in. You’ll be glad you did.