Celebrate the Holidays with South Okanagan & Similkameen Wines

By Dino

As the holidays approach, the South Okanagan and Similkameen regions are calling. From the rolling vineyards of Naramata Bench to the sun-soaked hills of Osoyoos and the rugged beauty of the Similkameen Valley, these regions offer the perfect combination of exceptional wines and unforgettable experiences. The Okanagan Valley is a unique and exceptional place to visit with it’s world class agriculture, rugged wilderness and big city amenities nestled between villages and vineyards.

Reflecting on the 2024 Growing Season

The 2024 vintage will undoubtedly be remembered as a testament to the resilience and passion of South Okanagan winemakers. From a colder-than-usual winter and spring to a long, dry summer, this year’s growing season pushed both vines and vintners to their limits. The 2024 harvest was very much lighter than average, yet the wines promise exceptional quality, reflecting the character and dedication of the region. While we wait for these wines to develop in the cellar, there is an abundance of stunning wines ready for purchase today. These small-batch, handcrafted wines are a meaningful and special gift for your loved ones.

Wine Gifting Ideas from Our Top Regions

Let us inspire you to try something new or revisit an old favourite this holiday season. Supporting the Canadian wine industry is appreciated every step of the way, from the farmer caring for the soil and the grapes, all the way to the front of house staff in the winery tasting room.

The Naramata Bench

Known for its small boutique wineries, diverse varietals and breathtaking lake views, the Naramata Bench is a wine lover’s dream. This small region boasts a big presence both locally and on the world stage.

Gift Idea: A bottle of Moraine Winery’s Meritage 2020, is sure to delight with the palate boasting notes of juicy, ripe fruit, cocoa and well integrated oak. This full bodied and well balanced wine will pair well with foods for both the vegetarian and carnivore alike. Mushroom risotto and vegetarian lasagna pair stunningly as do roasted root vegetables, prime rib or roasted lamb.

Experience: Did you know that you can actually stay at a winery? Gift a serene holiday retreat to relax in comfort, enjoy stunning views and all of the luxury amenities provided. The Inn at Therapy Vineyards and the Guest Suite at Moraine Winery are both gems in the heart of Naramata. Just down the road you will discover the quaint village of Naramata, wineries, breweries and everything from wood fire pizza ovens to fine dining. From June through September, every Wednesday you can support local at the Naramata Community Farmers Market and a short drive away, you will find the Penticton Farmers Market every Saturday from mid-April through October.

Summerland

This charming region is home to wineries that blend innovation with tradition. The stunning terrain sits above Okanagan Lake, receiving a beautiful moderating affect for the area, providing excellent growing conditions.

Gift Idea: When you don’t know what to pair with your food, pair a sparkling wine! A traditional method sparkling wine from Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards is not only perfect to ring in the new year, its incredible versatility is outstanding for all of your holiday celebrations and meals. Pair with shortbread, appetizers, smoked salmon, your favourite shellfish or turkey dinner. With so many options available, if you’re unsure, just ask the experts at the winery! They would love to guide you in the right direction and help find the best fit for you.

Experience: Bring your group together at Summerland Estate Winery Villa and indulge in the stunning wines and lake views. This is popular venue for a group booking and an easy pickup to join a tour to any of the South Okanagan regions. In this little gem of an area, you will also find a fantastic selection of wineries, cideries, distilleries, unique winery restaurants and bistros. In season, be sure to visit the Summerland Sunday Market, downtown Summerland.

Okanagan Falls

This unique geographical region sits sits between Skaha and Vaseux Lake, boasting some of the region’s finest wines and stunning views. Vineyards experience warm nights and cool evenings, developing ripe fruit flavours and brilliant acidity.

Gift Idea: A Reserve Pinot Noir from Blue Mountain Winery is sure to delight. Pair with a decadent, rich mac and cheese or a tender beef bourguignon. If simplicity is the name of the game, take a glass to cozy up and enjoy in front of the fire with a cheese plate of Brie, Gouda and savoury bite-sized treats. For those a little more adventurous with their culinary skills try pomegranate glazed duck breast and a beet salad with goat cheese.

Experience: Book a special winter stay at Liquidity Wines, with luxury accommodations, designed to take in the stunning view of the Okanagan Valley and Vaseux Lake. For a different taste of luxury, visit the yurt style Tent House Suites at Nighthawk Vineyards. This is where luxury meets eco-friendly on a farm-to-gate winery. The wineries of Okanagan Falls have a number of outstanding seasonal dining options, with enthusiastic chefs curating exceptional locally sourced menus. Be sure to plan your visit to include one or more of these delectable bistros and restaurants the area is so fortunate to have.

Osoyoos

This desert wine region is perfect for lovers of bold reds. Long hours of sunlight on the glacial formed sandy terroir of the Okanagan’s southernmost vineyards promise well ripened grapes every vintage.

Gift Idea: Nk’Mip Cellars’ Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon, is a standout gift for collectors. Pair with foods high in acid and fat to make this wine sing, such as ricotta gnocchi with roasted root vegetables or a lemony vegetable bake with a ribeye straight off the grill.

Experience: Visit year-round at Spirit Ridge Lakeside Resort; perfect for your winter getaway. For an authentic historical experience, stay in the original miners cabin (beautifully restored of course!) at Rust Wines Tokios House. The nearby area has a small local population with an abundance of amenities including, beaches, luxury spa services, wineries, boutiques, winery bistros and restaurants. Have we mentioned the views? They are pretty outstanding.

Similkameen

Rustic, beautiful and unspoiled, the Similkameen Valley is an undiscovered gem. Unique attributes of the valley allow additional ripening and low mildew pressure, creating optimal conditions for organic viticulture.

Gift Idea: A natural wine from Clos du Soleil, such as Capella, reflects the region’s rugged terroir. This is an exceptional pairing with mixed greens, topped with roasted vegetables, chicken or prawns and your favourite vinaigrette. This versatile food pairing wine will be outstanding with shellfish, whitefish, homemade roast chicken or lean pork dishes.

Experience: Wineries and agriculture are at the heart of this special little valley, designed to make you feel welcome to stay and enjoy everything it has to offer. When visiting the Guest House at Orofino Vineyard’s, you are surrounded by vineyards and stunning mountain views that truly make you feel like you’re in another world. A few short minutes down the road, Crowsnest Vineyards offers a guest house, a winery and a seasonal restaurant with a lovely patio and locally sourced foods. The extraordinary views continue at the Sunshot Vineyard Guest House at Corcelettes Estate Winery as it overlooks the vineyard’s, promising to share the magic of Similkameen living with each guest. No matter where you choose to stay, the breathtaking Similkameen’s landscape is sure to impress! Be sure to soak in everything the valley has to offer, including a huge variety of fresh, local fruits and vegetables at one of the many fruit stands.

Customized Wine Packages

As incredible as the guest houses and experiences can be, you can also knock gifting out of the park with a personalized gift box. Curate your own box by featuring wines from different wineries, while adding little extras like artisanal, locally made cheese from Upper Bench Estate Winery and exquisite hand made dark chocolate ganache from Maison Mulnati. Many wineries also offer pre-packaged gift boxes all ready to go, with bows included! And, you are sure to find a gift for that hard to buy person at the BC Wine Information Centre in-store or online.

Why Choose the South Okanagan and Similkameen?

These regions offer something for every palate, from delicate whites to robust reds and sparkling wines. A thoughtful wine gift paired with an experience in this stunning part of Canada is sure to make anyone’s holiday season unforgettable. Make this season special by giving the gift of South Okanagan and Similkameen wine. And, remember, the wineries are happy to help you find exactly what you’re looking for, just ask!

Explore Grape Escapes Wine Tours for gift certificates and customized holiday tours. Gift certificates and e-gift cards never expire and are flexible to use. You pick the amount or experience and they pick the date. Worried about picking the right experience? We’ve got good news! They can also apply the amount of the tour towards any experience they would like.

We want to make your experience everything you are hoping it will be and more. If you have questions or need inspiration and ideas or even help processing an order, please connect with us directly. We are available year-round to assist over the phone at 778-781-0929 and by email at winetours@grapeescapes.ca.

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Dino

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