Hello, fellow wine lovers and oenophiles! Welcome to our next instalment of our Discover Series as we spill the grapes on one of the most fantastic wine-tasting experiences you can have in beautiful British Columbia: the Okanagan Falls Wine Tour with Grape Escapes. Locally, we view this spectacular little area like a “little Burgundy” with its outstanding production of premium Burgundy style wines made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.Â
Picture Perfect
Picture this: you wake up to a crisp morning in the stunning Okanagan Valley, the sun peeking over the mountains, promising a day filled with delicious wines and endless miles of breathtaking views. Okanagan Falls is downright picturesque, with its rolling hills, sparkling lakes and endless blue skies. Every turn of the road offers a new postcard-worthy vista, making the journey just as delightful as the destination.Â
Imagine strolling through lush vineyards, soaking in the scent of ripe grapes hanging heavy on the vines. Following a curated itinerary, at each winery stop, you’re greeted with warm smiles and beautiful wines. From crisp whites to bold reds, Okanagan Falls has something for every palate, and that’s what you sign up for when you hop on board with Grape Escapes.
Terroir
Terroir is a term coined by French winemakers, encompassing all of the environmental influences that make the wine what it is. The term includes soil types, the aspect (direction it faces the sun) of the vineyard itself, the local climate, and even a sense of time and place climate provides. Time and place you ask? Yes! Not only do areas have an influence of place, they also combine with unique expressions of the climate and growing season each year.Â
As a winery or potential grower decides what or where to produce, they will look at the unique terroir of a vineyard and plant what is best suited to that particular environment. We’ll get more into this on a later date, but keep that kernel of terroir and sense of time in your mind as you join us on our journey.Â
Winery Meets Terroir
Now, let’s talk about the wineries! Wineries encompass many facets, including a wine makers style and finesse, the vineyards and the soils those lovely grapes are grown in. Okanagan Falls isn’t just any old wine region – it’s a distinct sub-geographical indication, tucked between the rolling hills surrounding Skaha Lake and Vaseaux Lake, meaning it has a distinct and definable character all of its own. And boy, does it produce some top-notch wines!Â
So what does sub-geographical indication mean? Great question! Referred to commonly as a sub-GI, it means that it’s been officially studied, defined and legally recognized due to the conditions of the area, including soil, climate and weather patterns. In Okanagan Falls, there are two distinct soil types, the northern section being considered a alluvial floodplain with gently sloping sediments and the southern section of undulating glaciofluvial soils and kettles formed from melting glaciers under soil deposits.Â
Pictured: Stag’s Hollow Winery. The vineyard “hollow” is a “kettle hole” formed by glacier melt. Stag’s Hollow began when there were only a little over 30 wineries in the valley, focusing on the Burgundy varietals we know and love. Now, more than 30 years later, they are still crafting premium Burgundy varietals and have expanded vineyards and their portfolio to include other mouthwatering, beauties like Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo, Syrah and more!
Technical Chat
…well, okay, those are a lot of complicated and uncommon terms, so why should we care about it and why does it matter? Again, great questions! In combination with the weather patterns and vineyard aspect, these factors will dramatically effect the growing conditions and development of the grapes, which happen to be perfect for those tasty Burgundy style wines we love so much.Â
Despite its relatively warm climate compared to other parts of Canada, Okanagan Falls benefits from cooler temperatures compared to the Oliver-Osoyoos wine region further south. This cooler climate allows for the production of elegant and nuanced wines, particularly whites like Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, and delicate, complex Pinot Noir. And this folks, is where the area relates to the infamous Burgundy district in France!Â
All about the Experience
But it’s not just about the wine (though let’s be real, that’s a big part of it). It’s also about the experience. With Grape Escapes, every moment is carefully curated for maximum enjoyment. Whether you’re lounging on a sunny patio overlooking the vineyards or exploring charming cellar doors, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a wine lover’s paradise. Grape Escapes will never have a set list of wineries to visit, as we prefer to curate the experience as often as possible! Don’t miss out on exploring the interactive map on our Okanagan Falls tour page to explore the areas wineries and local attractions.Â
So, whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just someone who enjoys a good glass of vino, the Okanagan Falls Wineries tour with Grape Escapes Wine Tours is an experience not to be missed. Cheers to sunshine, stunning views, and unforgettable wines – let’s raise a glass to that!
