Hey, wine aficionados and adventure seekers! Welcome to our next edition of the Discover Series. Have you ever dreamed of cruising through charming vineyards, sipping on exquisite wines, all while soaking up the warm sunshine? Well, buckle up because we’ve got the inside scoop on the ultimate wine-tasting escapade: Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive with Grape Escapes Wine Tours.
The Bottleneck Drive
To start, let’s talk about the famous Bottleneck Drive in Summerland.
Nestled along the south west shores of Okanagan Lake, in the stunning South Okanagan, this quaint stretch of road – actually, more than just one road – is home to some of the most delightful wineries you’ll ever encounter.
And, at Grape Escapes, we can’t wait to show it to you first hand, treating you to the perfect day while you discover the magic of Summerland.
Pictured: The view from Sage Hills Estate Winery
Picture this: the sun is on your face and you hop aboard a comfy tour bus, ready for a day of wine-filled fun. As you roll through the lush countryside, you’re greeted by rows upon rows of grapevines, basking in the golden sunlight. It’s like something out of a postcard, but better because you’re right in the middle of it all.
Why Summerland?
Aside from the name stating the obvious (who doesn’t love summer in the Okanagan!), this region is packed with small-lot, premium wine from unique soil, weather and terroir. The smaller nature of the area makes it easy to get around, meaning less time travelling from one winery to the next. The view is stunning at every turn, and don’t worry, we know you’re going to need time for pictures!
Technical Chat, but Make it Wine
This absolutely stunner of a region makes really, really great wine. The unique conditions of this area, make wine what it is from 4, distinct sub-GI’s. These small areas stretch from the lakefront, at a lower elevation and protected by the moderating effect of the lake, all the way to the Summerland Valleys, with some of the highest elevations of vineyards planted in the Okanagan.
Glacier movement carved and designed the area, while depositing a wide array of soil types and minerals. This landscape and soil transformation, movement of water and amicable weather have created optimal growing conditions for premium cool-climate wines.
So, what does cool-climate wine mean for you?
Great question, let us tell you… It means that varietals from cooler parent regions (think Germany, Bordeaux and Alsace in France) thrive here. You will find exceptionally crafted, light, flavourful, crisp and dry wines. The stars of the show are white wines like Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Kerner, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and outstanding reds like Pinot Noir and Merlot.
The highly talented winemakers in the region have some stunning interpretations of these varietals. You will find something for everyone, ranging from the classics, to blends, mouthwatering rose, traditional method sparkling wines, fresh fruity and lush frizzante sparkling wine. And, be sure not to miss out on the excellent craft cider, spirits and beer, all locally grown and produced!
Pictured: Heaven’s Gate Winery
Wineries
First stop on the tour? The wineries, of course! With Grape Escapes, you’ll get to visit a handful of Summerland’s finest, such as Lunessence, Haywire, Fitzpatrick, and Silkscarf. Each winery offers its own unique blend of flavours and experiences. From family-run estates to sleek modern tasting rooms, there’s something here for everyone – and Grape Escapes ensures you don’t miss a single sip. Check out our Summerland Tour page and scroll down to view all of the locations we visit!
Pictured: Sunrise from Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards
Atmosphere
But it’s not just about the wine (although let’s be real, that’s a big part of it). It’s also about the atmosphere. Picture yourself lounging on a sun-drenched patio, surrounded by lush gardens, sweeping vineyards and stunning lake views. With Grape Escapes, every moment feels like a scene from a wine lover’s paradise.
Passionate & Knowledgable People
And let’s not forget about the people. The folks behind the wines are passionate, knowledgeable, and downright delightful. They’re more than happy to share their stories, their secrets, and, of course, their delicious wines with eager visitors like yourself. Get ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even make a few new friends along the way.
The Tours!
And speaking of friends, Grape Escapes tours are perfect for groups of all sizes. Whether you’re flying solo, on a romantic getaway, or celebrating with a bunch of pals, you’re guaranteed to have a blast. After all, what’s better than sharing great wine and good times with the people you love?
So, if you’re ready to embark on the wine-tasting adventure of a lifetime, look no further than Grape Escapes Wine Tours and the magical wineries of BottleNeck Drive in Summerland. Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Cheers to sunshine, scenery, and sensational sips – let’s raise a glass to that!