Here in Vancouver, we're just a few hours drive (or quick flight) away from some of the most lovely wineries in Canada - aw, go on - the world. We asked Westender restaurant critic Anya Levykh to put together an essential weekend guide. [Photo via Covert Farm Vineyard/Anya Levykh]
In the midst of B.C. endless rains, it's easy to forget that we have actual desert, located in the sunny south Okanagan region that encompasses Oliver and Osoyoos. These locales aren't on the scale of Kelowna, but when it comes to dining and drinking, it's a big bag of choices. Here's a list - in no particular order - of essential stops during your 48 hours in the South Okanagan.
A 700-acre organic farm and winery owned by three generations (and counting) of the Covert family. Come for the peaches and patty pans; stay for some wine and charcuterie on the wine lounge patio.
One of the best patios and views in the South Okanagan, Miradoro is part of Tinhorn Creek Winery and is home to chef Jeff Van Geest, who puts out locally-sourced dishes that change depending on what the farmers/producers bring in. Try one of the Neapolitan-style pizzas from the stone hearth oven, like the fennel sausage with mushrooms, parmesan, garlic and chillies, paired with Tinhorn’s Pinot Noir.
“It’s all about the dirt.” Good “dirt” leads to good soil, which leads to really good grapes... which lead to really good wine. This little castle on the hill has a lovely garden patio facing rows upon rows of those good grapes. Pull up for an afternoon tasting paired with a little charcuterie and indulge in some serious sipping.
Joy Road Catering owners Dana Ewart and Cameron Smith are known for their winery dinners and Penticton Farmers Market appearances, and now have a more permanent location at Black Hills Estate Winery. The shipping container kitchen serves up al fresco meals overlooking the vineyards. Try the charcuterie plate, with Joy Road’s own Berkshire pork, or the faro and cucumber salad, paired with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Founded by two master patissiers and chefs, check out the shady back patio for a fantastic breakfast of house-baked German breads with eggs and house smoked bacon, killer lattes and fresh fruit slushies.
Sometimes you just need a good coffee and a sandwich. Jojo’s serves up awesome java and sandwiches stuffed with quality proteins, like their house-roasted turkey, and a daily rotating selection of soups that are better than your mom’s.
Located in Watermark Beach Resort, this popular wine bar and patio offers small plates with an all-B.C. wine list. Don’t miss the house-made, pan-roasted sausages with apple and caramelized onion pierogies, or the lamb meatballs with mint-pea puree and smoked cheddar.
Dessert is the most important meal of any day. Lake Village is known for their artisan breads, but make sure to stop by and try some of the pastries or desserts, like the sourdough croissant or the sinful carrot cake.
Located on the edge of the Spirit Ridge campgrounds, this privately owned little Mexican cantina serves up mighty fine tacos, tortas and the occasional ceviche. Pair with a cool beer and take in the lakefront view.
Local, seasonal menus, wines from the surrounding Nk’Mp Cellars vineyard and other South Okanagan wineries, plus a killer view, make for a very nice evening, indeed. The coffee-rubbed bison strip loin is worth a visit, as is the peach cheesecake.
A 700-acre organic farm and winery owned by three generations (and counting) of the Covert family. Come for the peaches and patty pans; stay for some wine and charcuterie on the wine lounge patio.
One of the best patios and views in the South Okanagan, Miradoro is part of Tinhorn Creek Winery and is home to chef Jeff Van Geest, who puts out locally-sourced dishes that change depending on what the farmers/producers bring in. Try one of the Neapolitan-style pizzas from the stone hearth oven, like the fennel sausage with mushrooms, parmesan, garlic and chillies, paired with Tinhorn’s Pinot Noir.
“It’s all about the dirt.” Good “dirt” leads to good soil, which leads to really good grapes... which lead to really good wine. This little castle on the hill has a lovely garden patio facing rows upon rows of those good grapes. Pull up for an afternoon tasting paired with a little charcuterie and indulge in some serious sipping.
Joy Road Catering owners Dana Ewart and Cameron Smith are known for their winery dinners and Penticton Farmers Market appearances, and now have a more permanent location at Black Hills Estate Winery. The shipping container kitchen serves up al fresco meals overlooking the vineyards. Try the charcuterie plate, with Joy Road’s own Berkshire pork, or the faro and cucumber salad, paired with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Founded by two master patissiers and chefs, check out the shady back patio for a fantastic breakfast of house-baked German breads with eggs and house smoked bacon, killer lattes and fresh fruit slushies.
Sometimes you just need a good coffee and a sandwich. Jojo’s serves up awesome java and sandwiches stuffed with quality proteins, like their house-roasted turkey, and a daily rotating selection of soups that are better than your mom’s.
Located in Watermark Beach Resort, this popular wine bar and patio offers small plates with an all-B.C. wine list. Don’t miss the house-made, pan-roasted sausages with apple and caramelized onion pierogies, or the lamb meatballs with mint-pea puree and smoked cheddar.
Dessert is the most important meal of any day. Lake Village is known for their artisan breads, but make sure to stop by and try some of the pastries or desserts, like the sourdough croissant or the sinful carrot cake.
Located on the edge of the Spirit Ridge campgrounds, this privately owned little Mexican cantina serves up mighty fine tacos, tortas and the occasional ceviche. Pair with a cool beer and take in the lakefront view.
Local, seasonal menus, wines from the surrounding Nk’Mp Cellars vineyard and other South Okanagan wineries, plus a killer view, make for a very nice evening, indeed. The coffee-rubbed bison strip loin is worth a visit, as is the peach cheesecake.
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/39743486/eater-default-final.5.0.0.png)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62008609/Covert_20Farms_20vineyard.0.0.jpeg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62008611/Miradoro_20patio.0.0.jpeg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62008613/Road_2013_20Vineyard.0.0.jpeg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62008619/Joy_20Road_20Vineyard_20Kitchen_20view_20from_20dining_20area.0.0.jpeg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62008621/Dolci_20Deli_20vine_20covered_20patio.0.0.jpeg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62008625/jojo_s_20cafe.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62008629/Watermark_20wine_20bar_20__20patio.0.0.jpeg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62008635/Lake_20Village_20Bakery_20croissants.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62008637/Spirit_20Beach_20Cantina_20patio.0.0.jpeg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62008639/Talons_20EC_20Jamie_20Hertz_20with_20dish.0.0.jpeg)