Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ation, this valley would still be a desert
and the orchards and vineyards would
not have been able to thrive and bear
fruit each year. The mini-desert is part
of the same desert that begins in the
Mexican states of Baja California and
Chihuahua before crossing the western
United States.
Wines are available to sample. Medals,
international awards and anything at-
testing to a wine's quality cover the
walls of shops. Even if it costs a few
dollars to try a few drops of ultra sweet
ice wine, a local specialty made from
grapes that are picked frozen at the be-
ginning of winter, curious wine-lovers
are happy to oblige.
The Wine Route
The Thompson-Okanagan region offers
a memorable opportunity to discover
a completely original wine route. The
landscape in particular is unique; the
parched hills and valleys aren't the col-
our and shape that you would expect
when touring vineyards. Vines fl ourish
in this climate and everything possible
has been done to make the most of the
region, with fruitful results.
6
Kettle Valley Steam Railway.
© Don Weixl / Penticton & Wine Country
Two types of wine-producing distin-
guish the region. The most recent, which
is being developed in the Similkameen
Valley, is associated with farm cultiva-
tion and expansion of the fertile soil.
The other, more traditional type in the
large Okanagan Valley, is related to a
proud heritage of wine growing dating
to the 1800s.
This valley has similar characteris-
tics to renowned German wine-pro-
ducing areas. The presence of four
lakes (Skaha, Osoyoos, Vaseux and
Okanagan) creates a climate that is
perfectly suited to producing quality
wines. The clearly indicated wine route
offers pleasant trips, among farms and
orchards along Highway 97, revealing
breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake
at every turn.
This mouth-watering trail of discovery
runs from Osoyoos to Salmon Arm, as
each vineyard vies to offer the best re-
ception and most elegant presentation.
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