Osoyoos Archives - Foodology

In Osoyoos

Nk’Mip Cellars: Winery in Osoyoos

December 31, 2015

Np’Mip Cellars is located on 1,200 acres of band land located in Osoyoos, BC. This southern Okanagan area is home to Canada’s only pocket desert. With some of the most spectacular views in the Okanagan, this region is well known for its long, hot summer days and cool nights, mild winters and minimum rainfall. All of these factors contribute to this fabulous grape-growing region.

Their wine shop and tasting room open seven days a week from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm. We were staying at Spirit Ridge Resort just next door and we had to come here to grab a tasting.

The 18,000 square foot winery has the capacity to produce 18,000 cases or 162,000 litres. It’s equipped to handle approximately 60% red grapes and 40% white.

The varietals currently produced are Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Riesling Icewine and several red blends including the ultra premium Mer’r’iym Meritage blend. These grapes come from the Band’s own Inkameep Vineyard as well as the vineyard that surrounds the winery.

You get 2 complimentary tastings and if you want to do 4 more, it’s $3. I went and paid the $3 to try six different wines.

2014 DreamCatcher has orchard fruit on the nose followed by a sensual palette interwoven with honeydew and meyer lemon. This was my favourite white, but sadly they sold out of all their bottles. I wanted to get a few bottles too but I would have to go to another liquor store in Vancouver to pick some up.

2012 Mer’r’iym has an aroma of blueberries, black currant, smoke and tobacco with with flavours of dark fruit and cherry leading into a lengthy structured finish.

Overall, I was happy with the tasting. I found 2 wines I enjoyed.

Address:
1400 Rancher Creek Rd, Osoyoos, BC

Website:
http://www.nkmipcellars.com/

In Hotel Review

Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort: Accommodations in Osoyoos

December 11, 2015

Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort is located in an area known as the Napa of the North in the fertile South Okanagan wine country of British Columbia, overlooking Osoyoos Lake. The resort is conveniently located just five minutes from the Canada/US border. You are surrounded by the rolling vineyards and sun-drenched landscapes of wine country.

The parking is up at the top of the hill by Nk’Mip Cellars. Just check in at the building on the right. There’s a lot of free parking.

We stayed in the One Bedroom Villa, which faces East to see the beautiful vineyards and Okanagan Lake. Its base occupancy is 2 people but can have a maximum of 6 people inside.

It was a pretty nice day when we were staying here, so it was nice to be so close to the vineyards.

I found it interesting how the blocks of the villas were named after the types of wines.

There was even a fountain outside our door.

Once you walk inside, you will get a homey vibe from the decor. It felt like a home away from home.

There’s a dining table, couch with sofa bed, TV, fireplace and desk.

The space is great for families or people who are staying for a few days. Since it was just M and I, we didn’t really need the extra space.

In the kitchen, there are the usual appliances like fridge, sink, stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher and a coffee maker. There’s also a washer and dryer in the villa.

The first bathroom was a sink, shower, and toilet.

The bedroom has its own tv, king size bed, and separate bathroom.

The bedroom has a tub and toilet in a separate room, but the sink it outside in the bedroom. I thought it was a little bit odd.

Outside on the patio is a soaker tub and some furniture so you can sit and enjoy the view. There’s also a BBQ Grill you can use too.

You can walk around the vineyards through a open gate by this huge map.

It’s a pretty nice stroll and you get to see their different types of grapes growing on the vines.

Try to get a room that faces the lake instead of the mountains.

They have many amenities that guest can enjoy, but a visit to their outdoor pools, hot tubs, and fitness centres seem to be popular. There are dining options at the resort too such as Talon’s Restaurant and Sonora Dune’s Grill.

Overall, it was a nice stay, but because it’s situated in a dessert, we did find many little critters hanging around in our villa. I ended up killing a few spiders in the bedroom and bathroom. Other than that, no other issues that we noticed.

Address:
1200 Rancher Creek Rd, Osoyoos, BC

Website:
http://www.spiritridge.ca/

In Osoyoos

Moon Curser Vineyards: Wine in Osoyoos BC

November 30, 2015

Moon Curser Vineyard was founded in 2003 but under the name Twisted Tree. They rebranded in 2011 to Moon Curser – a name that captures many colourful stories of the Osoyoos area, as well as the renegade spirit of their winemaking.

The vineyard is one of the higher elevated ones in Osoyoos, so you have a good view of the lake.

There’s lots of free parking around the building. Even the view from the parking lot is pretty nice.

Their tasting room is open daily, 10am to 5pm, April through the end of October.

November through March the tasting room is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 5pm and weekends by appointment.

M and I tried a few of the red and whites here. You can try 6 wines for $5, but can be waved if you purchase a bottle.

Award winning wines:

2014 BC Wine Awards – Gold Medal – 2012 Border Vines
2014 Best of Varietal Awards – 2012 Contraband Syrah
2015 Vancouver Magazine Awards – 2012 Contraband Syrah
2015 Vancouver Magazine Awards – 2012 Carmenere
2014 BC Wine Awards – 2012 Dead of Night

They produce a lot more red wine than white wines. They have 8 reds to try and 2 whites.

I love the look of their wines. It’s great they rebranded to give them an edgier look and feel.

If you are driving by Osoyoos on Highway 3/Crowsnest Hwy, you will pass by this winery when coming down from Anarchist Mountain. Stop by for their unique wines.

Address:
3628 BC-3, Osoyoos, BC

Website:
http://www.mooncurser.com/

In Osoyoos

Spotted Lake: Attraction in Osoyoos, BC

November 27, 2015

Spotted Lake in Osoyoos, BC is a naturally formed inland lake that has a unique look. We stopped on the side of the Highway and you will spot this small gate at the entrance of the lake. It’s not recommended that you drive down to the lake as it is quite a steep with lots of gravel. I’m not 100% sure if you would make it back up. There’s a sign saying not to go on the lake as it’s sacred.

We made sure to look from afar, but we did notice that there were a few people walking around the lake. In the Summer/Fall, the lake is pretty dry, so all that’s left are the minerals. Thus they grey look. It’s something I’ve never seen before.

It’s only a 15 minute drive from Downtown Osoyoos and you don’t need to spend too much time here.

If you are ever in Osoyoos, make sure you make a stop at Spotted Lake. It’s an iconic attraction and if you’re lucky, this lake might look a bit different that what I saw.

Website: http://blog.hellobc.com/the-magic-of-spotted-lake-in-osoyoos/

In Osoyoos

Adega on 45th Estate Winery in Osoyoos

November 25, 2015

Adega on 45th Estate Winery is right off Anarchist Mountain in Osoyoos, BC. This was our second winery stop in the area. If you’re going to Nk’Mip Cellars, this winery is on the way.

We noticed a few bike tours zooming by and it was a fantastic day to roam around Osoyoos on a bike. No clouds in the sky! I was kinda jealous but I knew my car would protect me against bugs.

The families were originally tree fruit growers in the south Okanagan valley. Now, the folks at Adega on 45th began growing premium grapes in 2009. They are known for their old world charm that meets new world technology in wine production.

Roaming around the vineyard is quite nice. I thought it was cool looking at the grapes and wondering how this becomes wine.

They offer free tastings on all their wine. Its a large open space inside the tasting room. What I liked is that the family members of the estate administer the tastings to all their guests.

I went with the white wines and liked the 2013 Felicidade for its clean, crispy and sweet taste.

M tried the reds and thats more of what he tends to enjoy.

Their patio overlooks downtown Osoyoos on this awesome Fall day. Overall, it was a good visit and definitely make a trip here when you’re in the area.

Address:
7311 45 St, Osoyoos, BC

Website: http://adegaon45.com/