Making the drive to Oliver and Osoyoos feels a bit like you've arrived in another country.
The desert like conditions are not synonymous with what most might associate with Canadian climate.
Grab your parasol and load up on the SPF – It's hot and there's beautiful wine aplenty.
Where to Eat
El Sabor de Marina
Oliver, BC
Probably one of the best kept secrets of the region entirely.
This is a nondescript food truck stationed on the side of the highway serving up some real deal authentic Mexican food.
Convivia Bistro Cuisine
Osoyoos, BC
Laid back and low key are a couple of the descriptors that come to mind when I think of Convivia.
My partner took me here after a day of wine touring in the area and we were blown away at the value and excellent, old school service.
Where to Drink
Maverick Estate Winery
I had the opportunity to taste the 2013 Maverick Chardonnay among a blind lineup relatively recently.
The consensus?
We all had it pegged for Chablis. Don't miss this exquisite producer when you make the trek south.
Rust Wine Co.
Formerly known as "Rustico" – Rebranded to Rust in recent years. Rust consistently puts out quality, well constructed wines.
I'm a particular fan of their Gamay, which bucks the trend of juicy, Bubbalicious styles and shows more character and depth, making it a great option to have with a wide array of foods.
vinAmité Cellars
Possibly one of my favourite producers in all of BC. The Coulombe family is so unbelievably down to earth, warm and charming it's impossible not to like their wines.
They wanted to pay homage to rustic, old world styles of French wine, but with a contemporary twist.
The resulting wines are equally complex yet approachable; a feat not easily achieved.
Lariana Cellars
I cannot stress enough how much you need to get to this winery.
Literally at the US/Canada border, turn right to head to the border crossing or turn left to visit the Lariana tasting room.
This is extremely low production and high quality at its finest.
If you're a fan of Carménère, this is where you need to go to source one of the best examples coming out of the Okanagan.
Hopefully this convinces you to visit Osoyoos and Oliver.
Stay tuned for next week's itinerary!
