My wife and I began our two day adventure of the Northern Okanagan valley in Summerland. This small community on the Western shore of Okanagan Lake is home to some very unique and exceptional wineries. Along with the larger Sumac Ridge winery, Summerland contains the surprising "Dirty Laundry" winery.
Along with a great story and friendly staff, this winery offers amazing views of the lake and free sampling of amazing wines, both red and white.
Not far from Dirty Laundry was perhaps the highlight of our adventure, Blasted Church winery. It is hard to find, hidden up in the hills on the east side of the lake south of Penticton and below the Naramata Bench. If you do find it, as we did after a recommendation from our good friend LeRoy Brower, do not leave without sampling both red and white from this amazing little winery. The staff are friendly and extremely knowledgeable. We learned more about wine and growing grapes in half an hour than we had after hours of researching online.
Summerland also offers a chance for visitors to ride the historic Kettle Valley Railway, one of the oldest railways in Canada, and when it was built, the third largest (and third highest) trestle railway in North America. The train ride lasts for approximately 1.5 hrs, although some of that time is spent outside the train taking pictures or sitting on the trestle bridge hundreds of feet above the river. As long as you don't have a screaming baby with oblivious parents sitting in the same car as you, this should be a very enjoyable trip.
Finally, we stopped at LaFrenz winery. We had not intended to visit it, since there are too many to visit over a weekend, but decided to add it to our list after several other wineries suggested we try it. When the competition suggests you try it, it is usually worth it. It was. Their beautiful tasting room completely enclosed in floor to ceiling windows offers stunning views of the lake and the vineyards. The staff were friendly and the wine was delicious.
Having lived in the Napa valley earlier in life, I was surprised to find so many similarities and yet so many differences. This is a unique region with its own character and appeal. Do not miss exploring this beautiful part of Canada if you get the chance.
Along with a great story and friendly staff, this winery offers amazing views of the lake and free sampling of amazing wines, both red and white.
Not far from Dirty Laundry was perhaps the highlight of our adventure, Blasted Church winery. It is hard to find, hidden up in the hills on the east side of the lake south of Penticton and below the Naramata Bench. If you do find it, as we did after a recommendation from our good friend LeRoy Brower, do not leave without sampling both red and white from this amazing little winery. The staff are friendly and extremely knowledgeable. We learned more about wine and growing grapes in half an hour than we had after hours of researching online. 
Summerland also offers a chance for visitors to ride the historic Kettle Valley Railway, one of the oldest railways in Canada, and when it was built, the third largest (and third highest) trestle railway in North America. The train ride lasts for approximately 1.5 hrs, although some of that time is spent outside the train taking pictures or sitting on the trestle bridge hundreds of feet above the river. As long as you don't have a screaming baby with oblivious parents sitting in the same car as you, this should be a very enjoyable trip.
Finally, we stopped at LaFrenz winery. We had not intended to visit it, since there are too many to visit over a weekend, but decided to add it to our list after several other wineries suggested we try it. When the competition suggests you try it, it is usually worth it. It was. Their beautiful tasting room completely enclosed in floor to ceiling windows offers stunning views of the lake and the vineyards. The staff were friendly and the wine was delicious. 
Having lived in the Napa valley earlier in life, I was surprised to find so many similarities and yet so many differences. This is a unique region with its own character and appeal. Do not miss exploring this beautiful part of Canada if you get the chance.
