Thursday, September 17, 2015

Canada's Desert

Today we leave our Vernon rental home for the drive to the Watermark Beach Resort Hotel in Osoyoos. This will be our last stop before the final destination of our trip, North Vancouver.

Along the road, particularly as we pass Penticton and approach Osoyoos, we see signs pointing the way to so many wineries it's almost mind boggling and seems the area rivals Niagara for wineries at every turn. And, it probably does.

According to the info I found on the interweb,  Niagara wins in acreage with 14,000 acres of vineyards against the Okanagan Valley's 10,000. In numbers of wineries though, the Okanagan takes it with some 200 vs Niagara's 90-ish.

The other thing of note throughout the valley is the contrast of the dry, brown, scrub grass hillsides, against the lush green of the many orchards and vineyards. This becomes even more evident as we near the southernmost edge of British Columbia that is Osoyoos.

Canada's Desert. That is how this area is described. Well, this desert sure does produce some wonderful wines.




After checking in to our accommodations, we decide to visit a couple more wineries. 


A good read? Nope....  Christmas shopping already!
Burrowing Owl provides accommodations with a view and recreational activities to go along with it's fine wine.
This shot does a good job of contrasting the dry desert brush against lush green orchards and vineyards. 

A new desert housing development

Oh...  did I mention waterfront properties in the desert?

Nk'Mip Cellars (pronounced in-ka-meep), is apparently North America's first aboriginal owned and operated winery, owned by the Osoyoos band.  The grounds and art are part of the Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort and Spa. Very impressive. Oh, ya....  they produce some pretty darn nice wines too.











Back in the town itself, there is more evidence of its desert surroundings.



Osoyoos Lake

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