Quails Gate and Elton John?

Back on the road today, we plan to visit another Kelowna winery and go sailing on Okanagan Lake.

Our first stop is Quails Gate winery located in a picturesque part of Kelowna, overlooking the lake. It's interesting to me that quite a number of Okanagan wineries are located directly adjacent to residential neighbourhoods.

Note the typical neighbourhood, just up the hill and around the corner from the vineyard and winery.

 First things first. We arrive at Quails Gate around lunchtime and the wonderful aromas wafting from the dining room are too tempting to resist.

The room looks pretty empty as we are seated but by the time our appetizers arrive, the place is hopping.

After a wonderful and relaxed lunch, we explore the property. And like the other wineries we've visited in the valley, the grounds are pretty spectacular.

Allison House is part of the Quails Gate property, and is used as the meeting place for summer wine tours. Built in 1873, It's the oldest home site in the West Kelowna area.

After a short drive from the winery to West Kelowna, we arrive at the Yacht Club to meet Captain Al and board his sailboat for a 2 hour tour of the area. The very slight breeze though, has us motoring rather than sailing today.

Captain Al at the helm with four happy tourists.

Except for a heron, some geese and a couple magpies, the wildlife sightings today are slim pickin's.

So instead we relax and view a few of the "cottages" that dot the hillsides.
Although mostly hidden by the trees, the house in this shot is said to be owned by Elton John. His Canadian born partner David Furnish is from the Kelowna area and still has family here.

A few of the other shacks dotting the hillsides along the Okanagan shores.

Note the many and steep stares or the funiculars required to reach the water from most of these homes. The shack below belongs to, Shea Weber of the Nashville Preditors. 

The one below is a big time "fixer upper", but still occupied despite a fallen tree threatening the structural integrity of the roof, crumbling decks and a near fully sunken houseboat at its dock.

This one is perfect from my perspective. 

Nice size, waterside, private dock and most importantly, no major incline to contend with.

Tomorrow, we explore the Osoyoos area.