If you enjoy wine, chances are you enjoy visiting wineries and wine regions. Whether it be Napa, Sonoma, Bordeaux, or Rioja, nothing compares to getting up close and personal with the people and places of famed wine regions.

Don’t get me wrong; I love visiting the ‘usual suspects’. But often the over-commercialized tourism of the best known spots is a turn-off. So, lately, I’ve been going to lesser-known regions, like…Canada.

Off-the-well-beaten-wine-tourism path: Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. An undiscovered gem for most, Kelowna is located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley and is surrounded by picturesque hills, orchards, vineyards, and 68-mile long Okanagan Lake. The area offers a wide range of activities including golf, downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, waterskiing, cycling, hiking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, and of course, LOTS of wine tasting and gourmet eats. There are some 65 wineries located throughout the Valley and many have received international acclaim. The region is often compared to California�s Napa Valley and enjoys a climate similar to that of the Columbia Valley in Washington State.

To get there: Kelowna is a short flight from either Vancouver or Seattle or roughly 4 hours by car from Vancouver.

Wines to taste: Of the over 75 wines tasted on a recent trip, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Syrah stand out among the pack. A few great Bordeaux style blends were also notable.

Spots not to miss:

Quails� Gate Estate Winery�amazing views of Okanagan Lake from their outdoor dining patio.

Mission Hill Family Estate�one of BC�s largest wineries set atop a hill overlooking Okanagan Lake.

Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate�a must see for their new tasting gallery and a sample of their acclaimed icewines.

Blasted Church Vineyards�a small boutique winery set in a wooden cabin overlooking Skaha Lake.

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery�outdoor patio dining overlooking the vineyards and nearby Osoyoos Lake.

Waterfront Wines�a retail shop stocked with BC wines and adjoining bar/bistro with creative Pacific Northwest fare.

The Rotten Grape�along downtown Kelowna�s waterfront with small plates inspired for wine pairing. 231 Bernard Avenue - (250) 717-8466

Where to Stay: Accounting for Taste Bed and Breakfast�a quaint Bed & Breakfast overlooking Okanagan Lake. Your hosts are wine educator Michael Botner and his wife Rosemary. Rooms with wine related themes. The Botners also organize custom wine tours.

Plan your escape online at www.tourismkelowna.com