Today we visited four vineyards. At that rate it would take two months to visit all the vineyards in the Okanagan Valley. The wine was excellent, the only problem is because of laws dating back to the time of Prohibition none of it can be imported into the states. They can send it to China, and I understand they ship a lot, but none to us.

The first vineyard was Mission Hill.

This vineyard is owned by a relatively young man. When I inquired about his background I was told he was a self-made man who started out selling wine from his car. He bought a struggling vineyard before the boom in the valley and grew by reinvesting. Today he sits on top of an alcohol empire which included Mikes Hard Lemonade his cash cow.

These are some pictures of the grounds and cellars.

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In the gift shop we saw a cookbook you could live by.

The next vineyard was Quail’s Gate. It too was located on the west side of the lake.

Also a beautiful place.

The lake is the focus of everything. Unlike much of Canada the area is booming attracting a lot of retirees who have sufficient means. There are some beautiful homes taking advantage of the lake which rarely freezes because of its depth.

The last two vineyards were on the east shore. Cedar Creek an established operation was purchased by Mission Hill a year ago.

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Like many other vineyards it is a prime wedding venue. This year they did 48. It rarely rains between Memorial Day and Labor Day, outdoor planning is easy.

The last vineyard was Summit Pyramid vineyard located very close to our B&B.

The owner here believes in the power of the pyramid and has placed a large piece of Quartz at the pyramid’s apex and all wine is cellared in the pyramid for a period of time.

All in all it was a great day. A day unlike those that preceded it. We would not have stopped here if it wasn’t for Charlie Wallis’ suggestion. Thank you Charlie.