Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/40418
Camelot Vineyards Estate Winery (250-862- 8873; camelotvineyards.ca). Acclaimed Cana- dian winemaker Ann Sperling helped Camelot owners Denise Brass and Robert Young develop their well-rounded wine list. Heading back through Kelowna, take Hwy. 97 south out of town and through the towns of Peachland and Summerland, along a dramatic, lake-hugging drive lined with rabbitbush, sage and bunchgrass. Continue south into Penticton, where the highway becomes Eckhardt Avenue. From the east end of Eckhardt, follow the signs to the Nara- mata Bench, an internationally renowned, 16-kilometre garland of 24 wineries spread out between bench-like clay cliffs that dom- inate the southeast shore of Okanagan Lake. Roughly half of the Naramata Bench's win- eries are technically within Penticton city limits, while the other half are in the commu- nity of Naramata. Penticton's Township 7 Vineyards and Winery (250- 770-1743; township7.com) is one of the fi rst wineries at the south end of the Naramata Bench wine route. Try the 7 Blanc, an homage to the superb grape-growing condi- tions of the Naramata Bench. Turn right out of Township 7's parking lot onto McMillan Avenue, which curves left and becomes Naramata Road. Continue north along Naramata Road to the commu- nity of Naramata, drinking in rolling views of vineyards, orchards and lake as you go. Good eats and sleeps: Soak up the ambiance at Cobblestone Wine Bar and Restaurant, at Naramata Heritage Inn & Spa, for a local food and wine expe- rience par excellence. Then splurge on a room for the night (250-496- 6808; naramatainn.com). LEG TWO: Naramata to Summerland (30 km) After a morning stroll around tiny-but- vibrant Naramata village, head back to Nara- mata Road via Robinson Avenue. Go south on Naramata Road, taking your fi rst right on Lower Debeck Road to Serendipity Winery Tracy Hyatt, Poplar Grove Winery (250-496-5299; serendipitywinery.com). This little winery won awards for its Viognier, its Pinot Noir and its Bordeaux blend this spring, before it even swung open its tasting room doors in June 2011. Continue south on Naramata Road and turn right at Aikens Loop. Follow the signs to Elephant Island Orchard Wines (250-496- 5522; elephantislandwine.com). By all means, sample the exquisite fruit wines here, but this is also home to Unconventional Wisdom, a boutique label launched in spring 2011 by Elephant Island winemakers Del and Miranda Halladay. Unconventional Widsom's limited Lakeshore Drive South in Summerland is the place to unwind after a day of touring (250-494-8855; thelocalgroup.ca). Good sleeps: Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa is, conveniently, right next door to Local Lounge & Grille (250-494- 8180; summerlandresorthotel.com). Views, beach access and a private patio – what more could you want? LEG THREE: Summerland to Kelowna (50 km) production means that these wines aren't available for tasting, but purchase only. Continue south to Penticton along Nara- mata Road, until you reach McMillan Avenue again. Go west and keep right at the curve, just past Township 7, to get on Munson Avenue, which turns into Middle Bench Road. Poplar Grove Winery (250-493-9463; poplargrove. ca) has been on the Bench for years, producing some of the region's best reds and Pinot Gris. Now the winery has a new 9,500-square-foot showcase building, opened in June 2011, with a stun- ning view of lake, vines and rolling hills. Wind your way back west through Pen- ticton and, returningto Hwy. 97, head north toward Summerland. Good eats: With waterfront views, an exten- sive Okanagan wine list, local craft beers and seasonal dishes inspired by the Okanagan's culinary bounty, Local Lounge & Grille on The drive back to Kelowna is your chance to focus on the lake views and cliffside curves of Hwy. 97. Also check out some pioneering wineries you may have skipped on the way down, such as Mission Hill Family Estate Winery (250-768-7611; missionhillwinery. com), Quails' Gate (250-769-2501; quailsgate. com) and Summerhill Pyramid Winery (250- 764-8000; summerhill.bc.ca). And be sure to pick up some apples or pears, or even a home- baked pie, as you meander back to Kelowna, because hunting and gathering in Okanagan wine country should always include a stop or two at a roadside fruit stand. None for the Road AMA's policy on drinking and driving is simple: if you're driving, don't drink. So if you're planning a wine-tasting road trip, go with a group and alter- nate drivers each day. That way everyone has a chance to imbibe. AMA MEMBERS SAVE MORE Before you go: Take driving out of the equa- tion and tour the Naramata Bench on a VIP wine tour. Enjoy two nights at the Summer- land Waterfront Resort, with a $75 credit for the day spa. From $324 per person. 1-866-667-4777; AMATravel.ca While you're there: Fuel up at Husky or Mohawk in Kelowna, Summerland, Pentic- ton or Osoyoos and earn CAA Dollars on fuel and in-store purchases, and purchases at Husky House Restaurants. WESTWORLD >> SEPTEMBER 2011 19