Champagne, cider and prawns.

The Okanagan Valley in south western Canada is best known for its many vineyards and orchards all made possible by one or two things.  One of those things is the climate, although it enjoys very warm and long summers it is balanced by very cold winters.

Another element is the rich soil left behind by the glaciers of the last ice age, which were also responsible for the rich gold deposits present in all the valleys.

One of the characteristics of a glaciated landscape is huge valleys left behind in the wake of the glaciers which eventually fill with water forming the many large lakes. 

Large lakes provide lots of lovely clean water ideal for irrigating crops.

So there we have it, perfect climate, rich soil and plenty of water equals plenty of vineyards all producing wine, cider and champagne at the same time. I say all at the same time, what happens is because the winter weather comes in fast and hard, the vineyards must harvest quickly and precisely to avoid a frost killing the crop. (Unless the crop is grapes for the ice wine, previous story).

Anyway, all the vineyards are desperate to promote and sell their products in a small window of opportunity so this weekend, every year, they all try and outdo their neighbours by having tasting days. They put up lots of coloured lights and all manner of tricks to entice the passing punters to come and sample the goodies. Lots of food, wine, cider and champagne, and all totally free!

One has to simply follow the road signs that meander through the vineyards and stop off at whichever floats your boat.

We went to Summerland and followed the signs up the mountain road called Giants Head Mountain where we followed a long line of what looked like airport landing lights up to the Saxon winery. We were met by two very lovely looking ladies who guided us into a patio area heated by a log burning stove and a bar.  We were offered white, red, cider or champagne whilst we thawed in front of the stove. Classical music playing, light snow falling. Being English and naturally cynical, Im thinking this is going to cost me somehow.

Then we were introduced to the owner, a man called Paul who hails from Tunbridge Wells. He had a successful IT business in the UK but sold up and went for the good life Canada style.  He was very welcoming and keen to talk English. We bought some Champagne, tasted everything in sight and left after an hour.

On the way down the mountain we were passing a Cidery (?) so curiosity got the better of me and I reversed back for a look.  These people were also very keen to impress their goods on us to the point where I had to ask him to stop giving me cider.

It was delicious, so I bought a big bottle of the sweeter mix. Not quite Rattler but very easy to drink.

We got home eager to try our goods over a prawn dinner, rather annoyed with myself for breaking my rule of absolutely no drink and drive, but as Lyn pointed out, I had only five very small tasters which might amount to half a pint of beer. Im a bit of a demon, I know!

So in the time Ive written this I have drunk the whole big bottle of cider and Lyn has emptied the Champagne which might be a problem in the morning as we have a cast on and off knitting lesson at the church at ten o'clock!