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Heather Nichol
Fall 2009
That cool breeze on a warm day tells me fall is on its way. The record hot temperatures this year sure made up for our wet and cold spring. Golf ball size cherries... the best I've ever had... luscious apricots, and peaches... yummmm!
With so many great times to remember, I should have taken some notes, but of course I didn't. There's far too much going on for that!
May started out with a trip to Osoyoos and Oliver, marking the opening of the season. What I love about this area is its rustic nature, so in true Oliver style, the big event was at the town's community centre... western style! Local restaurants came together with the vintners, just like they do in the big city, but the fare was comforting, and informal. After tasting a slew of wines, the mini pulled pork burgers from Dolci Deli (from Osoyoos) really hit the spot... quite a few times actually!).
 Many vintners lost grapes because of weather this year, and were hanging tight to see how the endless talk of the economy would affect the season, so the warmth of June was especially welcome. My trip this time was with two girlfriends, (Sue and Georgia). We were very lucky to be guests in one of the guesthouses at Tinhorn Creek Winery. Well appointed rooms, private grounds, and oh, did I mention the pool?! Every year, Tinhorn holds an outdoor concert series in their manicured grass amphitheatre. Alex Cuba (from guess where) and his band played while many of the audience got up to dance their own version of salsa. The weather was warm, the wine was... well, you know... It was a spectacular night!
Being a hopeless consumer, the last day had another highlight. Home Hardware. If you haven't been to this Home Hardware (in Osyoos) and met the owner Frances, you are missing out. Everything, and I mean everything fun for summer is here. Not just camping equipment, tools, and hoses. Beautiful stemware (which I bought), every kitchen accessory known to man, (who could turn that down!), and great patio furniture. My prized purchase was a folding iron bench which now sits in my garden. Now here's what you don't expect... gourmet food, including my crackers! Jams, spreads, mustards, pickles... seriously, don't ever go through Osoyoos without stopping in there. Your wallet will be lighter when you leave, which will help while carrying out all of your bags!
 We (the girls) then had a little picnic at Hainle Pointe before heading home... our new stemware came in handy! This is a beautiful area. The water is warm because it is so shallow near the shore, beautiful large trees for shade, and picnic tables. It was the perfect spot for us!
Our friend Sue decided to stay another day, and Georgia and I headed back to Vancouver. Now I am not endorsing it, but I did have a can of Red Bull on the return drive. Possibly that added to the silliness that ensued at a fruit market in Cawston. It was Canada Day after all, and feeling patriotic (in tandem with the Red Bull) we just couldn't resist the red Hawaiin shirts, and maple leaf hats.
A very memorable trip!
Naramata
My next trip focused on cracker deliveries to the bench wineries in Naramata. I stayed with my dear friends Pete and Nancy at their beautiful home at Indiana Rock I do think some of the best whites of the Okanagan come from this area. I am reluctant to mention Marichel, one of my favourite wineries, because they have a very small yield of only two varietals... Viognier and Syrah. Without question, their Viognier is the most unique that I have ever tasted. Unlike a lot of Viogniers that are quite fruity, almost perfumy on the nose, this one has citrus notes... absolutely stunning.
 As my deliveries were completed in good time, it left room for a great visit with my friends. Pete's restored 1948 Ford pick up truck got us around for a little winery tour of our own, and to dinner at the Naramata Heritage Inn. A trio played while we dined on the outdoor patio. I may have mentioned this wine before, but it's worth another... Lakebreezehe Pinotage. It was the perfect compliment to my lamb ragout with fava beans and arugula in a red wine sauce. Our drive home was quite fun, as we included Pete's sister Mary who along with me rode home in the back of the truck. The air was warm, the stars were abundant, and Mary and I had a great laugh. Otherwise, we plunked ourselves down at home on deck chairs, in kayaks, or on the patio for all of Nancy's wonderful meals. I have known Pete since childhood, so there was an extra level of comfort that made for a most relaxing visit.
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