Heather Nichol
Fall 2008
 This fall I am recalling the past year, including the summer of 2007. The summer months are a busy time for Gone Crackers in the Okanagan, as they find their way into more of our spectacular wineries, and specialty shops.
A large thank you for introducing me to many of my new winery partners would go to the Rotten Grape Wine Bar in Kelowna. The Grape's owners, Rita and Tasha, go out of their way to champion jewels of the region in both food and wine, so their support of Gone Crackers really means a lot. From their wine maker's dinners to wine tastings, or a simple quiet dinner, the casual fun atmosphere at the Grape brought many new friends into my life... what can I say? It's just been too much fun!
Summer of '07 ended in the Okanagan with the Festival of the Grape in Oliver. What an end to a great season, even with record setting rain and wind. Nothing could dampen the spirit of the attendees though... we just huddled together a little more in the wine tent!
Fall and winter are all about wine events and festivals in Vancouver, and adding Christmas to the mix kept this Cracker Lady very busy!
One real highlight this last spring, was Gone Crackers being part of the All Canadian Wine Championships in Windsor Ontario. My palate cleanser flavour "Undressed" was used by the judges, and turned out to be quite a hit!
The Undressed cracker was the perfect all-round palate cleanser. Enough moisture so as not to be dry as a typical breadstick or saltine, and no conflicting flavours to hinder the tasting process. We'll be using this product again.
~ Bev Carnahan, Director of the All Canadian Championships
 Okay, now we get to this past summer, which turned out to be a record season for Gone Crackers. Taking into consideration our inclimate weather here and there, higher gas prices, and a low U.S. dollar, it was nothing short of a miracle!
Spending a large part of the summer in the Okanagan
A really great beginning to the summer was an evening of live Latin jazz nestled in Tinhorn Creek Winery's grass amphitheatre. As the sun was setting, we all had our picnic dinners, with wine of course, overlooking the Oliver Valley. Along with the music were the many versions of salsa and samba created by other picnic guests. Some versions were more creative than others, thus it was definitely one time that paid to be a spectator!
Near the end of the season, I stayed with my wonderful friends Donna and Dale at their farm situated on a hillside above Lake Okanagan. It is an absolute paradise, and for those of you are fans, also houses the production for Little Creek Dressings! Dale grows unique lettuces, and tomatoes, so they really are a great match! They also were the hosts for a very unique event called Outstanding in the Field. Picture white tablecloths with crystal wine glasses, dining on delicious food and wine and cool grass under your feet... oh and not to mention, Donna's stunning garden that was in full bloom!
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