So, you’ve already visited Napa/Sonoma? No problem. It’s time to travel north to Canada (where you can actually take advantage of the exchange rate) and experience a bike tour of the Okanagan Valley – or as it is commonly know –  the ‘Napa of the North’.

Okanagan Valley

Located in British Columbia between the western Cascade Mountains and the eastern Monashee Mountains, the Okanagan Valley stretches from the Sonora Desert in Osoyoos, through a lush clear blue lake region to these higher elevations -  a geography that creates a unique micro-climate ideally suited for wine growing. And although situated on the same latitude as the German and French wine growing regions, it  is not classified as a “cool-climate” growing region. Quite the contrary! The Okanagan Valley is one of the warmest regions in all of Canada boasting the lowest  rainfall rates and the highest temperatures. It is due to its close proximity to the desert, lakes and mountains that these unique ecosystems exist –  and create distinct micro-climates that are responsible for a true diversity of wines.

The dry, sandy, desert soil of the south is perfectly suited for Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris and Pinot noir grapes; whereas the deep topsoil and clay found in the cooler mid/northern valleys lends more for Pinot blanc, Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer wines…as well as the region’s famous Icewines.

Pinot Blanc vineyards

What is an Icewine, you ask? Well the simple answer is that it is a wine created from grapes that are left on the vine to freeze and harvested only after they have naturally frozen in the vineyard. These frozen grapes have a very short window of time to be picked (to ensure optimum sugar levels) before they are pressed while frozen – the water driven out as shards of ice - thus creating a super-concentrated nectar high in sugar, acids and aroma. Due to the rigorous standards of production and its low yields, Icewines are rather exclusive and in limited supply. Hence, definitely something you must try while here!

You might want to investigate another interesting  fact [or perhaps fiction?] about this region -  the legend of Ogopogo, the water monster that lurks beneath Okanagan Lake. According to sightings, the creature is some 20 to 50 feet long, with a horse shaped head and an undulating serpent like body. And unlike the infamous Loch Ness Monster of Scotland, there are reported sightings of this creature every year, making it very much an present-day phenomenon. Funnily enough, although Okanagan Lake is about 80 miles long extending from Vernon at the north end to Penticton in the south, apparently the monster appears to favor an area just south of Kelowna in waters near Peachland. So make sure to keep your eyes peeled when you ride along the lake!

Okanagan Lake

The Okanagan region is the oldest and most prolific wine growing region in Canada. And if Okanagan is considered the Napa of the North, Oliver is its wine capital. However,  it is not only known for its production of award winning wines, but for its spectacular mountain vistas and beautiful lakes as well.  Add to that its arid climate, great roads, record-making days of sun per year and naturally terraced landscape, and you have all the ingredients for a perfect cycling trip.

Smooth roads abound and the open road awaits you to bicycle along pristine lakes and through the scenic countryside – following the routes of pioneers with frontier flair. There’s even the opportunity to bicycle the Kettle Valley Rail Trail ( K.V.R.) which was built in 1914 as part of the Trans Canada Trail is the longest recreational trail in the world. Another thing you won’t want to miss  is the Trout Creek Bridge, of the most interesting sites of railway and the highest bridge on the KVR - rising 73 km high above the canyon.

A visit to the Okanagan Valley is truly a unique experience – an exciting  journey from mountains (a former volcanic one included!), through vineyards to the desert with some distinct wines, lavender fields, a monster and some incredible local goat cheese [including 'goat'gonzola] along the way.

Carmelis Goat Cheese Artisan cheeses

Much more than just the “Napa of the North” – you’ll just have to check it out to see!

Bookmark It