What a great day! An early Saturday morning pickup in Winfield for two guests. They were fresh off their early morning flight from Edmonton and these ladies were husband-free (the guys were out golfing!), a tad bleary eyed but feeling better after a stop for coffees and muffins. From there we drove to our starting point at the lower lookout on Knox Mountain, detouring through the north end to show them some lovely restored houses and landscaping examples. Geared up and ready to go, we struck out like a herd of turtles. A moderate hike, the trail meanders gently upwards, offering us the chance to stop for great views of the Okanagan Lake, Kelowna and Okanagan Mountain Park. Continuing onwards, we levelled out near the top and followed a relatively flat trail for a ways. Soon we arrived at the top to slurp water from the fountain and take a washroom break. Before long we traversed in a gentle circle ending up at another lookout, offering an even higher perspective. Satisfied, we ambled back to the van, taking a slightly different route. Total time - 1.5 hours - not bad! Feeling refreshed, and running a bit early before collecting a few more guests, we found a hidden treasure at a nearby park. Intrigued, and with a little coaxing from me, they discovered their first geocache (geocaching.com)! After that, the day was wide open for wine tasting on the Westside Bench. After collecting eight more excited guests at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort we started the sampling at Quails' Gate Estate Winery. We stopped for a fantastic lunch in their Old Vines Restaurant and even found time to wander through the rows of tiny grapes for some fresh air and sun. Feeling emboldened with their newfound wine expertise, our little group of "sommeliers-in-training" loaded up the van and drove the few minutes up to Mission Hill Family Estate Winery. More wine sampling, a cool descent into their volcanic carved cellars, and several cases of Oculus later, we started off for the final destination - Little Straw Vineyards. The group was particularly impressed with the Viognier and Tapestry wine samples. As a few of my guests sat outside dreamily taking in the last part of the afternoon, I spotted a nearby cherry dangling enticingly from a low branch. I couldn't resist and it mysteriously found its way to my mouth. Hmmm, a bit sour 'cause cherries will need another week or two yet, I nevertheless enjoyed my simple harvest. Laughter, good memories, and boxes of wine later, I dropped off my happy troupe giving them just enough time to catch their breath before they headed off to an evening of hot summer winds, great dining and more good times here in beautiful Kelowna.
Come visit us, we'd love to host you. Cheers - J
Distinctly Kelowna Tours Business Excellence Award Winners operated by: Wildflower Trails and Wine Tours Ltd. Ph: (250) 979-1211 Fax: (250) 979-1205 Toll Free: 1-866-979-1211 info@wildflowersandwine.com www.wildflowersandwine.com
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