Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/651528
TRAVEL GUIDE TO CANADA CANADA FOR THIRSTY TRAVELLERS BY MARGARET SWAINE C anadians are sophisticated drinkers. This northern country is home to over 700 licenced wineries, stretched out in select pockets of land from the Pacifi c to the Atlantic Ocean, and is the world's leading producer of icewine. The cool climate viticulture also makes for elegant, fi nely structured table wines with crisp fruit fl avours from European Vitis vinifera grapes such as chardonnay, riesling, pinot noir, pinot blanc and cabernet sauvignon. Burgeoning of late are craft breweries, artisanal distilleries and cideries. BRITISH COLUMBIA † BEAUTIFUL VISTAS OVER VINEYARDS Sunny Okanagan is the place many Canadians think about moving to for their retirement years. The Canadian version of a Riviera, it has glittering lakes as a backdrop to ski hills, golf courses, cycling and hiking routes, and wine trails. It has burgeoned into one of the largest Canadian wine regions in the last two decades, now with over 275 wineries. Three 10-day annual wine festivals take place in winter, spring and fall as well as signature events throughout the summer ( www.thewinefestivals.com). At the enjoyable Sun Peaks Wine Festival participants can ski, skate and snowshoe in-between their culinary adventures (www.sunpeaksresort.com/events- and-festivals/winter-festival-of-wine). Many of the wineries have excellent restaurants and some have great accom- modations. Quail's Gate offers fl ights of wines and locavore meals in their Old Vines Restaurant and patio overlooking Lake Okanagan ( www.quailsgate.com ). The Sonora Room at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery (www.burrowingowlwine. ca ) and Tinhorn Creek's Miradoro Restaurant (www.tinhorn.com ) have both breathtaking views and delectable food. Hester Creek, one of the oldest wineries in the region, has a great restaurant and unique accommodation (www.hester creek.com ). Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort and Spa, surrounded by the rolling hills of South Okanagan's wine country, is the only First Nations' owned winery resort in Canada. Here the Osoyoos Indian Band has created a wine and cultural experience, bar none. Spirit Ridge overlooks Lake Osoyoos and boasts fi ve restaurants, a spa, BLaSteD CHUrCH VineYarDS, BC • CtC LUCKett'S VineYarD, nS • nS toUriSM/SCott MUnn DRINK