The Golden Mile and Naramata Bench Wineries - Day 1

When it comes to Okanagan wineries, there are so many choices that it would be impossible  to visit them all  - but this weekend, I joined 5 other women and we managed to visit 8 wineries, 3 great restaurants, a new resort and and one of my favorite cheese makers!

We headed out from Armstrong early Sunday morning - first stop - The Jammery for breakfast. I had the 1/2 eggs bennie corned beef - and while it was okay - I was disappointed that it was sliced deli corned beef. I know to ask next time!

From there we headed non-stop to the area between Oliver and Osoyoos - and our first winery, Burrowing Owl.  For wine tasting, the cost is a minimum $2 donation which goes directly to the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of British Columbia (BOCS of BC). I tried several wines and purchased some to take home, including a 2010 Pinot Gris.

From tasting wine, we headed to the restaurant for lunch. Instead of a large lunch, we ordered small plates and some also opted to try the soup.  The soup was an asparagus corn soup - creamy with a few niblets and good flavour. It went well with the artisan bread. For the small plate, I ordered the Pork Rilletes which was very good. Rillettes is a similar to pate made with shredded pork and used as as spread - in this case on a fresh baguette, served with small dill pickles and a spiced fruit marmalade.

And although we were full - we all managed to make room for dessert - Patti F. and I shared the Chocolate Pate with Expresso Shortbread - which was heavenly. The others shared the 40 Creek Rye Whiskey Baba and the Dark Chocolate Hazelnut and Mascarpone Semifreddo - all were delicious! From there, we made our way to the observation area of the winery - and took in the sights before heading to our next winery.

Next stop - Silver Sage Winery. Silver Sage Winery was established by Anna and Victor Manola. Set on the bank of Oxbow Creek, which meanders gently through the Manola’s vineyard, Silver Sage Winery offers a picturesque view of the surrounding mountains and countryside and a patented wine - Sage Grand Reserve.

Those who know me know that I am pretty adamant that I don't like red wine, or dry wine and really prefer anything sweet and fuity - but a visit to Silver Sage started to change my opinion about red wines. Tasting several - 'The Passion', Sunset and several delicious dessert wines, including one that included hot peppers. They were all special in their own way and several made it into the car - won't say which - but picked up a couple of nice gifts!

Down the road from Silver Sage is Stoneboat Vineyards, a family owned and operated artisan wine producer on Lower Black Sage Bench.

The wines were very good - especially the dessert wines - different than the what the previous two wineries offered. I loved the Verglas 2009 - a beautiful wine that will be perfect for an evening with family and friends.

A wrong turn ended up being a right turn for us - leaving Stoneboat Vineyard, we turned left instead of right, and ended up a Le Vieux Pin winery. Their goal is to make wines that capture the essence of French winemaking tradition, wine that are elegant and focused, with great intensity of fruit.

It was here Patti F. discovered a great wine - one that will only taste better by the time her 60th B'Day arrives - and she now has a bottle put away for that special occassion.

Our last stop for the day before heading to Spirit Ridge was Road 13, located across the valley from the other wineries we had visited.

The staff at Road 13 are great - and a place that has a minature daschund named 'Fil' as one of their 'weinery' dogs really can't be beat! A small daschund can be found following the tractor on every wine label and the staff gave me a fridge magnet when they heard I had a mini at home too!

I was 'wined out' but enjoyed checking out the new tasting lounge, storyboards and watching the others enjoying the Road 13 wines which they did!

Road 13 was the last winery for the day - from there we headed directly to Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort and Spa for dinner and a relaxing evening.

The accomodation at Spirit Ridge was outstanding - and I would highly recommend it. Although it might be a little pricey for a couple, between the six of us sharing 3 bedrooms (each with its own bathroom and tv) the cost, including tax was $66.00 pp - very reasonable for the deck, full kitchen, living room, dining room, washer/dryer - and the view.

Don't forget your swimsuit like I did - there are two swimming pools, hot tubs, lounge chairs and a spa too! After enjoying one of our wine purchases along with a cheese platter and great hummus from room service, we headed to the restaurant for dinner.

Passa Tempo Restaurant is a great place to spend time with friends - beautiful view from the balcony - plus great staff (ask for Mandy - she will ensure your time there is memorable) and good food. I had the house salad - very fresh, light citrus dressing, followed by the Salmon with Risotto Cakes - it was a good choice. The best choice - the Mini Chocolate Creme Brulee!

Mandy recommended the 'Mamma Mia' wine - and it was a good pick - so good, we added Cassini Cellars to our list of wineries to visit on the way home!

After relaxing on the balcony, enjoying the view from the lounge - we headed back to our home away from home - to sleep and dream of all the wines we tried and the ones waiting for us tomorrow!