Drinking Wines

Nk?Mip (pronounced Inkameep) Cellars is a joint project between the Osoyoos Indian Band and Vincor International and enjoys the prestige that comes with being North America?s first Aboriginally owned and operated winery. The winery site looks over Lake Osoyoos and is located in what remains of the Pocket Desert- the only desert in Canada.

The winery building?s design is influenced by aboriginal culture and the desert locale, and the interior decor features works by local band artisans as well as numerous displays that recount the evolution of the winery and vineyards.

Visitors may enjoy lunch on the winery?s front patio while taking in the view of intermingling desert and vineyards on the shores of Lake Osoyoos.

Recently completed as part of the Nk?Mip development project, is Sonora Dunes, a nine-hole golf course, and Nk?mip Campground/RV Park. Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort and Spa is soon to be completed along with a Desert and Heritage Centre. Visitors may also explore the Pocket Desert. Wines aside, the buildings and amenities alone demonstrate the great commercial presence of this winery and make for an interesting visit.

Wines:

Wines produced at Nk?Mip Cellars are soured from the Osoyoos Indian Band?s own vineyards and vineyards leased from other wineries. The cellar capacity currently stands at 18,000 cases. The wine selection is two-tiered with reserves belonging to the Qwam Qwmt (?achieving excellence?) series.

Nk?Mip currently produces:

2004 Pinot Blanc
2004 Riesling
2004 Chardonnay
2004 Pinot Noir
2003 Merlot2004 Chardonnay (Qwam Qwmt)
2003 Merlot (Qwam Qwmt)
2004 Pinot Noir (Qwam Qwmt)
2003 Meritage (Qwam Qwmt)
2004 Riesling Icewine (Qwam Qwmt)

Notes on Tastings:

The tasting room at Nk?Mip is spacious, and has two tasting bars. During busier months be prepared for some line-ups. Visitors may also browse some of the displays and local artwork, clothing, and other accessories for sale while they wait. Tastings are $2.00 each for wines from the Qwam Qwmt series.

Last Word:

The events at Nk’Mip are well worth planning ahead for - especially the Traditional Salmon Feast.

Published by Carolyn Coles & Tim Martiniuk, founders of the Okanagan Wine Guide. http://www.okanaganwineguide.com/nkmipcellars.html

Formerly LaCompte Estate Winery, Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards sit atop Hawthorne Mountain, and from a distance it almost looks as though the rows of plants could slide right off of it. This is one of the highest altitude wineries in Canada and is more of a destination winery as it requires a bit of a deviation from the beaten path.

Do not be deceived by the quaint exterior of the Hawthorne Mountain wine shop- it looks much smaller than it actually is, and the tasting room within is open, spacious and has plenty of windows- allowing tasters to enjoy the spectacular view of Skaha Lake and beyond while they try some wines. In the summer season, Hawthorne Mountain offers lunch service on its outdoor patio- also with a view. Tours of the winery facility are not available, however vineyard tours are.

Hawthorne Mountain makes a point of being especially welcoming to dogs, with a ?Barking Lot? out front where patrons can park their pooches while they taste. The dogs are supplied with water dishes. There is a dog theme to the winery?s See Ya Later wines, as the former owner of the See Ya Later Ranch was a canine enthusiast. Hawthorne Mountain has continued this enthusiasm for ?man?s best friend?.

Wines:

Hawthorne Mountain sources its grapes from its 170 acre vineyard on the mountain, as well as from vineyards in the South. It produces two series of wines: Hawthorne Mountain and See Ya Later Reserve. The whites grown on the mountain are quite nice.

Hawthorne Mountain:

Riesling
Gew?rztraminer
Pinot Gris
Chardonnay
Gold Label Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Cabernet Franc
Merlot
Ehrenfelser Icewine

See Ya Later Ranch Reserve:

SYL Brut- (one of our favourites)
Chardonnay
Pinot Gris
Pinot Noir
PING- (Red Blend)
Ehrenfelser Icewine

Notes on Tastings:

The tasting room at Hawthorne Mountain is very simple and bright with a fantastic view. The staff are knowledgeable of the wines and history of the winery, as well as of the Okanagan.

Last Word:

Though a little out of the way, Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards was one of our favourite experiences.

Published by Carolyn Coles and Tim Martiniuk, founders of the Okanagan Wine Guide. http://www.okanaganwineguide.com