Offer ID
800-367-5348
California’s reputation as the wine center of North America has long been focused on the excellent wine regions of Sonoma, Santa Cruz, and of course the Napa Valley. While the popularity and excellence of the region has continued to grow, a very special event has been taking place 1500 miles to the north just across the US/Canadian Border in the Okanagan Valley – aka “Napa of the North”.
You’re invited to join F&WT’s top Canadian sommelier guide, Tamara Andruszkiewicz on a journey from Seattle through the Cascade Mountains into Canada’s premier wine country. Together for eight days we will explore the wineries, cuisine and culture of this spectacular area.
8 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 7 Dinners with wine All tours per the itinerary 8 Nights Hotel Accommodations in quality hotels Wine tastings at various wineries Luggage handling (1 bag per person) Fully air conditioned motorcoach with professional multilingual Tour Director Canadian wine expert & host, Tamara Andruszkiewicz Transfers upon arrival in Seattle (prior to 12noon) and departure transfer to airport
Sommelier & Guide
Destination: British Columbia & Okanagan River From/To: Seattle to Vancouver Dates: September 18 – 26, 2022 Length: 8 Nights
NOTE: The below day-by-day itinerary is a modified description. Please click here to view the full itinerary details
Arrive on your own into Seattle by noon and board a deluxe motorcoach for a leisurely journey through the Cascade Mountains and scenic Blewett Pass into the dry interior of Washington State. Follow the scenic Okanagan River into the quaint Bavarian-style resort of Leavenworth. Tonight enjoy wine tasting from the Walla Walla region and a special welcome dinner. Overnight at the Bavarian Lodge (or similar)
Before departing Leavenworth this morning, we’ll visit the fun and truly amazing, world’s largest Nutcracker Museum. Then a short ride to sample the Aplets and Cotlets of the historic Liberty Orchard Company. As we follow the mighty Columbia River, enjoy a stop for a picnic lunch with a sampling of local wines at Rio Vista Winery. Then on to the farming community of Orville and the shores of Osoyoos Lake. We will cross into the Province of British Columbia and the beginning of the Okanagan Wine Trail. Tonight relax and enjoy accommodations at the beautiful lakeside hotel, Watermark Beach Resort (or similar) and a BBQ dinner with wines of the Okanagan Valley.
Visit the mystical Spotted Lakes, unique to this region and the object of folklore, then journey through the Similkameen Valley, a pristine stretch of vineyards, orchards and small farms set amongst the dramatic background of rugged mountains. The absence of pesticide use leads the region to claim the title of “Organic Capital of Canada“. We’ll visit historic Grist Mill before stopping in Keremeos for a tasting of the regions organic wines. Enjoy lunch and wine tastings in the Okanagan Falls Bench region and then two afternoon tastings in the Oliver area. Return to Watermark Beach Resort to relax a bit and prepare for a special dinner at one of the areas most popular wineries that will leave you amazed.
A beautiful and relaxing day is planned. Our first stop will be in nearby Oliver “Wine Capital of Canada” for a visit to the newly completed Okanagan Wine Village to meet with some of the local vintners. Then on to the resort community of Penticton, a city famous for its annual Peach Festival and renowned wines. We’ll stop for a short tour of the SS Sicamous, a visual reminder of the vital role that Sternwheelers paid in early transportation routes of the area.
Our journey continues to Naramata Bench, home to over 40 wineries, with plenty of terroir to swirl, sip and savour. The historic Naramata Inn will be our host for lunch, followed by an afternoon wine tasting at your choice of several boutique wineries along the Bench. As we travel the western shore of the 90-mile-long lake, keep your eyes peeled for the famed lake monster OGOPOGO! One final tasting today takes place in one of the many wineries located in the appropriately named communities of Peachland and Summerland. Then we will cross the graceful Bennett Bridge to the beautiful city of Kelowna, where you will spend the next 3 nights in a deluxe lakeside accommodation at Delta hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort (or similar).
Today we arrive at Kalamalka Lake – the lake of many colors, and the beautiful resort city of Vernon. Soon we arrive at the shores of Swan Lake and the historic O’Keefe Ranch established over 150 years ago. We will have a great western lunch at this working ranch, and take a wagon ride. In the afternoon we’ll stop in at one of the hundreds of craft wineries on our way back to Kelowna and arrive in time for you to swim, sit in the sun or talk a walk along the lakeshore. Rest up at the Marriott Grand Okanagan before our deluxe dinner cruise on Lake Okanagan.
We will take a short morning tour of the cultural district of Kelowna before embarking on a tram tour of one of the largest orchards in Canada. There will be time to shop and sample locally produced, ciders, jams, jellies, honey and fruit candies. Lunch is scheduled in the spectacular setting of the Mission Hill Winery, one of Okanagan’s oldest and most established wineries. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy your hotel facilities or take an optional wine tasting tour, kayak or play a round of golf. Dinner tonight will feature a gourmet feast and wine pairing at the famous Mission Hills Winery.
This morning we’ll depart our lakeside resort and travel into a more remote part of the Okanagan, where orchards and small ranches dot the landscape. In the community of Westwald, we will stop at winery for tasting and a picnic lunch. An afternoon drive along the banks of the North Thompson River where small farms, vineyards and ginseng fields grow. Then on to the scenic alpine resort of Sun Peaks. This is BC’s most popular interior mountain resort. Check into the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel (or similar). Tonight we will sample the regions wines and enjoy cuisine featuring beef and locally grown vegetables.
Depart Sun Peaks for one of the last western towns in BC – Merritt. After a short tour of the town, we will join the spectacular and scenic Coquihalla Highway. This is truly a scenic route through the vast grasslands of the Interior Plateau and the glacier covered passes of the Coastal Mountains. We will stop at the Gold Rush town of Hope for lunch (on your own) before continuing through the lush agricultural communities of the Fraser Valley. Upon arrival in Vancouver, if traffic permits, we will take a short tour of historic Gastown, Canada’s largest Chinatown and beautiful 1000-acre Stanley Park before checking in to the Sheraton Wall Center (or similar). Tonight enjoy a very special farewell dinner.
Check out of your hotel and bid a fond farewell to new found friendships and memories to last a lifetime. Transfer to the Vancouver International Airport for your independent flight home
Fares are per person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise stated. Prices include hotel room and 8 nights accommodation at quality hotels, meals and activities as indicated in the itinerary, services of a professional tour director & Canadian wine expert host, transportation on deluxe AC motorcoach, bottled water on the coach and luggage handling (1 bag per person). Prices do not include roundtrip air, airport taxes, meals not included in the itinerary, gratuities, travel insurance and all items of a personal nature.
Please refer to the registration form for a complete list of terms & conditions.
Bavarian Lodge Leavenworth (1 night) Sept. 18
The Bavarian Lodge offers the amenities of a sumptuous city hotel with character of a small country inn. Wi-Fi is complimentary and all rooms have a mini refrigerator, microwave and Starbucks coffee. Enjoy the year-round heated pool, not tubs and on-site micro pub.
Watermark Beach Resort Osoyoos (2 nights) Sept. 19 & 20
Perfectly located on the shores of beautiful Osoyoos Lake, the Watermark Beach Resort defines the “good life” of the Southern Okanagan. You’re steps away to everything: beach, dining, wine tasting and boutique shopping in Canada’s only official desert community. Enjoy the Watermark experience with fully equipped lake view suites,. complimentary internet, picture perfect views from your private balcony, an outdoor saltwater pool, hot tubs and fitness center.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort Kelowna (3 nights) Sept. 21, 22 & 23
Immerse yourself in lakeside ambiance in the midst of British Columbia’s wine country at Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort. Set on Okanagan Lake and surrounded by picturesque mountains in downtown Kelowna, this resort offers stylish hotel rooms and suites with deluxe amenities – many with balconies. Feast at the popular hotel restaurant and sip cocktails or wine on the lakefront patio. Stay fit in the 24/7 fitness center, take a dip in the sparkling indoor and outdoor pools, indulge in a massage at the full-service luxury spa. The hotel is walking distance to shopping, dining and entertainment.
Sun Peaks Grand Hotel Sun Peaks (1 night) Sep. 24
Located in the core of the European-inspired Sun Peaks Resort village, just 45 minutes from Kamloops. With trails and activities at the doorstep, as well as an onsite grocery store, boutiques, eateries, a heated outdoor pool with mountain views, and brand-new guest rooms delivering quiet luxury with a hint at modern rustic-ness. Guest rooms have been inspired by the warm and luxurious mountain lifestyle with tailored details and comforts well placed for the sophisticated traveler.
Sheraton Wall Centre Vancouver (1 night) Sept. 25
Experience the West Coast of Canada in style at Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre. Set in the vibrant downtown neighborhood of Vancouver, the hotel places you steps from shopping, dining, entertainment and attractions. Retreat to well-appointed guestrooms and suites, to take in captivating mountain, city and ocean views. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and concierge services. Relax in the Sheraton Fitness Center, heated indoor 50-foot lap pool, sauna or whirlpool
For a complete list of terms & conditions, please refer to the registration form.