Quail’s Gate Winery – West Kelowna

Quails Gate Winery, West Kelowna – BC

Quails Gate Winery, is located very near to the Mission Hill Winery, and I must say that the views from their tasting room and the outdoor patio is absolutely breathtaking. The restaurant, also offers stunning views and while there you will  be able to enjoy the experience of having a fine dining experience – apparently the food is amazing!

The tasting room has a wonderful assortment of gift items: various pottery pieces, wine glasses, unique cook books, and even some paintings of the Okanagan area and much more!

Mission Hill Winery, West Kelowna – BC

On May 5th, 2017 – My husband and I along with some of our family ventured out to Mission Hill Winery, and as we travelled and neared West Kelowna, we were amazed when we were able to see the beautiful bell tower of this prestigious estate in the distance, perched high up on a hill. This is definitely a high-end winery and it is absolutely breath-taking, and I am not just talking about the architecture of the building, but the entire setting. This is a winery that should not be missed, it is a highlight that will leave you with a lasting – first class impression! The views are spectacular, the wines are excellent and the cost of a number of the wines are very reasonable. We shared a 6 glass wine tasting and we really enjoyed listening to the friendly sommelier, as she shared a lot of interesting information about the different wines. There is a lot of unique items and beautiful pieces of art and pottery for sale in the winery.

There is an award-winning outdoor Terrace Restaurant on the grounds and it overlooks the gorgeous Okanagan Valley, vineyards and okanagan lake. When the weather warms up they will raise the screens and you will be able to sit in a completely open outdoor terrace. I told my husband that I would love to go here for dinner on our upcoming wedding anniversary, I would love to have a six course dinner paired with some delicious wine. In order to make this possible we can reserve a table by booking on-line at http://www.terrace@missionhillwinery.com        or by calling – 250-768-6483. Perhaps you too, would love to go to the Terrace for either lunch or dinner, they are open from May to October. I read that the winery’s culinary team uses fresh herbs and vegetables grown right on the Estate in their own gardens. This fabulous team works together with the local farmers, ensuring that they are creating wonderful cuisines using fresh local organic produce. I must say – what I love about this Winery is that they are using produce right from their own area, that is inspiring!

The outdoor amphitheater looks like a fabulous place to experience an outdoor concert, and it is such a lovely location with a spectacular view. Apparently you can purchase different Terrace dinner and concert tickets, all you have to do is purchase your tickets either online at SelectYourTickets.com – or call 250-762-5950. Celebrated artists from all over the world come to perform at the amphitheatre and tickets sell out quickly. Wow! I think having the privilege to attend a concert in this setting would be out of this world – amazing!!!

There is life-size works of art sculptures placed throughout the winery grounds, created by the acclaimed Icelandic Artist Steinunn Thoarinsdottir. Some of them are made of cast iron and some are made of cast aluminum. When visiting the winery you will be able to admire Steinunn’s unique and interesting sculptures. These grand pieces of art definitely add an element of artistic sophistication to the winery.

We did not take in the “Discovery Tour” which is about 1 hour-long, as we did not have enough time for it and reservations need to be made ahead of time. There is a cost for an official guided tour and there are different options of tours to choose from. One of the Tours includes a video explaining the history of the Winery and where it is today.

I missed the Royal couple – Prince William and Kate’s visit to Mission Hill Winery on September 27th, 2016. Actually their visit to the winery was not open to the general public…I guess that’s why I missed this privileged event (wink). However, it is so exciting and wonderful that they came to the Okanagan area, and that many people had the opportunity to meet them. They were greeted by more than 200 people, who were eagerly awaiting their arrival in the winery courtyard. Prince William and Kate sampled various food items prepared at food booths, by some of B.C.’s top chefs. Jeremy Luypen the executive chef at Preditor Ridge was also at this event showcasing food and drink products from our beautiful British Columbia. The bells in the bell towers were ringing proudly on this day, leaving a wonderful sound that makes one take note, that this is a pristine winery and it stands out in all its glory up on the hill overlooking the Okanagan Valley.

One of the life-size works of art, created by acclaimed Icelandic Artist –  Steinunn Thoarn

The beautiful Outdoor Terrace restaurant – the shaded screens are raised when the warmer weather arrives!

The wine tasting room has beautiful displays on the tables

There is a framed photo on the table of the Royal couple – Prince William and Kate of their visit to Mission Hill Winery , in September, 2016.

The outdoor amphitheater looks so intriguing and inviting – I would love to watch a live concert here!

Apparently the Bell Tower is 12-storeys tall – which standing proudly right in the centre of the courtyard, and it is very impressive indeed! There happens to be 4 bronze bells inside the tower, and each bell is dedicated to one of the members of Anthony von Mandl’s family. You really should come and see this grand Bell Tower – she’s a beauty!

Another view of the amphitheatre

Our Jewel – Lake of many colours – Kalamalka Lake

Last year I took my granddaughters to Jade Bay, which is a public beach on Kalamalka Lake near Vernon, B.C. This is a beautiful Lake, known for its many variations of constant changing colours. This Lake had a spell on me and is what drew me over 20 years ago, to have a desire to move to Vernon, B.C. Come to think of it, my love for this lake already started the very first time I laid eyes on it, as a young teen. I couldn’t  get over the beautiful colour and clarity of the water, and no matter what the depth of the water was, I could still see the bottom. Over the years, whenever I found myself thinking about the Okanagan area, I would have a yearning to see this Lake again.

My granddaughters, Jordan and her younger cousin Aubrey played so nicely by the water, which gave me a wonderful opportunity to take photos of them without them really noticing.They had so much fun that day and thoroughly enjoyed playing by the Lakeside. I believe that these girls were captured that day by the magic and beauty of the Lake. Who knows, they may be like their grandma and have a life long love for this lake! I actually hope they will, because then they will always want to call this lake and surrounding area their home. “Awe, there is no place like home!”

I hope you will have a chance to spend some time enjoying the beauty of this Lake and the park, known as Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. There are so many things to do here for your recreational activities, besides all of the water activities, for example there are numerous hiking and biking trails. So, please come and explore this park and be prepared to be stunned by its breathtaking scenery all around you. There is even an area called Rattle Snake Point, which is an arm on the north side of Cosens Bay in Kalamalka Lake. This is a definite highlight when going for a hike, and the hike to this point is about 6km long. There are lots of different trails to explore in Kalamalka Provincial Park, I am sure you will enjoy what this Park has to offer, you won’t regret it!

After our fun down by the water, my granddaughters and I went up to the picnic area for a little while. I had to take this photo of Jordan, as I noticed how she was captivated by something in her hand while resting on the large rock. Just before heading back to our vehicle, Jordan was reaching up to pick some pretty pink blossoms from a tree. I love capturing precious moments while watching my grandchildren.

The time had come for us to head back up to the parking lot, as it was time to go and head for home. We had such a wonderful time together that day, and I will never forget it. Yes, I was once again touched by the magical beauty of Kalamalka lake.

 

 

 

“See you soon Kalamalka Lake, we ❤️ you!”

Famous Dock on Kalamalka Lake

This is our famous dock on Kalamalka Lake – Coldstream, B.C.

 It is a fact that many people come to this beach in order to take photographs on this dock for special occasions, such as wedding photos, grad photos etc. We happen to visit this beach, throughout the year  so that we are able  to admire the view of this dock on the Lake. It really is a beautiful and picturesque dock and we sure are happy that we have one to make use of, especially during the summer.

Kalamalka Lake in the early evening – It looks so peaceful and calm….

Scenic drive Okanagan, BC

My scenic drive home from work – Vernon, BC

May 23rd, 2017 – On my way to work today I made a decision to take photos of the beautiful lilacs, apple blossoms and a small pond which is situated close to where we live. I look forward to admiring these pictures throughout the year, just so that I can revisit the beauty of this time of year. 

Okanagan

Marten’s

We went to Marten’s for dinner one evening with some friends of ours and had a fabulous time there. I am definitely coming back soon! Unfortunately I don’t have many photos to share with you at this time, but I promise I will get some more. The embiance is right up my alley, as I love wood and an industrial look and feel, which is what you get at this amazing place. Guess what – they make their own beer right here! Oh man, I really need to get my photos to share with you (coming soon)! Yes, I absolutely adore this place 💕