Penticton is developing a reputation among food and wine lovers. Food production has been part of the city's culture from the beginning of European settlement. Huge cattle ranches morphed into one of the most important fruit growing regions in Canada. The South Thompson Okanagan is the only part of BC where soft fruits like peaches and apricots will grow. Other tree fruits include cherries, plums, apples and pears. Now many of the orchards are giving way to vineyards as the wine industry blossoms. Meanwhile, Penticton has become home to another beverage industry, with three local breweries.
Farm Fresh Produce
The last ice age left a rich legacy of clay soil and glacial till. Coupled with a mild climate and available water supply, the area is an agricultural dream, producing an abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Some enterprising locals are putting their own spin on this resource by creating products like salad dressing, anti-pasto, fruit salsas, syrups and preserves, widely available at specialty shops like The Bench Artisan Market and roadside stands. Penticton chefs are also strongly committed to sourcing local ingredients, often going to considerable lengths to support Okanagan growers and producers rather than buying standard restaurant supply.
Do-it-yourself gourmets go right to the source and gather menu items at U-pick farms or roadside markets like Spiller's Corner Fruit Stand and Jean's Fruit Stand. And the bounty all comes to town on Saturday mornings for the downtown farmers market (May to October) and the Tuesday and Thursday Night Markets at the SS Sicamous (June to October).
Wineries & Vineyards
Penticton is literally in the heart of wine country. The Visitor Centre lists 44 wineries within a 20-minute drive. And this is a good place to start touring since the centre also hosts a VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) boutique where staff are glad to conduct wine-tasting tutorials for anyone who wants to learn how to swirl, sniff and sip like a pro (spitting optional). If there's no time for touring, just stop here for a taste of the wines of the day and a comprehensive selection of some 400 labels, representing over 60 wineries, including a host of international award-winning reds, whites, fruit wines and Icewines. But it's more fun to get out and discover the wineries, see their varied architectural styles and taste the distinct differences between winemakers and growing areas. Head northeast to sample the wineries of the west-facing Naramata Bench. Around Summerland the wines of Bottleneck Drive exhibit the flavours of the volcanic soil of Giant's Head Mountain. Journey south to explore Corkscrew Drive in Okanagan Falls, Black Sage Road and the Golden Mile in Oliver and the wineries of Osoyoos. Be sure to select a designated driver if tasting on your own, or leave the driving to somebody else and take a guided wine tour with a company like Ambrosia Tours or Top Cat Tours.
Breweries
Penticton's three small breweries produce a variety of traditional beers, including lagers, pale and dark ales, porter and stout. The Barley Mill Brewpub makes the beer right on site to serve in its western themed pub and family-friendly bistro. Located in a converted fruit cannery, the Cannery Brewing Company offers tastings in the retail shop and a window on the brewing process. Call ahead to arrange a tour. Tin Whistle Brewing Company comes up with deadly names like rattlesnake, black widow and killer bee.