Summerland's Bottleneck Drive wineries are fast developing a distinct reputation among wineries of the Okanagan. Grapes grown in this area benefit from rich volcanic debris blasted from a pre-historic volcano that exploded, leaving Giant's Head Mountain as a fragmentary reminder of the cataclysm.
The last ice age added fertile clay silt to the mix, deposited in a vast glacial melt lake and exposed as the waters receded. The land that has been so successful in cultivating soft fruits like peaches and cherries, is proving equally adept at producing grapes for fine wines. And the soft fruits aren't forgotten as one local grower is producing award-winning fruit wines.
Summerland wines exhibit the characteristics of the Okanagan, each with its own special voice. Sample the internationally-recognized reds, whites, rosés, sparkling wines and icewines of these small family wineries.
Try to identify the aromas and flavours of the valley: herbal – sage, clover, honey and elderflower; tree fruit – apple, pear, peach and apricot; red fruit – plum, cherry, raspberry and blackberry; and earthy – stone, gravel, mineral and dust. Pair a vintage with locally-sourced dishes at a winery restaurant, or with artisan cheeses on an impromptu winery picnic.
Bottleneck Drive Wineries
Summerland's Bottleneck Drive wine route can be divided into three sections. North of downtown, Sumac Ridge Estate Winery is the area's long-established elder statesman. Take a vineyard, cellar and Champagne Cave tour and try pairing food and wine in the Cellar Door Bistro. Bonitas Winery is new on the scene and offers incredible mountain and vineyard views from their bistro patio.
West of the town centre, visit Hollywood & Wine Estate Winery for certified organic wines. It's right next door to Valentine Farm, home of the Vinegar Works, makers of wine vinegars, fruit-infused vinegars and balsamic vinegar.
The southern wine loop includes Thornhaven Estates Winery, known for its terrific patio. Dirty Laundry Vineyard has a unique Summerland story behind its name. Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery is a natural progression for the fruit processors at Summerland Sweets. Light lunches are available at Sonoran Estate Winery or pack a picnic and enjoy the patio. Silk Scarf Family Boutique Winery offers lake and Giant's Head Mountain views. At 8th Generation Vineyard, the winemakers are following a two-century family tradition, while Adora Estate Winery takes its name from the Latin, "much adored."
Wine Tours
With a wine tour everybody can sample the wines – no need to spit or designate a driver. Summerland companies offer standard formats and two unique options. Cruise the back roads to the Bottleneck Drive wineries in a chauffer-driven classic convertible provided by Nixdorf Classic Cars. Or see the lake, mountain and vineyard sights from the air on a heli-wine tour that includes a stop at Bonitas Winery. Combined tours are available.
Wine Touring Further Afield
For additional wine touring, head north toward Peachland (22km/13.7mi) and check out Greata Ranch Vineyards, First Estate Cellars and Deep Creek Wine Estate & Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery. Further south in the valley, Penticton (18.6km/11.6mi) is the gateway to the Naramata Bench, Corkscrew Drive, Oliver and Osoyoos wineries.
The Summerland Visitor Centre on Highway 97 stocks brochures, maps and information on wineries in the area.
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