Adventures in Wine

By Glenn Kohaly

The Shuswap, having six award-winning wineries, is one of the best kept secrets in the Thompson Okanagan region! These wineries are all family-run businesses that produce distinctive cool-climate wines, generally not available in other areas in British Columbia. The Shuswap area – although considered to be included in the Okanagan wine growing region – has a cooler climate than the Southern Interior regions of BC, creating unique challenges (and incredible tastes) for its producers. The wineries in this region have now perfected a combination of growing techniques and plant selection that enhances the aromas and flavours of their wines, making these cool-climate wines distinctive and worth a visit to the Shuswap; you're guaranteed to be tastefully surprised!

Granite Creek Wines is known for its Riesling, Gamay Noir, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Cabernet Syrah and Meritage - many of which sell out very quickly. Also in their repertoire: dessert wines and a merlot-fortified port-style wine. Their licensed picnic area and expanded kitchen capability enables them to accommodate a wide variety of events: business meetings, family reunions, weddings and more. Even live music and catered meals can be arranged.

Celista Estate Winery is located on a 160-acre farm on the North Shore of Shuswap Lake. The winery and vineyard are owned and operated by Jake and Marg Ootes, who have been growing grapes for the past eight years – at one time selling their grapes each year to the wineries around Salmon Arm. In 2009, plans were made to keep the grape harvest for their own winery which opened the very next year. In that first year, Celista Estate Winery won three bronze medals for their wines in the “All Canadian Competition” and the “Northwest Summit”, a category that included Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. In 2012 they will have six wine varieties for sale, as well a an expanded winery. The renovations will include a relaxing outdoor picnic area, where guests can enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the fantastic view of Shuswap Lake.

In response to a growing demand, Shuswap Wine Tours - in cooperation with their associate MJO TOURS - began sharing their extensive wine knowledge with visitors to the region. This is a door-to-door service that provides comfortable transportation with a knowledgeable driver/guide. There are various tours available; you can visit different Shuswap wineries - most providing a gourmet luncheon, some including a stop at a local cheese farm, and one tour including a visit to Margaret Falls. Bookings can be made toll-free at 1-877-726-6548 or locally, in Salmon Arm, call Doug & Lynn MacMillan at

250-804-0962 or 250-804-6265.

Vineyard temperatures in the Shuswap region during July and August can soar to the high 30’s; even in September they can reach 30°C. However, the long winter can pose to be a problem. While their growing season begins in mid-March, there is the ever-present danger of a 'killing' frost striking in spring or even in late summer. Although north of the 50th parallel, the vineyards enjoy sun-drenched days and cool evenings, creating an ideal growing condition to maximize the varietal character and to set the stage for the production of award-winning wines. The results? Crisp and fruity wines, noted for their clean sound structure, intense flavours and perfect balance.