The following was experienced and contributed by John Biehler exclusively for Miss604.com. Last week John was a guest of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) to experience the region and see what the area has to offer.
Along with beer, we also visited a number of wineries on our Thompson Okanagan tour, for which this region is world-renowned.
Our first stop was Quail’s Gate Winery in West Kelowna. Situated with a stunning view of Okanagan Lake, we started off with lunch at the Old Vines Restaurant which is on the vineyard property.
After lunch, a few of us wondered around the vineyard which is just outside the doors of the restaurant. It was a special treat to see grapes on the vines as I normally visit Kelowna in the summer time when the vines are empty.
We then headed to the tasting room to sample some of the many wines that are produced onsite.
Being relatively new to wine (I’m a beer guy, remember?) it was interesting to hear from the staff the process that goes into producing the wine and differences between the various types of wine. I learned quite a lot just from this one stop.
Our next stop was the Tantalus Vineyards which, like Quail’s Gate has a picturesque view of the lake, mountains and surrounding vineyard.
Their newly opened 13,000 square foot winery felt more like a hip Yaletown lounge than a more traditional winery.
Heading to the back of the winery found us up close to the vats of grape juice from the recently pressed grapes.
As with Quail’s Gate, I was fascinated by the process that goes into wine making.
Getting to tour the facility and talk with David Paterson, Tantalus’ passionate winemaker, made it all that much more interesting to me.
Stay tuned for the next dispatch from the Thompson Okanagan tour featuring food later this week.
John is an avid photographer, gadget geek and traveller. You can find him on Twitter and at johnbiehler.com where he discusses photography and all sorts of technology. All photos in this post were taken by John.
Disclosure: Activities, services and dining experiences during the trip were compliments of Thompson-Okanagan Tourism.
I have been helping to promote the search for the BCAA Booster Guy or Gal over the last fewweeks and the campaign is now heading into its second stage.
Entries have been narrowed down and 6 finalists have been selected. However, before the judging panel (including myself) chooses the winner, we need to know who the fans like. You can view all finalists and vote by going to the BCAA Facebook fan page and ‘liking’ your favourite entry.
The winner will get to go to every Canuck’s home game to captain the BCAA Booster Zone from a prime lower bowl seat.
To get the momentum going, I have another pair of Canucks tickets to give away for this Saturday’s game when Bertuzzi and the Red Wings are in town.
Here’s how you can win these tickets:
Leave a comment on this post telling me who (and why) you voted for — all 6 finalists are listed on the Facebook page under the “Videos” tab — (1 entry)
Vote (‘Like’) your favourite BCAA Booster Guy or Gal candidate video & tweet text below (2 entries)
I’m entered to win tix to Sat’s #Canucks game from @miss604 by RT’ing this & liking my fave @bcaabooster fan vid http://fb.me/bcaafan
I will draw one winner from all entries on Friday November 5th at 4:00pm. The winner will be notified by email (or Twitter direct message). Fan voting will end November 14th, 2010.
Update The winner of the Canucks vs Red Wings tickets is Andrew – congratulations!
To promote the many events, coin exchanges, and displays that they will feature in the shop, the Mint is hosting a tweetup at 12:00pm tomorrow, Thursday November 4th. Check out this year’s poppy coins and get (rumour has it) that you can get another look at the Vancouver 2010 medals.
What A Mint Tweetup/Meetup to check out the West Coast facility Where 752 Granville (between Robson and Georgia) When 12:00pm for the Tweetup/Meetup on November 4th.
The whole shop will be open daily Monday to Sunday, and from 10:00am tomorrow.
Follow @CanadianMint on Twitter for more updates and stay tuned for announcements and exclusive giveaways on Miss604.com throughout the Mint’s run in Vancouver.
Update The Olympic and Paralympic medals will be coming to the Mint on Granville at the end of November.
Friday, November 26, 2010: 10:30am to 8:00pm
Saturday, November 27, 2010: 9:30am to 5:00pm
Sunday, November 28, 2010: 10:30am to 4:00pm
The award-winning Peak Performance Project is wrapping up for another year after announcing its top 5 finalists earlier this week. Pared down from a group of 20 artists, who all performed at a weekly showcase in October, the top 3 finalists will take part in the finale showcase this month at the Commodore.
All artists in the top 20 receive a grant while 5th place lands $5,000, 4th gets $10,000, 3rd has $50,000, 2nd nabs $75,000 and the champion walks away with $100,500 to boost their recording and performance careers in music.
Tickets for the showcase November 18th (where the winner will be announced) are available online for $18.85.
My interview with Andy & David of We Are the City, 2009 Peak Performance Project winners
This is the second year of the Peak Performance Project‘s five year commitment to scouring the province for the latest and greatest unsung heroes of music. The program aims to nurture artists (through the P3 Bootcamp) and shine a much-deserved spotlight on BC’s best singers, songwriters, and musicians while involving the public in many steps along the way.
Browsing the Vancouver Archives digital collection I sometimes sort my search by category or keyword. The following is a compilation of old-timey images from our city’s past, all having to do with “Automobiles”.
Year: 1920
In this photo: Reo Motor Car Agency Limited Vancouver setup at Lumberman’s Arch
Photographer: Stuart Thomson
Vancouver Archives Item #: CVA 99-1390
Year: 1920s
In this photo: Car parked in Stanley Park’s Hollow Tree.
Vancouver Archives Item #: CVA 677-225
Year: 1925
In this photo: Love’s Cafe and Grill at 925 Granville Street.
Photographer: Stuart Thomson
Vancouver Archives Item #: CVA 99-3050
Year: 1928
In this photo: John Bowers and Marguerite De La Motte, Pantages stars, pose with car.
Photographer: Stuart Thomson
Vancouver Archives Item #: CVA 99-1806
Year: 1929
In this photo: Granville Street, looking North from Helmcken.
Photographer: Stuart Thomson
Vancouver Archives Item #: CVA 99-1964
