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Nk’Mip (pronounced Inkameep) Cellars is a joint project between the Osoyoos Indian Band and Vincor International and enjoys the prestige that comes with being North America’s first Aboriginally owned and operated winery. The winery site looks over Lake Osoyoos and is located in what remains of the Pocket Desert- the only desert in Canada.

The winery building’s design is influenced by aboriginal culture and the desert locale, and the interior decor features works by local band artisans as well as numerous displays that recount the evolution of the winery and vineyards.

Visitors may enjoy lunch on the winery’s front patio while taking in the view of intermingling desert and vineyards on the shores of Lake Osoyoos.

Recently completed as part of the Nk’Mip development project, is Sonora Dunes, a nine-hole golf course, and Nk’mip Campground/RV Park. Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort and Spa is soon to be completed along with a Desert and Heritage Centre. Visitors may also explore the Pocket Desert. Wines aside, the buildings and amenities alone demonstrate the great commercial presence of this winery and make for an interesting visit.

Wines:

Wines produced at Nk’Mip Cellars are soured from the Osoyoos Indian Band’s own vineyards and vineyards leased from other wineries. The cellar capacity currently stands at 18,000 cases. The wine selection is two-tiered with reserves belonging to the Qwam Qwmt (”achieving excellence”) series.

Nk’Mip currently produces:

2004 Pinot Blanc
2004 Riesling
2004 Chardonnay
2004 Pinot Noir
2003 Merlot2004 Chardonnay (Qwam Qwmt)
2003 Merlot (Qwam Qwmt)
2004 Pinot Noir (Qwam Qwmt)
2003 Meritage (Qwam Qwmt)
2004 Riesling Icewine (Qwam Qwmt)

Notes on Tastings:

The tasting room at Nk’Mip is spacious, and has two tasting bars. During busier months be prepared for some line-ups. Visitors may also browse some of the displays and local artwork, clothing, and other accessories for sale while they wait. Tastings are $2.00 each for wines from the Qwam Qwmt series.

Last Word:

The events at Nk’Mip are well worth planning ahead for - especially the Traditional Salmon Feast.

Published by Carolyn Coles & Tim Martiniuk, founders of the Okanagan Wine Guide. http://www.okanaganwineguide.com/nkmipcellars.html

Tags: aboriginal, desert, heritage, native, nkmip, okanagan, osoyoos, tour, wine, wineryaboriginal, desert, heritage, native, nkmip, okanagan, osoyoos, tour, wine, winery

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A 5 km drive along the East side of Skaha lake leads to Blasted Church Winery. The winery is named after a small church that had been moved from the old Fairview townsite of western Oliver to nearby Okanagan Falls; dynamite was used to loosen its nails before its transfer.

Blasted Church (the winery) sits atop a bluff overlooking Skaha Lake, providing it with a lovely vista. Visitors can enjoy the view from benches in the parking lot, or from the tasting room, which is located inside a little log house.

Blasted Church is the dream of Evelyn and Chris Campbell, two Vancouverites who suffered a midlife change-of-heart, (something that seems to have affected a number of winery owners) that led them to purchase the current winery and vineyards four years ago. The family takes care of the ins and outs of running the winery, and visitors will likely encounter the Campbell’s daughter at the tasting bar during the summer.

Staff are more than willing to tell the story of the Blasted Church from which the winery got its name. Detailed tasting notes as well as notes on the year’s harvest are available to browse.

Blasted Church has a number of parking spaces. Be prepared (if you haven’t read this enough already) for crowds in the summer, as the tasting bar isn’t very spacious.

Currently, the winery specializes in a number of varieties, including a highly recommended Merlot (Spring Wine Festival) and a tasty Chardonnay. Wines are sourced from the estate vineyard, which has been producing for over 10 years. Two winemakers oversee the production of Blasted Church’s wines:

The Dam Flood- Red blend
Cabernet- Merlot
Merlot
Pinot Noir
Syrah
Gewurztraminer
Hatfield’s Fuse- White blend
Chardonnay Musque
Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Gris
Blastphem - Late Harvest Botrytis Affected
Revered Chardonnay- A new high-end series

There is no charge for up to four tastings at Blasted Church. Written tasting notes are available for perusal. If there is a queue at the tasting bar (and there will likely be many throughout the summer) we recommend appreciating the view from benches out front or browsing the wine selection, which sports unusual, funky artwork depicting characters from Okanagan Falls’ colourful history.

Published by Carolyn Coles & Tim Martiniuk, founds of the Okanagan Wine Guide. http://www.okanaganwineguide.com/blastedchurch.html

Tags: blasted church, ok falls, okanagan, wine, wineryblasted church, ok falls, okanagan, wine, winery

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