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Old 06-08-2018, 08:13 AM   #1
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Wine country, western Canada

After picking up our new land yacht (land run about?) in Chilliwack, we'll be heading north for a couple of weeks, but we'll be returning south thru the Jasper/Banff area. Our daughter, who works in the NYS wine industry, suggested we explore some wineries south west of Banff before returning home. I'm interested in hearing about what other's experiences have been there. We are by no means wine experts, but our preferences tend toward dry whites and mellow reds. Love to hear others have liked there.

Thanks,
Marv
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Old 06-08-2018, 09:17 AM   #2
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Okanagan wines

Hi there. We're BC residents and love the wineries scattered throughout the Okanagan Valley. Reds are better from the southern part (in our opinion) as it is hotter in the Oliver/Osoyoos area. Whites are amazing. In the northern part (Kelowna/Winfield), the wines tend to be very similar to a German style. You will love sampling your way through the valley. Stop for several nights along the way and visit the wineries. Several have great restaurants. Enjoy!
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Old 06-08-2018, 11:16 AM   #3
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Perhaps she was referring to SW part of the USA, like California's Napa Valley and Central valley, CA, well known for their wine as well as New York State.
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Old 06-08-2018, 12:59 PM   #4
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Hi cpaharley - she may have been thinking that, too, but her title included "western canada". The BC Okanagan Valley wine industry, while smaller than the CA or Oregon, is pretty amazing. The area is drop-dead gorgeous, lots of small wineries, orchards, lakes, etc, etc. We love spending time there.
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Old 06-08-2018, 01:43 PM   #5
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I've gone on wine tours the last two years at the Escape Rally in Osoyoos, and have experienced some great wines in that region. Hester Creek, Desert Hills, Maverick, Burrowing Owl, Adega and Maverick stand out immediately. They're a little pricier than California wines...but then again these wines are generally unavailable here in California. I brought back an assorted case each year.
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Old 06-08-2018, 01:51 PM   #6
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I've gone on wine tours the last two years at the Escape Rally in Osoyoos, and have experienced some great wines in that region. Hester Creek, Desert Hills, Maverick, Burrowing Owl, Adega and Maverick stand out immediately. They're a little pricier than California wines...but then again these wines are generally unavailable here in California. I brought back an assorted case each year.
Hi: santacruzer... I brought back an "Assorted case" but it wasn't fine wine, or caused by excess, just too hot and too much sun!!! Alf
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Old 06-08-2018, 03:32 PM   #7
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I've gone on wine tours the last two years at the Escape Rally in Osoyoos, and have experienced some great wines in that region. Hester Creek, Desert Hills, Maverick, Burrowing Owl, Adega and Maverick stand out immediately. They're a little pricier than California wines...but then again these wines are generally unavailable here in California. I brought back an assorted case each year.
Santacruzer, thanks for the list of wineries. Any issues (quantity wise) bringing wine across the border?
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Old 06-08-2018, 03:37 PM   #8
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I thought is was 2 bottle limit, I left a case in Sumas to be picked up on the return trip.
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Old 06-08-2018, 03:53 PM   #9
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I would Google "bringing wine back to the U.S.", which should turn up a US border services page on how much of what you can cross with. It's always best to go to the source when it comes to what you can bring across the border ( in either direction ).

Given that there is a current spat about wines, with the US accusing BC of unfair trade practices because we restrict shelf space in BC grocers to BC wines, the US could retaliate at any time. So, check near the time of crossing.
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Old 06-08-2018, 05:17 PM   #10
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i drank most of it before returning to the US. they didn't ask about the wine nor did they mention it when i was searched. But I did get in trouble at the boarder - we reported we had a few veggies showed them to the guard who then decided to search the truck/trailer and we forgot we had a lime and a lemon in a drawer. So i got a warning (official) trying to sneak a lime and a lemon into the USA so i most likely will be search now every crossing for a while. We forgot about the lime/lemon because we had bought them in the US.
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Old 06-08-2018, 11:46 PM   #11
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Returning to the U S we were never asked about alcohol. I did volunteer that we purchased some wine, but they seemed more interested in fruit/vegetables. They did go through the trailer, opening the reefer and a few cabinets, and I volunteered that I also had an ice chest in the truck, into which they looked. The agent was quite pleasant, she was from Southern California originally and seemed happy to be working where she was!

I was queried in some detail coming INTO Canada about the amount of alcohol, but apparently the quanities we had were within limits for two adults.
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Old 06-09-2018, 09:18 AM   #12
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Yes, lots of great tasting to be done in the Okanagan Valley. I favour reds, but do like whites too. In years past it was harder to find good reds, but they have been developing them more and more lately as the vines mature. As Bob mentioned, the further south the better for reds. Lots of good whites and rose's to the north.

Though I enjoy many, my favourite winery is LaStella, just north of Osoyoos. Though some of their reds are way to pricey for my liking, I find a good compromise with their Fortissimo, a delightful blend of grapes. This years release (a 2016) is very nice, and this is a wine that rests well.
https://lastella.ca/product/2016-fortissimo/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stkshftr View Post
Santacruzer, thanks for the list of wineries. Any issues (quantity wise) bringing wine across the border?
Americans have it good. You pay about $0.25 per bottle tax, if they even charge you at all.
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i drank most of it before returning to the US. they didn't ask about the wine nor did they mention it when i was searched. But I did get in trouble at the boarder - we reported we had a few veggies showed them to the guard who then decided to search the truck/trailer and we forgot we had a lime and a lemon in a drawer. So i got a warning (official) trying to sneak a lime and a lemon into the USA so i most likely will be search now every crossing for a while. We forgot about the lime/lemon because we had bought them in the US.
I always figured you for the criminal type, Kate.
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