Mountain backdrop sets stage for BC wine tasting.

BC Resort focuses on wine and adventure

(Vernon, B.C.) - I was here for a wine tasting but the scene looked like a Star Wars convention. People wearing jet-black gear with thick padding and massive helmets are everywhere. But alas they were not Darth Vader clones - they were mountain bikers, drawn to the same place - Silver Star Mountain Resort, a popular winter ski destination near Vernon, British Columbia. The resort has taken advantage of its picturesque landscape and mountainous terrain to lure a steady stream of summer/fall tourists through a stunning network of biking and hiking trails. While the mountain bikers were predominantly male, there was still a good representation of couples and families.  Jason McFarland of Idaho is one of many who brought his family all the way to British Columbia to seek out the challenging bike trails at the resort. "We heard this was the place to come and it is amazing," said McFarland who counts the Pro Star and Dag's Downhill as his favorite trails. "I like the one trail for the technical challenge and the other for its old fashioned design," he said. Both the gear and the bike are important. He invested in a top of the line Lil Shredder for his 7-year-old son Donovan so the youngster would be well prepared.  

The resort's network is massive. The XC bike trails include over 29 km of progressive trails with a 30 km expansion planned to be finished for the 2015 season. The downhill mountain biking trails include levels for the novice and those seeking a world-class challenge. Wes Booth of Kelowna says he loves the 'jumpy trails' and grins when asked about the flashy helmet. "The most important thing is safety but I do like a lot of color," he said.
Helmets are mandatory for biking at the resort and padding is strongly recommended. Silver Star also offers a bike camp for riders age 12-17 and there's a bike gear shop on site. Set within the quaint Silver Star village is a range of accommodations, restaurants and retail stores. Some are closed during summer months but Snowbird Lodge was one of several options open and features premium accommodations with a private hot tub. While I wasn’t confident enough to bike down the hillside, I did hike one of the trails and felt a sense of inner peace that comes with exposure to mountain air and panoramic views of the lush area. The relaxing afternoon set the stage for the late afternoon wine tasting – my real reason for coming.

Partnering with B.C. wineries, Silver Star hosted the Mile High Wine & Music event which   showcased the region's luscious wines and attracted just over 400 visitors.  When the corks popped, the bike gear was replaced with summer dresses, shorts and wine glasses. 

The wine tasting was the signature event of the second annual summer wine and food festival at the resort which included winemaker dinners, cooking demonstrations and featured Vancouver chef David Hawksworth. Blessed with sunny skies and warm temperatures, the mountain setting was the perfect place to taste the best of the Okanagan as more than 20 wineries participated.  Roger Wong was pouring his wines at the busy event and says the fascination with wine led to the name Intrigue Wines. 

"We are always intrigued about wines. They are constantly changing and evolving," he said. It doesn't hurt to have fun along the way. To reflect the romance of bubbly, the winery named their sparkling wine "I Do". With rich aromas of peach and apple, I Do is a blend of Riesling and a "kiss" of Merlot. They also produce a wine called Damitz Good, named after a friend Rob Damitz. House of Rose also injects some humor into its wine labels with a wine named Hot Flash. The Dirty Laundry Vineyard was featuring wines called Secret Affair and Dangerous Liaison.

Fun aside, the award-winning wines of the Okanagan have built an international reputation that draws visitors from around the world.  Winery tours are a great way to get to know more about what’s in the bottle and how it was made.  Visitors can find out what is happening at B.C. wineries at www.thewinefestivals.com.

Tantalus Winery was also at the event and is the first LEED-certified winery in B.C.  Known for its Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the winery is situated on what was known as the Pioneer Vineyards and has the distinction of being the oldest continuously producing vineyard in B.C. The first table grapes were planted in 1927.

Matt and Gloria Johnstone of London, Ontario purchased a property in the Silver Star Resort area 12 year ago for the skiing. The Mile High event brought them here for the first time in the summer. "We have never been here before without ten feet of snow," said Matt. Both he and his wife Gloria agreed it was impressive to hike the trails they normally ski and then have a chance to sample local wines. The weekend also featured the work of six Okanagan artists from the private Odin Gallery. Guests could see the artists in action capturing the beauty of the village in various locations throughout the property. Their finished pieces were part of a Silent Auction with a portion of the proceeds going to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Gallery owners Kal and Maria Molnar are passionate advocates for B.C. artists and their charming gallery is only steps from the village. Maria was delighted to walk me through the rooms to view the many impressive pieces of art. A visit to the gallery was the perfect complement to the wine and food festival, adding a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Silver Star is less than an hour from the Kelowna airport. Travellers may want to spend a few days in town as well. A good place to stay is the stunning Delta Grand Okanagan Resort.  Its modern rooms with picture postcard views and a nearby beach make it an ideal central location. Just steps away is Waterfront Wines restaurant where you can pull up a stool at the bar, meet some localsand enjoy a glass of local wine like the food friendly Meyer Pinot Noir which pairs well with many of the tantalizing dishes on the menu.