Introduction
Escape the ordinary and transform your weekend into an active voyage, biking to Summerland’'s wineries. Cycle through vineyards, uncork world-class wines, then hold your glass high to savour the taste of the award-winning vintages. Discover the allure that lies within each winery's doorstep as you peddle through this picturesque town.
Navigating the Wine Routes
The wine routes of Summerland are split into three distinct subgeographical indications: the Valleys, Lakefront, and Bench which feature diverse soil types, topography, and microclimates, producing award-winning wines. Wine enthusiasts can savour each area, appreciating the unique character of wines from the region, including signature varieties like Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Pinot Gris. Plotting your course might be the only challenge you face. But even this is made easy by the well-marked signs.
The Wine Experience
Biking to Summerland's wineries isn't just about the journey, but also the destination. These wineries are blooming in this wine region, notable for its diversity of wines and winemaking styles. Sommeliers would note the distinct flavours, character and quality that resonate in every glass from Summerland.
The Artisanal Touch
The wineries in Summerland often embody the charm of family-run estates, each of them with a unique narrative that adds to the allure of their wines. Take for example 8th Generation Winery with generations of winemaking and grape growing experience behind them and their grandfather’s winepress. It all started in 1783 when Christian Schales planted his first grapes in Dalsheim, and Bernd and Stefanie Schales left Germany in 2003 for the Okanagan in search of a new adventure for their next generation. It's stories like these that underline the soul embedded within each bottle of Summerland wine.
The Perfect End
As your bike next rests at the edge of another vineyard, with the sun dipping low on the horizon casting a golden glow over the valley, it's time to surrender to the rhythm of the evening. Many wineries host tasting sessions and events designed to wrap up your day in warm camaraderie, sharing tales and comparing notes with fellow riders and wine enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Cycling to Summerland's wineries adds a flavourful twist to conventional wine tours. It engages the senses and unplugs the mind, offering an immersive adventure into the world of wine. Every turn of the pedal draws you deeper into an experience that explores not just the wines, but the people, the vineyards, and the soul of BC's wine region. So, saddle up, and let your wine journey begin with the wind in your hair, the endless sky above, and nature's bounty in every direction.
