WBC13 Countdown – BC Winery Each Week – Posting 3

September 12, 2012 – Nk’Mip Cellars

Pronounced in-ka-meep, Nk’Mip Cellars is heralded as North America’s first Aboriginal owned and operated winery. Its stunning architecture is rivalled only by the natural beauty of where it is located.

An important component of the Osoyoos Indian Band long-term plan, the winery was the second phase of a $25 million Nk’Mip project that includes:

· The Patio at Nk’Mip, a seasonal outdoor restaurant located in the winery. The Patio is open from May through October offering Aboriginal-inspired cuisine

· The Nk’Mip Campground and RV Park, which was the first phase, and is now, an all-season facility

· Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre

· Sonora Dunes, an executive nine-hole golf course

· Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa, which includes 226 luxurious suites and villas, Solstice Spa, conference facilities, outdoor pool, hot tub & fitness facilities, a gourmet restaurant and The Market

The lakeside property on 1,200 acres of band land is located in Osoyoos, which is a town roughly 60 km ( miles) south of WBC13 site of Penticton. This area of the Okanagan is home to Canada’s only pocket desert resulting in a fine grape-growing region. Nk’Mip is a member of the Oliver/Osoyoos Wine Association.

There’s nothing quite like finishing a round of golf in a spectacular setting then sauntering over for a wine tasting. Winemaker Randy Picton and the cellar team create an amazing of great wines in a regular and reserve tier with an impressive array of local, national and international awards to display. Last time I was there I especially enjoyed the Nk’Mip Qwam Qwmt Riesling Icewine – such a gorgeous blend of honey, apple, citrus and apricot with a clean rather than cloyingly sweet finish.

The tasting room offers an experience much like visiting an art gallery or museum. It offers attractive artwork and gifts in keeping with the native theme and well designed displays speak to the history of the winery, the project and the Osoyoos Indian Band.

Located at 1400 Rancher Creek Road, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V0

Phone: 250-495-2985

Fax: 250-495-2986

Email: info@nkmipcellars.com

www.facebook.com/NkMipCellarsWinery

Twitter: @nkmipcellars

www.nkmipcellars.com

About rozsmallfry

Live. Learn. Write. I’m the behind the lenses, author of the words kind of person. In classic drama or opera or the Robertson Davies’ book of the same title, I’d be the player called Fifth Business. Fifth Business is neither heroine nor villain yet instrumental in making the plot happen. I’d far rather learn about you than talk about myself and building relationships is at the core of who I am. The more I learn, the more I realize I have lots to learn. When I was a child one of my nicknames was Small Fry. Now I understand. I really am a small fry in a great big world of learning.

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2 Responses to WBC13 Countdown – BC Winery Each Week – Posting 3

bellini says:

September 19, 2012 at 6:55 am

I haven’t been there since it first opened Roz, but it is a special place.

- rozsmallfry says:
  
  September 19, 2012 at 10:17 am
  
  Thanks, Val, it is indeed! Such a source of pride for Chief Louie and all of the forwarding thinking members of the Osoyoos Indian Band.