Naramata -- a Joie

We recently spent Easter weekend in the Okanagan at my cottage, Golden Mile Chalet.  We needed to install some new lighting, prior to the busy summer rental season, and Rich needed to do yardwork as his place in Oliver. 

I continue to marvel at the stunning scenary of the Valley, which is almost always blessed with sunshine and we were not disappointed this weekend.  It was a bit chilly with high winds, but at least it was sunny -- something I crave after the long grey Vancouver winters.

We had tried a number of times to connect with Heidi Noble and Michael Dinn of Joie, a charming farm cooking school, located on the picturesque Naramata Bench.  We were in luck this weekend, and Michael and Heidi were in town relaxing from their hectic launch of their first vintage!  They had just released three new wines:

• Noble blend - mix of Gewurztraminer, Kerner and Muscat
• Chardonnay
• Pinot Noir Rosé

We were treated to a bottle of their Noble blend, which was made in an off-dry Germanic style, and was aromatic, spicy, and fantastic.  We bought half a case and can't wait to enjoy some with Thai or Indian food.  I hope to try their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Rosé soon.  Particularly the Rosé -- it's very difficult to find a good Rosé that isn't sickly sweet (like white Zins - yuck!).

On the way home to the GMC, we stopped for a wine tasting at Benchland Vineyards.  After enjoying Joie, I was disappointed with Benchland.  The pourer was friendly and let us try a bit of everything, but I found their wine uninspiring to say the least.  To be fair, they are now under new ownership.  They were recently purchased by Spiller Estates and will have a new winemaker and a new name, so perhaps we'll see improvements in the years to come.

We then went to dinner at a Salty's in Penticton.  Heidi and Michael had recommended the food there and suggested we eat in the lounge on the second floor which has fantastic views of Lake Okanagan.

Salty's is located across the street from the beach at the southern end of Lake Okanagan and the view was indeed lovely -- particularly at sunset.  We thoroughly enjoyed the meal, which unlike many touristy spots w/nice views, appeared to be prepared with a lot of care.  We split the gambas -- Spanish prawns in sizzling garlic oil, for an appetizer.   And split our main course, the Fisherman's pot -- red curry, coconut milk, sauteed vegetables and fresh seafood.  Both had the perfect amount of spice and were served piping hot -- I can't stand lukewarm food!  I also highly recommend their caesers  (the drink not the salad).  It had the perfect amount of spice, clamato juice, and vodka.

I have lots of pictures from the weekend, I just have to track down where I saved them.  Stay tuned...