Grab your passports and head into this big, glorious world of ours to visit wino-friendly destinations. The Traveling Wino is on a two-year journey around the world and is stopping to taste wine along the way. There is nothing better than pairing wine tasting with travel and we’ve only just begun to explore what the world has to offer. Check out the wine regions we’ve visited so far (and be sure to check back often as we update our journey over the next couple of years).
Canada – Okanagan Valley
Canadians call it “Canada’s Napa Valley”…but really…we think its better. That’s because in true Canadian fashion, this wine region has maintained its approachable, affordable, and friendly atmosphere. The reason it has gained the Napa comparison is because it produces over 60 different varietals and has some of the same climate characteristics of Napa (except for three huge lakes running right through the middle of it!). It also offers plenty of lodging options, wine tour operators and quality restaurants in the small towns that surround Okanagan Lake in the northern area, Skaha Lake in the center, and Osoyoos Lake in the southern area. And also similar to Napa…the wines produced here are high quality and are gaining more respect with the international wine community. However, unlike Napa…wine tasting is affordable and tasting rooms are often more intimate. Most are family owned with vines that are typically no more than a couple decade young. Overall, this region offers a whopping 8 different “sub-regions” to explore with a total of 160 wineries stretched over the 132-mile valley. Happily, the Traveling Wino will be exploring this area for years to come!
