Naramata

This morning Amy sent the above from her and Gabe's bike ride yesterday along the Kettle Valley Railway at the southeastern edge of Lake Okanagan. If the sun were to have an anvil in this region, it would be here, at Naramata.

Camera Munda #3

Rustico Farm & Cellars, Oliver, B.C.

Rustico

While driving west of Lillooet, I had time to reflect on the many wineries that line the highway between Osoyoos and Oliver. With all these wineries, and relatively few varietals, things are bound to get competitive. In an effort to get a leg up, some offer fine dining; others, such as Rustico, a no less market savvy form of hokum.

After purchasing bottles of their Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir and Meritage, Rustico's cowboy-proprietor (and former Jim Pattison Group marketing executive) suggested a visit upstairs, where he operates a gallery -- "home to over sixty artists, most of 'em local." The painting below is my favourite.

Burrowing Owl

Like many established wineries, Burrowing Owl, located between Osoyoos and Oliver, has a restaurant and a retail outlet. While driving towards it, I was reminded of a similar structure, this one from film: