The fun doesn't end in the South Okanagan when the summer does.
Autumn - when the grapes come in off the vines to be made into wine - is one of the most exciting times in the region. The drive is about fi ve scenic hours, which makes it a pretty easy long-weekend getaway. Once you've arrived, there's plenty to do; here are just a few of our favourite picks.
WINE TOURING ? There's no shortage of wineries, and now is a great time to drop by. Tinhorn Creek in Oliver features a self-guided tour that follows the grapes from the vineyards to fermentation. Onsite restaurant Miradoro was named best winery restaurant at last year's Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. Burrowing Owl, off the historic Black Sage Road, offers glorious scenery and delicious wines to try.
And Nk'Mip Cellars - North America's fi rst aboriginal-owned and operated winery - is perched in one of the prettiest spots in the valley, overlooking Osoyoos Lake. oliverosoyoos.com
GREEN LAKE ROAD ? Head north the long way after leaving Covert Farms: up Fairview White Lake Road to Green Lake Road and past the icy-hued glacial lake that gives the road its name.
OSOYOOS DESERT CENTRE ? Take a break from sipping and snacking and stroll the 1.5-kilometre boardwalk in Canada's only desert region. Spot antelope brush and prickly pear cactus, look for cottontail rabbits, badger holes and the Great Basin spadefoot toad. Desert.org.
COVERT FARMS ? Don't miss this family farm and winery, where you can climb into the back of a vintage Ford truck for a tour of the historic 600 acres and ride to the pumpkin patch. The farm is currently home to an enormous corn maze (which gets haunted on the evenings of Oct. 26 and 27 this year), a jumping pillow and lawn games. You can buy organic fruit and veggies in the market, not to mention sample tasty organic wines, like The Bluff red blend.
SEE YA LATER RANCH ? This is where you'll end up: at the dog-friendliest winery in the Valley. Learn the story of the ranch's founder, Major Hugh Fraser, and how the winery came by its name. Don't forget to visit the doggie cemetery. Sylranch.com.
WHERE TO STAY: Watermark Beach Resort, on the shore of Osoyoos Lake, is the perfect home base for your fall adventuring. Watermarkbeachresort.com.
