The Okanagan

wine pairing lineup
Oct16

Everyone knows that British Columbia is Canada’s wine region. Vineyards may not be open this late into the year but you can expect any local venues to be stocked up with wine from around Kelowna. Here are just a few ideas of what types of wine and food pairings to try.

Savory Squash + Pinot Gris

Squash is in season so you will probably be able to find it on many-a-menu these days. Any savory squash meal should pair well with Pinot Gris. Pinot Gris is rich and spicy and quite popular in B.C. so you’ll find it everywhere. It pairs well with the rich creaminess of squash-based meals (think: pasta, warm salad, or soups).

Meat and Potatoes + Rioja

Steak and potatoes. Sausage and potatoes. Red meat stew. These are perfect cold weather meals because they fill you up and make you feel warm and cozy as the nights get chilly. Try pairing these meals with a Rioja, which is a deep, leathery red with hints of cherry. Want it sweeter? Open a newer bottle. For more savory, pick a Rioja that has been aged.

Apple Cinnamon + Riesling

Cinnamon will be making a grand appearance in a big way in many desserts and even breakfast/bunches. You might find it with apple or pumpkin, which are in season. But what wine goes best with apple cinnamon tarts after a long day? Try Riesling, which is equal parts sweet and acidic—a perfect counterpart.

Turkey Leftovers + Grenache Rosé

If you’ve already celebrated (Canadian) Thanksgiving, you most likely have a fridge packed full of delicious turkey leftovers. You might be finding yourself adding it to everything: soups, salads, sandwiches. How about accenting the inevitable turkey overdose with some nice Grenache Rosé? The ruby rose colour and heightened acidity make it a great fall pairing.

Vegetable Stew + Pinot Noir

Vegetable stew is great to make in bulk and freeze or refrigerate for easy fall meals. Pack it full of lentils, mushrooms, carrots, potato, corn, and anything else you desire. Vegetarian stew lasts longer in the fridge than meat-based counterparts so you don’t have to worry about rushing through it. Pinot Noir is so food friendly it goes with nearly anything but it will keep this particular meal company with it’s rich fruity character.

Lamb + Zinfandel

Thinking about ordering rack of lamb for a luscious, fall meal? Try pairing lamb-based recipes with Zinfandel, which is a perfect fall wine that also goes great with sweet potatoes. Zinfandel has hints of dark fruit and a smoky zest but you can also find earthier varieties.

Looking for a fantastic Fall getaway? Contact us and ask about our vacation properties here in beautiful British Columbia.

Fishing Okanagan
May21

Enjoy a Guided Fishing Charter in the Okanagan

If you don’t own your own boat, aren’t up for driving or have never been fishing before, then you might just want to take a Guided Fishing Charter.  Kelowna is a great base for fishing – there are a variety of smaller lakes, as well as Okanagan Lake, that are available for enthusiastic anglers.

Fishing Charter Okanagan
There are two Guided Fishing Charter companies located in Kelowna and both offer a range of services.

Rodney’s Reel Outdoors 

 Rodney’s Reel Outdoors offers five different fishing options so you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for.  Go trolling, fly fishing, bass fishing, ice fishing or fly & fish!  Their Fly & Fish trips are sure to be a day to remember – hop on board a float plane, take in the beautiful views of the Okanagan from above and get dropped off at a beautiful lake where you can while away the afternoon fly fishing or trolling.  They have several different boats and rates available, so be sure to contact them directly by phoning 250-768-1625 and secure your perfect fishing adventure.

Desert Salmon Charters 

Desert Salmon Charters can provide you with a variety of services.  They have many options for day fishing trips – try your hand at catching Kokanee fish on Wood Lake, search for trout at Okanagan Lake or Kalamalka Lake, and go Bass fishing on Skaha Lake.  Desert Salmon Charters can customize your trip so it can be exactly what you want it to be! They also offer other packages such as snorkeling or diving at Kalamalka Lake Cliffs; overnight camping adventures or day trips to Okanagan Mountain Park; and Geography tours from the water.  For more information on any of these boating expeditions, you should get in contact with Nelson at 250-308-9449.

 

The Okananagan is full of lakes waiting for you to explore!  Take a guided fishing charter and be sure that you’re experiencing all the area has to offer.  What do you think?  Do you have a favourite fishing spot?

If back country fishing is more your thing, then check out our previous blog post on 3 Awesome Fishing Spots near La Casa. We look forward to hearing about all your fishing adventures.

Fishing Okanagan
For information on Cottage Rentals at La Casa, please please contact our reservations line on
1-888-226-5566 or email rentals@lacasacottageresort.com where we will be more than happy to assist you!

Written by Hannah Poaros

Fishing Okanagan
May14

3 Awesome Fishing Spots near La Casa

Coming to La Casa this summer and looking for the perfect fishing spot?  Why not try these three back country lakes that are within an hour’s drive from the property?  Guaranteed to be quieter and more secluded than Lake Okanagan, these are the ideal locations for those of you looking for a relaxing afternoon out.

These three lakes are accessed by 4WD Vehicles or ATV, so bear that in mind before setting off! There is also some hiking needed for Loch Drinkie, so we recommend you make a day of it.  All three lakes are stocked yearly; expect to find Eastern Brook Trout in Christie/ Duo Via and Rainbow Trout in Loch Drinkie.  We have attached the fishing reports and directions below.

Loch Drinkie – Map Fish Stocking Report

Christie –Map Fish Stocking Report

Duo Via – Map – Fish Stocking report

Happy Fishing!  We would love to hear about your fishing adventures and where your favorite places are – let us know by commenting below.


For information on Cottage Rentals at La Casa, please please contact our reservations line on
1-888-226-5566 or email rentals@lacasacottageresort.com where we will be more than happy to assist you!

 

Written by Hannah Poaros

Road Trip
May07

How to Survive a Family Road Trip

So it’s nearly Spring in BC, which means it’s the perfect time to start planning your summer road trip.  We know that long drives with the kids in tow can throw up a number of challenges, which is why we have compiled a list of hot tricks and tips to get you prepared for a hassle-free journey!

  1. Stock up on activities

    You’ll want to have a full selection of coloring books, reading books, pens, pencils, card games and more! Depending on the age of the child, these classic past-times are ideal for long road trips. Nobody likes being bored.

  2. Brings snacks that can be easily distributed

    We all know the pain of being hungry while stuck in a hot, stuffy car. That’s why preparing a selection of healthy snacks (mixed in with a couple of treats) is necessary for putting all family members at ease.  Snacks could include raisins, bananas, cucumber and carrot sticks with hummus, crackers and cheese slices, crisps, cartons of juice etc.  Make sure you get enough supplies for everyone, so that there is no fighting over who is having the last packet of sweets!

  3. Charge all devices & bring portable chargers

    There’s nothing like packing all your mobile reading devices, games electronics and ipods to then discover half an hour into your trip that they all have a dead battery! Make sure everything is fully charged before starting your journey. If you’re having an especially long drive, then bringing a portable charger is extremely useful – this way you can re-boot those dead batteries on the go!

  4. Earphones are imperative

    To avoid arguing over which radio station to listen to next, or whose ipod is going to be plugged in next, make sure everyone in the car has a set of earphones or headphones! That way if members of the family want to play video games or watch DVDs on their portable DVD player, they can do so without bothering anyone else. This is an easy way to avoid many arguments over noise levels in the car!

  5. Comfy clothes & blankets

    Thick blankets and fluffy socks are must-haves for making the journey as comfortable as possible. Even if its hot outside, air-conditioning will make the car cool – so don’t forget to throw in a couple of cozy jumpers!

  6. Stop regularly

    Split up the journey by stopping for bathroom breaks, photo opportunities or picnics! No one likes to sit in the car for 6 hours straight, and the fresh air will do everyone good.  Check out your drive route before heading out and plan the relevant stops along the way.

Road Trip

What are your favourite ways to keep everyone happy on a family road trip?  How many times do the kid’s ask ‘Are we nearly there yet?’?  Tell us in the comments below!  If you’re thinking of planning a trip to La Casa this summer, check out our previous blog posts on Othello Tunnels, or Okanagan Mountain Park .  Perhaps you can pop one of these destinations into your journey or itinerary for your visit to the Okanagan?

 

If you would like more information on booking a cottage with us this summer, please contact our reservations line on 1-888-226-5566 or email rentals@lacasacottageresort.com where we will be more than happy to assist you!

 

Written by Hannah Poaros

Movies filmed Okanagan BC
Apr30

Movies that were filmed in the Okanagan, BC

Did you know that the Okanagan, British Columbia has been used for on-location shooting for these films? Film-makers are becoming more and more interested in using the Okanagan as a filming location due to its proximity to Vancouver, BC as well as it’s interesting landscape and vineyards.  Check out these films that feature scenes shot in the local areas:

  • Tomorrowland (2015)

    – Enderby, BC
    Most of this Disney fantasy film was filmed in British Columbia, and the farmhouse, used by George Clooney’s character, was built in Enderby in the North Okanagan!

  • Blackway/ Go with Me (2015)

    – Enderby, Armstrong, Lumby and Vernon, BC
    Featuring Anthony Hopkins, Julia Stiles and Ray Liotta, this suspense thriller was filmed exclusively in the North Okanagan.

  • Light of My Life (2018)

    – Osoyoos, BC
    While this move is still in post-production, it has brought a lot of attention to the Okanagan. Casey Affleck (writer, director & actor) decided to spend three weeks filming in the woods east of Osoyoos earlier this year.

  • Autumn in the Vineyard (2016)

    – River Stone Estate Winery, Oliver, BC
    This Hallmark Channel Original movie was filmed in various locations around BC, and was on the search from some awesome vineyards. River Stone Estate Winery was the star of the show and filming lasted at this location for a number of days.

  • The Clan of the Cave Bear (1986)

    – Okanagan Region, BC
    The Clan of the Cave Bear, starring Daryl Hannah, was one of the first movies to push focus onto the Okanagan as a film location and featured landscapes from Cathedral Provincial Park.

  • Devil in the Dark/ The Plateau (2017)

    – Kelowna, BC
    Filmed in Kelowna, this recent release is a haunting tale of two brothers on a weekend hunting trip in remote British Columbia.

  • The Humanity Bureau (2017)

    – Osoyoos, Oliver, BC
    Starring Nicholas Cage, The Humanity Bureau is a dystopian thriller that focuses on global warming. Many locations across Osoyoos and Oliver were used for the filming of this feature film.

What do you think?  Have you seen any of these Okanagan-based films?  How about settling down in a La Casa Cottage and watching a movie that was shot in the local area? 

Movies Okanagan BC
At La Casa Cottages we have a range of accommodations available that sleep between 4-8 people and offer marvelous views of Lake Okanagan.  Please call our reservations line on +1-888-226-5566 or send an email to
Rentals@lacasacottageresort.com with your dates and group size – we will help you organize the perfect vacation in West Kelowna!

 

Written by Hannah Poaros