WINETRIPPING Your Guide to the Best Wineries of BC’s Okanagan & Similkameen

Local B.C. sommelier authors comprehensive new BC Okanagan and Similkameen Valley wine tasting bible

With more than 273 wineries in British Columbia, it can often be difficult to map out a self-guided wine tour. This month, local wine writer and sommelier Rachel von Sturmer released her first book to assist wine beginners and lovers with creating the ultimate wine vacation called Winetripping: Your Guide to the Best Wineries of BC’s Okanagan & Similkameen, featuring 87 wineries, sample itineraries, and a build-your-own-trip section and grape checklist.

“I have a huge passion for wine and really wanted to highlight some of my favourites in B.C.’s gorgeous Okanagan & Similkameen region,” explains von Sturmer, a WSET-certified sommelier who was awarded the title of Italian Wine Ambassador at Vinitaly in Verona and was most recently an Associate Wine Judge at London’s prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition. “My friends really urged me to create a guidebook as they often ask for winery suggestions. For the book, I personally explored every sub-region to seek out the best wineries to curate and recommend, from Osoyoos to Lake Country. It was definitely very entertaining to write.”

Inside the guide, readers will find von Sturmer’s scoop on the very best wineries the region has to offer, from glamorous new tasting rooms to hidden gems. In addition, she shares her insider knowledge of can’t-miss-them wineries, hot spots, and restaurants, plus itineraries to assist with customizing the next wine tasting adventure.

Von Sturmer graduated at the top of her class in the Pacific Culinary Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) culinary diploma program, and is a recipient of a Les Dames d’Escoffier scholarship. She writes about wine on her website at www.rachelvonsturmer.com and is currently in the process of renovating and refreshing a vineyard in the Similkameen region.

Winetripping: Your Guide to the Best Wineries of BC’s Okanagan & Similkameen is currently available in e-book and paperback format on Amazon for $19.95US/$25.95CAD. For more information, please visit www.winetripping.ca.

I received a complimentary copy of Wine Tripping to facilitate this feature.