Hospitality director Marsha Morrish stands on the balcony of the wine shop and restaurant at Cedar Creek Winery. The Rose Garden, site of weddings and concerts, can be seen in the background.


SUSAN MCIVER


Enhancing the winery experience


Guest suites, galleries and concerts are among the ‘add-on’ attractions for an increasing number of Okanagan operations.


By Susan McIver W


ineries up and down the Okanagan Valley do much more than produce world class wines and serve some of the province’s finest cuisine. They also


provide on-site accommodations, enhance visitor experiences in various ways and give back to their communities.. These activities may contribute directly to the bottom line,


but often their financial impact is indirect. In July 2011, Anna Manola, owner of Silver Sage Winery in


Oliver, opened three bed-and-breakfast luxury suites, each with a self-contained kitchen, in the large structure that serves as winery, tasting room and residence. On-site accommodations were not included in the original


plans of Manola and her late husband Victor. “I saw an opportunity. A number of people asked if we


had a B & B, which made me realize that the suites would be worth the investment,” Manola said. “Good-quality accommodations are needed in Oliver.” Manola is pleased with the initial response to the suites. Renovations at Silver Sage included an 80-seat banquet


room. Hester Creek and Burrowing Owl are other Oliver-area 26 SUSAN MCIVER


Comments by visitors helped Anna Manola, owner of Silver Sage Winery in Oliver, recognize the opportunity for high-quality on-site accommodations.


wineries with on-site accommodations. Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort and Spa in Osoyoos has


several luxury condominium-style villas and suites. A few kilometres north of Summerland’s business district,


Ada and Arjan Smits opened Windmill Bed and Break- fast in 2000. The previous year they had purchased an 8.5-acre parcel of land with 650 feet of water front on


British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Spring 2012


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