What do a one-armed gold miner, an honest politician, the world’s largest cherry pie and some of the best wines in the world have in common? OLIVER, BC Folklore has it that a one armed gold prospector named Reid discovered gold in this area, and the Town of Fairview ( located just outside what is now known as Oliver) became home to gold miners, ranchers and businessmen. Fairview was one of BC’s largest towns at the turn of the century. The gold rush died and, sadly, so did Fairview, with Oliver springing up in its wake. Following the First World War, BC’s premier, know as "Honest John Oliver" envisioned an irrigation canal, which would bring this dry Sonora Desert region to life. Completed in 1923, the "Ditch" soon transformed this desert region into lush orchards and farms. 
In 1990, Rotarians and Oliverites all pitched in to build the "WORLD’S LARGEST CHERRY PIE". On July 14th a pie weighing 37,740 lbs 10 oz, and 20 feet in diameter was baked and eaten by approximately 1500 people. The pie made it into the Guinness Book of World Records. Home to nine local wineries and many vineyards, Oliver calls itself "The Capital of Wine Country". Approximately 60% of the grapes grown in BC are grown in the Oliver area. The Festival of the Grape is fast becoming a ‘must attend’ during the Okanagan’s Fall Wine Festival. Oliver is also home to Fairview Mountain Golf Course. Built in 1925 and redesigned in 1990, this mountainside course is widely acclaimed as one of the best in the province. With distinctly different holes and constant elevation changes, this veritable oasis among the orchards is a challenge for any level golfer. Choose to golf on Fairview’s arid hillsides overlooking the valley or on Cherry Grove Golf Course, an in town course where you’ll find a tranquil orchard setting. Oliver is located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley – a fertile fruit-growing and wine-making region in BC’s dry interior. It is approximately 25 minutes north of the US border and 35 minutes south of Penticton. Desert to the south, lakes, mountains, vineyards and orchards surround the town and make this area one of the most picturesque places in the Okanagan. Rich in history, Oliver boasts a wonderful climate year round. The town averages 2,040 hours of sunshine per year with an average summer temperature of 29 C. Average temperature in winter is a balmy 0 C, making Oliver the new winter destination spot for snowbirds and skiers alike. Skiing is great on nearby Mt. Baldy. Downhill and nordic skiing, skidooing or tobogganing are all just a 45 minute drive away. 
Wine Festivals One of the best ways to experience BC wines is at one (or all) of the valley wine festivals. Oliver hosts the Festival of the Grape, which is held in the fall. This is an annual wine festival that will please newcomers to the world of wines as well as the connoisseurs. Winemakers from over 25 wineries will be showcased this year, along with a home winemaking competition as well as food sampling, a trade show and, of course, the ever-popular grape stomp competition. The Festival of the Grape is held outdoors under tents and takes place rain or shine. During the wine festivals, several of the wineries host dinners paired with their wines. For instance, at Gehringer Brothers you can sip from their cellars while dining on German cuisine with live entertainment. Jacques Winemaster’s Feast features a 5-course gourmet dinner that is complemented with an award-winning wine with each course. Sound like fun? You bet. Check out Okanagan Wine Festivals web site for more Wine Festival activaties in the area. Call Lee For More Free Info:1-250-497-7008 |