A Taste of the Okanagan

April 19-22, 2012
Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa
Osoyoos, BC

PLATINUM ITINERARY *$699 per person

Friday, April 20, 2012

Morning

• Private visit to Tinhorn Creek Vineyard with award-winning winemaker CEO Sandra Oldfield.

Afternoon

• Enjoy the panoramic view of the Okanagan valley over an exclusive,  wine-paired, three-course luncheon prepared by award-winning chef Jeff van Geest at the Miradoro at Tinhorn Creek, named “One of the World’s Best Winery Restaurants” by Wine Access Magazine.

GOLD ITINERARY BEGINS HERE *$599 per person

Evening

• Relax with a glass of a BC VQA sparkling wine and be enchanted by a special First Nations Welcome Ceremony.
• Followed by a superb  group of tastings of BC VQA wines paired with international and local cheeses. Guided by The Sun’s wine expert Anthony Gismondi, and by cheese authority Allison Spurrell.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Morning

• Join Nk’Mip Cellars celebrated winemaker Randy Picton who will guide you through the subtleties of his wines in another exclusive tasting experience.

Afternoon

• Learn as you enjoy the cheese pairings of Allison Spurrell in a delicious seminar.
•  Share in Anthony Gismondi’s enthusiasm for wine in a just-for-you tasting seminar featuring six BC VQA wines.

Evening

Gala Dinner and Wine Pairing

• Savour this memorable evening of wine and food with a menu created by celebrity chef Ned Bell and wine selections by Anthony Gismondi. Mingle with Okanagan winery VIPs at the reception and at the table.

Ticket information here

Imagine arriving to a luxurious, rustic waterfront cabin-a real wood-burning fireplace is stacked and waiting to be ignited, a bottle of bubbly sits on a bed of ice alongside a fruit and cheese platter while a dozen long-stemmed roses aromatize the room.

The final touches are a souvenir bottle from Domaine De Chaberton, a gift-wrapped box of handmade chocolates and a welcome card containing  $50  worth of ‘Romance Rewards’  to be used at River’s Edge Restaurant.

The Valentines Weekend Getaway Package runs from Thursday, February 9^th to Sunday, February 19. At an all inclusive price, Cedarview rooms at the Inn are $250, Riverview rooms are $275 and the cabins are only $350 per couple.

For guests that are staying at the Inn, a complimentary, Valentines-themed breakfast will be served at the Solarium, and for cabin guests breakfast is delivered right to each guest’s doorstep.

However, there is so much more to see and sweethearts can keep on Valentining by adding a variety of experiences to their overnight stay in-cabin massage treatments, Afternoon Tea at the best prices in the province, golfing at Sandpiper Golf Resort, winter adventures at Hemlock Valley Resort, private wine tastings and cooking classes. Customized to suit each guest’s individual taste and budget, tastings range from $30-125 per person and the cooking classes are between $125 and $500.

At Rowena’s Inn on the River, indulgence is a way of life. Secluded on a lush 160-acre estate, Rowena’s evokes an atmosphere of understated elegance. The rooms feature waterfront and garden views, and sumptuous king-size beds, dressed in deluxe duvets, feather pillows and crisp linens.

Large windows bathe the European-infused elegance in natural light and the furniture exemplifies a timeless stylishness. The cabins have heated-slated floors, deep-soaker jacuzzi tubs for two, glassed-in showers and wood-burning handcrafted river-rock fireplaces.

Rowena’s outstanding personalized service and attention to detail has become an unquestioned hallmark of Pretty Estates Resort.

By car, Rowena’s Inn on the River is only 1.5 hours east of Vancouver and 35 minutes north of Abbotsford. Complete with its own 2100 ft air strip, Rowena’s Inn on the River is a 20-30 minute flight from downtown Vancouver.  To learn more about Pretty Estates Resort, visit www.prettyestatesresort.com or follow us on Twitter at @RowenasInn.  Pretty Estates Resort- You’re unique. Your escape should be too.

Expect More Than Chocolates and Champagne this Valentine’s Day at Big White Ski Resort and Silver Star Mountain Resort

Valentine’s Day is more than chocolates and champagne at Big White Ski Resort and Silver Star Mountain Resort. Both mountains have their Cupid bows out targeting winter enthusiasts looking for love or wanting to celebrate it. Here is what’s going on at these two award-winning resorts:

Chair Lift Speed Dating at Big White (February 12) and Silver Star (February 14)

Skiers and boarders riding the Bullet chair lift at Big White, and Summit chair at Silver Star will get the chance to meet the love of their ride this February. Winter enthusiasts will be matched with like-minded skiers and boarders on the chair lifts and if they’re compatible by the time they reach the top, then maybe they’ll head to Snowshoe Sam’s (Big White) or The Saloon (Silver Star) for some après action.

Courting by Colour – Big White

If the chair lift doesn’t work out, guests can head to the Traffic Light Party at Happy Valley where they can “look” for a mate.  Guests need to be careful with what they wear – it could have a coded message.  Red = Romantically Involved, Yellow = “It’s complicated” and Green means GO (single and looking). A DJ will be on hand with loads of prizes just waiting to be won.

Privacy on the Piste – Big White

This February 14 take your love for a ride. Lovers looking to take their romance to new heights might want to think about booking a Private Champagne Gondola ride for two. Guests will enjoy a luxurious round trip in Big White’s decorated Gondola carriage complete with candles, romantic music and a glass of champagne with chocolate covered strawberries. This romantic ride will be free of charge to those dining at Kettle Valley, where the Executive Chef Bryce Broadhurst has prepared a delectable dinner with a wine pairing option.  Or, for something more casual, the Moose Lounge is putting on a chocolate buffet for only $10. For more details email: activities@bigwhite.com or call (250) 491-6111.

Sweetheart’s Snowshoe Tour – Silver Star

Make Feb 14 a night of adventure, romance and fun. Snowshoe by starlight and snowflakes through Silver Star’s magical wilderness to the Wild Horseman’s Cabin for a romantic and decadent chocolate fondue. Return by horse drawn sleigh to finish off the evening. Pricing starts at $140 per couple. For more information please call the Village Ski Shop at (250) 558-4292.

Love for Less – Silver Star

Stay in a studio suite at the FireLight or Snowbird Lodge for as little as $109 per night, Feb 12 to 14. To add to the deal, the resort will be featuring two for one deals on tubing and ice skating on Valentine’s Day. At the Silver Grill, dine on a lavish four-course meal: choices include duck confit spring rolls, tuna loin, braised lamb, salmon and steak – for $49 per person. So there’s no need to break the bank or anyone’s heart this Valentine’s.

Dinner by Snowcat or Sleigh Ride? – Silver Star

Take the Paradise Express Snowcat up to Paradise Camp for a romantic four-course Valentine’s dinner. With its warm and charming ambience it offers a unique dining experience all for $45 per person. If guests want a four-legged option, they can sleigh ride to the Wild Horseman’s Cabin for a two-course hearty dinner priced at $59 per person. Contact the info desk to book on (250) 558-6019 or email infodesk@skisilverstar.com.

Located in the picturesque Okanagan Valley and about an hour from Kelowna International Airport, the award-winning Big White and Silver Star Ski Resorts are blessed with sunny weather, dry powder and a mild average temperature. Known as family friendly resorts where kids and adults can all have fun. For more information, visit www.bigwhite.com or call 1-800-663-2772, and www.skisilverstar.com or call 1-800-663-4431 for reservations and bookings.

Romantic Retreats for only $245 p/p*

Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable by booking a BC Ferries Vacations™ getaway. Book a romantic retreat for two during the month of February and choose from a variety of packages designed with relaxation and romance in mind. Packages include return ferry, hotel and more.

• Victoria, Parkside Resort & Spa 2 nights plus $200 spa credit
• Vancouver, Sheraton Wall Centre, 2 nights plus breakfast in bed, in-room movies and late check-out
• Parksville, Beach Club Resort  1 night plus $100 dining credit and turndown service with sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries
• Brentwood Bay Resort, 2 nights plus a split of BC wine with chocolate truffles

Book now

START THE NEW YEAR OFF FRESH AT MARKET

*Discount does not apply to alcoholic beverages

DINEOUT VANCOUVER

Dineout Vancouver 2012 is almost upon us! From January 20th – February 5th the team at MARKET by Jean-Georges will be celebrating Dineout by offering a flavourful 3 course menufor $38 CAD. Dineout reservations can be made at 604-695-1115.

THE NEW WINTER MENU

Join us at MARKET on January 16th as Executive Chef Wayne Harris and his culinary team turn back the clock with the newly revamped Winter Menu! Featuring a series of classic Jean-Georges dishes from menus past, the Winter Menu will be sure to leave you with a warm feeling of nostalgia. Stay tuned to ourFacebook andTwitter pages as we preview dishes from the Winter Menu in the coming week.

Reservations can be made at -
(604) 695-1115 ormarketbyjg.slv@shangri-la.com

BEST WINE PRICES IN TOWN

Sommelier David Tremblay has been hard at work perfecting the new MARKETWine List and has come up with his masterpiece. Carefully selected wines from all over the world make up the most competitively priced Wine List you will find in the city. The perfect fit for every budget and taste.

BC Wine School is now part of Vinoscenti.

For more information www.vinoscenti.ca

BC Wine School Team
101-1220 West 6th Avenue – Vancouver BC V6H 1A5
info@bcwineschool.com or 604.684.6000

Rooms from $99/night + Early Booking Dining Credit!

Make a booking before January 12 for a stay prior to, and including, March 2, 2012 and receive the sale rates listed below AND you will also receive a dining credit for use during your stay. The earlier you book, the larger the credit… receive a one time dining credit of up to $69!

A minimum two night stay is required and these rates are available all week excluding Saturday nights.

This offer is currently exclusive to our E-Newsletter subscribers and will not be advertised to the general public prior Thursday January 5, 2012… so act today for best selection of room type and date availability!

Early Booking Bonus… Dining Credit

As an incentive to book early, Perry is offering a dining credit for use during your stay for all bookings received prior to January 12…

the earlier you book, the larger the dining credit!

The Fine Print…

• Offer valid for travel to and including March 2, 2012
• Offer available Sunday thru Friday nights only (not available Saturday nights)
• Minimum 2 night stay required
• Based on single or double occupancy
• Dining Credit is per stay, has no cash value and must be used during the booked stay
• Offer may end at any time, act now to ensure availability
• Based on availability
• New bookings only
• Cannot be combined with any other offer

The Holidays were a blast and New Years was a bash, but, now it is time to cinch the belt and get back to the routine. Start 2012 off by experiencing one of the Oswego Meetings Packages.

Whether 5 or 20 of your co-workers want to meet and hash-out 2012′s plan, we have the perfect package for you starting at $29/person.

Check out our Packages\

A Resolution: A Salad

 We are all victims of the December Diet. That’s why January is the perfect month to indulge in one of our decadent healthy salads:

 Marinated Beet and Goat Cheese Terrine

 Artisan Green Salad

 Tuna Niscoise

  Walk or Run down to the Bistro, then reward yourself with a deceptively nutritious lunch.

 Check out our bistro lunch menu

Breakfast 7:00am – 10:00am
Lunch 11:30am – 1:30pm
Dinner: 5:00pm – 9:00pm 

Clean the World

Finally, after months of searching for the perfect solution, we now have an environmentally and ethically conscience way to dispose our guest amenities.

Clean the World will take the half-used shampoos, conditioners, and soaps left by guests and deliver them to villages in developing nations where disease is thriving.

Check out this Exceptional Charity

Snowbirds: Its Still Winter!

Even though December is just behind us, that doesn’t mean that the Eastern Freeze is over. Get out of the snow, and into a one-bedroom luxury suite at the Oswego.

Stay 4 weeks, receive the 4th week free.

Check out our Long Stay Package

500 Oswego Street, Victoria, BC, V8V 5C1 | 250.294.7500 | 1.877.767.9346 | oswegovictoria.com

Read More >>

January 20th – February 5th
$28 per person (excludes tax and gratuity)

WINE SEMINAR | SOULFUL REDS
Escape the cold outside and come taste some of Italy’s most exciting red wines. In a night dedicated to warming your soul, sommelier Jill Spoor will help you explore the distinctiveness of Italy’s different wine regions, with food pairings to complete the experience. Space is limited for this intimate dining experience so reserve early to avoid disappointment

Read More >>

January 17th, 7:00pm
$55 per person (includes HST)

Click Here For Reservations >>

WARM UP WITH AFTERNOON TEA
Warm up this winter with Afternoon Tea in the Lobby Lounge. Enjoy a seat by the fireplace or in our elegant terrace while you sip and savour a modern twist on this classic experience. Every day, between 2 and 4pm, enjoy a luxurious selection of loose leaf teas accompanied by decadent sushi style and classic style sandwiches and pastries.

Read More >>

RELAX. RESTORE. REJUVENATE
This January, recover from the holiday season with our detoxifying treatments and take the chill out of winter with our thermal body care. Try out our Power of the Sea Thalasso Detox body treatment during January for a special limited time price of only $189 (regularly $219) and immerse in a body wrap rich in minerals, followed by a luxurious application of Marine Firming Body Crème. Be sure to leave enough time to relax in our new Infrared Sauna to warm up and enjoy its detoxifying benefits.

Read More >>

Considered by many to be the most auspicious year on the Chinese calendar, the Year of the Dragon will be ushered in with appropriate style at The Pacific Restaurant, with an menu rich in lucky symbolism, a lion dance celebration and the introduction of some delicious new menu items.

Wealthy, powerful and held in high esteem, those born in the year of the dragon are considered extremely fortunate in Chinese culture. However, the Pacific’s three-course Chinese New Year menu, available during dinner from January 23 – 29, aims to give everyone a joyous and lucky start to the Year of the Dragon. Priced at $38.88 per person, diners can choose to add on specially chosen tea pairings for an additional $8.88, or wine pairings for $28.88. The menu is as follows:

Scallop Tofu Croquette

XO Sauce and Rice Crackers

Wine Pairing: Road 13 Chenin Blanc

Tea Pairing: Silk Road Dragon Tears

~

Tea Smoked Duck Leg

Mandarin Orange infused Shao Shing Wine Sauce

Crushed Taro Root with Chinese Ham

Wine Pairing: Mission Hill Five Vineyards Pinot Noir

Tea Pairing: Silk Road Imperial Mandarin

or

Pan Fried Ling Cod, Prawn filled Shitake Mushroom

Crab and Egg White Sauce

Eight Treasure Sticky Rice

Wine Pairing: Sandhill Viognier

Tea Pairing: Silk Road Imperial Mandarin

~

Honey Pomelo Tea, Banana Filled Sweet Pastry Globe

Wine Pairing: Sea Cider Pomona

Not only has the menu been designed by Hotel Grand Pacific‘s Executive Chef Rick Choy to taste delicious, the dishes are packed with important cultural symbolism to ensure that diners start off the new year on the right foot. For example, duck represents fidelity and the red colour of the dish is also considered lucky. Pomelo, a giant relative of the grapefruit, is a symbol of abundance as the Chinese word for the fruit sounds like “to have.” Round shapes, whether they be croquettes, steamed rice cakes or pastries represent bringing family together. Fish serves as another symbol of prosperity as the Chinese word sounds a lot like the one for “riches,” and it is believed that eating it during Chinese New Year will make your dreams come true throughout the rest of the year.

In addition to the Chinese New Year menu, a lion dance performance will take place at the restaurant on Friday, January 27, adding to the celebrations. The hotel will also introduce a special-edition Chinese New Year cookie, available through the Courtyard Café, located at street-level, opening onto Belleville Street.

The Pacific will also use the dawn of a new year to introduce some changes to the weekend dim sum menu. The restaurant will re-launch the eight-dish menu with three new dishes replacing former options, along with eight tea choices, available year-round from 11:30am – 3:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The Ocean Wise dim sum program, the only one of its kind in Western Canada, has become a favourite with visitors and locals since it was introduced in 2006. More information on the dim sum program, including a video, can be found online here.

Reservations for both the Chinese New Year menu and weekend dim sum can be made by calling 250.380.4458.

The Hotel Grand Pacific offers guests what they want, where they want it. Conveniently located on the Inner Harbour in downtown Victoria, it is the perfect choice for the lifestyle traveller seeking an alternative from the traditional branded hotel stay. With 304 spacious guestrooms and suites, the Hotel Grand Pacific is renowned for delivering an exceptional and personalized guest service experience. With a focus on health and wellness, the hotel offers complimentary access to the Victoria Athletic Club, located on-site. Relax at the spa or dine at the all-day Pacific Restaurant or The Mark, an award-winning fine dining restaurant. The Hotel Grand Pacific is a proud member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.