We’re at the Villa at Hester Creek Estate Winery in the Okanagan and as I step out onto the patio of  “La Sirena” the Villa’s executive suite, I’m taken aback by the sweeping panorama before me. Below us and to the left is the estate’s wine shop and the valley beyond is carpeted by vineyards of the famous Golden Mile and Black Sage Roads, the fertile land that stretches between Oliver and Osoyoos. Beyond the vineyards, a ridge of hills encloses the valley and in the distance, I spy the upper point of Lake Osoyoos. Not even 10 minutes after our arrival and we open a bottle of wine and settle into our lounge chairs, breathing in the landscape before us.

From the get-go, my companion and I agree that the mediterrannean-style Villa, with its six guest suites, is an ideal spot for a relaxing and romantic BC honeymoon or destination wedding. Each suite has a private patio that overlooks the valley and the rest of the Estate. Inside our suite are cosy furnishings to sink into and cocoon. The luxurious bathroom boasts a soaker tub, heated floors, and a separate glassed-in shower. If, for some reason, we wanted to watch TV, suites have high-definition flat screens. There is also complimentary wireless internet.

Hester Creek is optimally situated in the heart of The Golden Mile. They planted their first grapes in the late 1960s and were one of the first properties in BC to experiment with European grapes. In 2006, Rob Summers took over the reigns as winemaker, creating inventive blends and coaxing luscious varietals.

The Estate is currently in an exciting phase of growth and evolution. The Villa was completed in 2007 and now the winery offers several options for wedding ceremonies and receptions as well. A stretch of grass beside the Villa would suit a small wedding ceremony and also highlight the expansive valley view. Larger ceremonies would work well in the grassy amphitheatre-style space by the Wine Shop. This Summer, the Winery hosted a concert series at the amphitheatre; the July 30th inaugral show featured Vancouver mainstays The Grapes of Wrath.

The Wine Shop itself is large and, with product racks removed, is amenable to private receptions. Doors along the front side open onto the large, 92 seat patio to create an indoor/outdoor space.

The space also contains an open, professional kitchen for the Estate’s Chef Series where Okanagan chefs host group cooking class in the stainless steel, state-of-the art space. The resulting meals can be enjoyed around the large granite-topped island or in the Barrel Room, a private room with a medieval-sized wooden dining/conference table. Indulge on your honeymoon and ask the Estate to set up a private cooking class or treat your wedding party to a gourmet meal in-house.

One cannot visit Oliver without visiting a few of the area’s abundance of wineries. Our first stop was a winery in Oliver proper, Quinta Ferriera. A small establishment owned and operated by the portugese Ferriera family, it was first developed as a fruit orchard. After 20 years, they decided to try their hand at grape growing and wine making. Many of their wines have received awards and the estate seems to have a touch for creating pleasing and unique blends.

Along the Black Sage Road and Golden Mile, we tasted wines from Hester Creek’s neighbours: Gehringer Brothers, Tinhorn Creek {top}, and further south, Road 13 {above}. One evening, we treated ourselves to a culinary delight, dinner at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery’s bistro, The Sonora Room {below}.

Breakfasts {below} are complimentary at Hester Creek’s Villa and by no means do they disappoint. When the weather is warm, breakfast is served in a communal breezeway that looks over the valley but during our stay, the weather was overcast so we enjoyed breakfast indoors. One morning’s fare consisted of fluffy mini frittatas, while on our last morning we were presented with generously-portioned “souffle” french toast topped with melting brie and homemade cranberry compote.

After our last sumptuous breakfast, we take one last longing look over the valley from our suite’s patio; we’ll miss that sweeping view and the peacefulness we experienced over our stay.

We were encouraged not to leave the area without stopping in at the Oliver Bakery for their famous gigantic apple fritters. Gigantic indeed, the fritters are about the size of my head and one could easily be shared between two people. A quick dash across the street for coffee and we’re ready to head back to Vancouver.

Our stay at Hester Creek’s Villa was pleasant and restful, and undoubtedly an option for a rejuvenating, stress-free, romantic experience for two or an intimate nuptial celebration with family and friends. Spend your days tasting a few wines from the many wineries along The Golden Mile and Black Sage Road and pick up your favourites to enjoy back at The Villa. Or, just stay at the Villa for your entire visit and enjoy peace and privacy.

Hester Creek Estate is located just a few minutes from Oliver, BC. For destination weddings and receptions, or for more information on booking the Villa, contact Kathy Mercier, kathy@hestercreek.com, visit www.hestercreek.com, or call 1 866 498-4435.