British Columbia: Okanagan Valley is Canada's new Napa Valley

A heady mix of snowcapped mountains, deep cobalt lakes, and fertile wine country, Canada's Okanagan Valley—five hours north of Spokane, Washington—has yet to be discovered by most Americans. But as area vineyards' crisp, fruity whites and big reds begin to rate high marks at global competitions, an influx of south-of-the-border wine buffs is sure to follow. Austin-Lehman outfitters will add a trip to the Okanagan in 2007, offering guests a chance to preview the wines of the region and sample the endless biking and hiking trails that crisscross its semiarid landscape—before the word gets out.

You'll cycle routes that trace the shore of 218-square-mile (565-square-kilometer) Okanagan Lake, ascend through high-altitude pine forests and granite tunnels, and end in vine-covered foothills dotted with wineries. Flexible schedule can be amped up to include 25-mile (40-kilometer) rides on the Trans-Canada Trail or long days of canoeing across the lake. But if you'd rather spend your hours relaxing, you can take an afternoon to taste the Pinot Noir at NK'Mip Cellars, North America's first aboriginal-owned-and-operated winery, or sip the award-winning pyramid-aged wines at Summerhill, Canada's largest certified organic vineyard. Cheers to Wine!

Vitals -

Length: Seven days

Price: $2,900

Departs: June through September



For more details - http://www.austinlehman.com