Lake Country Agriculture Circle Tour

Lake Country’s bountiful hills and fields have been delighting our visitors for generations. We have orchards, vineyards, berries, fresh veggies and more -- including alpacas and a truffiere! You are invited to experience them on this tour of our sprawling back roads and enchanting vistas. (See the 2010 Lake Country Community Guide agtourmap10.pdf with the following attractions.)

1. Gatzke's Farm Market  5686 Highway 97, Lake Country

A 3rd generation family-operated farm and agricultural paradise located in the pristine landscape of Oyama, mid-way between Vernon and Kelowna. Alan and Ingrid Gatzke continue the award-winning fruit growing legacy Alan's grandfather started more than 65 years ago, producing more than 50 varieties of tree fruits. Gatzke Farm Markets has a new outdoor event venue and covered Bowery for any occasion. Weddings, functions and community events will be the focus of this great addition. The licensed restaurant and patio, farm market, fruitstand, bakery, retail shop and accommodation make it the destination for both locals and tourists. Come discover the rich agricultural history of the Okanagan and experience an old fashioned country market.  Phone 250-548-3444.

2. Oyama Lake Alpaca Farm, 5561 Oyama Lake Road

A picturesque working alpaca farm offers a memorable experience with guided tours, by appointment, for families and groups. Demos of spinning & weaving, videos, and browsing in the 'Alpaca Delights' Gift Gallery with a variety of fashionable and functional clothing and accessories.

3. Trufficulture. 13991 Middlebench Road

The premier Canadian producer and distributor of truffle-inoculated trees, TruffiCulture provides various combinations of trees and truffle species. They can also import seasonal fresh truffles to major cities in Canada while waiting for the truffle trees to produce their very own truffles here in the Okanagan. Phone ahead (250-548-0020 or 250-558-9118) for a tour of the Truffiere or stay onsite at the Guest House, with great lake, orchard and mountain views. 

4. Gambell Farms Market, 12133 Okanagan Centre Road East

The Gambell family has been growing and selling fruit and vegetables at this family market for more than 40 years. The growing market offers a wide variety of delectable Okanagan fruit plus summer vegetables. Phone 250-766-4036. Open 9-5 daily, except Sunday 10-5, during the season. 

5. Petals and Leaves Garden Centre  2274 Goldie Road

A 10 acre garden and fresh farm produce centre that features perennials and annuals, hanging baskets and planted containers, fresh farm produce and local preserves. Phone 250-766-4624.

6. Brenda Wendell Orchards, 14451 Carr’s Landing Road

A family-operated orchard selling homegrown fruit and berries at farm-gate prices throughout the season. Five varieties of apples (August through October) and six varieties of peaches (late July to mid-September), plus plums (early August to mid-September) and blackberries (late July to early October) grow fat and juicy in this lakeside climate. For visitors coming directly from Hwy 97, turn east onto Oceola Road (at Tim Horton’s) and then north onto Carr’s Landing Road. Watch for the roadside market about 3.8 km (2.4 miles) along Carr’s Landing Road. Phone 250-766-0494.

7. Gray Monk Estate Winery, 1055 Camp Rd

Established in 1972, Gray Monk Estate Winery now works more than fifty acres of lush vineyards that overlook Lake Okanagan, which produce some of the world's finest wines.

Along with award-winning VQA wine, Gray Monk features a wine and gift shop, fine-dining restaurant, and hourly wine tours April through October. Phone 250-766-3168.

8. Arrowleaf Cellars, 1574 Camp Rd

A family-owned and operated winery specializing in making small-lot, cool-climate wines from the airy north. The rewards are crisp, aromatic whites and elegant, flavourful reds. Arrowleaf offers daily tastings in their wine shop which is open from the long May weekend to Thanksgiving. Phone 250-766-2992.

9. Iroquois Farms, 10527 Okanagan Centre Rd. E

An old-fashioned cherry orchard operated by the Richardson family. Visitors can choose from eight varieties of sweet cherries; they can purchase already picked, in bulk, or pick themselves. Phone 250-766-3381.

10. The Jammery, 8038 Hwy. 97 North

The Jammery offers a well-rounded agricultural experience with local BC fruit as the main ingredient in everything we do.  Visitors can watch jam being made, taste it in our gift shop, and eat it in the delightful restaurant! Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea are served every day. Located on Hwy. 97 just a few minutes south of Lake Country. Open every day: summer hours are 8 am – 5 pm and winter, 8 am – 4 pm. Ph 250-766-1139; toll free 877-775-5267.

And beyond the tour...

In addition to the tour, agriculture enthusiasts in Lake Country can enjoy the Lake Country Farmer’s Market every Friday afternoon, from June 4 to Sept. 24, 2010. Hours are 3-7 pm and the market is located at Swalwell Park, near to the Main Street North shopping district. As well as fresh produce, the market also features craftspeople, food vendors, and local entertainers.

Guido Orchards is a long established family run orchard beautifully set in Oyama. Phone 250-548-4151.
Ex Nihilo Wines is Lake Country's newest winery, with a grand opening in May 2010.  Phone 250-766-5522.