The 2009 CFA Semi Annual meeting adjourned at 2 pm on Thursday to allow delegates from across Canada an opportunity to relax by the pool, take in a boat cruise or visit some of the local wineries and vineyards.
Since APAS' Communications Consultant, Aj Thakker, is fanatical about BC wine (spelled 'alcoholic') and spent a portion of his career working in the Okanagan wine industry; APAS Executive and staff had access to three unique wineries and spent significant time with the winemakers and proprietors learning about their specific operations and issues.
Kalala Estate Winery's Proprietor and Okanagan organic viticulture specialist, Karnial Singh Sidhu explained organic production advantages and his philosophy of minimal intervention winemaking to the APAS group.
Greg and Edie Marshall learned about the concept of Terroir - which loosely consists of the site - or region - specific characteristics of a wine.
Mount Boucherie's winemaker explains how the Okanagan's 'fruit forward' white wines are initally femented in stainless steel tanks and then some are tranferred to oak barrels for finishing (eg: a Chardonnay).
APAS GM Nial Kuyek politely grimaces after tasting the intensely flavoured - but far from sweet - Merlot grapes that grow directly behind Quails Gate Estate Winery
APAS President, Greg Marshall enjoys the warm weather as the APAS group stops at Quails Gate Estate Winery for a tasting.
Vice President Don Connick and his wife Norma were especially intrigued by many of Karnail's organic fertilizer solutions and spent time wandering thought the vineyards with Karrnail while the rest of the APAS team sampled Kalala's excellent wines.
The evening ended on the patio of the well known Minstral Cafe, located in the Mission Area of Kelowna; where everyone relaxed, enjoyed local cuisine and music and met new friends.