The Davieses bundled into a seven-seater hire car and off we set, over mountains where we were snowed upon, past Canada's only desert, and finally down into the lush valley of vineyards. We stopped off at our first winery before buying food or going to our holiday cottage, because that's how we do things in this family. No guesses for who the designated driver was.
We've been here a few days now and the area is rather fabulous. We're staying on the edge of a huge lake surrounded by vineyards, and the daily list of tastings does much to calm Grandpa's nerves on the slightly treacherous winding roads. When the sun comes out it's like Italy! When it rains, when it's free to taste, and when everyone's just so damn friendly, it's definitely Canada.
Up and over the mountains. That's real snow up there, and it fell on us as we drove.
Emily made the best of it.
That's a sign we like to see.
Before shelter and food: wine.
As the non-drinking family member, Pete demanded compensation in other ways.
He was quite interested in distilling, though.
Start with the Riesling or the Gewurtz? Tricky questions.
One day son, all this will be yours. If you buy a vineyard.
Contemplating the fantastic view.
But what's a big, flat lake for other than to skim stones across?
Proving that I'm just a chip off the old block. We have high hopes for Pete.
More view contemplation.
And some fishing.
Right! Back to the booze at Mission Hill Winery.
The designated driver, who is also the babysitter when someone is still sleeping when we get to the winery, returns.
Another view, just to illustrate how utterly amazing it is around here.
Emily's had a few...
...so decides to have a few more.
Grandma and Pete enjoy the sculptures.
Chateau le Davies.
