So, we're on a pilgrimage.
It's not too onerous nor too religious.
But, it's a pilgrimage nonetheless with a one-kilometre light hike, some wine, a panoramic view and a finale to test the new food and wine offerings at Blasted Church Winery in Okanagan Falls.
In keeping with all the ecclesiastical puns associated with the Blasted Church name, this vineyard romp and lunch is called 'the menu revelation'.
The winery at 378 Parsons Rd. got its name from the 1929 light 'blasting' of a church at an abandoned mining camp with four sticks of dynamite to loosen the nails so it could be taken apart easily and reassembled in Okanagan Falls.
The church blasting was the idea of surveyor Harley Hatfield, who has an aromatic white blend wine named after him -- Hatfield's Fuse.
It's the welcome drink Blasted Church general manager Sheila Whittaker pours for us to take on the pilgrimage.
The pilgrimage is self-guided, so follow the instructions on the sign just outside the tasting room.
It urges you to keep your dog on a leash, not to litter, not to swim in the pool and to taketh only photos and memories.
Then it's down the steps to the pool you can't swim in and through the Merlot vineyard marked with the 'This is the way' sign featuring God literally pointing the way.
Down the slope and soon enough your at the 'Holy Moly' plaque describing how you are at the edge of the Skaha Bench grape growing and winemaking region.
There's a park bench on the bench to sit, sip your wine and admire the 180-degree view of Okanagan Lake below.
Our glasses now empty, Whittaker magically appears to with some crisp and flavourful 2024 Pinot Gris for the walk back.
The return stroll to the winery building leads us to meet up with Blasted Church's chef John Burke.
He's prepared an array of the dishes on the new spring-summer-fall 2026 menu.
"They are easy to serve and share and enjoy," said Burke.
"It's about honest flavours and simple and humble foods that work well with Blasted Church wines."
Burke is absolutely right.
The feta dip is an enlightened pairing with the elegantly oaked 2023 Swear to God Chardonnay.
The charcuterie that comes in a pizza box for easy eat-in or take-out is delicious alongside the 2023 Syrah, which has a label featuring an illustration of a female pope and angel.
Fromage Fridays means once-a-week there's a cheese-centric dish.
Today it's cheesy gnocchi with the soft-and-supple 2020 Merlot from the Renaissance Series.
Burke also has to show off his fully 'blessed' all-dressed haute dogs (hot dogs) that will be grilled up poolside once a month.
The dog with crispy onion's and his grandmother's recipe mustard pairs nicely with the 2022 Cabernet Franc, also in the Renaissance Series.
Finish sweet with a chocolate truffle paired with the port-style Amen from the Small Blessing Series.
Speaking of the aforementioned pool, it will be the gathering spot for Blasted Church's free Divine Summer Revelry party on July 2, noon to 7 pm, with live music and wine and barbecue food for purchase.
Blasted Church is open 10 am to 5 pm daily.
You can just drop in or reservations are encouraged at https://blastedchurch.com/
Spring wine fest
Today through the Mother's Day weekend, May 9 and 10, is the Spring Okanagan Wine Festival.
The fest kicks off tonight with the BC Wine Awards Celebration, 7:30 to 9:30 pm, at Manteo Resort in Kelowna.
Tickets are $55 at https://www.
Other events include the Spring Invitational Wine Competition Saturday at Okanagan Golf Club, Monet Meets Merlot, also Saturday, at Wild Goose Vineyards in Okanagan Falls, OC Cultivates on May 7 at Okanagan College Kelowna and a bunch of brunch, lunch and tastings throughout the Mother's Day weekend.
All the details at https://www.
Steve MacNaull is a NowMedia Group reporter, Okanagan wine lover and Canadian Wine Scholar. Reach him at [email protected]. His wine column appears every Friday afternoon in this space.
