Mounted wine tours are now a thing in Keremeos
Some of the guests at Similkameen wineries have been arriving via horseback.
Equine and Wine is a new service being offered out of Keremeos by Kim and Steve Thomas. Last summer they tested out the idea of horseback wine tours themselves, and got enough positive feedback to run with this year.
Their route takes riders along hayfields and orchards, through the valley’s desert ecosystem surrounded by mountains and lots of sagebrush.
“And we do go through some of the vineyards,” Kim said. “We ride right along the vines so guests can actually see right where the grapes are grown.”
Each 4.5-hour tour begins at the Grist Mill where riders can start the day with a cup of coffee and a pastry. Then it’s time to saddle up and take a trail to Robin Ridge Winery.
“The tour skirts along their vineyard and then we head to Corcelettes (Estate Winery).”
Next is another tasting at Hugging Tree Winery before lunch at the Farm Store.
“Then it’s a bit of a longer ride to Orofino Winery. And our last stop is Crowsnest Vineyards.”
Some of the vineyards collect rainwater in barrels for the horses, and the Thomas’ are looking at installing hitching posts at each of the stops.
The intro rate for Esquine and Wine is $300 per person. Tours as large as four people can be accommodated.
To get in touch about booking a tour, contact the Thomas’ by phone 250-499-9523 or equinesandwine@hotmail.com.
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