CCCTA/Jesse Madden
Agritourism
R
anchers, farmers and specialty producers love to share the art, science and hard work that goes into raising livestock and growing crops in this region. Raising cattle, bison, sheep, llamas, alpacas and growing crops is a sacred trust here. Though not a major wine region, the fertile soil and warm climate of the south Cariboo creates perfect growing conditions for distinctively flavoured grapes, with two wineries to tempt the palate. The vines at the Fort Berens Estate Winery in Lillooet dig deep into soil enriched by 150 years of melon, tomato and alfalfa. This winery currently produces a wonderful selection of award-winning wines. The Bonaparte Bend Winery in Cache Creek, located on a ranch founded by a young Irishman in 1862, produces aromatic fruit wines. Eating locally grown and raised food is important to our health and well-being, especially when traveling. Community partners in the region have developed Marketplace BC, a consortium that has launched a new website (see page 110) which is growing in development and will help you find local products to purchase, as well as Bed & Bale offerings for visitors traveling with horses. Tour an organic north Cariboo farm to experience the sweet culinary taste of
birch syrup tapped fresh from the tree! In the Chilcotin River Valley, overnight on a 1,600hec/3,954ac spread producing organic produce and grass-fed meats from the ranch’s own abattoir. In late August, foodies line up for garlic poutine, panini, gyoza, fritters, live music and fun at Lac la Hache’s South Cariboo Garlic Festival.
Other operators around the region, including Bed & Breakfasts, open their barn doors so visitors can study the fine art of “farming with the season” while sampling and purchasing local delicacies. Some also offer “Bed and Bale” if travelling with your equine companions. ◆
Sample regional tastes at agricultural fairs and farmers’ markets. At Quesnel’s Fall Fair the atmosphere is entertaining; be warned, the chili and beer-can chicken competitions are fierce. At Williams Lake’s Harvest Fair, they say “If you eat, you’re involved in agriculture”. Food contests, a pet parade and stockdog demonstrations are some of the family events. Many local fairs also showcase youth 4-H competitions highlighting the importance, and rewards, of raising livestock, growing crops and acquiring life skills. The 4-H motto ‘learn to do by doing’ is an integral part of life.
Lillooet
Weekly Farmers’ Markets abound in most communities here, often offering local arts and crafts. In Bella Coola for example, visitors mingle with locals, stock up on fresh produce and sample regional specialties such as honey, giant prawns, Dungeness crab and salmon. Gourmands should keep their eyes peeled for farmgate offerings of sweet Walla Walla onions; tangy Russian red garlic and sunloving Kentucky wonder yellow beans.
Fort Berens ESTATE WINERY
Award winning VQA wines Tasting room open daily www.fortberens.ca LILLOOET’S FIRST WINERY
1-800-663-5885
| www.landwithoutlimits.com
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