If you love bell towers, you have to visit Mission Hill Family Estate winery in West Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. It is home to the only known winery bell tower in the world and it is magnificent.
West Kelowna Wineries
Recently, Mission Hill Family Estate held a “Decade of Bells” celebration. Special events were planned at restaurants throughout BC, as well as onsite at the winery. The day at the winery saw live ice sculpturing, bell cookie decorating, rare vertical Icewine library tastings, and bottle signings with Winemaker John Simes. The day ended with a performance by handbell ringers and a celebratory presentation with Proprietor Anthony von Mandl.
It was a special day that seemed to have a storybook feel to it. When Anthony von Mandl ga
ve his presentation the snow started to fall and created a magical presence. It was very interesting to learn a bit more about the bells that I so often hear. The bells were handcrafted in France and listening to Anthony von Mandl tell the story of what the bells meant to him as a young boy growing up in Europe, you could not help but be entranced by the story. The bells hold a special meaning as each bell is dedicated to a family member. Every day the bells chime from a 12 story tower that adorns the hillside of Mt. Boucherie. It really is a must see stop in the Okanagan.
ve his presentation the snow started to fall and created a magical presence. It was very interesting to learn a bit more about the bells that I so often hear. The bells were handcrafted in France and listening to Anthony von Mandl tell the story of what the bells meant to him as a young boy growing up in Europe, you could not help but be entranced by the story. The bells hold a special meaning as each bell is dedicated to a family member. Every day the bells chime from a 12 story tower that adorns the hillside of Mt. Boucherie. It really is a must see stop in the Okanagan.It is hard to believe that it has been a decade since the bells sounded for the first time back on December 10, 2000. The wine industry in the Okanagan has come a long way since then. The grape harvest in the valley has doubled in size, the number of wineries has more than tripled, the local population has increased by nearly 20% and the tourist traffic in the valley totals over 1.2 million visitors annually.
Here’s to another decade of accomplishments. Congratulations to Mission Hill!
Some pictures of the celebration:
West Kelowna Wineries
Mission Hill Family Estate winery is part of the Westside Wine Trail in West Kelowna. In total there are nine wineries that can be found along the Westside Wine Trail. Mission Hill Family Estate is open year-round for tours and tastings.
Hope to see you soon! ~ Salina
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