-'It's about time we Canadians realize how good we are at making wine'-

OSOYOOS TIMES-January 30, 2008-

By Chad IngramrnOsoyoos Times

The wine from Nk'Mip Cellars will soon be among those served to dignitaries at the Governor General's residence in Ottawa.
When Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean made her first official visit to the Okanagan Valley last week, it was to meet with members of the wine industry in search of new vintages for the wine cellar at Rideau Hall. The Governor General's residence acts as a showcase for Canadian wines, where they are served to world leaders and other political figures.
Jean, along with husband Jean-Daniel Lafond, visited the Nk'Mip resort and winery on Jan. 22, getting a taste of not only the wine, but of Nk'Mip culture as well. They were given a tour of the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre by Osoyoos Indian Band Councillor Charlotte Sanders and treated to a traditional musical performance. Jean was also presented with a gift by band Chief Clarence Louie “ a framed feather, intricately painted by a band member.
The Governor General also took in a presentation and a short filmon Nk'Mip art, history and culture.
I find it very interesting when First Nations communities make the effort to reconnect to their history and memory, Jean told reporters at a brief press conference. It's a way of regaining self-confidence and strength.
Jean also seemed particularly impressed with the Nk'Mip resort, which is home to the only native-owned and operated winery in the country and is part of a series of successful businesses managed by the band.
What is happening here seems to be quite promising and positive, she said. I think they're really setting an example.
Jean's husband is involved with vineyards in Ontario's Niagara region and the Governor General said the country should be drawing more attention to its growing wine culture.
It's about time we Canadians realize how good we are at making wine, she said.
Jay Wright, president of Nk'Mip's partner company Vincor, was also on hand to welcome Jean to Osoyoos. Wright said he'd had lunch with her and her husband and was thrilled to discover they were such wine connoisseurs.
It's to have a recognition of culture, he said of their visit. If they can bring more attention to what is a blossoming and thriving industry, that's excellent. They serve exclusively Canadian wines at Rideau Hall, you know.
Jean's first official trip to the Okanagan was also her first ever visit to the valley. The trip was one that had been recommended to her by Penticton-Okanagan MLA and Speaker of the B.C. Legislature Bill Barisoff when she was first appointed to her position.
When I came to B.C. on my first official visit, the speaker said 'you have to come to the valley and see it,' she said, adding that she found the region to be majestic in its beauty.
There's something very strong and very powerful in this landscape.
Last Tuesday's visit to the Nk'Mip resort brought to an end Jean's five-day tour of the Okanagan and its wineries. On Wednesday she headed to Vancouver to attend a conference on urban issues.