chef allemeier "I have a kindred respect for our Valley ingredients-for their flavours and characteristics. Then it's about a light hand and a clean palate, and knowing exactly when to step out of the way."

MICHAEL ALLEMEIER'S GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS, WINE BARS & WINE COUNTRY TOURS IN THE CENTRAL OKANAGAN VALLEY

RESTAURANTS

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery:  The outdoor Terrace Restaurant, with panoramic views of Okanagan Lake, offers a full range of locally inspired dishes as well as more casual panini and salads. Open for lunch until October 9th, and dinner from June 17th through September 4th. Reservations: 250-768-6467. The Private Dining Experience caters custom-designed Chef's Menus to parties from 6 to over 200 in various locations around the winery including the dramatic Chagall Room, Courtyard, Loggia and Winery Theatre. For details contact Sally Sharpe, Manager of Hospitality, 250-768-6443 or ssharpe@missionhillwinery.com. Harvest Golf Club: One of the country's best golf courses takes its dining room seriously. The menu reflects commitment to land, sea and air and an eager sommelier assists choices from a smart wine list, humanely priced. The postcard view is free. 2725 KLO Rd., Kelowna, 250-862-3177, harvestgolf.com/dining.asp.

Bouchons: This bustling new bistro injects cosy French cooking into the growing Discovery Bay neighbourhood. An accessible but informed menu includes steak frites-a tender filet riding side-saddle with an admirable pepper sauce-or, when it gets warm, snappy salads and fish plates. Desserts border on French classics, wine list aussi. 1180 Sunset Dr., Kelowna, 250-763-6595. Fresco: Proprietors Audrey Surrao and chef Rodney Butters' warmly refurbed heritage space drives contemporary focus on seasonal ingredients. Don't miss his signatures of roasted Dungeness crab, oat-crusted Arctic char, double-chocolate mashed potato brioche or a Poplar Grove artisanal cheese plate. The wine list is an impressive array of domestic and imported wines, including some rare finds. 1560 Water St., Kelowna, 250-868-8805. WINE BARS Rest your feet at Vintropolis for contemporary tapas and a deep card featuring the valley's wines. 231 Bernard Ave., Kelowna, 250-762-7682.

WINE TOURS

Okanagan Wine Country Tours: Luxury, narrated tours to central valley wineries, conducted by industry expert Patti Tetreau and her team of experienced professionals. Customized tours available for groups. 250-868-9463, Toll Free 1-866-689-9463, okwinetours.com.