In Focus | Sherry Cote of Heart and Sol Tours

Sherry Cote is a strong believer in BC and, especially, Kelowna. She has been focused on tourism and working to have Kelowna recognized as a world-class destination for many years. With such exciting innovations as the 'Bed & BBQ' concept at 'A Vista Villa', she is always coming up with ideas to further Kelowna's tourism industry and serve local interests. One of these great ideas is the first annual Charity Tour donated by her other company Heart and Sol Tours. It is an exquisite Mother's Day tour exclusively designed to pamper Mom this coming Sunday. It includes, among many things, kangaroo petting, winery tour, organic lunch in a panoramic setting and a lake cruise! (Full details in the general comments below). And, best of all, the proceeds will go to the Kelowna Women's Shelter; so you and Mom can enjoy the luxury guilt-free, knowing you are helping a worthy cause. Space is limited so book today and find out more with Sherry and Heart and Sol Tours: In Focus.

What do you always find yourself saying?
If it is to be, it is up to me and I choose to autograph everything I do with integrity and my very best effort

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My only child and son Jesse. He is a solid and grounded young man who is an inspiration to me and I am always amazed at how grounded and common-sensical he is. In this busy world and the lives that we both lead, it is very difficult to get together for a meal with him, an entire day would be such an amazing gift!

If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
I was nominated for the 1995 Canadian Woman Entrepreneur Award for my positive impact on the local economy through the business workshops and seminars I delivered. Now, if I were to be nominated for a public award, I would like it to be "Discerning Woman of Kelowna" because of my integrity, genuine interest in creating the most memorable experience for my guests both at the Villa and on my Tours. In addition, to be recognized as someone who puts their "Heart & Sol" into everything I do and my resulting sense of community.

Who inspires you?
I am inspired by those around me who are less fortunate and have pulled through tough times. Be it from illness, financial ruin or mental or physical abuse. People that have risen up from their tragedies inspire me to be the best I can be.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
My bucket list include becoming a grand-mother while I can still enjoy them (are you listening to this Jesse???), getting to Paris for my 60th birthday (this year I am proud to say!), and seeing Shania Twain live in concert.

If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
"The Mystic Sea".

If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
Sunday, May 12, with an overflowing busload of guests coming on our Charity Tour to benefit the Kelowna Women's Shelter. At the end of the day, everyone had an amazing time, vows to come along again next year and I am able to hand over a sizable cheque to Kathleen at the shelter!

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about life itself, the Villa and Tour businesses that I own fill a great part of it. My past guests will attest to the fact that I go above and beyond to ensure their comfort and good time and that I seek ways to exceed their expectations at every turn. I ensure that I live up to my slogan "favor us with your reservations, then get ready to be pampered!".

What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
The day I became a mother.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I have raised my son to be the best he can be and in all areas of his life to conduct himself with integrity. I am so proud of him.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna?
Difficult to say where my single place to dine in Kelowna is. I love the lake and if I can see it from a patio when I am dining, Smack Dab, Ric's Grill, Earl's, Hannah's, the Local Lounge ... they are all wonderful! That said, I also just love scenic patios, 18 Steakhouse, the Harvest Golf Club, hmmm, guess I just like dining out!

What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna?
Enjoying the warm weather, sitting on a patio with friends, either for drinks, dining out or a backyard patio.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Heart & Sol Tours

What does your business/organization do?
Much more than just a wine tour!

Our fun-filled Okanagan sightseeing day trips by train, lake and land are designed so that you'll wish they would never end! Perfect for any age, you'll feel like a VIP as you sit back and relax as you are chauffeured in A/C comfort while we showcase the natural beauty & spirit of the Okanagan.

You'll enjoy stunning vistas of lakes, orchards, gardens, vineyards & visit local artisans as we wind our way around this beautiful region known as the "Hawaii of Canada".

Day trip itineraries include the Kettle Valley Steam Railway, Little Straw Vineyards, Harvest Golf & Country Club, Davison Orchards, Carmelis Goat Cheese Aritsan, Summerhill Pyramid Winery, CrocTalk, Kangaroo Creek Farm and the Okanagan Lavender Farm to name just a few!

Tours include all venue entrance fees, wine tastings, tapas, Wednesday's lunch, snacks & water. Fabulous introductory rates as well as discounts for seniors, local residents and groups. Our carefully selected venues are a must see for visitors, locals with company, or simply being a tourist in your own town!

Special occasion and custom tour coordination available for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduation, family reunions, office parties etc. as well as shuttle services. Highly rated on Trip Advisor because hosts are dedicated to ensuring your day is absolutely the most memorable part of your Okanagan stay!

Where can people find your business on Facebook?
www.Facebook.com/KelownaHeartSolTours

What is your Twitter account?
twitter.com/HeartSolTours

What is your mission?
My mission is to ensure that guests experience the best possible time they could have, and that they never want it to end! I have assembled an amazing group of people on my team that all understand the concept of making people feel special, together with the attention to detail in everything we do.

Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
I do consider myself to be a forerunner in my business. Heart & Sol Tours is the only "exclusively" sightseeing tour company in the Okanagan, focusing on everything that is wonderful here, not just the wineries.

What 3 qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Passion, Integrity, Value.

What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
I would like to thank my employees for their ongoing efforts to exceed our customers expectations in every aspect.

How does your business/organization impact the community?
Our business impacts the community in drawing more tourists here that stay a greater length of time. For the members of the community the Tour company has had many local guests as "tourists in their own town", taking them to see sights that they have always wanted to see, but never had the opportunity.

If I could change 1 thing about Kelowna, it would be:
If I could change one thing about Kelowna ... well, it's not really a "change". I would like to have Kelowna renowned as THE PLACE TO VACATION, as the "Hawaii of Canada" and the "Napa of the North".

Some general comments I would like to share are:
FUN, FOOD, CHOCOLATE & WINE await you and your mom on the first annual Charity Tour donated by Heart & Sol Tours. 100% of the proceeds to the Kelowna Women's Shelter. With the communities' support, this benefit will raise in excess of $1,500 for the Kelowna Women's Shelter. All venues involved have graciously donated their participation for this worthy cause! The day starts at the Kangaroo Creek Farm where guests will have a private viewing of the animals and the opportunity to cuddle the babies while they sip organic teas and enjoy fresh fruit kindly donated by Blossoms Fresh Fruit Arrangements. Next stop is a visit to Ancient Hill Estate Winery where guests will enjoy decadent chocolate truffles donated by Annegrets Chocolates while they enjoy private wine tastings in the VIP room. The location of this winery is stunning and guests will have an opportunity to enjoy the incredible grounds as well. An organic luncheon will be served courtesy of A Vista Villa on their private panoramic dining terrace where guests will enjoy sweeping views of the lake, city, mountains and golf course. And to top off this amazing day, guests will be treated to a scenic lake cruise on the Lake Lounge Houseboat where guests will enjoy sparkling wine donated by Summerhill Pyramid Winery and live entertainment provided by Hawaii's own Bruce Spencer. Sherry promises that this is a day that guests won't want to see end, tickets are $99 each and are extremely limited, call 250 762-7167 to purchase yours and your mom's today.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at WelcometoKelowna.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do. We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below, and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna!