The Okanagan is well known for its memorable landscape, its plethora of outdoor activities and, of course, its unforgettable wines. But, time your winery visit to a summer concert or a harvest supper, and the magic truly clicks. So, consider this list of events your guide for all things wine through the coming months. We recommend booking ahead of time as most events are ticketed and limited.
Meyer Family Reunion & Spring Release Party
When: May 20, 3-8pm
Where: 4287 McLean Creek Road, Okanagan Falls
Meyer Family Vineyards is back with its annual Family Reunion and Spring Release Party. This year’s event is set to highlight Meyer’s newly released spring wines, including the ‘A’ grade 2016 Steven Block Chardonnay (having literally earned a score of 92 points from wine writer John Screener) and the 2016 Okanagan Valley Chardonnay. Other wines include the not-yet-released 2016 Pinot Noir Rosé, Riesling and Gewurztraminer.The event is also slated to see chef Jordan Ash of Flambé Cateringserve up some BBQ, while local musicians Aidan Mayes & Mandy Cole provide live entertainment.
Sunset Yoga and Wine at Cedar Creek Estate Winery
When: June 6-August 19, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: 5445 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna
Flex your muscles and your taste buds with Sunset Yoga. Every Tuesday from June 6 to August 29, Cedar Creek Estate Winery is hosting an outdoor yoga class followed by a wine-and-dine retreat in its wine garden with selection of local treats.
Wine Club Pick up Party
When: June 17, 4-8pm
Where: 4287 McLean Creek Road, Okanagan Falls
Can’t make the Meyer Family Reunion? No problem. Meyer’s Wine Club Pick up Partyhas you covered. Its spring wines and unreleased selection will be on the menu, alongside Baja-style tacos with handmade local ingredients from Tacos del Norte. The aptly named band UnCorked! will be on site for live entertainment while Winecrush Market will also be around to offer samples of its products in the Meyer’s tasting room. Picnic blankets and lawn chairs are strongly recommended.
British Columbia Wine Awards & Reception
When: Sept. 28, 7-9:30pm
Where: Laurel Heritage Packinghouse, Kelowna
The province’s oldest wine judging competition heralds the arrival of the fall Okanagan Wine Festival. Ticket holders can meet winemakers and be the first to taste the award-winning wines. The evening includes a celebration of the BC wine industry with a seated awards ceremony, set to reveal the Premier’s Award for Best Wine in BC for 2017.
Summer Lobster Luncheon at Township 7 Vineyards & Winery
When: June 18, 1-3:30pm
Where: Naramata Bench
Celebrate Father’s Day and the start of summer with Township 7 Vineyards & Winery’s Summer Lobster Luncheon. You can expect a tantalizing pairing of new spring wine releases and freshly caught Maritime lobster from Roch Lobster Catering. Come for the wine and the three-course al fresco luncheon; stay for the live acoustic guitar performances and the Township 7 picturesque vineyard.
Art in the Vines at Township 7 Vineyards & Winery
When: July 16, 12-4pm
Where: Naramata Bench
The annual Artisanal Fair returns to the Okanagan with Art in the Vines. Over 20 established and emerging artists will be on-hand showcasing local wares, from jewelry to handcrafted furniture. Food truck selections, live music, face painting for children and – of course – wines by the glass will be at-hand. Admission by donation will go towards Ronald McDonald House BC.
10-Year Anniversary Paella, Wine & Live Music at Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery
When: July 17, 11:30am-3:30pm
Where: 6094 Black Sage Road, Oliver
Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery is celebrating its 10th anniversarywith a round up of Portuguese-inspired events. Chef Jeff Van Geest is slated to serve up some paella and, as always, wine tasting is to be expected.
SilverStar Food & Wine Festival
When: August 11-12, all day
Where: SilverStar Mountain Resort
Sitting some 5,280 feet above sea level, SilverStar Mountain Resort welcomes back the SilverStar Summer Wine & Food Festival and Mile High Wine & Music. The two day event is set to feature various activities for Okanagan and wine lovers, including a wine masters dinner, wine and food seminars, a cooking demonstration, art gallery viewing, self-guided hiking and Sunday brunch. Mile High Wine & Music is also set to display 30 British Columbian wineries, cheese from Dairy Farmers of Canada and unique caféand wine pairings from Starbucks Canada.
Sip & Support for the SPCA at Township 7 Vineyards & Winery
When: August 27, 11am-4pm
Where: Naramata Bench
Grab a glass and help support animals in need this summer with Town 7 Vineyards & Winery fundraiser in support of the Okanagan SPCA. The picturesque Naramata Bench winery will have animals available for adoption, an agility course set up in vineyards, food trucks, live music, pet paraphernalia and award-winning wines. Admission is by donation and in support of the cause.
The Amazing Grape along the Kelowna Fab Five Wine Trail
When: Sept. 29 to Oct. 8, 11-5pm
Where: East Kelowna Fab Five Wine Trail
‘Wine’ your way through East Kelowna by visiting all the Fab Five wineries: House of Rose, Camelot, The Vibrant Vine, SpierHead and The View. Pick up an Amazing Grapeentry form at your first winery, answer the questions as you tour, and drop it at your last winery to enter to win.
Oliver Festival of the Grape
When: Oct. 1, 12-5pm
Where: 6359 Park Place Drive, Oliver
One of the most popular outdoor wine events in the southern Okanagan returns this year for more wine tasting and grape stomping. About 3,500 attendees are expected to visit this year to taste various wines, enjoy live music, browse local artisans and watch – or compete in – the grape stomp.
Fall Feast at Painted Rock Winery
When: Oct. 6, 6-10pm
Where: 400 Smythe Drive, Penticton
Feast on fall, wine lovers. Painted Rock Winery proprietor John Skinner welcomes Tantalus and Waterfront Wines in an Okanagan evening inspired by the season. You can expect farm-to-table dishes with wines to pair.
Harvest Dinner at Painted Rock Winery
When: Oct. 7, 6-10pm
Where: 400 Smythe Drive, Penticton
Painted Rock Winery proprietor John Skinner and Ben Pallett of Kitchen Sync Catering collaborate for a hardy fall meal and some of the region’s best wines. Pallet’s philosophy of harvesting his own ingredients makes for an appetizing locavore concept.
Cropped by Valley First
When: Oct. 7-8, 6-9pm
Where: Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, Penticton
Consider it a kind of crash course in wine. Over 80 wineries are expected to participate in what has become one of the largest wine tasting and farmers markets in British Columbia – Cropped by Valley First. The Pinot Bar offers different styles of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, provided by the new Sensory Lab at Okanagan College. Dairy Farmers of Canada are scheduled to provide two free onsite seminars introducing dairy cheeses. Visit Nesters Market stations, sample Saputo cheeses, and dance to live musical acts at different busker stations.
