It's harvest time in the Okanagan, and that means it's wine festival season! Here's some of the highlights of this year's festivities.
Fall Okanagan Wine Festival
Sept. 29-Oct. 9, various locations
The good people at the Fall Okanagan Wine Festival have put together another stellar lineup of wine (and food!) events from Sept. 29 to Oct. 9 up and down the Okanagan Valley (and a bit beyond). There are more than 80 (!!!) events at just about every winery in the valley, including seven signature events. For more details, check out their website at TheWineFestivals.com.
BC Wine Awards
Sept. 29, Laurel Heritage Packinghouse, Kelowna
BC’s oldest wine judging competition kicks off the week-long Fall Okanagan Wine Festival. Sip many of the award winning wines, enjoy wonderful Okanagan catering and network with industry leaders. Tickets from $50 at TheWineFestivals.com.
Fall WestJet Wine Tastings
Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, Rotary Centre for the Arts, Kelowna
The must-sip wine event of the harvest season, these two night tastings are a perfect way to sample wines from more than 60 BC wineries. The crowd is always energetic, and the wine is always flowing (there may be a connection). Tickets from $75 at TheWineFestivals.com.
Reds, Whites and Blues
Sept. 30, The Cove Lakeside Resort, West Kelowna
The fifth annual wine and music event combines remarkable wines, exquisite cuisine and live blues music by Sherman Doucette. Tickets $109 at CoveLakeside.com.
Garlic Festival at Hester Creek
Oct. 1, Hester Creek Estate Winery, Oliver
Join Hester Creek for local garlic growers, artisan crafters, food carts, live entertainment and (obviously) lots of wine. Admission is by donation to the program and the festival runs from 11am to 4pm. HesterCreek.com
Oliver Cask and Keg Festival
Oct. 1, Oliver Community Park, Oliver
It’s not all about the wine – there’s beer, cider and spirits too! The Oliver Cask and Keg Festival (formerly the Night FOG) celebrates local breweries, distilleries and cideries of the South Okanagan. This fun, relaxed evening will be filled with live entertainment provided by Moontricks, tasty morsels created by a variety of food trucks and locally made artisan wares on display by select vendors. Tickets at $20 at OliverCaskAndKeg.ca.
Oliver Festival of the Grape
Oct. 2, Oliver Community Centre, Oliver
More than 3,500 come to sample the best wine of the South Okanagan every year at this annual wine festival. Expect a down-to-earth good time, with wine sampling from dozens of local wineries, competitive grape-stomping, live music, local artisans, and a parade for the kids. Tickets are $25 at OliverFestivalOfTheGrape.ca.
Cropped by Valley First
Oct. 7-8, Penticton Trade and Convention Centre
BC’s largest wine tasting and farmers’ market, featuring more than 80 wineries. Okanagan wineries and farmers come together to create a truly unique experience. Be educated at the Pinot Bar where different styles of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir all provided by the new Sensory Lab at Okanagan College. Visit the market stations, sample the cheese, dance to live musical acts at different busker stations, and of course, try the wine. Tickets $65 at TheWineFestivals.com.
