While the Fall event is still the biggest Okanagan Wine Festival, the Spring Wine Festival keeps on growing. Now in its 21st year, this year’s event is taking place April 30 to May 9, 2015. After a snowy winter, it’ll be great to get out and enjoy the many special events happening all around the Okanagan Wine Region. If you love wine, Okanagan wines now include many winners at international wine competitions, and interesting varietals available at spectacular wineries and venues. Don’t miss some of the highlights of this year’s Okanagan Spring Wine Festival.
Okanagan grapes make great Okanagan wine
“Sip Into Sunset” takes place every night during the Wine Festival at Summerhill Pyramid Winery. A 3-course menu featuring local organic ingredients prepared by Summerhill’s Executive Chef is paired with wine selections by winemaker Eric Von Krosigk. Contact bistro@summerhill.bc.ca for tickets and reservations.
“The Spring Westjet Wine Tastings” at the Rotary Centre for the Arts allows you to taste up to 250 wines from 60 wineries all in the same location! Appetizers and specialty cheeses are also in the mix, and best of all, this is a Get Home Safe event. Purchase your tickets at selectyourtickets.com for either one night or an all inclusive weekend pass.
“Iron Sommelier BC” is a brand new event at this year’s Spring Wine Festival, pitting three sommeliers who are experts on BC wines against each other in a competition to pair wines with local foods. They then try to convince you that their pairing is the best. You vote via social media after each round and then the competition moves into the next round, with a total of 16 wines to be paired, hence the “iron” designation of this event! This is also a Get Home Safe event, and you can purchase your tickets at selectyourtickets.com.
Naramata Bench wine region in the Okanagan
Many wineries have special dinners with wine pairings. Many events are also free or by donation. There are cooking classes at Hester Creek, skygazing at Rollingdale Winery, an all day tour of the Naramata Bench visiting artisans and a lavender farm, bocce ball at D’Angelo Estate Winery, or crafting your own Chardonnay at Township 7.
Check out all the information at the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival website, and make your plans very soon. And don’t forget to also book your Okanagan Bed & Breakfast as wine festivals and Bed & Breakfasts make for the perfect combination!