The Okanagan is set to enjoy its annual Spring Wine Festivals now in its 21st year. Wine lovers can soak up the record-breaking warm Valley weather with a glass in hand at over 120 member wineries and indulge in more than 90 culinary and wine activities from Osoyoos to Oyama, from April 30 to May 10.
As the heady aromas of spring blossoms burst forth and the Valley’s vintners eagerly await the annual rite of bud burst in the vineyards, the celebratory kickoff to the season with the Spring Okanagan Wine Festival commences. From savoury bites to music filled nights some delectable new highlights this year include: an “Iron Sommelier” BC wine and food pairing competition, sensory wine and viticulture workshops at Okanagan College, and live music and record spinning DJs in the Valley’s numerous new architecturally striking wineries, breweries and fruit distilleries.
“The Spring Okanagan Wine Festival is a fabulous springboard to kick off our new season as we celebrate our new releases with new and old friends and of course, incredible food,” says Don Triggs, Co-Proprietor of Culmina Family Estate Winery.
“We are thrilled to once again welcome visitors from around the country… to come face to face with our region’s leading winemakers and growers.”
“We are thrilled to once again welcome visitors from around the country and around the globe to join in celebrating some of the best wines produced in the world – and to come face to face with our region’s leading winemakers and growers,” says Glenn Mandziuk, CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association.
Meet the artisan winemakers, craft brewers, fruit distillers, and celebrated chefs of the Okanagan Valley, one of the world’s top 10 regions for wine touring.
The ten days of intimate and interactive experiences include scenic cycling tours, vineyard hikes and alfresco picnics, sumptuous winery dinners, master chef culinary classes, and hands on winemaking seminars.
One of the signature events starts the entire week, the Best of Varietal Wine Awards on Thursday April 30, judged by 15 sommeliers and wine experts. The weekend then rocks with the iconic WestJet Wine Tastings Friday May 1 and Saturday May 2, offering live music and a party atmosphere with wineries from across the entire Valley all under one historic roof. The festivities wrap up Mother’s Day with numerous winery brunches.
Visit www.thewinefestivals.com for full event details.
