There’s no wrong time to visit the Okanagan, but if you want to time your trip with some of the wine season’s best events, let this list be your guide. Note: Most of these events are ticketed and/or limited, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Meyer Family Reunion & Spring Release Party
When: May 21, 1-6pm
Where: 4287 McLean Creek Road, Okanagan Falls
Meyer Family Vineyards presents its annual spring release party and first ever Wine Club Family Reunion (everyone welcome). Enjoy their new release wines, savor a delicious barbecue prepared by chef Jordan Ash from Flambé Catering and take in the stunning views from our McLean Creek Road Vineyard. Later, sip on a glass of your favourite MFV wine and enjoy live music featuring the very talented duo of Aidan Mayes and Mandy Cole.
2016 Artist Series Release Party for Therapy Vineyard’s 2015 Fumé Blanc
When: June 9, 4-5pm
Where: 940 Lower Debeck Road, Naramata
Help Therapy Vineyards celebrate the annual release of their Artist Series Wine and get the rare opportunity to chat with winemaker Steve Latchford and artist Shandra Smith.
Fifth Annual Party in the Park
When: July 8, 5-9pm
Where: Kenyon Park, Okanagan Falls
Join Meyer Family Vineyards to celebrate summer in the heart of wine country. All fourteen of their premier wineries will be pouring a selection of wines at a festival tasting, followed by barbecue buffet dinner prepared by Chef Jordan Ash of Flambé Catering. Enjoy the sounds of local band My Kind of Karma while enjoying the views from the shores of Skaha Lake.
Fiifth Annual Paella, Wine & Live Music at Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery
When: July 17, 11:30am-3:30pm
Where: 6094 Black Sage Road, Oliver
Join Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery for delicious food prepared by chef Jeff from Miradoro Restaurant at Tinhorn Creek. The event features live music, paella, and wine tasting overlooking the community of Oliver.
Summer Lobster Luncheon at Township 7 Vineyards & Winery
When: June 19, 1-3pm
Where: 1450 McMillan Avenue, Penticton
Celebrate Father’s Day and the start of summer at Township 7’s Naramata Bench winery. Join them for a tantalizing afternoon of new spring wine releases paired with freshly caught Maritime lobster supplied by Roch Lobster Catering. Enjoy a three-course alfresco luncheon of savoury cuisine and our aromatic wines with your family or good friends in their picturesque vineyard. Live acoustic guitar by local musician Rick Van Camp.
Mile High Wine & Music
When: Aug. 13, 4-7pm
Where: Silver Star Mountain Resort
Being a mile above sea level awakens your senses – inhale the aromas, savour the atmosphere, watch the people, listen to the sounds and touch nature at Mile High Wine & Music, presented by Valley First. The Okanagan Wine Festivals and Silver Star are proud to bring back Canada’s highest outdoor wine tasting, with 30 different BC wineries, cheeses from Dairy Farmers of Canada, unique café and wine pairings from Starbucks Canada, and the Trips unique blend of lively bluegrass and country music to entertain you. Bring your friends and meet new ones in this stunning outdoor setting. The event is held rain or shine. Please wear comfortable shoes dress appropriately for mountain weather as you enjoy a unique outdoor event full of fun, wine and music. Stay the night with great Mile High Wine & Music packages and let the mountain air sooth your spirit.
British Columbia Wine Awards & Reception
When: Sept. 29, 7-9:30pm
Where: Laurel Heritage Packinghouse, Kelowna
BC’s oldest wine judging competition – The British Columbia Wine Awards – heralds the arrival of the Fall Okanagan Wine Festival. This event celebrates the wine industry with a seated awards ceremony with individual wineries hosting tables. Sip many of the award winning wines, enjoy wonderful Okanagan catering and network with industry leaders. Sponsored by ContainerWorld, Farm Credit Canada, Grant Thornton and TricorBraun Winepak, featuring the Premier’s British Columbia Wine Award.
Oliver Festival of the Grape
When: Oct. 2, 12-5pm
Where: Oliver Community Centre, Oliver
Cheer on the Parade of Wineries grape-stomping competition, enjoy wine tasting from over 50 Okanagan wineries, as well as wine and food pairings, an indoor art show, and a petting zoo and activities for kids at the Oliver festival. Free admission for children under 19 and free parking.
Harvest Dinner with Noble Ridge Vineyards & Painted Rock Winery
When: Oct. 8, 6-10pm
Where: 400 Smythe Drive, Penticton
Painted Rock proprietor John Skinner welcomes Noble Ridge proprietors Jim and Leslie D’Andrea, and guest chef Paul Cecconi of Brodo Kitchen for a delicious and hardy fall meal paired with the regions best wines. Paul’s food features fresh, locally harvested ingredients that, when combined create a meal that is quintessentially the Okanagan Valley. The D’Andreas will share their Noble visions and award winning “The One” Sparkling, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir. Guests will enjoy successive courses paired with Painted Rock’s estate grown red wines. Syrah & flagship blend the Red Icon.
Cropped by Valley First
When: Oct. 7-8, 6-9pm
Where: Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, Penticton
BC’s largest wine tasting and farmers’ market. With over 80 wineries, Cropped is a sensory and visual experience. 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 are provided by the new Sensory Lab at Okanagan College. Dairy Farmers of Canada will tantalize with two free, on-site seminars introducing dairy cheeses. Visit Nesters Market stations, sample Saputo cheeses, dance to live musical acts at different busker stations. Your favourite wines are available in a full on-site wine store.
Fall Feast
When: Oct. 9, 6-10pm
Where: 400 Smythe Drive, Penticton
Guest chef/sommelier Mark Filatow of Waterfront Wines and Painted Rock proprietor John Skinner both have a passion for showcasing the best that the Okanagan Valley has to offer. Come experience an evening of Okanagan bounty inspired by the season, with Mark’s farm-to-table dishes, paired perfectly alongside Painted Rock’s terroir driven wines.
