Okanagan Wine Festival
The Okanagan Wine Festival is rolling out its second weekend of the TASTE passport. Here’s the ultimate pass to explore the best South Okanagan wineries with a guided experience while sampling some of the Valley’s finest wine offerings.
There’s no better spot in the Valley to enjoy en plein air wine tasting than the District Wine Village at Oliver. The first of its kind in Canada, the District showcases the architectural vision of Greyback Construction and the cooperative spirit of the B.C. industry. It’s home to 12 wineries, a brewery, a distillery and eatery and the festival stop for June 11.
Each TASTE passport experience ($65) will take approximately 45 minutes, so plan a route that allows you to visit six wineries. The festival has a booking platform on its website so that you can book each tasting in advance.
TASTE passports are available for June 10 and 11 for Summerland, Naramata Bench, and Penticton; June 10 and 11 for Oliver and Osoyoos; and June 11 for The District Wine Village. Tasting experiences are offered from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Sip into Summer at the Grand Tasting event ($110) is set for Friday, June 9, at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre as the South Okanagan presents their newly released whites, reds, and roses. This grazing-style event includes wine sampling and small bites from Executive Chef Luke Cosgrove and his culinary team, as well as live music by Brent Tyler. The doors open at 7:30 p.m.
If you’re not too late to get a ticket, head up to Arrowleaf Cellars in Lake Country Friday, June 9, at 4 p.m. You’ll have a unique opportunity to compare five vintages of Arrowleaf Riesling — including their new 2022 release. Riesling is one of the world’s noble white wine grapes, known for its precise aromatics, minerality, and high acidity. When it’s grown in the extreme climate of the Okanagan Valley, the wines are crisp, bright, and delicious, making them a perfect accompaniment to any dinner pairing.
National Rosé Day is Saturday, June 10, so put on your favorite pink ensemble and head up to the Naramata Bench. Three Sisters Winery celebrates summer’s favorite wine with an all-day event, featuring their three rosés, specialty pink beverages, and a selection of local beer. On-site, you’ll find the local food truck, Tak-oh. Tasting reservations are suggested, but walk-in guests are welcome.
Join Mission Hill in West Kelowna for Terroir Tuesdays at the Hill, starting June 13. This event happens every other Tuesday throughout the summer, and the iconic winery offers exclusive tastings of upcoming releases from their Terroir Collection. Enjoy the tastings (and wine by the glass for purchase) on the Mission Hill patio as the warm breezes roll through the expansive courtyard, and the summer sun glistens off Okanagan Lake. Tastings run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and walk-ins are welcome. The tastings feature the 2022 Border Vista Rosé release on June 13, 2022 Fritzi’s Riesling on June 27, and the 2021 Pine Hill Chardonnay on July 11. Their crisp wines will be sure to help you beat the heat.
Enjoy a sip of the 2022 Rosé (with fresh raspberry, rhubarb, white cherry, and strawberry shortcake flavors, balanced with crisp acidity) as you dine at The Restaurant at Poplar Grove Winery on the Naramata Bench, now open daily. Nestled on the slopes of Munson Mountain, The Restaurant at Poplar Grove offers beautiful views of Okanagan Lake while serving exceptional wines and carefully crafted food by Executive Chef Stacy Johnston.
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