The Okanagan Wine Festival, October 3-13, is the perfect time to visit the eight distinctive wineries of the Westside Wine Trail in West Kelowna. The hills are colourful with turning leaves, the skies and lake are blue, and the air is electric with activity. The vineyards are busy with the harvest and tasting rooms are full of people. During the Fall Wine Festival, visitors can expect to enjoy special winemaker dinners and fall open houses. In autumn, like year round, the Westside Wine Trail is a destination for wine touring, tasting, dining and enjoying art and live music.
Other special events are also taking place on the Westside Wine Trail this season. Quails’ Gate Estate Winery celebrates its 25th anniversary this fall while the annual Sip into the Season event takes place the first weekend of December; each winery has crafter displays. Visitors travel from winery to winery and enjoy seasonal sips, tasty snacks and appreciate the crafts, available for Christmas purchase.
The eight wineries of the Westside Wine Trail, open year round, are very close to each other….in fact you can walk between several of them. All in a beautiful location, each with a lake view, these wineries are easy to find and are close to the town of West Kelowna. Yet, in mere minutes, you feel like you are in a very rural and relaxed setting.
For more winery information, events and hours, visit www.thewestsidewinetrail.com.
~ Dona Sturmanis