Hester Creek Estate Winery near Oliver is one of those special ‘must see’ places during your fall winery tour. The ambience, scenery, amenities and decidedly delicious wines blend together to create the perfect experience.
The fun at Hester Creek doesn’t end when summer does. Their biggest event of the year, the annual Garlic Festival, takes place on October 1st, 2016, as part of the Okanagan Wine Festival.
Sarah Lefebvre, communications manager, says the event draws up to 2,000 people throughout the day.
“The Garlic Festival is a fund-raiser for the Oliver Elementary School Farm to Table salad bar program. We wanted to support the community, and this was a great choice. We make an annual donation of $11,000 and the proceeds from the Garlic Festival admission add another two to three thousand dollars,” she said.
Now in its fifth year, the Garlic Festival features something for everyone in the family, and its popularity is testament to the great activities you’ll find there. There are food trucks, live music, garlic vendors, spice companies, wine-related gifts, face painting for kids, coloring contests and even a case lot sale on specific wines. Join in from 11 am through 5 pm; entrance is by donation.
“It’s really a farmer’s market with a garlic focus,” says Sarah.
Hester Creek offers a comprehensive website with a stellar selection of events throughout the fall. Check it out at hestercreek.com. Although they are filling up rapidly, be sure to try one of their popular cooking classes. Book well in advance as there is limited room. The cooking classes are led by Director of Hospitality Roger Gillespie or guest chefs from throughout the Okanagan. The classes are held in their Demonstration Kitchen, with 14 spots in each tutored-style session. The meals are generally four to five courses of locally-sourced, seasonably-inspired food. Call the winery and ask for the event co-ordinator to reserve your space.
For the quintessential late fall getaway, stay on-site at Hester Creeks’ intimate Mediterranean-style villas, which include breakfast. Dining is equally pleasurable at Terrafina Restaurant, with its’ old world charm.
2013 Hester Creek Reserve Cabernet Franc Block 3 $28.95
This falls’ featured wine, it is created from some of the oldest vines on the estate. The nose opens with earthy notes of sage and thyme, leading to fresh raspberry and mild pepper. The palate is full and rich, offering ripe raspberry and dark cherry with a layered, long finish. Enjoy it with duck, venison or beef tenderloin.
~ Deanna Rainey