The “Don’t judge a book by its cover” idiom has never been more true than when you visit the temporary location of the Penticton Wine Information Centre in front of the South Okanagan Event Centre. While adorned by bright logos, it’s essentially a no-frills structure so stepping through those doors to see how the team transformed the inside into an inviting BC VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) wine and accompanying products hub is a delightful surprise. Roughly the same size as the former site, it beautifully displays over 800 wines and the products you’ve come to expect. An even broader selection of chilled wines and perishables are now available in the bigger fridge. A great place to source wedding, birthday and other special occasion gifts, you’ll find winery guidebooks, specialty cookbooks, wine accessories, culinary items and local products such as cheese, preserves, dressings, vinegars and designer jewelry. There’s also knowledgeable staff eager to assist you in navigating those selections. Shelf signs, too, help you pick out the award-winning wines from the Okanagan Wine Festival. Be sure to check out facebook.com/pentwineinfo daily for special promotions, visiting winery personalities and what’s being sampled on the tasting bar including fall wine festival winners. Direct your out-of-town guests here for the most comprehensive assortment of BC VQA wines, complementary products and for information on touring wineries. “Better yet, drop in yourself to see firsthand our tasteful digs while we anticipate the pages to be turned on our permanent home, anticipated Spring 2017 by the new casino under construction.”
~ Roslyne Buchanan