Ask the music lovers at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards and they’ll tell you live music and wine are a perfect pairing.
The Oliver winery’s perennially popular Canadian Concert Series is back in 2018 with performances under the stars in the spectacular outdoor amphitheater. It’s a one-of-a-kind venue on the winery’s hillside, where concertgoers can enjoy wine and dance the night away.
“Part of it was pairing with the wine, but the other was offering an opportunity for entertainment for our community and our local customers that didn’t exist in this part of the Valley,” says Jan Nelson, director of sales and marketing at Tinhorn.
Tinhorn Creek brings some of the best new Canadian talent into their backyard every year.
“We happen to have the space and we definitely have the passion for it. In a small town, if it doesn’t exist, you’ve got to make it.”
Here is this year’s stellar lineup:
May 26: Terence Jack. Infectious and energetic, Terence Jack brings a soulful timbre, a rock gospel groove and a polished wave of synths all at once.
June 23: Band of Rascals. Some of the finest foot stompin’, hoot’n ‘n’ holler’n, hoedown, craze-driven, tasty blues born rock ‘n’ roll that you’ll find this side of the country comes from Band of Rascals.
July 28: Daniel Wesley. Known best as a groove-based acoustic troubadour, Daniel Wesley is nearing the end of his first decade as a performer and recently released his seventh album.
Aug. 25: Lovecoast. By bringing together modern-day indie pop and blue-eyed 1970s R&B, Lovecoast has created something bouncy and infectious.
Sept. 8: The grand finale concert featuring Rural Alberta Advantage. Percussive folk songs about hometowns and heartbreak have propelled the Rural Alberta Advantage trio into the Canadian music spotlight.
A $135 season pass includes a ticket to the first four concerts. Individual concert ticket prices range from $35 to $45. Tickets for the final show are $75. Reservations on the concert shuttle can be purchased at $20 per ticket.
For anyone wanting to try Tinhorn Creek’s Oldfield Reserve Rosé, visiting the winery is a must. Nelson says the rosé sells out fast — about the end of July — and almost all of it sells directly from the winery.
The winery will also be releasing a couple of limited wines only for the wine club members.
“We started an Innovation Series and essentially it’s a sandbox to experiment with different styles,” he says.
Tinhorn was founded with a focus on growing the best grapes, making great wine and having fun. That love of fun shines through in Tinhorn’s many popular events.
Besides the music, this summer will also be filled with a number of other events at the winery, especially for those who love fine dining and an active lifestyle.
The Golden Mile Bench Vineyard Tour takes place August 17. The vineyard walk with Tinhorn Creek viticulturist Andrew Moon includes wine tastings, as participants learn about vineyard practices, sustainability and the new Golden Mile Bench sub-appellation. The walk is followed by an alfresco reception with wines and canapes by Miradoro Restaurant. Tickets are $49 per person and must be purchased in advance, as space is limited.
The winery will also host Yoga in the Vineyard on Saturday mornings throughout June, July and August at 9 am. The one-hour yoga class in the winery’s amphitheatre is good for all skill levels. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 for drop-ins.
There are a number of events happening specifically at the Miradoro Restaurant, which is perched on Tinhorn’s picturesque vineyards and offers stunning views of the South Okanagan Valley wine country. The restaurant serves Mediterranean-influenced cuisine by executive chef Jeff Van Geest.
The ever popular Starlit Supper returns July 13. Watch the moon rise over the mountains while dining under the stars. Summer evenings were made for this kind of event. A multi-course dinner prepared by Miradoro is paired with Tinhorn Creek wines and served in the amphitheatre. Royal Astronomical Society telescopes are available for stargazing on the night. Tickets are $125.
Miradoro features weekly themed communal table dinners, every Tuesday night in April and May and October to December. Dinners feature fare that is local, rustic, simple, straightforward and seasonal. The meal is $35 per person.
For more information or to book tickets for any of Tinhorn’s events, visit tinhorn.com or call 1-888-484-6467.