Written by David Wylie
Celebrate the fall harvest by attending events at the biggest wine festival of the year — the Fall Okanagan Wine Festival, now in its 39th year.
Jessica Tkachuk, the marketing and PR manager with the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society, said there are almost 100 events to attend, including four signature ones.
“It’s an exciting energetic time around the wineries, and there’s a lot going on. There’s a certain energy up and down the Valley that you can feel,” she said. “Every event brings such a unique profile to the table and excites the palate in different ways.”
Awards Reception
Don’t miss the British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards & Reception on October 3 from 7 pm to 9:30 pm at the Laurel Heritage Packinghouse in Kelowna.
“It’s our province’s most prestigious and oldest wine competition,” said Tkachuk.
There are more than 500 entries from all over BC that will be sampled by an international panel of judges. It’s an incredible opportunity for people to taste top wines. Tickets are $59.
WestJet Wine Tasting
The ever-popular Fall WestJet Wine Tastings at YLW returns to the Kelowna International Airport on October 5 from 7 pm to 10 pm.
“It’s one of a kind,” Tkachuk said. “It’s the largest wine tasting venue in the Okanagan. It’s held at the Carson Air hanger, so that’s unique and spectacular.”
People look forward to the event from up and down the Valley. Tickets are $89.
Young Chefs Event
The Young Chefs event on October 10 showcases apprentice chefs from around the Okanagan as they compete to create a unique small plate that pairs perfectly with their partner winery.
It goes from 7 to 9:30 pm at Okanagan College’s Centre for Learning in Kelowna.
“It’s a special way of celebrating young talent in the Okanagan and seeing what can happen when that young talent is paired with each of the incredible wineries,” said Tkachuk.
This crowd pleaser is repeatedly sold out. Tickets are $79.
Wine Sensation
New this year to the festival is Sensation — it pairs BC wines with the very best in art, music, food and culture.
“We’re talking about big bold whites that are paired with maybe an author’s reading or a moody red paired with a dramatic trio or vibrant bubbles that are paired with an art demonstration,” said Tkachuk.
The wine tasting event for the senses happens on October 12 from 7pm to 10 pm at the Penticton Lakeside Resort. Tickets are $69.
For more information on these and all Fall Wine Festival events, as well as to to buy tickets, go to thewinefestivals.com. All tickets prices are before taxes and fees.