It’s the news lovers of BC wines have been waiting for: the Spring Okanagan Wine Festival is back, welcoming guests May 5 to 15 to events and activities hosted throughout the Okanagan Valley.
Drawing wine lovers from across North America to the Okanagan, the 26th annual festival celebrates the timeless craft of winemaking and and invites locals and visitors alike to experience the unique communities of the Okanagan.
“If you’re a wine lover you’re guaranteed to find something that interests you,” says Elan Morris, Okanagan Wine Festival Society General Manager. “Come out and discover your new favourite winery and wines!”
Visitors are invited to download the Spring Okanagan Wine Festival Guidebook to help plan their visit, and tickets are available at www.thewinefestivals.com.
In all, more than 70 events are planned across the 10-day festival, from tastings at local wineries to signature events, including:
- Valley First Spring Wine Tastings – Returning to the Rotary Centre for the Arts, Kelowna, on Saturday, May 7, more than 130 wines from 35 wineries will be available for tasting. Tickets include wine tastings, trendy food, live music and more.
- From Cellars to Classics – This new event in partnership with Okanagan Chamberfest is at the Laurel Packinghouse in Kelowna Thursday, May 12. Guests will enjoy a wine and hors d’oeuvre reception followed by a chamber music concert that will include pianist Meagan Milatz, named one of CBC music’s 30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30 in 2019, and cellist Cameron Crozman, recipient of the Canada Council’s 2021 Virginia Parker Prize – the largest prize for emerging classical musicians in Canada.
- Blush & Bubbles – A flirty and fabulous celebration of the Okanagan’s best rosé and sparkling wines, this new event is at the Summerland Waterfront Resort on Sunday, May 15. Tickets include a glass of bubbly, more than 30 wine tastings, curated small plates and live entertainment.
Responsible for developing the wine tourism sector in the B.C. interior, the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society produces four seasonally inspired Okanagan Wine Festivals, in addition to signature wine events including the Valley First Wine Tastings. It also produces the province’s most prestigious and oldest wine competition, the British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards. Learn more at www.thewinefestivals.com.