6 Okanagan Wine Events to Savour this Summer

There's something magical about the Okanagan, and we've found a few excellent excuses (all wine-related) to escape there this summer.

By Ames Bordeau / June 17, 2016

There’s something magical about the Okanagan, and we’ve found a few excellent excuses (all wine-related) to escape there this summer.

This breathtaking wine tour—which takes you on a drive through rolling hills of endless vineyards—feature six wineries anxious to showcase their summer vintages. Relax and enjoy the picturesque Southern Okanagan Valley that’s just the right temperature for you and those heat-loving grapes.

The Details:

Where: Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Quinta Ferreira, Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, Hester Creek Winery and Silver Sage Estate Winery, OliverWhen: Throughout the summerTickets: $155; book your tour here

2. Alfresco Long Table Dinner with Joy Road Catering

You’ve read about our amazing experience with Joy Road Catering’s fresh and beautiful long table dinners, and now it’s your turn! Set in a vineyard above a shimmering Skaha Lake, this four-course meal is inspired by the best of what growers, foragers, and farmers present, and will pair with wines from a different local vineyard every week. This alfresco meal is truly what Okanagan summer nights were made for.

The Details:

Where: God’s Mountain Estate, PentictonWhen: Select Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.Tickets: $125; reserve your table here

3. Mission Hill Family Estate Summer Concert Series

Mission Hill Winery’s breathtaking view and stunning amphitheatre is the perfect location for an outdoor concert series. So it’s no wonder the event has attracted some big names: look out for Michael Bolton, Melissa Etheridge and the Gipsy Kings travelling to B.C.’s interior for this special summer showcase. Guests also get to enjoy spectacular wine (of course!) and amazing food.

The Details:

Where: Mission Hill Winery, West KelownaWhen: Throughout the summerTickets: Starting at $139; buy your tickets here

4. Feast of Fields Food Festival

In celebration of local food and sustainable agriculture, the Feast of Fields festival is returning to the Okanagan this summer. (All proceeds support Farm Folk City Folk’s work to cultivate local, sustainable food systems across B.C.) The festival allows guests to visualize the farm-to-table experience by seeing the connection between farmers and chefs. With wine and gourmet creations from local top chefs, farmers, fishers, ranchers, food artisans, and various beverage producers, the festival is made even better with live music and strolls through beautiful farm fields with great company.

The Details:

Where: Off the Grid Organic Winery, West KelownaWhen: Sunday, August 14 (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.)Tickets: $95; buy your tickets here

5. Mile High Wine and Music Festival

Nothing like being a mile high above sea level to awaken your senses. With more than 30 B.C. wines, local cheeses, and some great bluegrass and country tunes, the Mile High fest is the perfect way to end the summer in true B.C. fashion. Attendees also get to enjoy special dinners, wine seminars and art gallery viewings. Plus, while you’re there, you might as well take advantage of the gorgeous venue and go for a hike.

The Details:

Where: Silver Star Mountain Resort, VernonWhen: Saturday, August 13 (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.)Tickets: $60 ($65 at the door); buy your tickets here

6. Camelot Vineyards Medieval Fair

Featuring trebuchet, sword fights, weaponry display, goats and men dressed as knights (of course), this year’s sixth-annual medieval fair might be the perfect event for wine-lovers looking for an excuse to get out. Enjoy your complimentary glass of wine and beautiful OK wine country scenery.