From Fort Berens Estate Winery, Texas Creek Ranch and the Bitterbine Hop Company proudly present:
Saturday September 17th, 2011 – 10am – 7:30pm
1881 Highway 99 North in Lillooet, BC
After last year’s modest start to the festival, this year we have a packed program: live music, horse & buggy rides, local produce, cheese, art, BBQ roast and lots of family fun. The opportunity to check out the freshly picked hops from the Bitterbine Hop farm. And ofcourse you can inspect the grapes in the vineyard that are awaiting the very first harvest at Fort Berens. Admission is free, so this is the perfect way to enjoy the late summer sun in Lillooet.
The event will be opened by Chief Kevin Whitney of the T’ít’q’et First Nation at noon. Local vendors will display their art, artisinal cheese, fresh produce and other local products.
The tours and special tasting during the day:
1:00 Vineyard tour
2:00 Vertical Meritage tasting 2007-2010
3:00 Hop farm tour
4:00 Vineyard tour
5:00 Pre-release suprise tasting
Live music performances will be made by:
– Anita Ensley
– Dan Kerslake
– The Doodle Bugs Old Tyme Fiddle and Banjo
– Halina Smolyarchuk
– Len Farella
– The Prairie Girl Plaid
Tasting room: Try a few different beers made with the organic hops from the Bitterbine Hop Company. Sample the wines from Fort Berens or try some . fresh fruit juices from Airport Gardens.
On the BBQ: Thanks to generous donations, we will be featuring a BBQ prepared by Chef Jeff Alexander from The Rimrock Cafe in Whistler. Texas Creek Ranch will feature kebabs from their organic chickens.
Cooking contest: We are looking for the Best Dish containing our secret ingredient: Grapes. Bring your most delicious dishes. The contest will be judged by Chef Jeff Alexander from The Rimrock Cafe in Whistler. 1st prize is a shopping spree in Lillooet thanks to generous support from Lillooet’s local businesses.
Fun for all ages: There will be horse and buggy rides throughout the day. With support from the Lillooet Library, we will have face painting for the children. We are also re-creating a Fort made from hay for kids to have fun.
A bus will shuttle between the town of Lillooet, Fort Berens Estate Winery and the Bitterbine Hop farm.
For those wishing to stay the weekend, Retasket is offering great deals for rooms starting at $ 65. Please mention Fort Berens when making your reservation.
For more information please contact us at info@fortberens.ca.
