The 32ndFall Okanagan Wine Festival is off to an incredible start with announcement of the BC Wine Awards Thursday night at the Rotary Centre for the Arts in Kelowna. More than 200 awards were handed to over to participating wineries, and the big winners are; Spierhead Winery – Best New Winery, Road 13 Vineyards – Best Sparkling for their Sparkling Chenin 2009, Lang Vineyards – Best White featuring their 2008 Farm Reserve Riesling, Quinta Ferreira – Best Red with a 2009 Syrah, and See Ya Later Ranch with their 2011 Hunny as Best Dessert. All results can be viewed at http://www.okanaganwineawards.com/app/webroot/files/BCWineAwards2012.pdf.
Don’t miss your chance to meet the people behind the wines, and try many of the BC Wine Award winning wines. Wine andcheese aplenty, and several one of a kind, only in the Okanagan Valley events are calling your name. From Vernon to Osoyoos tour the valley, either via Designated Driver, one of the many wine tour agencies available, or simply join one of the Tasting Events and tour under one roof. While many events have sold out, there are still tickets available for several tasting events, check out www.thewinefestivals.com or call 250-861-6654 for further information.
Not to be missed are these signature events:
Oct. 3rd – VALLEY FIRST PRESETS “THE BLIND WINE & CHEESE SOIREE” at the Kelowna Art Gallery. Put your cheese knowledge to the test and blind taste 12 cheeses, all lovingly paired with wine. The winning Taster will receive treats from the Dairy Farmers of Canada. $50.00
Oct. 4th – ALEXIS DE PORTNEUF PRESENTS “THE YOUNG CHEFS” at the Culinary Arts Centre at Okanagan College in Kelowna. Never before has such a challenge been presented to young chefs. Famous cheese house Alexis De Portneuf challenges young chefs to creative a dish using their cheese. You choose the winner, while the OK Chefs Association will crown the Saputo TopYoung Chef. Be a part of culinary creativity. $60.00
Oct. 5th & 6th – VALLEY FIRST GRAND FINALE WINE TASTINGS at the Penticton, Trade and Convention Centre. This Fall Festival wind up is always a great show. With over 80 wineries and 240 wines to sample, the Festival is under one roof. And the BC Liquor Stores will set up a full wine store onsite.Your tickets include a souvenir glass and a safe ride home. One night for $65 or a two night pass for $100
The Okanagan Wine Festivals are presented by Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union. For ten days during Harvest, the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival pairs the style of the Okanagan; great food and great people with world class wines. Don’t miss out, tickets go quickly. Please contact www.thewinefestivals.com or call 250-861-6654 for further information
