One of the most popular events for the Okanagan-Similkameen last year was the Similkameen Wine tasting at the beautiful Grist Mill in Keremeos. This historic site with its ample sunshine, fresh air, relaxing gardens of flowers and the reliable early September weather is the perfect location to taste wines and enjoy some of the great locally grown food that the Similkameen is famous for.
The event runs on Sunday September 12th from 1-4pm in the gardens of the 1800’s Grist Mill. The wineries will gather on the grounds by the newly restored Mill to share good wine, food and fun for the whole family. Tickets are just $30 and include a lunch of locally grown and prepared food (proceeds supporting the Grist Mill), two wine tasting tickets, a Similkameen Wineries Association wine glass (to take home), live music from the Darylectones and children’s activities. Extra tickets for food and wine can be purchased for $2.50 for wine tasting and $6 for food.
The Similkameen is getting increasing attention for the quality of its fruit and grape wines. The stunning mountains and landscapes of the Similkameen valley, the complex soils, hot summers and invigorating wind all make for special growing conditions and special wines. These events are a great chance to see what all the fuss is about.
ABOUT THE SIMILKAMEEN WINERIES ASSOCIATION:
The Similkameen Wineries Association has formed due to the rapid growth of vineyards and wineries in the Similkameen Valley. Eight wineries have joined together to help educate wine drinkers about what makes the terroir of the Similkameen Valley special and to promote agri-tourism in the region.
The Similkameen Valley is growing rapidly as a wine region. Acreage of vineyards has increased from 207 acres in 2004 to over 600 acres in 2010. This rapid growth reflects the re-discovery of the potential for this wine region. Until recently, many of the grapes grown in the Similkameen had been sold to wineries in the Okanagan contributing to their awards lists. Now the Similkameen region has 11 wineries, is bona-fide wine country itself and is starting to show the quality of wine this great and diverse terroir can produce.
More information on the Similkameen Wineries Association can be found at www.similkameenwine.com, by email at info@similkameenwine.com or by phoning Rhys Pender at 250.317.8796.
