Organizers of the Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival, June 10 to 13, 2010, in Osoyoos, BC, announce a new event to kick off the 2^nd annual festival. The ‘Vinos’ are the world’s first amateur wine commercial film festival and will let wine enthusiasts compete for cash prizes and wine by producing a 60–second video of their favourite BC winery.

Festival spokesman Glenn Fawcett says the Vinos are the world’s first wine commercial film festival and contest. “This is inspired by the wildly successful Big Rock Eddies beer commercial film festival. The result is going to be a lively, laugh-filled evening that will feel like a spoof of an Oscar’s party right in the middle of Osoyoos.”

“We know that there are a lot of people out there who love B.C. wine,” said Jason Priestley, one of the celebrities involved with the festival, which raised $55,000 for children’s charities last year. “So why not grab your friends and a camcorder and make a 60 second video commercial about your favorite B.C. wine or winery? We encourage creative types to have some fun, create some laughs and maybe win a prize.”

Twenty-four finalists will be chosen and screened at the June 10 Vinos party. Prizes are as follows:

• 1st: $1500 and three cases of B.C. wine
• 2nd: $750 and two cases of B.C. wine
• 3rd place: $250 and one case of B.C. wine

All 24 finalists receive two free tickets to the Vinos party plus one night’s accommodation in Osoyoos during the festival.

To enter a video commercial in the Vinos, go to the festival website at osoyooscelebritywinefestival.com

The Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival takes place from June 10 to 13, 2010. It’s a great weekend of food and wine pairing events from regional chefs and winemakers, and lets participants rub shoulders with film and television A-listers while enjoying the region’s best cuisine and wine. So far, the following celebrities have confirmed their attendance: Jason Priestley (Beverley Hills 9020, Hollywood & Vines1), Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek, National Treasure), Ned Bell (Food Network), and Chad Oakes (Emmy award-winning producer). Other celebrity actors, chefs and winemakers are being invited.

Five events are part of this year’s festival. Go to osoyooscelebritywinefestival.com for details.

• Thursday, June 10, 8:00 pm at the Watermark Resort: The Vinos – a wine commercial film festival for amateurs. Tickets $29.
• Friday, June 11, 9 am to noon: Ride with a Winemaker. Join local winemakers as they enjoy a bike ride and picnic lunch in the South Okanagan. $70.
• Friday, June 11, 6:00-10:00 pm at Walnut Beach Resort: Osoyoos VIP Reception and Beach Party. $99.
• Saturday, June 12, 12 noon to 3 pm at Black Hills Estate Winery: Nota Bene Release Party. $149
• Saturday, June 12, 7 pm to 11 pm at Spirit Ridge Resort: Celebrity Wine Auction with proceeds benefiting children’s charities. Participants taste an array of South Okanagan wines with appetizers from local restaurants, and can bid on rare wine from great Canadian wineries in silent and live auctions. Last year, $55,000 was raised for the Providence Children’s Centre and Osoyoos Child Care. The evening features a live performance by Stephen Page, formerly of the Bare Naked Ladies. $249.

The Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival is a joint venture between Destination Osoyoos, presenting sponsor Black Hills Estate Winery, e=mc2 Event Management and hotel sponsors Walnut Beach Resort, Spirit Ridge Resort, and Watermark Beach Resort.

PICTURES FROM 2009

Media contact:

Glenn Fawcett – President, Black Hills Estate Winery
Telephone: (Cell) 403.710.1667

E-mail: glenn@blackhillswinery.com

Website: www.blackhillswinery.com

About

Destination Osoyoos

As a “grassroots” organization with dedicated people from the community, Destination Osoyoos Development Society is committed to strengthening the economic as well as the physical, social, and cultural conditions of the Osoyoos Area. The organization is driven by a Community Economic Development Strategy that is designed to reflect the wishes and aspirations of the citizens of the Osoyoos Area through an extensive community consultation process. More information about Destination Osoyoos can be found at: www.destinationosoyoos.com

Black Hills Estate Winery

Black Hills Estate Winery is the Presenting Sponsor for the second annual Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival. For information on Black Hills Estate Winery, go to www.blackhillswinery.com

E=mc2 Event Management

Is one of the largest and most award-winning event management companies in Western Canada. For information on e=mc2 Event Management, please go to: www.emc2events.com