Okanagan Wine Region Fall Festival Slated

British Columbia, Canada offers up an undiscovered wine destination

May 12, 2009

Napa is the destination for wine tourism, but serious Oeniphiles are always looking for the next great thing. Look no further than the Okanagan.

Located in British Columbia, Canada, the Okanagan is one of the smallest wine areas in the world with just over 7400 planted acres. But in that small space, nearly 100 wineries are producing some incredible boutique bottlings of gewürztraminer, pinot noir, chardonnay, gamy, merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Even better, most of the labels can only be found in the area.

The best time to experience this beautiful lake dotted area is during the 29th Annual Okanagan Fall Wine Festival slated for October 1-11, 2009. This robust festival features over 150 events dedicated to wine tasting, wine education, local gourmet food and art. Wine tours, winemaker dinners and vineyard experiences are also offered throughout the event. While visitors to the area always have a chance to interact with the winemakers at each label, the opportunity for an up close and personal view of the life of a vintner and the art of winemaking are even more on display during the festival.

Top Events During the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival

This is the longest running and largest event of the festival. Over 60 wineries will be pouring over 240 wines to sample. Live entertainment, nibbles and a free taxi ride to the hotel are included in the $50 ticket.

Participants ditch their shoes and spend the afternoon crushing grapes the old fashioned way. Price of admission is a donation to the local food bank.

The iconic local hotel serves up course after course of tapas style food, wine and music. Room rates are discounted the night of the event. Tickets are $65.

Billed as a “wine-rave”, the party kicks off with a two-course dinner at the resort before crossing the street to the Cabana Grille where Food Network Chef Ned Bell dishes up dessert. Expect a Cabaret atmosphere with DJ, Dancing and of course, wine. $85

Waterfront restaurant and Orofino winery team up for a gourmet wine dinner. $100

During the festival stay at the Hotel El Dorado. Dating back to the 1920s, the boutique hotel added a new wing in 2004 with several incredible suites featuring stunning views of the lakefront. The view is best enjoyed from the jetted Jacuzzi tub that sits in the bay window of the bedroom.

The copyright of the article Okanagan Wine Region Fall Festival Slated in British Columbia Travel is owned by Dena Braun. Permission to republish Okanagan Wine Region Fall Festival Slated in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.