By Times Chronicle Staff
The Osoyoos Oyster Festival returned after a five year hiatus with bang last weekend as two events captivated wine and oyster lovers for what proved to be a date to mark on the calendar for next year.
The oyster festivities kicked off on Friday with Sip & Shuck which saw a seemingly endless supply of fresh oysters provided by CodFathers, shucked on the spot and complemented by sampling of award-winning wines from local wineries, Kismet, Nostalgia, Nk’Mip Cellars, Gold Hill and Road 13.
Guests enjoy oysters and wine in the casual setting of the Osoyoos Golf Club.
Nostalgia Wines’ Sheila Whittaker discusses the finer points of Nostalgia’s wines.
Delicious morsels were also on offer from the Osoyoos Golf Club culinary team and live music by Don Brogan kept the event humming along.
While the Sip & Shuck was all about the oysters and wine in a casual setting, the Walnut Beach Resort hosted the gala celebration Pearl in the Desert Gala which delivered on its promise of an evening filled with glitz and glam.
With the unpredictable spring weather delivering a beautiful sunny evening gala spread from the restaurant to the lounge to pool side.
Guests revelled in the stunning culinary creations from Chef Lasmar and his team and delighted in award-winning wines, made new friends, laughed and danced the night away.
A pasta bar complementing the Oyster Bar of Plenty was a big hit offering made to order pasta dishes.
The wineries included River Stone Winery, Moon Curser Vineyards, Culmina Estate Winery, Gold Hill Winery, Nostalgia Wines, and Kismet Estate Winery.
Walnut Beach’s own Leslee Hatherly set the mood with the music of Diane Ball pulling people onto the dance floor as the night unwound.
The Osoyoos Oyster Festival will return next April.
