There will be plenty of great wine, outstanding food and good times as 27 wineries that belong to the Oliver Osoyoos Wine Association will be participating in this weekend’s Winter in Wine Country Festival. (Richard McGuire file photo)
Wine lovers from across the region and province will gather for a weekend of great wine, good food and great times as the fourth annual Winter in Wine Country event takes place this weekend.
Winter in Wine Country celebrates the ethereal beauty of the winter months in the region with individual events taking place at 27 wineries this year, including food pairing and Christmas carols, special tasting room opportunities and fabulous displays of Christmas lights, said Tony Munday, executive director of the Oliver/Osoyoos Wine Association.
Local wineries that will participate in this weekend’s popular event include Adega on 45th, Black Hills, Burrowing Owl, C.C. Jentsch Cellars, Cana Vintes, Castoro de Oro, Church and State, Culmina, Desert Hills, Gehringer Brothers, Hester Creek, Hidden Chapel, Inniskillin, Intersection, Jackson Triggs, Maverick, Moon Curser, Nk’ Mip Cellars, Oliver Twist, Platinum Bench, Quinta Ferreira, Road 13, Rustico, Silver Sage, Stoneboat, Tinhorn Creek and Young & Wyse.
Most of the participating wineries will be offering Christmas promotions that will encourage visitors to purchase wine and gifts for the holiday season, said Munday.
While most of the participants will come from across the region, the Winter in Wine Country event has grown in popularity in three short years and attracts many wine lovers from across the province and beyond, said Munday.
A recent feature story about the festival was published in the Calgary Herald and there should be a nice contingent from Alberta at this year’s festival, he said.
Back by popular demand is the Winter in Wine Country weekend passport, where participants can collect stamps from participating wineries as they tour over the weekend.
Once they have received six stamps, they will be eligible to win Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country Case Prize.
Bonus draws will also be held for extra visits. Participants can drop off this card at any member winery.
Passports will be available at all participating wineries.
One of the biggest highlights will be the Rose Revolution event, that will be held at Hester Creek Winery on Saturday evening, said Munday.
Presented by the Oliver Tourism Association in partnership with the winery association, the Rosé Revolution offers guests the opportunity to taste Rosé’s from 16 different wineries with fabulous food pairing stations, live music and a people’s choice award.
Tickets are $40 and include food and wine for the evening. Close to 80 per cent of available tickets had been sold by Monday and a sellout is expected, said Munday.
Tickets are available at the Oliver Visitor Centre and Imperial Office Pro in Osoyoos. Tickets include safe transportation, four tastings, food and live entertainment. Extra tasting tickets will be available for $1 each.
Landsea Okanagan Tours & Charters is offering a special Locals Appreciation rate of $25 per adult and $5 per child (ages 4-18) including taxes. Children three and under are free.
Three different routes will be available.
The Rudolph Route is specifically designed with families in mind.
During this four-hour family-friendly outing, participants will visit a total of five wineries to enjoy a range of tastings and activities specifically designed by each winery.
They include Adega on 45th, Rustico, Road 13, Oliver Twist and SilverSage wineries. Highlights for all to enjoy include tree decorating, carnival games, a bonfire and light up party.
This tour is available on Saturday and Sunday.
The Blitzen Route is ideal for foodies and wine lovers alike.
During this four-hour excursion you will visit a total of five wineries to indulge in a range of food and wine tastings. Visit Maverick, C.C. Jentsch Cellars, Tinhorn Creek, Black Hills and Platinum Bench wineries.
Highlights include a red wine and chocolate pairing, slices of warm and buttered Christmas bread and fresh-baked Artisan Breads, holiday soup and cookies and mulled wine.
Participants are asked to arrive at the Landsea Okanagan Tours & Charters Welcome Centre in Osoyoos at 12:45pm to board the Blitzen Route.
This tour is available on Saturday.
The Vixen Route will stimulate all your senses with food, wine, fire and lights. During this four-hour excursion you will visit a total of five wineries to indulge in a range of food and wine tastings.
Particpants will visit Rustico, Hester Creek, Gehringer Brothers, Stoneboat and Silver Sage. Highlights include food and wine pairing, live entertainment, a bonfire, dessert wine pairing, and a light up party.
This tour is available on Sunday.
Participants are asked to arrive at the Landsea Okanagan Tours & Charters Welcome Centre in the front mezzanine at the Watermark Beach Resort at 15 Park Place in Osoyoos at 12:45 p.m. and the tour will depart at 1 p.m.
Advance reservations are required.
To make a reservation you can book on our website: www.landseaokanagan.com/reservations/ or phone us directly at 1-250-495-7565 or toll free 1-844-676-9667 .
For more information about the event, visit the website at www.oliverosoyoos.com.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
