The Cellar-Tek Winemakers Cup will be celebrating its ninth anniversary next weekend at Big White ski resort in Kelowna. More than 100 people in the wine industry are expected to attend the popular and fun event. (Photo supplied)
What started out as a small event to allow those who work in the wine industry in the Okanagan Valley the chance to let their hair down for a couple of days has now grown into a “can’t miss event” for more than 100 people.
Glenn Fawcett, the owner of Black Hills Winery in Oliver, is the co-founded of the ninth annual Cellar-Tek International Winemakers Cup, which will take place at the Big White Ski Resort in Kelowna from Friday, Feb. 19 to Sunday, Feb. 21.
“I can’t believe how far we’ve come in eight years,” said Fawcett, an avid skier and outdoor enthusiast. “I spent most of my life in Calgary, but I’m a diehard skier and I used to ski in the Okanagan all the time when I was younger.
“A few years ago, I just thought it would be a really good idea to hold an event that would allow people who work in the wine industry to get out for a fun day on the slopes, meet each other and basically have some fun.”
The event was held at Mount Baldy ski area between Oliver and Osoyoos for the first five years, but there were problems when that facility didn’t open for business four years ago.
“Management from Big White graciously stepped in three years ago and made it very clear they wanted to host our event and things have been going so smoothly up there ever since,” he said.
An event that attracted only a couple dozen participants in its first year, attracted more than 100 last year and he expects an even bigger turnout this year, said Fawcett.
“We used to invite just the owners and the actual winemakers,” he said. “We still have a separate event for the owners and winemakers, but we now are getting tasting room managers, accountants, those who work in administration, shippers and receivers, basically anyone who works in the wine industry.
“For the past couple of years, we’re even getting wine lovers who love to ski to join our event. It’s become a fantastic way to meet people who share a passion for the wine industry and network with them. It’s also three days of great fun.”
For the first time, the event has attracted participants from abroad as a winemaker from California and a marketing manager from a winery in Europe are making the trip to Kelowna to participate in the Winemakers Cup, said Fawcett.
“We are thrilled to see that the reputation of this Okanagan Valley event has grown to the point where it is now drawing participants in the wine industry from other parts of the world,” said Fawcett. “It is also the world’s only annual ski and snowboard challenge weekend for the wine industry and has proven to be a key networking and knowledge exchange for participating winemakers and vineyard managers.”
While socializing and having fun is a big part of the weekend, skiing is a priority and races are held in two different divisions – one for those who are winemakers and another for those who work in the industry in other capacities, he said.
“We have prizes for the top racers, but we also have prizes for the slowest time, best wipeout, best snow bunny outfit, that sort of thing,” he said.
Cellar-Tek has been the sponsor of the event from the beginning.
“Members of the wine industry and the public are invited to come and be part of the fun,” said Randy Jones, a manager with Cellar-Tek. “Join fellow wine lovers, including winemakers, cellar hands and vineyard managers, tasting room staff, restaurateurs, sommeliers, hoteliers, and other industry people who will be participating in several high-energy, wine-fuelled events over the course of the weekend.
“Many of them will be racing head-to-head on the ski slopes and then drinking wine, après-ski style while reliving the hilarious antics of the day.”
Registration on Feb. 20 begins at 9 a.m. in the conference room at the Inn at Big White and races start at 11 a.m. An afternoon barbecue begins at 1 p.m. at the Sante Bar and Grill. Free skiing will follow all afternoon long.
Happy hour begins at 6 p.m. in the Happy Valley Day Lodge and the dinner and awards presentation begins at 7 p.m. in the same venue.
A dance at the Blarney Stone Pub at Big White begins at 9:30 p.m.
For event tickets and information, contact Pauline or Jesse at 250-498-0666 and spots are available right up to race day.
You can book a room at Big White at 1-250-491-6174.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
