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Canada's First Pride Wine Festival Returns to Kelowna

Proudly supporting B.C. Wine at Okanagan Pride Festival

“Viva Las Pride” Canada’s First Pride Wine Festival Returns to Kelowna

KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 25, 2014: The Okanagan Wine Festivals Society and the Okanagan Pride Society are delighted to announce the return of “Viva Las Pride” to the Okanagan Pride Festival this summer.  Following its inaugural successful outing last year, this unique wine tasting with flair will be held in a Vegas themed setting on Thursday August 14^th, 8-10:30 pm at Kelowna’s historic Laurel Packinghouse.

In addition to enjoying British Columbia wine tastings, guests can play blackjack for chances to win great prizes while being entertained by go go boys, burlesque servers, eye candy ticket sellers and lively music by DJ SuperDave. A portion of proceeds will benefit Etcetera, the Pride Society’s youth mentorship program.

“We are thrilled that Okanagan Wine Festivals Society is once again partnering with us for what is sure to be one of our perennial favourite Pride Week events. With the excitement and feedback we had last year we are looking forward to a sellout event,” said Wilbur Turner, President of Okanagan Pride Society. “Pride and wine is a perfect pairing for our theme of Local Pride - Global Love during this year’s festival.”

“We’re proud to partner with the Okanagan Pride Society again this year following such an outstanding event in 2013,” said Blair Baldwin, General Manager, Okanagan Wine Festivals Society. “We hope to attract affluent Pride tourists from across North America here to Kelowna to a wine tasting like no other.  Our premier red, white and pink B.C. wines and welcoming Okanagan hospitality, set in vibrant wine country are the perfect pairing with the LGBT community.”

“Therapy Vineyards is certainly looking forward to this innovative event,” said Rene Massinon, Managing Partner of Therapy Vineyards and Guesthouse. “We think it’s important to ensure Pride tourism is recognized and besides - they love B.C. wines!”

Viva Las Pride will feature 24 member wineries of the Okanagan Wine Festivals pouring fresh summer wines. Tickets for Viva Las Pride are on sale at http://tinyurl.com/kjq2mst or by calling 250.717.5304.  Admission is $30 including a souvenir wine glass, catering by Nesters Markets, delicious cheeses by Dairy Farmers of Canada, complimentary sparkling wine, and wine samples available to purchase at the event. Starbucks is also providing coffee and wine pairings. This is a Safe Ride Home Event. The Pride Week media sponsors include: OUTtv, SunFM, ezRock, and AM1150. Following Viva Las Pride, there will be an after-party at Flashbacks.  For more information on Viva Las Pride please visit www.thewinefestivals.com or www.okanaganpride.com.

Suggested tweet: This August #VivaLasPride @OkPride and @OKWineFests. #Canada 1st #Pride #wine festival http://tinyurl.com/kjq2mst #BCWine #Okanagan

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About Okanagan Wine Festivals Society

The Okanagan Wine Festivals Society is responsible for the development of the wine tourism sector in the interior of British Columbia. It is well known for producing two annual valley Okanagan Wine Festivals in spring to celebrate the bud break and in fall to celebrate the grape harvest. Its Winter Okanagan Wine Festival is run in partnership with Sun Peaks Resort near Kamloops. It is also responsible for Signature Wine Events and two annual wine judging competitions. www.thewinefestivals.com

About the Okanagan Pride Society

We are a non-profit organization committed to serving the Okanagan's LGBTQ community. We create events and offer programs to connect our community. The organization depends on volunteers, membership, sponsorship and patronage to thrive, and we are grateful for the support we are receiving from the community. We host the popular annual Okanagan Pride Festival which draws visitors from throughout the Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada, and the United States.  www.okanaganpride.com

High resolution photos available upon request.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Wilbur Turner, President, Okanagan Pride Society

[email protected] / 250 317 3621

Lori Pike-Raffan, Public Relations Director, Okanagan Wine Festivals Society

[email protected] / 604.808.6655