News

The Okanagan Winter Wine Festival Embraces Winter in Wine Country

(OKANAGAN VALLEY, BC) – As we turn the page on an exciting year of Okanagan Wine Festivals events, we look to kick off the new year with another incredible line up of Wine Festival programming. Starting with the Okanagan Winter Wine Festival. Launched in 2023, the Okanagan Winter Wine Festival returns with two weekends of Winter in Wine Country experiences.

This year, the Spring and Fall Festivals saw programming that was regionally focused, providing showcases of BC wines in Kelowna and the South Okanagan. This format will continue for the Okanagan Winter Wine Festival, starting with a South Okanagan weekend.

On January 20 and 21, Penticton and Oliver will open their doors to visitors with two exciting days of events. On Saturday and Sunday, The District Wine Village presents Winterfest at the District. Last year, the Festival and the District partnered for the inaugural TASTE Passport. Based on its sold-out status, the TASTE Passport has expanded to both Saturday and Sunday.

Each TASTE Passport includes six vouchers which are redeemed for an elevated tasting experience from the participating beverage partners. This is a one stop tasting experience unique to the Winterfest program. With the addition, of the District's new ice rink in the plaza, this is sure to be a perfect winter weekend activity.

Moving into the Saturday evening; Penticton Trade and Convention Centre will play host to the Valley First Winter SIPS – South tasting. The Grand tasting featuring BC wineries with a focus on the South Okanagan returns with live entertainment and small bites.

January 27, Valley First Winter SIPS – North will take place in Downtown Kelowna. In fall of 2023, Kelowna's hottest new venue; Revelry Food + Music Hub opened their doors. They have quickly become a favourite location for wine and culinary gatherings enhanced with an ever- evolving showcase of incredible Okanagan musicians and artists.

Join us as Winter SIPS – North presents a showcase of BC wines influenced by our cool climate region. Enjoy the best in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling along with a number of other varietals. Revelry will curate a culinary experience to accompany the wine and their favourite live performers.

With Winter SIPS- North being an afternoon event, Okanagan's' Dine Around program, running January 17 to February 11, will be the perfect way to wrap up your Saturday. Check out their website for full details.

Winery partners of the Okanagan Winter Wine Festivals will also be hosting special events and tastings at their locations and will be available on the festival website.

"We are excited to be enhancing winter programming in wine country. The destination is poised for success, as the demand for winter programming is on the rise. The Okanagan Winter Wine Festival is positioned to help build shoulder season visitation alongside our winery and tourism partners. Becoming a four-season destination will have a huge impact on our economy." says Kimberly Hundertmark General Manager.

All tickets are available through thewinefestivals.com.

ABOUT VALLEY FIRST

Valley First is a premier provider of banking and investment services for residents and businesses in the Okanagan, Similkameen and Thompson valleys. As a division of First West Credit Union, B.C.'s third largest credit union with 46 branches throughout the province, Valley First brings innovative products, an extensive branch network and local decision making to the banking experience. For more information on Valley First, visit www.valleyfirst.com.

ABOUT THE 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 three seasonally inspired Okanagan Wine Festivals in Winter, Spring, and Fall. It is also responsible for Signature Wine Events including the Valley First Grand Tastings, and it produces and runs the province’s most prestigious and oldest wine competition, the British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards. For more information visit, thewinefestivals.com.

Media Contact

Kimberly Hundertmark
General Manager – Okanagan Wine Festivals
[email protected]
250.864.4139