Photo: Contributed

Westside wineries continue their annual Sippin Into Summer tours this afternoon at various locations.

Despite less-than-stellar weather conditions for much of the day on Saturday, throngs of people came out for a sippin’ good time along the Westside Wine Trail.

The 'Sip into Summer' festivities continue today  with eight wineries offering a different ‘wine country experience’ to participate in. These experiences range from wine education and tours, arts appreciation and culinary opportunities, to sommelier-type challenges.

Visitors are encouraged to start at either end of the trail, either on Glencoe Road or Boucherie Roa d, and to pick up a copy of the Westside Wine Trail map at the wineries so they don’t miss out on the fun.

Wineries participating in the ‘Sip into Summer” event include:

Beaumont | whose these is 'It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere' with a weekend of Jimmy Buffet Songs, party-time and ‘nouveau’ wine tastings;

Kalala  which will offer a tour of its organic farming & winemaking and vineyard tours. Visitors will be taken on a vineyard tour where they will learn all the ins and outs of organic farming and winemaking, while sipping some great organic wines. The vineyard tour will be hosted by proprietor/viticulturist Karnail Singh Sidhu. Tours will be offered at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. The nominal cost will be $10 per person and the charge includes the tour, tasting of organic white, red and ice wine and a Kalala wine glass. Call the wine shop at 250-768-9700 to reserve your space. 

Photo: Contributed

Little Straw Winery which will offer its wine & food pairing challenge. Participants are encouraged to put their sommelier skills to the test, attempting to pair the same wine with the same dish that the staff at Little Straw does. The 2012 Tapestry and 2012 Sauvignon Blanc will be the featured wines for this wine and food pairing challenge. This event gets underway from noon – 3 pm. today.

Mission Hill  Winery's theme will be 'Splendour in the Glass'. Join them in one of their private salons for a vertical tasting led by one of their wine associates.  Guests may choose “Splendour in the Glass” – Sauvignon Blanc or “Sideways” – with Pinot Noir and Merlot.  Cost is $15 per person and the event will take place at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm & 3:30 pm.  Book in advance on-line at www.missionhillwinery.com or call 250-768-6483. 

Mt. Boucherie Winery's theme will be 'Word Hunt'. If you like word games you need to stop by Mt. Boucherie this afternoon. Upon entering the wine shop, watch the blackboard on your right for details. Join the fun and the specials! Featured summer sipping wines for the weekend will be Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gamay Noir and Pinot Noir.

Quails’ Gate will be offering complimentary winery tours. Their family winery tour is consistently regarded as one of the most educational and dynamic tours in the valley. It includes a bit of history on the Okanagan Valley, a stroll through the vineyards, a visit to the production facilities and concludes with a tasting in the Wine Shop. Complimentary tours will be offered at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm and are available by reservation only. Call the wine shop at 250-769-2501 to reserve. 

Rollingdale Winery is offering picnics, wine & charcuterie. Sip the summer afternoon away in the picnic area while enjoying the views of Lake Okanagan, a glass of 2012 Organic Marechal Foch and a skewer of cured meats. Cost is $8 plus tax for a glass of wine and a skewer of charcuterie, with additional skewers $3 plus tax.

Volcanic Hills  is offering 'Summer Wines & Samosas'. Enjoy a flavourful samosa with a glass of wine:   Cost is $7 plus tax.  Includes choice of white wine, Rosé or select red wines.