Turning lemons into wine!

 

Freelance writing can be a risky business as I recently found out the hard way when a winery magazine backed out on publishing three (count ‘em, three!) articles I had written to their specifications, and ahead of deadline I might add! At first, I felt horribly wronged and disappointed, not only by the fact that I wasn’t given the opportunity to share all the research I had compiled, but also about the cheque I would not be receiving in the mail.

 

Undeterred, I decided to get busy marketing my articles to other wine related publications. Sadly, I received only one response (a rejection) from the four editors I approached. Basically, it was too late to submit on such short notice as most magazines are looking 4-6 months ahead. But then I decided “Why not make some wine out of this lemon of an experience?” I’m the one in charge of my destiny, no point in giving my power to someone else! So below is my wine bucket list – fun wine related activities to enjoy not only in the Okanagan, but in other wine areas of BC. Please feel free to share with your visitors, friends, and family that are looking for something fun to do this summer. And remember – when something doesn’t quite work out as planned, make some fabulous wine out of your lemons instead!

 

Wine Bucket List - 25 Wine Related ‘Things To Do’ in BC

Looking for something more unique to do than the usual winery tour and tasting this season? Discovering a delicious new wine to savour is always exciting; stir in a new activity and you have an entirely new experience linked with wine. For fresh inspiration on how to combine wine with new thrills, fun, and perhaps a bit of healthy activity, read on and you will soon be participating in something beyond the ordinary swirl and sip.

1.  Wine & Architecture – Sample a juicy Viognier and take in the architectural beauty of the new Black Hills Estate Winery building, nestled between Oliver and Osoyoos, BC. Designed by architect Nick Bevanda, the new building won a 2008 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for architectural excellence and is surrounded by vineyards on all sides. Visit www.blackhillswinery.com for further information.

2.  Wine & Art – Little surpasses enjoying a wonderful glass of wine and viewing new and upcoming artworks. 3 Mile Estate Winery along Naramata Road, Penticton, is home to artist Janis Blyth’s art gallery. Try the TRIO wine while perusing whimsical works of art. www.3milewinery.com.

3.  Wine & Awards – Maybe you are the type of person who likes to know your wine has achieved the highest accolades. Purchase tickets now for the British Columbia Wine Awards and Reception in Kelowna this October. The event takes place at the Laurel Heritage Packinghouse. Find tickets at www.selectyourtickets.com. Food, awards, and wine – a winning combination.

4.  Wine & Bard – Enjoy a merry Shakespearean play and delightful artisan wines at Township 7 Winery. Choose either their Langley or Naramata location for a mid-summer nights’ glee. Visit www.township7.com to plan an entertaining escape for an evening.

5.  Wine & Bike – Check out www.monasheeadventuretours.com/tours.html#wine for a wide array of wine country bike tours to suit you and your family. Relish exploring the beautiful Okanagan lake views and wineries while building up cardio and muscle!

6.  Wine & Cheese – While this may seem obvious, not every winery is located on a working dairy farm, with a cheese maker next door. Mosey over to Mooberry Winery in Parksville on Vancouver Island and tour around Morningstar Farm. Pair Little Qualicum Cheeseworks artisan cheeses with flavourful fruit wines. www.mooberrywinery.com.

7.  Wine & Concert – Kick back for a fantastic evening of award winning musical entertainment, dining, and fine wine at Cedar Creek Winery in Kelowna. With upcoming guests Jim Cuddy and Sam Roberts, perhaps paired with a lovely Ehrenfelser, these concerts are sure to be nights to remember. See http://www.cedarcreek.bc.ca/events for schedule.

8.  Wine & Cooking – Discover divine new recipes created with a variety of delicious fruit wines this summer. Wellbrook Winery, on the banks of the Fraser River in Ladner, hosts cooking classes throughout the year with guest chefs. Peruse upcoming classes at www.wellbrookwinery.com and start cooking up something fabulous.

9.  Wine & Dogs – Possibly the most dog friendly winery in the Okanagan, pack up your pooch for a dog friendly visit to See Ya Later Ranch Winery, perched in the hills above Okanagan Falls. Enjoy a stunning view of Skaha Lake along with award winning wines and good times with a furry family member. Check for further details at www.sylranch.com.

10.  Wine & Education – Extensive wine knowledge and education are a click away at www.finevintageltd.com where one can learn all the intricacies of wine making and sipping. From Wine to Sommelier courses, soon you will be discussing wine bouquets like a seasoned professional.

11.  Wine & Film – Unleash your inner film critic and tune into the big screen. The first Okanagan Food & Wine Film Festival takes place September 13-15, 2013, at the Rotary Centre for the Arts in Kelowna. Escape into a great new flick; afterwards, bring it to life with food and drink featured from the films. www.okfoodwinefilmfest.com.

12.  Wine & Fundraising – Many wineries hold fundraisers to raise money for a good cause, with events ranging from wine & cheese to live music functions. Book your tickets early, organize a benevolent group, enjoy a variety of wines, and feel good about making a positive difference!

13.  Wine & Golf – Slake your golf and wine fix by visiting www.golfvancouverisland.ca and they will assist you in creating the perfect wine and golf getaway suited to your needs.

14.  Wine & Grape Stomp – Does the idea of grape pulp oozing between your toes titillate? Then travel to Oliver this October for the official Festival of the Grape and stomp to your heart’s content. Along with many other enjoyable activities and entertainment, this event is fun for the entire family. For further details, visit www.oliverfestivalofthegrape.ca.

15.  Wine & Lunch – Most wineries boast an onsite restaurant featuring local fare. For a delectable lunch of local island food, relax and unwind in the Thistles Café at the Vineyard at Glenterra Winery in Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island. Arrangements can also be made for a private lunch for those special upcoming occasions. www.glenterravineyards.com.

16.  Wine & Marathon – A healthy combination of exercise, competition, with wine drinking at the end to celebrate is sure to fire up anyone searching for the next big challenge. Step up training since the first Kelowna Wine Country Half Marathon takes place this September. www.destinationraces.com/runbc/.

17.  Wine & Mountains – If you just can’t keep away from the ski resorts this summer, head to Vernon for the Mile High Wine at Silver Star Mountain event in August. Hike, mountain bike, enjoy live outdoor entertainment, and of course, appreciate noteworthy local wines!

18.  Wine & Music – They just naturally go together. Check out http://www.urbanspoon.com/ft/14/1364/13/Wine-Bar-Live-Music-Vancouver-Restaurants for groovy Vancouver bars to enjoy fabulous wine and live music, pushing the wine experience envelope.

19.  Wine & Paint – Paint a new masterpiece at Vancouver’s Raw Canvas at 1046 Hamilton Street. A funky wine bar, tap house, and art studio, drinking wine never felt so creative. Phone to book reservations at 604-687-1729 or go online at www.rawcanvas.com.

20.  Wine & Picnic – You are cordially invited to pack your own picnic to pair with the organic wines at Rollingdale Winery in West Kelowna. Or feel free to purchase snacks in the winery to go with your libations. www.rollingdale.ca.

21.  Wine & Radio – Perhaps you are unable to travel or merely prefer to enjoy a good listen with your favourite luscious wine in the comfort of home. Pour a generous glass, relax and listen to host Terry David Mulligan’s ‘Tasting Room Radio’ to quench your thirst for all things wine. www.tastingroomradio.com.

22.  Wine & Reading – If kicking back and reading a good wine book is more your style, check out Canadian wine book authors such as John Shreiner and Carolyn Evans-Hammond. Order online, or visit your favourite used book store and see what treasures are waiting to be discovered to pair with your preferred Merlot or Sauvignon Blanc. The library is always an excellent resource for all things wine as well.

23.  Wine & Snack & Breathtaking View from the Veranda – Greata Ranch Estate Winery, only 9 km south of Peachland, is sure to take your breath away with lake and vineyard views. A great stop on travels to and from the south and north Okanagan to relax, snack on cheese and quaff the wine. Check hours at www.greataranchwinery.com.

24.  Wine & Spa – You’ll be talking about your stay at this glittering resort, located between Vernon and Kelowna, BC, for years after booking with www.sparklinghill.com. The Swarovski crystal inspired architecture and Crystal Wines are sure to astonish. A new kind of decadence is in store, along with the amazing array of saunas and serene spa experiences to choose from. Just add sparkling wine for a journey into hedonism.

25.  Wine & Zip Lining – Combine breathless adventure with wine and arrange an adrenaline pumping zip line stint amidst winery visits. Zip line companies are popping up all over the country; simply Google zip lining to find one near your travel destination and away you go!

Exploring wine country needs not be limited to tastings and tours when you use your imagination and dream up winning white, red, and adventurous combinations. Many of these activities and so much more are waiting to be discovered in cities and wineries big and small. Whatever the budget or location, with a little research and planning (or even a bit of spontaneity), you will be experiencing wines and amusements you won’t soon forget. Leave your cares behind, sip responsibly, and venture into new wine possibilities.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.