Winter wine fest returns

Photo: Contributed

The Sun Peaks Winter Okanagan Wine Festival is back with an expanded roster of delectable events.

Now in its 18th year, the festival has built on two of the province’s best assets -- winter recreation and British Columbia wine, to become one of Canada’s premier winter events. It runs from Jan. 14-24.

“Each year it redefines the experience and expectation of traditional wine festivals,” said Christopher Nicolson, president of Tourism Sun Peaks. “From its modest beginnings of a weekend icewine event, the festival has progressed into a fantastic 10-day experience that is truly one of our premier winter celebrations."

It showcases the unique combination of B.C.’s best wines and the adventure of Canada’s alpine village."

Blair Baldwin, general manager of the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society said the festival is a testament to the “phenomenal regional wine culture in the province, which has now surpassed $1 billion in wine sales annually” with B.C. wine comprising the largest market share of any region’s wines sold in the province.

“With 50 British Columbia wineries and a number of unique Canadiana-inspired wine and culinary events like Coureur Des Bois Repas, which celebrates the famous ‘runners of the woods’ and the superb Comforts of Grilled Cheese and Wine, we offer an inspired pairing of the best of British Columbia for those that enjoy fine wine, skiing, food and riding in a spectacular mountainside setting,” said Baldwin.

This year, the festival is introducing six new events to its schedule: the Sun Peaks Wine Crawl, Coureur Des Bois Repas, Welcome to the Kamloops Wine Trail, Dessert Wines and Aromatic Cheeses, the Breadth of British Columbia Riesling and the Spirited Apres.

One of the largest winter gatherings of B.C. wineries, the festival is showing strong 2016 ticket sales with three events already sold out. Tickets range from $39 to $90, with packages, including accommodation starting at $259 per person for the weekend.
For complete event listings go to this website. Tickets can be purchased through Tourism Sun Peaks’ central reservations at 1-877-212-7107.