Okanagan Hot Chocolate Fest coming to valley in January

Photo: Contributed

Hot chocolate in the winter?

Yes, please.

That is why Food Tours Kelowna has created the inaugural Okanagan Hot Chocolate Fest, which will take place in the new year, from Jan. 17 to Feb. 14.

“We saw the success other Canadian cities had and were envious. Like, wow, I hope someone does that here in the Okanagan,” said Taryn Shalapata, who created Food Tours Kelowna with her sister, Murissa Shalapata. “We both paused and looked at each other. Well, why don’t we make it happen instead of waiting?”

A growing list of Okanagan restaurants, cafes, bakeries and chocolate shops are going to be creating unique hot chocolate flavours with optional pairings from the menus. They will all be battling for a grand prize provided by sponsors Valrhona Chocolate, Food Tours Kelowna, The Okanagan Food Show Podcast and others.

The event will also be raising money for charity during the event, asking participants to donate towards Mamas for Mamas, an Okanagan-based organization that helps mothers in need.

“Each year we hope to select a different charity in order to do some good in our community,” Murissa said. “We’ve watched Mamas for Mamas do some great things both here in the Okanagan and nationwide, and couldn’t be prouder to select them for our annual event.”

Those who take part in the inaugural Okanagan Hot Chocolate Festival will also have a chance to win prizes donated by Big White Ski Resort and participating locations through an Instagram photo contest.

More information can be found at the festival's website.