News: Okanagan Wine Festival Winners Announced

From the Okanagan Wine Festivals' media release:

Penticton, British Columbia – May 8, marked the announcement of the highly anticipated 2019 British Columbia Best of Varietal Wine Awards by the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society. The competition featured 21 different varietal categories, with over 580 wines entered. Eleven respected judges narrowed the selection down to 143 finalists with one overall clear winner being declared THE BEST in each category. 

“Every year the Best of Varietal Wine Awards recognizes the best wines in B.C., using a panel of esteemed judges. This year we were privileged to have a diverse group of wine experts from across the country join us and participate in the competition. These judges expressed sincere appreciation for the calibre of wines submitted, as well as for the competition’s capacity to elevate and celebrate some of the best wines in our province,” says Julian Scholefield, Board Member and Judging Chair of the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society. “It has truly been an honour watching this competition continue to grow in reputation and prestige, and to witness its ability to support the B.C. wine industry.”

“Having judged this competition quite a few times. I felt it was the best "Best of Varietal' yet! Great fellow judges and great wines made our decisions easy,” said Mark Filatow, Best of Varietal judge and Executive Chef and Sommelier, Waterfront Wines. 

The British Columbia Best of Varietal Wine Awards are open to all licensed British Columbia wineries that use 100 per cent fruit grown in the province. An exceptional aspect of the judging is that judges are chosen from the trade including renowned sommeliers and restaurateurs from across Western Canada, and features a unique judging process that allows each panel of judges to evaluate all of the wines in any given category enabling a direct comparison for selecting the best wines.

. This year’s judging featured the following judges:

1. Audrey Surrao – RauDZ Regional Table, Kelowna 
2. Dennis Dwernychuk – BC Signature Liquor Store, Kelowna 
3. Mark Filatow – Waterfront Wines, Kelowna 
4. Troy Townsin – Wine Blogger & CBC Radio, Victoria 
5. Sandra Oldfield – Consultant, Oliver
6. Adam Rosewarne – Sage Tapas, Nelson
7. Kurtis Kolt – Freelance writer, Kelowna
8. Brad Royale – Rocky Mountain Resorts, Calgary
9. Brian Berry – Revelry Imports, Kelowna
10. Katherine McEachnie – Wine Scholar, Penticton
11. Jeannette LeBlanc – Freelance writer, Penticton

And here are the award winners for the 2019 British Columbia Best of Varietal Wine Awards:

LIST OF THE BEST OF WINNERS 

1. Best of Show: TIME Winery, 2017 Riesling
2. Best Cabernet Franc: Silkscarf Winery, 2015 Cabernet Franc 
3. Best Cabernet Sauvignon: Moon Curser Vineyards, 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
4. Best Chardonnay: Upper Bench Estate Winery & Creamery, 2017 Chardonnay
5. Best Fruit Wine: Northern Lights Winery, 2018 Seduction – Strawberry Rhubarb
6. Best Gewurztraminer: Wild Goose Vineyards & Winery, 2018 Mystic River Gewurztraminer
7. Best Hybrid: Monte Creek Ranch Winery, 2017 Hands Up White
8. Best Icewine: Grizzli Winery, 2013 Merlot Icewine
9. Best Merlot: Mission Hill Family Estate, 2016 Merlot
10. Best Single Red Varieties: Hillside Winery, 2016 Reserve Malbec and Moon Curser Vineyards, 2016 Touriga Nacional
11. Best Single White Varieties: Bordertown Vineyard & Estate Winery ltd., 2016 Gruner Veltliner
12. Best Pinot Blanc: Wild Goose Vineyards & Winery, 2018 Mystic River Pinot Blanc
13. Best Pinot Gris: Mission Hill Family Estate, 2018 Reserve Pinot Gris
14. Best Pinot Noir: Arrowleaf Cellars, 2016 Archive Pinot Noir
15. Best Meritage Blend: Nk’Mip, 2016 Merriym Red Meritage
16. Best Rosé: CedarCreek Estate Winery, 2018 Estate Rosé
17. Best Sparkling: Arrowleaf Cellars, 2017 Summerstorm
18. Best Syrah: C.C. Jentsch Cellars, 2016 Syrah
19. Best White Blend: Baillie-Grohman Estate Winery, 2018 Recolt Blanche

The full list of finalists is available on our website:
www.thewinefestivals.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 four seasonally inspired Okanagan Wine Festivals in Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. It is also responsible for Signature Wine Events including Sensation by Valley First, the WestJet Wine Tastings, and more. It produces and runs for two annual wine judging competitions: the British Columbia Best of Varietal Wine Competition, and the province’s most prestigious and oldest wine competition, the British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards.

News: Stag's Hollow Sold to Investor

From the Stag's Hollow media announcement:

Okanagan Falls, BC: Stag’s Hollow Winery & Vineyard has been purchased by a local, private investor. This person is well vested in the Okanagan and in the BC wine industry, owning vineyards in Summerland, the Similkameen and Bench 1775 Winery on the Naramata Bench. As a new and separate venture, business will continue as it has at Stag’s Hollow, with founders Larry Gerelus and Linda Pruegger managing the winery moving forward. Plans this spring, to complete the planting at our Shuttleworth Creek Vineyards with a highly-prized Pinot Noir clone, will continue, together with the ongoing objective to focus on realizing the premium potential of wines made from our Okanagan Falls terroir.

About Stag’s Hollow Winery & Vineyard: Stag’s Hollow Winery, in Okanagan Falls, was founded in 1995 by Larry Gerelus and Linda Pruegger. It produces some of British Columbia’s highest quality, most distinctive wines. Always innovative, with a spirit to be unique and push the limits of both grape growing and winemaking in the Okanagan, the team at Stag’s Hollow has researched and sought out grapes, both new and old, suited to the area soils and microclimate. These include Tempranillo and Albariño from Spain, and Dolcetto and Teroldego from Italy. These unique varietals offer a new experience for the Okanagan wine lover. Although these grapes come from all over the world, wines we produce from these grapes are identifiable, as being from nowhere else in the world but from the Okanagan Falls sub-GI, in the   Okanagan Valley.

At the request of the new owner, a more public announcement will not be made.

Media Contact:

Erin Korpisto

Sales & Marketing Manager, Stag’s Hollow Winery

Email:     erin@stagshollowwinery.com

Phone:     250-497-6162

Some of Stag's Hollow Winery's newest releases:

Stag's Hollow Winery 2018 Blanc de Noirs - $25
An off-dry blend of 76% Pinot Noir and 24% Gamay Noir with medium-plus body, texture to spare and a clean, crisp finish. A flavour profile of fresh-off-the-tree peaches and hot apple crumble show on the delicate nose and the well-balanced palate.
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Stag's Hollow Winery 2018 - $20
Opens with an exotic nose of papaya, candied peach, kiwi, melon andcitrus aromas followed by a textural palate with a juicy, melon fruit-driven entry and a mineral-kissed, mouth-watering, crisp finish. Coming into its own with maturing vines and a maturing fermentation/elevage program in the winery.
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Stag's Hollow Winery 2018 Syrah Rosé - $22
Expressive rosé with a hint of residual sugar nicely balanced by fresh, but never overwhelming acid. Flavour profile will remind you of Provence with lifted, red fruit, a touch of minerals and a supporting, savoury backbone. Finish is a tad short compared to previous, stellar years - more of a reflection of their high standards.
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News: BCLDB's South African Feature Includes Consumer Tastings

From the WOSA Media Release

This summer is the perfect time to discover the great value of wines from South Africa. Throughout June, the BCLDB will focus on the country with in-store tastings and displays, as well as a FREE consumer tasting. The tasting will take place Friday, June 8th 2018 at the Park Royal BCLDB Signature Liquor Store, and will pair South African wine samples with cheese and charcuterie from Granville Island's Oyama Sausage Co.

South African wines are particularly well suited to the summer activity circuit of barbecues, ball games, and weekends at the cottage. The BCLDB will highlight some great options with displays in 60 locations and free in-store tastings. On June 8th, consumers will also be treated to South African wine samples and tasty bites from Oyama in the fresh new Park Royal store. Wines will include:

• Anthonij RupertProtea Chenin Blanc
• Bellingham Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc
• Big Bill CabernetSauvignon
• Boschendal EstateWinery 1685 Chardonnay
• Fairview Cellars Goats do Roam Red
• Grape Grinder Blue Moose Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
• KWV Walker Bay Sauvignon Blanc
• Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé
• Riebeek Cellars Shiraz
• Spier SignatureChenin Blanc
• The VinecrafterChardonnay
• Two Oceans SauvignonBlanc
• Wolftrap Red

Wines of South Africa Consumer Tasting

Friday, June 8 2018

3:00 - 7:00pm

BCLDB Park Royal Signature Liquor Store

Park Royal North, West Vancouver

www.wosa.co.za/home/

News: Winemaker Changes at Black Hills Estate Winery

From the Black Hills Estate Winery Press Release

After 10 successful years in the position as our head winemaker at Black Hills Estate Winery, Graham Pierce will transition to a new role as our consulting winemaker. In this new part-time role, Graham will continue to be involved in key strategic decisions and practices in the winery's winemaking program. These include but are not limited to: grape picking and fermentation decisions, barrel selections, blending, and stylistic directions.

The assignment of this role allows Graham the time to pursue a long-time dream to create his own brand of sparkling wine and other possible projects, while continuing to work closely with the esteemed Black Hills winery team. This includes his close relationship with the winery's winegrower Steve Carberry, who continues into his 14-year commitment as the veteran vineyard manager at Black Hills. As part of the winery's practice of "continual quality evolution", every member of the Black Hills team is committed to improving the quality of the grapes grown, the wines produced, and the hospitality provided every year.

As consulting winemaker, Graham will also work closely with Black Hills' future winemaker and the existing winery team to execute the day-to-day operations. The search for a new winemaker is now underway. We are confident we will attract a world-class candidate that will be thrilled to work directly with Graham and the rest of our winery team. It is envisioned that Graham will transition into the consulting winemaker role in early July 2018.

"We are thrilled to continue to work with Graham and have on-going access to his incredible experience, perspective, palate and passion for wine," says Glenn Fawcett, director, Black Hills Estate Winery. "At Black Hills, we value every team member and support them in pursuing their dreams. We are very excited that Graham will now have the time and freedom to pursue the side projects that are so important to him. Many of us at Black Hills will be rushing to become Graham's first customer when he makes his sparkling wine release in the future".

Graham proudly shared, "It has been an amazing 10 years working with the exceptional team at Black Hills. The dedication and talent from every team member has allowed us to craft the wine that we proudly stand behind. I look forward to working with the new winemaker and the rest of the team as we continue our continual quality evolution of our wine."

-

A sample of some of Graham's most recent releases:

Black Hills Estate Winery 2015 Syrah
Fantastical concentration in this Black Sage Bench sourced Syrah with deep, black cherry and sensual, floral aromas on the generous nose and oak-kissed layers of black cherry, mint, pepper, tobacco and blood orange flavours on the smoky, fine tannin palate. Simply gorgeous.
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Black Hills Estate Winery 2016 Viognier
Black Hills have dialed in their Viognier program delivering a focused wine with both plump, Tropical fruit and lean, refreshing citrus characters that make it a great pairing for rich, spicy soups and seafood dishes. Look for subtle notes of white flowers on the pleasant nose and fresh, tangy apricots on the palate. The finish is long with lingering clove and aniseed spice.
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Black Hills Estate Winery 2016 Chardonnay
Both rich and vibrant and anchored with baby bear levels of oak (just right) on the vanilla and peach cream scented nose and on the orchard'n'citrus fruit infused palate. Layers of mineral, blossom and spice add depth throughout. Clove, pear and ever-so-slightly bitter lemon zest notes linger on the long finish.
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Black Hills Estate Winery 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Likely to be limited to the wine club only, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine may be the best reason ever to join such a club with its out-of-this-world depth of flavour, rarely seen in a BC Cab. Both sensual and powerful on the nose with deep, minty dark chocolate, pure cassis liqueur, cordial cherry and nutmeg aromas.
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- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

News: May Celebrates Sauvignon Blanc with New Zealand Winegrowers

From BCLDB's press release:

BRITISH COLUMBIA – New Zealand Winegrowers is pleased to return to British Columbia for another exciting promotion of wines from New Zealand in BC Liquor Stores throughout the month of May, 2018. 60 government liquor stores will feature New Zealand wines on shelves for the entire month, accompanied by 12 free in-store tasting events which encourage consumers to get to know New Zealand wines on an intimate level. Additionally, Vancouverites will have the opportunity to taste through these featured wines alongside scrumptious food bites on May 4th at a grand consumer event (no charge and no purchase necessary) at the new Park Royal Signature BC Liquor Store on International Sauvignon Blanc Day with delicious canapés to complement the wines, crafted by Chef Chris Whittaker of Vancouver’s Forage restaurant.

Throughout the month of May, a dozen wines from New Zealand (see next page for wine details) will be promoted within 60 BC Liquor Stores throughout the British Columbia. Select participating stores will further focus the spotlight on these wines, hosting in-store tasting events during two days on every weekend of the month, each offering a guided tasting of 3 different wines for shoppers to taste (see next page for tasting schedule).

May 4th is International Sauvignon Blanc Day, and Sauvignon Blanc is a grape variety that always prompts New Zealand to the front-of-mind. As such, it only seems natural that New Zealand Winegrowers is hosting a spectacular event that features all 12 wines on promotion – wines which showcase the unique terroirs and styles of various regions and grape varieties from several of the country’s diverse growing regions. Vancouver’s much-awarded Forage restaurant is creating locally-sourced canapés, each crafted to enhance the flavours in these signature wines, while knowledgeable Sommeliers guide attendees through a unique tasting adventure. This promises to be an afternoon to remember, and all are welcome to attend, no purchase necessary.

This event is free of charge and open to the public, no reservations required:

Park Royal Signature BC Liquor Store, Vancouver

Friday, May 4th, 2017   4 – 7pm         

It has been said that there is no wine anywhere in the world that tastes like wine from New Zealand. These are stylish, exciting wines that surprise and delight. New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc was the explosive varietal that awoke the world to New Zealand wine and Pinot noir from New Zealand offers old world structure and elegance with new world power and intensity.

News: BC Wine industry disappointed with Supreme Court ruling

From the BCWI's press release:

KELOWNA, April 19, 2018 - The British Columbia Wine Institute and its members today expressed disappointment with the Supreme Court of Canada's ruling on Her Majesty the Queen v. Gerard Comeau. The case challenged restrictions on interprovincial trade, an issue the BCWI and the Canadian Vintners Association (CVA) has been working on for over a decade.

This morning at 9:45 a.m. (EST) the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled on Her Majesty the Queen v. Gerard Comeau. The ruling states the following: Section 121 does not impose absolute free trade across Canada.

"The Court's ruling today is disappointing for the BC wine industry." Said Miles Prodan President & CEO of the BCWI. "We will continue our work both directly and through the CVA with the federal / provincial / territorial governments' Alcoholic Beverages Working Group, industry, governments and the provinces to remove the barriers and allow winery direct shipping to customers across Canada."

"We respect the Court's ruling but are disappointed at this missed opportunity to remove interprovincial trade restrictions," said Dan Paszkowski, President & CEO of the CVA. "Removing restrictions would have opened the door to allowing consumers to order wine for direct delivery to their home from any Canadian winery located in any province. We call that Direct-to-Consumer, it is something nine out of 10 Canadians believe should be permitted, and we now eagerly await the provinces making this choice available to their citizens."

In October 2012, Gerard Comeau of New Brunswick purchased beer and spirits in Quebec and drove back to New Brunswick. He was charged with possessing liquor purchased from outside the province in quantities that exceeded the province's prescribed limit, an offence under section 134 of the New Brunswick Liquor Control Act. The trial judge held that section 134(b) of the Liquor Control Act constitutes a trade barrier (violating section 121 of the Constitution Act, 1867) and dismissed the charge against Mr. Comeau. The case subsequently made its way to the Supreme Court.

"It's important to recognize that interprovincial trade barriers affect a range of industries, including wine." Says Paszkowski.

Unfair interprovincial trade barriers have impeded Canada's wine industry growth and prevented consumers from purchasing the Canadian wines of their choice.

"This morning's ruling is disappointing for our industry. Every wine producing nation in the world has direct sales within its own country" said Tony Stewart, Proprietor & CEO of Quails' Gate Winery. "Canada needs to correct this so that we can start to create a level playing field with the rest of the world."

Canada's wine industry had seen the ruling as a way to open the doors to direct-to-consumer wine purchases across the country, something consumers believe should be done.

Direct-to-Consumer wouldlead to important growth for the country's highest value agricultural industry. Indeed, free interprovincial trade would positively impact the economy across the country. Industry research shows that for every $1.00 spent on Canadian wine in Canada, $3.42 in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is generated across the country.

News: Dish 'n Dazzle Gala 2018

From the event's press release:

April 10, 2018 (Vancouver, BC) - The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce the names of the wineries and restaurants that will participate in its 7th annual Dish 'n Dazzle gala on Thursday, May 10 2018.

Guests will enjoy tasty bites from a who's who of local culinary talent, including:

• Chef Ann Kirsebom
• cibo Trattoria
• Edible Canada
• Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
• La Grotta del Formaggio
• The Lobby Restaurant at Pinnacle at the Pier Hotel
• Mamie Taylor's
• Minami & Gyoza Bar
• Nomad
• Tableau Bar Bistro
• The Trump Champagne Lounge
• VCC Culinary Arts Program
• Water Street Cafe

The theme for this year's fundraiser is Argentina: Breaking New Ground, and an all-star lineup of over 30 Argentinean wineries will pour samples of their premium wines. Participating wineries will include Bodega Catena Zapata, Finca Decero, Familia Zuccardi, Susana Balbo Wines, and more. See the full list of participating wineries here.

Musical group Les is More will provide the soundtrack for this fun evening, which will include a silent auction and a cocktail competition featuring local bartenders crafting drinks with an Argentinean twist. Proceeds will go to the BCHF.

Tickets for the event are available online.

Dish 'n Dazzle

Argentina: Breaking New Ground

Thursday, May 10 2018

6:30 - 9:30pm

Vancouver Convention Centre East

999 Canada Place, Vancouver

Tickets are $89 and can be purchased here: https://events.eply.com/DishnDazzle20182344812

News: New Food Options at JoieFarm

From the winery's press release:

It is with great pleasure that we announce a new concept and menu change at Joie Picnique for the coming 2018 season: Le Comptoir at Joie Picnique.

This summer our owner and winemaker Heidi Noble will be returning to her culinary roots with the support of our core staff and her partner, JJ Skidmore, using our wood burning oven to serve rotating small-plate offerings of European-inspired snacks to accompany our European-inspired wines.

Le Comptoir at Joie Picnique is not a restaurant, rather a beautiful outdoor salon to sit casually or throw down a blanket amongst the heritage fruit trees and orchard to enjoy wine country snacks and a bottle of wine. We will serve classic European dishes highlighted with fresh seasonal produce from our garden, local growers and the Penticton Farmer's Market. Guests can expect an ever-changing menu of small dishes such as: wood-fired marinated sardines, Vancouver Island escargot with garlic pistou, wood-fired lamb ribs with apricot harissa, local sausages with homemade choucrôute, wood-oven bean pots with heritage grains, homemade ricotta with local honey and rosemary, pissaladière, tarte flambée, and charcuterie of cheese, olives, smoked nuts and lightly-cured fish.

We know our Neopolitan-style pizza will surely be missed, but it is our intention as an integrated team of food lovers (all of whom love to cook and eat!) to provide a menu that can better speak to our local terroir and evolving food culture on the West Coast of Canada. It is our intention to cultivate this culture on our lawn this summer.

Our tasting room itself will also have a more focused flight this season to better inform our guests about the history of aromatic Germanic varietals in British Columbia, the potential for Burgundian varietals in the cool-climate, lake-moderated desert of the Okanagan Valley, and the culinary roots of JoieFarm. Our core tasting flight of five wines is $15 with an option for a supplemental tasting of three additional reserve wines for $5. Tasting fees are waived with a minimum purchase of one bottle on a per-person basis. Le Comptoir at Joie Picnique and our oyster shell bocce court are reserved for our tasting room guests only.

Le Comptoir at Joie Picnique Hours

Open 12pm to 4pm (weather dependent)

Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays

—

May to June:

Full menu available Saturdays & Sundays starting May 19th

Smaller snacks will be served Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays

—

July to August:

Full rotating menu available

News: Abbotsford's Singletree Winery Opens A Second Location in the Okanagan

From the winery's press release:

The Etsell family, owners of Singletree Winery in Abbotsford British Columbia (BC), proudly announce that they have purchased a property in order to open a second Singletree Winery location in Naramata, BC.

The property they purchased was formerly called Ledlin Family Vineyards and had been open at 1435 Naramata Road, for less than a year before being purchased by the Etsell family for an undisclosed amount.

With some minor renovations to take care of over the coming months first, the Etsells hope to have Singletree Naramata Bench ready to open in time for the summer touring season. They received the keys over the past weekend and were delighted by how friendly and welcoming the Naramata community is already.

Singletree Winery opened in Abbotsford in 2015 after the Etsells decided to expand upon their family's farming operations and make the move into the wine industry. The winery is named Singletree after the single harness yoke which was an essential tool for pioneering farmers from all over the province.

In under three years the winery has established itself as a leader in the Fraser Valley winery community, where they offer a focused lineup of estate-grown wines, and red wines made from grapes grown in Naramata. By purchasing the property in the Okanagan, it allows them to be closer to the vineyards there and also reach wine loving customers in a different part of the province.

"It's a thrill to be able to open a tasting room where we acquire some of our fruit already," remarked winemaker and second-generation owner Andrew Etsell. "The reception has been incredible for the fresh, juicy Fraser Valley white wines we produce, and the luscious reds we make from Okanagan fruit," he continues. "We are excited to offer our whole lineup of Singletree wines to Naramata locals, and visitors too."

As the family has just received the keys and have renovations to make, there are no current photos of the new property. The winery invites people to follow their journey on social media and to sign up for their newsletter at singletreewinery.com to be in the know for all of the winery's official activities.

News: Bordeaux Futures Return to Marquis

After a break of three years, Vancouver's Marquis Wine Cellars is getting back in the business of selling Bordeaux Futures for the yet-to-be bottled 2014 vintage. The self imposed hiatus was, seemingly, less an active protest of the high-price-to-low-quality ratio that Bordeaux wines were perceived to be offering in the 2011, 2012 and 2013 vintages than it was simply a business decision to invest time (read: money) in procuring wines from other regions without the same negative baggage.

Whatever the reason, they're back at it and that's good news for Vancouver's Bordeaux faithful whose only access to these wines was limited to waiting in line at the annual BCLDB release each fall or through illegal imports from Albertan wine shops.

Visit marquis-wines.com for more details on the wines they are including in their futures program.

News: SOWA To Aid in Mudslide Relief

Courtesy or Leeann Froese:

Tug-o-war challenge to raise funds in landslide relief efforts

This June a mudslide tore through the Southern Okanagan Valley, destroying the homes and livelihoods of many of our neighbours. In answer to the disaster, The South Okanagan Winery Association is proud to announce its participation in the Mudslide Crisis Relief Committee’s fundraiser during Oliver Township’s “Sunshine Days” on July 17. We invite everyone to come down to the Oliver Community Centre around noon to enjoy the festivities, including: A beer (and cider!) tent, water slides, live music, and a once-in-a-lifetime raffle for some of the best wines the Southern Okanagan has to offer. Come for the fun and stay to watch the wineries beat the pants off of anyone who dares to accept their Tug-O-War challenge! Think you got what it takes? Sign up at Oliver Parks and Rec.

For more information on Sunshine Days and the Mudslide Crisis Relief contact: Deb at Oliver Parks & Rec: 250.498.4985 or deb@oliverrecreation.ca

For more information about the South Okanagan Winery Association visit their website: http://www.sowasite.com/