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Spring + Wine = Festival Fun, Okanagan-style

It’s a celebration of grape expectations.  Each year, spring marks another budding season in the vineyards – and a perfect opportunity to raise a glass in commemoration.  The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival, May 1 – 10, is an ideal marriage of wine and culinary tourism, thanks to over 100 events set to sip, savour and showcase the very best that the region has to offer.  Noted as one of Canada’s best small festivals, this gathering of the grape features an array of activity sure to tempt a tipple.  Where to start?  Raise a glass during the Spring Wine Fest Warm-up, May 1, at the historic Laurel Packinghouse in the heart of Kelowna’s cultural district.  Led by wine writer Julianna Hayes, this gathering promises to be casual, interactive, and, of course, educational.  On the same day, an Icewine Discovery Series is on the menu at Inniskillin Okanagan, a special first anniversary celebration awaits at Oliver Twist Estate Winery, and Fresco, Kelowna’s only Four Diamond restaurant, teams with CedarCreek for an unforgettable pairing of food and wine.  The noted Naramata Heritage Inn & Spa ushers in the Best of the Bench with a selection of some of Naramata Bench’s superlative vintages paired with tasty menus, May 2.  Up for a Bud Break Exploration?  Head to Mission Hill Family Estate.  Here, an outing into the demonstration vineyard (May 2) will provide a hands-on look at the miracle of “bud break” – one of the many secrets behind the makings of a memorable wine.  On May 3rd, Bacchanalia promises over 40 wineries, tasty treats and flowing vintages at the Penticton Lakeside Resort, while NK’Mip Cellars highlights an afternoon of Aboriginal culture with tastings, performances, art exhibits and more (May 4).  And for a tasting closer to home, the 100-Mile Diet Wine Pairing at the Historic Benvoulin Church in Kelowna celebrates the epicurean wave which contemplates consuming foods produced within your own community – to better your health, neighbourhood and planet.   Sampling food and wines produced in the Okanagan…does it get any better?  Come taste (and sip) for yourself.  Visit www.thewinefestivals.com for more details, or check out additional festival offerings on your mobile at www.owfs.mobi