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British Columbia

Free & Budget Friendly Wine Events: Spring Okanagan Wine Fest 2019

Free & Budget Friendly Wine Events: Spring Okanagan Wine Fest 2019

*Updated for 2019

 

Visiting the Okanagan isn’t cheap, especially during the prime tourist season which begins May to October. The Spring Okanagan Wine Fest kicks off this busy season beginning May 2nd to 13th. The locals are looking forward to Spring as the Winter has lagged on for too long and events are selling out fast around the valley. 

I’ve included all complimentary and budget friendly events in the list below. Budget friendly being $25 per person or less, however, I did include one $30 event because it was such a unique experience.

But I am amazed to see that there a fewer free and budget friendly wine events as compared to last year which had over 17 of these events. I hope next year I have more to add because many visitors want to experience as much of the Okanagan as possible without blowing the budget – an easy thing to do nowadays! 

Kelowna & West Kelowna Events

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Summers in Kelowna. Ahhh. #bcwine #explorekelowna #houseofrosewinery #summer

A post shared by HouseofRose (@houseofrose25) on Aug 4, 2018 at 8:09pm PDT

Mom and Roses

Free wine tastings for everyone at East Kelowna’s House of Rose Winery. For a DIY wine tour visit this and all the East Bench Fab Five Wineries.

Details: May 12th
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
House of Rose Winery – Complimentary

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

The current view from our picnic area! Pack a lunch, come by our wine shop to pick up your favourite Rollingdale wine, then head over to our benches to enjoy the beauty of the Okanagan.

A post shared by Rollingdale (@rollingdale) on Mar 31, 2016 at 1:14pm PDT

Astronomical Wine & Sky Gazing

Sip on Rollingdale Wine while gazing through a telescope at Mars and constellations!

Details: May 5th
9:15 pm – 10:45 pm
Rollingdale Winery – By donation to RASC

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Today isn’t just any Wednesday, it’s Wine Maker Wednesday! Come meet our Kristy French! #winetasting #winemaker #winelovers #kelowna #vineyard #explorekelowna #exploreokanagan #wine #tasting #cider

A post shared by #TheViewWinery (@the.view.winery) on Aug 8, 2018 at 12:46pm PDT

Spring Wine Fest

Join The View Winery from May 4th to 12th for various complimentary tastings. Each day you can experience something new but for May 4th & may 6th there is a $10 entrance fee for the amuse bouche and wine pairings. 
On May 11th-12th there is a Mother’s Day market held at the winery and is complimentary to enter.

Details: May 4th – 12th
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The View Winery – Complimentary – $10

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

The Lakeshore Wine Route is throwing a party! All in support of BCSPCA! Visit all 4 wineries with your pooch for complimentary tastings and canapés – 12-4pm!

A post shared by Lakeshore Wine Route (@lakeshorewines) on May 4, 2018 at 1:43pm PDT

Unleashed at Kelowna’s Lakeshore Wine Route

Dog friendly event! Don’t leave your well behaved pooch at home, bring them to the Lakeshore Wine Route wineries. Enjoy wine tastings and all the K9 companions in the vineyards. I wish they would come up with a hashtag for this event because I think it needs to get more attention than it does. #LakeshoreUnleashed ?

Details: May 5th
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Lakeshore Wine Route – $20 donation: BCSPCA

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Anyone dreaming about #roséallday? #pairthemoment #explorekelowna

A post shared by Quails’ Gate Winery (@quailsgate) on Mar 5, 2019 at 1:46pm PST

Black Out Blind Tastings

Quails’ Gate is offering tastings in black Riedel wine glasses so you can’t see what you’re about to taste. Use your senses to navigate these Quails’ Gate wines with a senior wine educator guiding you.

Details: May 1st – 12th
5:00 pm – 5:45 pm
Quails’ Gate Estate Winery – $25 per person

Summerland

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Shauna Maria (@suck_rocks) on May 28, 2017 at 12:08pm PDT

Sips of Spring

Enjoy complimentary fruit wine tastings.

Details: May 1st
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery – Complimentary

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Sumac Ridge Estate Winery (@sumacridgewine) on Dec 31, 2016 at 9:20am PST

Sumac Ridge Progressive Pairings

Taste all of Sumac Ridge’s wine offerings (6 from all 3 labels).
Tour the Steller’s Jay cave with wine in hand, taste the Black Sage Vineyard wines and Sumac Ridge labels paired with small bites. The Spring Wine Festival is the kick off for this event running until October 7th.

Details: May 1st – October 7th
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Sumac Ridge Estate Winery – $25.00pp + tax

Naramata & Penticton

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Good morning from Da Silva Winery! Beautiful day to be in the vineyards or maybe for a hike up Munson Mountain! #bluebirdday #okanagan #naramatabench #visitpenticton #bcwine #okanaganlife #naramatawines #winetours #winetasting #hike #nofilter

A post shared by Da Silva Vineyards & Winery (@dasilvawines) on Aug 27, 2018 at 9:46am PDT

New Taste of Spring

Featuring a barrel tasting of all spring releases while learning about the history and family behind Da Silva Vineyard.
Details: May 2nd – 12th
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Da Silva Vineyard and Winery – Complimentary

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Cheers to International #Merlot day! #internationalmerlotday #bcwine #redwine #winewednesday

A post shared by Township 7 Vineyards & Winery (@township7) on Nov 7, 2018 at 9:59am PST

Merlot Vertical

Taste Merlot wines by Township 7 from 5 vintages from 2012 to 2016.
I love these kinds of events that showcase how weather, ageing and other various influences can change the grapes from year to year.

Details: May 4th & May 22nd
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Township 7 Vineyards & Winery – $21.77 + tax

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

The ☀️is here and that means it’s patio time! Who’s excited?!

A post shared by Painted Rock Estate Winery (@paintedrockwine) on Jun 19, 2018 at 7:02am PDT

The Art of Pairing

One of the great views of Skaha Lake with a gorgeous architectural tasting room, Painted Rock walks you through pairing food and wine with cheese, charcuterie and chocolate. 

Details: May 11th & 12th
11:00 am – 5:30 pm
Painted Rock Estate Winery – Complimentary

Okanagan Falls

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Hard to believe this was only one month ago! @suezzeq here’s to many more trips up the mountain.

A post shared by See Ya Later Ranch (@sylranchwinery) on Dec 12, 2018 at 3:07pm PST

MAJOR’S FAVOURITES WINE & FOOD PAIRINGS

I seriously love this winery. It has the most majestic view of any winery in the entire Okanagan!
Enjoy small bites and wines with your view. Dig into the history of this property while you’re there!

Details: May 3rd, 4th & 5th
11:30 – 3:30 pm
See Ya Later Ranch – $25.00

Oliver

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

We’ve released our 2013 Silica and Alluvia wines. Come on down and taste the terroir.

A post shared by Intersection Winery (@goxwine) on May 8, 2016 at 10:48am PDT

Escape from the Vinstitute!

This is that winery event that I mentioned at the beginning of this post. 
Truly a unique winery experience in that it offers BC’s first winery escape room! Test yourself and escape the cellar before the clock runs out!

Details: May 1st-10th & 12th 
10:00 am – 4:00 pm  
Intersection Estate Winery – $30

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Beautiful day on the Golden Mile. Join us for #bcwine and music on the patio from 1-4 today

A post shared by Hester Creek Estate Winery (@hester_creek) on Sep 26, 2015 at 9:38am PDT

Wine Flights and Bites

During the Spring Wine Festival you can get a charcuterie plate with local meats and cheeses to pair with a flight of 3 Hester Creek wines each!

Details: May 3rd – 10th
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Hester Creek Estate Winery – $25 per couple + tax

Osoyoos

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

?? Good morning and Happy Canada Day! ?? We just love this beautiful place we call home. Who’s looking forward to the 70th Annual Cherry Fiesta & Fireworks in Osoyoos today?

A post shared by Moon Curser Vineyards (@mooncurservineyards) on Jul 1, 2018 at 9:03am PDT

Moon Curser’s Something Old, Something New

Try new spring releases along with 3 library wines, hence something old and something new!

Details: May 1st-12th
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Moon Curser Vineyards – Tasting fees apply

What events do you plan to attend? 
Let me know in the comments below!

 

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About Murissa

Murissa is founder of FoodieTown.ca, producer and host of The Okanagan Food Show Podcast, video editor and co-creator of the Foodie Card.

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8 comments

  1. Jasmine Pilpel says:
    June 26, 2019 at 2:40 am

    Thanks and Images really tell the story of each one. We will check a few of them out. Thanks.

    Reply
  2. Sharon McKenzie says:
    June 10, 2019 at 9:47 pm

    Hi Murissa,

    You have detailed some great wineries here, and we just love these sorts of tours. Images really tell the story of each one. We will check a few of them out. Thanks.

    Cheers Sharon…

    Reply
    1. Wanderfull says:
      June 13, 2019 at 9:14 am

      Thanks Sharon!
      Enjoy your trip and let me know if you want to join a tour or if I can help in trip planning in any way!

      Reply
  3. Chris Backe says:
    May 9, 2019 at 1:01 pm

    The real question here: how do I get from one event to the next without driving intoxicated? Are there tours that can get you around? I’m, um, asking for a friend.

    Reply
    1. Wanderfull says:
      May 10, 2019 at 7:16 am

      Lol Hi Chris,

      Yes there are tours, however, most of these events aren’t on the same day or in the same area so you can plan one or two events for one evening and space them out over the entire Okanagan Wine Fest. You can also take a taxi and stay at a nearby AirBnB or hotel of course. Another option, to maximize your wine tasting, is to spit the wine.

      Reply
  4. Nomad Bears says:
    October 16, 2018 at 7:32 pm

    I hadn’t realized all the inexpensive options, especially for wineries. We’ll have to off on our next journey through BC. Really enjoyed the read.

    Reply
  5. Christina | Christina's Cucina says:
    May 1, 2018 at 7:32 pm

    SEVENTEEN wine events? Clearly, I’m in the wrong part of the world! What a great line up for anyone wanting to taste wines from the region! Wish I could go!

    Reply
    1. Wanderfull says:
      May 2, 2018 at 8:43 am

      Yup! And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many more ticketed events to go to as well. Spring and Fall Okanagan Wine Festivals are my personal favourites.

      Reply

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MEET THE TEAM

MEET THE TEAM

Hi! Murissa & Taryn here. We are sisters, foodies and founders, formerly The Wanderfull Traveler. Join us as we explore the Canadian food scene! Check out our YouTube foodie adventures and trusted restaurant recommendations here. We created the Foodie Card - coming to a Canadian city near you!

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