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Vagabond Kitchen @ Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars July 22nd
In the last few years our home in the Southern Okanagan has seen an explosion in fantastic little gourmet food vendors. This summer we thought it would be fun to jump on the food wagon and have our friends from Vagabond Kitchen stop by on a few days throughout July and August.
They will be serving items from their simple but delicious menu, all easily eaten with hands, fingers, elbows or whichever body part you are most comfortable using. Enjoy some lunch, wine, outdoor games and of course our famous view. No reservations required, bring along your friends, while the first date is July 22nd. See our Events Page for further dates and details.
Cheers!
Jul 18, 2017 at 3:22 PM
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Winter Farmer's Markets in the Okanagan
Although many farmers have completed their harvest for the season, there are still winter markets to enjoy when the weather gets cold. Here are a couple of local Okanagan area markets that run through the holiday season. The items will differ slightly from the summer farmer's markets but there is still lots of delicious baking and local crafts to enjoy!
Penticton
The Shatford Centre is once again hosting the Penticton Farmers' Market Winter Market at the Shatford Centre from 9am to 1pm on the Saturdays of November 22nd and December 6th and 20th.
Join them for goods from all around the Okanagan. From fresh baking to vegetables and snacks to crafts, each vendor will have something interesting.
Penticton Farmers' Market
pentictonfarmersmarket@gmail.com
250-770-FARM
Shatford Centre
info@shatfordcentre.com
250-770-7668
Oliver
Oliver Arts and Crafts Fair at the Oliver Community Centre
Friday, November 21, 2014 10am - 7pm
Saturday, November 22, 2014 10am - 4pm
Free Admission with a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank.
Kelowna
Held Saturdays from 9am-1pm from November to March at the Parkinson Rec Centre.
Winter Market Dates 2014/2015:
November: 1st, 22nd, 29th
December: 6th, 13th, 20th
January: 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st
February: 14th, 21st, 28th
March: 7th, 14th, 28th
Please note dogs or other animals are not allowed at the market.
An ATM is onsite at the indoor market in the hall near the bathrooms.
Customer parking is located in the Parkinson Rec parking lot, access off of Harvey Ave or Parkinson Way.
Nov 18, 2014 at 10:30 AM
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Holiday Cheer Open House Weekend, Okanagan Falls
Join the wineries of Okanagan Falls this holiday season for our open house weekend in the “Heart of Wine Country”!
Come visit our 12 wineries for your holiday gifting ideas, food pairings and sample our delicious wines! Join us amidst our decorated wine shops and vineyards while enjoying delicious holiday treats and exclusive features from each winery. We invite you to come celebrate the season at Blue Mountain Winery with some bubbly and our delicious truffle popcorn.
Take part in our photo scavenger hunt for your chance to win a private wine tour for two with Top Cat Tours!
Full contest details online at ofwa.ca/contest
Each winery will open their doors from 11AM to 5PM on Saturday November 29th and Sunday November 30th. Admission is free.
Participating wineries include:
Blasted Church Vineyards
Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars
Krāzē Legz Vineyard and Winery
Liquidity Wines
Meyer Family Vineyards
Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery
Painted Rock Estate Winery
See Ya Later Ranch
Stag’s Hollow Winery and Vineyard
Synchromesh Wines
Topshelf Winery Ltd.
Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery
Check back for more details on winery features and promotions!
Want to book a shuttle for the event? Have a look at our list of tour operators in the area!
The Holiday Cheer Open House is one of 5 winery association events that invites guests to spend a weekend in BC wine country! Visit winterwineevents.com for further details on all the winery events from November 29th through December 7th!
Nov 13, 2014 at 10:00 AM
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BC Pinot Noir Celebration 2014 - Tantalus Vineyard
The second annual Pinot Noir Celebration will take place at Tantalus Vineyards in Kelowna on August 31, 2014. For anyone who attended last year's event at Meyer Family you will know to get your tickets early. This was an awesome inaugural event and everyone had a fabulous time tasting great Pinot's from around the world and around the Okanagan Valley. Wine makers were on hand to answer questions and generally celebrate this grape that grows so well in the Okanagan and is revered throughout the world. Tickets will sell out for this event so book yours early and get ready to enjoy some great food and Pinot Noir!
The celebration aims to bring together passionate Pinot Noir producers in the province in an interactive and fun atmosphere - giving guests an intimate experience with our winemakers and winery principals whilst building education and excitement about BC Pinot Noir.
16 participating wineries:
Tantalus (host location), Meyer Family, CedarCreek, Quail's Gate, Howling Bluff, Blue Mountain, Liquidity, Black Cloud, Seven Directions, Mission Hill, 50th Parallel, Eau Vivre, Averill Creek, Orofino, Lake Breeze and Carson.
Event program:
The day will consist of a Sparkling Blanc de Noir reception and welcome address from Tantalus winemaker and president of this year's celebration, David Paterson. A keynote address from internationally-acclaimed wine educator and author Karen MacNeil ("The Wine Bible") will kick off the day.
Two breakout sessions will follow offering guests one-on-one interactions with winemakers from across British Columbia:
The first session takes guests "Behind the Bottle" into Tantalus' winery tank hall for a sit-down look at three key regions for BC Pinot Noir by way of a winemaker-led blending activity with insights into BC Terroir and regional development from Vancouver-based sommeliers Michaela Morris and Michelle Bouffard of House Wine Girls (ISG &WSET diploma-certified).
A second session will focus on "Cellaring BC Pinot at Home" - with a dip into the cellars of three of BC's oldest, most well-established wineries for a taste of the rewards of cellaring BC Pinot Noir.
Each guest will have the opportunity to experience both breakout sessions.
Following this, guests will move to our garden tasting salon where you will have time to revisit with the winemakers and taste a wider spectrum of each winery's Pinot Noir offerings. Tantalus will also be hosting short, casual vineyard walks at this time for guests to get up close with their Pinot Noir blocks - both young and old.
An al fresco dinner, featuring a salmon bake and porchetta roast from celebrated Kelowna Chef Mark Filatow will ensue with live music from Vancouver's "Tainted Lovers" and dancing under the stars to top off the celebration.
(Please note each ticket includes the full program as listed above, including two seminars, the tasting salon, buffet dinner and dessert - with wines to accompany dinner - as well as the evening's entertainment and all taxes and gratuities. A cash bar will accompany the entertainment portion of the evening.)
To avoid disappointment purchase your tickets today: www.bcpn2014.eventbee.com
Jul 29, 2014 at 10:00 AM
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A Celebration of Okanagan Bubbles with Joy Road Catering at Linden Gardens
On July 18th we were invited to pour our NV Brut Sparkling wine at an inaugural and exclusive Sparkling Wine-only event. This Gatsby-themed event got hosted by Joy Road Catering at Linden Gardens in Kaleden with pours from some of the Okanagan's favourite sparkling wine producers and food pairings from Joy Road.
Sumac Ridge Stellar's Jay
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Gruyere Gougiere with House Cured Prosciutto
Herbed Truffle Omelette
Therapy Fizziotherapy
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Spicy Thai Cucumber Salad with Thai Basil, Humpback Shrimp, Peanuts & Cilantro
Blue Mountain NV Brut "Gold Label"
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Wild Salmon Caviar with Crème Fraiche Chantilly & Chives
Purple Potato Chips
Bella Sparkling Rosé
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Pissaladiere
Puff Pastry with Heirloom Tomatoes Anchovy & Caramelized Onion
Elephant Island Methode Champenoise Sparkling Wine
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Pork Belly Steam Buns with Apple, Cabbage & Picked Pink Onions
8th Generation Confidence
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Salt Cod Fritters with Local Espelette Aioli
Haywire The Bub
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Browned Butter Halibut Cheek
Cauliflower, Fried Capers, Lemon & Parsley
Orofino Muscato Fizzante
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Freshly Shucked Outlandish Shellfish Oysters with Strawberry & Cracked Black Pepper Mignonette
Jul 24, 2014 at 10:00 AM
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Covert Farms - Oliver
Covert Farms has always been a busy place, but in the last few years there is a whole lot going on such as: Farm Field Dinners, an event called the Freakin Farmer, Wine tastings, U-pick fruits and vegetables. As well home delivery is available so that you can get the freshest vegetables delivered right to your door. They even have summer camps for young farmers. All of these things add up to a whole lot of activity going on. And it is all organic.
Tucked up above the north end of Oliver is a hidden gem of the Okanagan. Covert Farms, at the foot of McIntyre Bluff is a 600 acre terrace that has been growing organic produce since 1959. A large organic farm and country market that features in season organic produce fresh from the farm, in the setting of beautiful vegetable and flower gardens, a patio and playground.
Those who love recreation dually appreciate the location of Covert Farms, as it is positioned at the gateway to the iconic Okanagan Landmark, McIntyre Bluff, and makes a great place to picnic after a bike ride or hike.
Covert Farms is about tasty and healthy food and the relationships that are necessary to bring that about in a sustainable way. The relationships of the land are many and complex and most have yet to be discovered. As these complex relationships are discovered so is interest, intrigue, humility and of course great food. Good food is not just about taste. It's not just the nutrient value. It’s about life, learning and exploration. Visit Covert Farms, explore; learn about your food; and experience a place bustling with life and diversity.
Try Pick-your-own. Friendly staff in the fields can assist you with your selections and guide you if you so choose. Over 40 different crops to try and experiment with. If you don’t care to pick, they have harvested produce in their market. Most crops are available till mid-October or till first frost.
Looking for more one-on-one. Take a guided tour with a farmer. Explore the vineyards, fields, and the special places around the area in a vintage 1952 Mercury Truck. The tour ends with a private wine tasting accompanied by small bites from the kitchen. Max 10 people per tour.
Covert Farms
107th St
Oliver
(250) 498-2731
Jun 24, 2014 at 10:00 AM
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An Evening of Effervescence at Linden Gardens
We invite you to join us on July 18th at Linden Gardens in Kaleden for an "Evening of Effervescence". Get ready for the party of the summer: an art deco celebration of Okanagan Bubbly!
When is it?
Friday, July 18th from 6:30 - 9:30 with pours from some of your favourite sparkling wine producers Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellars, Bella, Sumac Ridge, Therapy Vineyards, Orofino, 8th Generation, Elephant Island & Haywire!
How much is it?
Tickets are $99/person and can be purchased at http://www.joyroadcatering.com/contact.php
Where is it?
Linden Gardens in Kaleden
Fabulous food pairings by Joy Road Catering.
Costumes are required (think Gastby!) and you'll be glad you dressed up for an elaborate setting of antique cars, food and wine stations hidden throughout the gardens, and vignettes for photo ops from Vintage Origami.
We have put together some clothing ideas on Pinterest, check our Pinterest page for inspiration.
Follow Blue Mountain Winery's board Evening of Effervescence on Pinterest. 
Chef Dana Ewart at Joy Road Catering was on CTV Vancouver on June 9th, 2014 making some tasty bites and telling the big city about the "Evening of Effervescence" event at Linden Gardens, click here to watch the video. Joy Road Catering also got featured on Breakfast Television this past Tuesday and Chef Dana made a delicious asparagus hazelnut pesto.
Come celebrate Okanagan bubbles in style!
Jun 19, 2014 at 10:00 AM
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Okanagan Falls Party in the Park 2014
The Okanagan Falls Winery Association’s annual Party in the Park is back & tickets are on sale now!
Come join us and our neighbouring Okanagan Falls wineries for an authentic Southern-style BBQ dinner prepared by The Chef Instead, live music by local minstrels Uncorked, and wine tasting by 12 Okanagan Falls wineries (Blasted Church Vineyards, Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars, Krāzē Legz Vineyard and Winery, Liquidity Wines, Meyer Family Vineyards, Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery, Painted Rock Estate Winery, See Ya Later Ranch, Stag's Hollow Winery and Vineyard, Topshelf Winery, Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery)
Also, Blue Mountain Winery is giving away 2 tickets to the event. To enter, find your way to our Facebook page, "like" us (please!), like our post about the Party in the Park event & share it with your friends. Simple!
When is it?
Friday, July 11th, 2014 from 5pm till 9pm
• 5 to 7 PM taste and learn about each winery’s specialty
• 6:30PM – 9 PM dinner buffet & live music
• Wines by the glass will be available at a nominal fee
How much is it?
Tickets are $50 + tax and can be purchased at the following locations:
• Member winery tasting rooms
• Penticton Visitor Information Centre
• http://www.eventbee.com/v/ofwapartyinthepark2014
Where is it?
At Kenyon Park in Okanagan Falls (on the shores of Skaha Lake behind the IGA)
Shuttles are available for your convenience
• from Osoyoos & Oliver, contact Landsea Okanagan Tours and Charters
• from Penticton, contact Grape Escapes Wine Tours
Accommodation discounts are offered for your convenience subject to availability
• 12% off rooms at the Ramada Inn and Suites Penticton, email Gord at gm@pentictonramada.com or call 250-492-8926 (mention Okanagan Falls Winery Association or Party in the Park when booking)
• discounted rooms at the Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos, book online or email Courtney Fossett at cfossett@watermarkbeachresort.com
Participants must be 19 years of age or older. For more details on the event check out OFWA.ca
Jun 10, 2014 at 10:00 AM
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International Chardonnay Day - May 22, 2014
May 22nd, 2014 is Chardonnay Day, an annual celebration where tasters and tweeters around the world discuss the virtues of our favourite grape varietal. The conversation takes place over 24 hours, all through the day, regardless of where in the world you’re located. There are meetups and tweetups and Taste & Tweets – join in on Twitter at #chardday. Better still drop in and see us – we’re toasting Chardonnay Day all day long.
Receive free shipping in BC on your online orders, placed between May 19th and May 25th, that include at least one bottle of the 2012 Blue Mountain Estate Chardonnay or 2011 Blue Mountain Reserve Chardonnay.
Use Promotional Code : CHARDDAY2014
May 19, 2014 at 10:00 AM
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Gold Medal Plates Kelowna 2014
Gold Medal Plates is the ultimate celebration of Canadian Excellence in cuisine, wine, the arts and athletic achievement. Celebrated in eleven cities across Canada in 2013, Gold Medal Plates features the premier chefs in each city in a competition to crown a gold, silver and bronze medal culinary team in each city, and subsequently nation-wide at the Canadian Culinary Championships.
Every year for the last 4 years, Canadian Olympic Atheletes, Chefs and Artists from across Canada have gathered in Kelowna in early February to cook and raise money to support Canadian athelete's dreams of making the podium. This year there is extra excitement as many of our atheletes will be heading to Socchi to chase Olympic gold. For the chefs from each of Canada's provinces it is their chance to shine and bring the best of their region to celebrate with the rest of Canada.
For nearly a decade, Chef Kelly Cattani has been honing her craft in some of Winnipeg’s finest kitchens. Today, she is the Chef-de-Cuisine of Diversity Food Services at the University of Winnipeg, overseeing both the on-campus and catering operations.
A graduate of Red River College’s School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts, Chef Cattani is a founding member of the Winnipeg chapter of the Canadian Culinary Federation’s Junior Chefs, and was a leading organizer of Manitoba’s Centrex Iron Chef competition.
Passionate about authentic, fresh food, prepared creatively and with integrity, Cattani took top honours at this year’s Gold Medal Plates competition and is excited to represent Manitoba at the national event in Kelowna, BC, in February. She will not only be representing her province but will also be pairing her gold medal plate with Blue Mountain's own 2011 Pinot Noir.
Chef Kelly Cattani has provided two great recipes for you to try:
Somme Borscht and Whole Wheat and Honey Biscuits
Feb 5, 2014 at 4:00 PM
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