When is the best time to venture into the heart of British ColumbiaB次元官网网址檚 wine country? The truth is, depending on your preference for temperature, activities and sharing your destination with others, thereB次元官网网址檚 no wrong time for wine lovers to visit Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country.
B次元官网网址淥liver Osoyoos really is the heart of wine country in B.C. The majority of grapes grown in British Columbia are grown in this region,B次元官网网址� explains Jennifer Busmann, Executive Director of the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association, with more than two dozen across four regions: Oliver, Osoyoos, Golden Mile, along Okanagan Highway southwest of Oliver, and Black Sage, along Black Sage Road, between Oliver and Osoyoos.
Beyond the grapes, itB次元官网网址檚 the experience that really stands out for visitors, and what makes this diverse region stretching from north of Oliver, south to the U.S. border, unique.
B次元官网网址淔rom intimate wine tasting experiences to our signature events like Winter in Wine Country, the Pig Out festival and the Half Corked Marathon (see below for details!), if you havenB次元官网网址檛 visited before, itB次元官网网址檚 an experience unlike any other,B次元官网网址� Busmann says.
B次元官网网址淎nd with our diverse terroir, variety of microclimates and grapes grown from around the world, Oliver and Osoyoos has a wine for everyone,B次元官网网址� Busmann says.
Sip and savour year-round offerings
One of the best things about Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country is its year-round delights, easily enjoyed from a quaint, local B&B or world-class destination like . Are the dry Okanagan summers too hot? The shoulder seasons are just as inviting, with sunny skies, warm temperatures and plenty to see and do B次元官网网址� or not, if sipping your favourite vintage pool-side is more your vibe.
B次元官网网址淚t really is an undiscovered gem and itB次元官网网址檚 a unique experience every time you visit,B次元官网网址� Busmann notes, sharing a few of her favourite tips.
Fall is a beautiful time to visit wine country, offering both outdoor activities and a wealth of wineries to visit. B次元官网网址淭he days are warm but the nights are cooler and itB次元官网网址檚 a little quieter so you have more time to explore,B次元官网网址� Busmann says, noting most wineries remain open or open by appointment through late fall and winter B次元官网网址� just check their website or give them a call before you visit.
In winter, you can enjoy cold-weather activities earlier in the day and winery activities in the afternoon, along with special events like , an annual family-friendly celebration lighting up the region. Watch for more on this yearB次元官网网址檚 festivities, including highlights like the 80,000 lights that set a-twinkle, and special Nov. 25 visit from Pluto the Burrowing Owl, (The winery donates all tasting fees to the protection of this endangered species throughout the year).
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 definitely a must-do for winter. Our wineries really love it and itB次元官网网址檚 a favourite for both locals and visitors looking for a getaway before the holiday season.B次元官网网址�
Spring comes early to the Oliver Osoyoos region, often around mid-February, and with the season warming up right through June, itB次元官网网址檚 a terrific time to enjoy both outdoor pursuits and indoor activities, including arts and cultural events, culinary discoveries and of course, wine tasting! B次元官网网址淏efore the high season arrives in July and August, you really have the region to yourself,B次元官网网址� Busmann says.
Of particular note for those eyeing a spring getaway to wine country are the wineriesB次元官网网址� two signature events: the Pig Out Festival Weekend, May 3 and 4, and the Half Corked Marathon, May 24 and 25.
Tickets go on sale Dec. 1 for the Pig Out festival, with local and guest chefs showcasing their culinary talents with the star of the show B次元官网网址� pork B次元官网网址� while the regionB次元官网网址檚 wineries pour for guests, creating an elegant yet relaxed outdoor setting for attendees to celebrate the regionB次元官网网址檚 bounty.
The Half Corked Marathon B次元官网网址� CanadaB次元官网网址檚 event of the year for 2017 B次元官网网址� is a unique 20-kilometre run along the Okanagan River and through the vineyards and valleys of the Black Sage Road and Golden Mile wine regions. At winery stations, participants can sip samples and engage with the regionB次元官网网址檚 colourful characters along the route. Due to its popularity, marathon weekend tickets are sold via a lottery system, which opens Nov. 16 at 9 a.m.. Follow @uncorkthesun for more details.
Discover Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country today
To plan your visit to Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country, head to where youB次元官网网址檒l find wineries, maps, event details and more.
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