The Fall Okanagan Wine Festival is produced by the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society. It is one of four wine festivals that take place throughout the year, the others being spring, summer, and winter. It offers an authentic way to experience this world-famous wine-producing region. Best of all, the festival takes place during harvest time! You might even get to try your hand (or rather, your foot) at stomping grapes.

Fall Okanagan Wine Festival Signature Events

The Fall Okanagan Wine Festival is full of fun events for the whole family, including the can’t-miss Signature Events. Here’s a quick overview of what the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society has planned.

September 27 – British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards Reception
This year, the Fall Okanagan Wine Festival will kick off with the most prestigious wine awards in the province. This will actually be the first annual British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards following the merger of two premier competitions. Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals will be given out for the very best wines from across British Columbia.

September 29 – The Fall WestJet Wine Tasting at YLW in the Carson Air Hangar
Something else that’s new about the Fall Okanagan Wine Festival this year is that the annual WestJet Wine Tastings will now be held at the new Carson Air hangar at the Kelowna International Airport. Over 80 wineries will be present, along with several local food vendors and even an onsite liquor store!

October 4 – The Young Chefs presented by Kelowna International Airport
The Okanagan has inspired many a young chef to start on the culinary path. The Young Chefs event gives twelve apprentice chefs the opportunity to create and pair a small plate with wine from a partner winery. A panel of professional judges will then select one young chef as the winner. A People’s Choice award for Best Food & Wine Pairing will also be given out.

October 5 & 6 – Cropped presented by Valley First at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre
Ready for more wine tasting? Visit the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre on Friday and Saturday to sample a selection of local food and over 200 different wines. The event will also feature live music, artisan vendors, food demos, and, of course, an onsite liquor store where you’ll be able to pick up your favourite wines.

October 7 – Thanksgiving Brunch at Watermark Beach Resort
As it does every year, the festival will draw to a close with the Thanksgiving Brunch at Watermark Beach Resort. Enjoy a variety of delicious, farm-to-table breakfast and lunch offerings from a professional chef with your friends and family. Doors open at 10 am and tickets are $39 per adult. Children five to 12 years of age only cost $15, and children under five may enter for free with the purchase of an adult ticket.

If you’re a big fan of the Okanagan’s fine wines, or if you just like to have a good time, then you owe it to yourself to come check out the Fall Okanagan Wine Festival. This well-loved seasonal festival offers something for everyone, whether you’re a seasonal explorer of the wineries in the area or it’s your first time to this beautiful part of Canada.