Enjoy The Winter Festival Of  Wine -January 14 to 22

by Roslyne Buchanan
The balance so passionately pursued in food and wine extends to new meaning at the Winter Festival of Wine where a perfect blend of gastronomic and recreational pursuits is served.

Picture the idyllic alpine setting of Sun Peaks Resort decked out in winter whites and glimmering lights featuring assorted wine varieties of B.C.’s Okanagan with an array of culinary events, wine tastings, educational seminars and outdoor recreation.

In its 14th year, the Winter Wine Festival caters to an assortment of interests and tastes. Embrace the snowy wonderland through activities such as skiing, snowboarding, skating, snowshoeing, sleigh riding, dog sledding, tubing, or swimming in the outdoor pool. Of course, you can find your recreational balance in an indoor fitness facility or spa, shop until you drop in the boutiques, or simply absorb the ambience of the pedestrian-friendly village. With seven hotels, all ski in/ski out, varying in amenities and options such as kitchenettes and spas, guests can select accommodation based on what’s important to them.

Diverse events are designed for wine rookies and experts whether for professional development or purely for pleasure. The spectrum ranges from the highly casual M Room Fondue, a new concept where Executive Chef Steve Buzak navigates the nuances of fondue paired with Okanagan wines, to the Wine Masters Dinner, an epic journey of gourmet food and flights of extraordinary wines.

The apres ski scene offers From Russia with Love…and Wine…and Vodka, in the Globe Cafe’s Oyster & Caviar Bar where you learn about making sparkling wines from Summerhill Pyramid Winery and distilling premium vodka from Kelowna’s Urban Distilleries. Taste port-style Okanagan wines paired with fine Canadian cheese presented by the Dairy Farmers of Canada at the popular Port & Cheese. Discover the Okanagan’s lesser know varietals paired with tapas in a seminar with renowned wine educator Gerrit Van Staalduinen from Anderson & Co. Wine Brokerage. There are brunches such as Brunch with Bubbles with 8th Generation Winery, the Bella Italia Brunch Buffet, and the Winter Okanagan Wine Festival Brunch starring a locally inspired menu with samples of award-winning wines and blended creations. The Sun Peaks Progressive Tasting is a flagship event where you wander throughout the village to taste wines from over 20 wineries in the various hotel lobbies accompanied by a range of live music.

The Taste of Sun Peaks, another outstanding culinary/wine experience with live music, is an opportunity to gain insight on the talented chefs of Sun Peaks through a selection of small plate creations served with fine Okanagan wines. In addition, the Dairy Farmers of Canada present some of Canada’s best cheeses. While the Winter Wine Festival has expanded beyond its original Icewine tribute, it still celebrates this elixir in Worshipping Icewines, where respected winery hosts lead a sampling of grape varieties linked to Canada’s leadership in Icewines. If wine isn’t your libation of choice, the Sun Peaks Bartender Mixology Face-Off or Mixology to Music may be for you! Events sell out quickly advises Melanie Simmons, Sun Peaks media relations, so if you’re late this year, schedule January 16 – 20, 2013. www.sunpeaksresort.com www.thewinefestivals.com Photos: Courtesy of SunPeaks Resort

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