Events are back! Plan accordingly

The Cowichan Valley is holding its first Oyster Festival in partnership with BC Shellfish Growers Association.

Cowichan Oyster Festival

April 27 to May 1
Terroir meets merroir when the Cowichan Valley holds its first festival celebrating the beloved bivalve. The event is a partnership between the Cowichan Valley Wineries and the BC Shellfish Growers Association, and is sponsored by Wandering Mollusk Oyster Co. Local restaurants will compete to create the best oyster dish and the fest will wrap up with Sip, Swirl and Get Shucked on April 30 at Enrico Winery, where guests can wander from station to station enjoying freshly shucked oysters and wine pairings.  tourismcowichan.com

Catch 54-50  at the District Wine Village on June 18, 2022.

Music and Markets at District Wine Village

May 4 to September 14
From 4 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday this summer, the wine village just north of Oliver features a market supporting local farmers, crafters and bakers in the Centre Plaza. Sample some great wine, have some fun and fill your cooler with veggies while you do.

Also at the village: Things are rockin’ this summer with an exciting lineup of performers including: Aaron Pritchett (May 7), 54-40 (June 18) and Kim Mitchell (August 19). Tickets are selling fast, and some events are already sold out, so get yours right away. districtwinevillage.com

The 26th annual Spring Wine Festival features more than 70 events throughout the Okanagan Valley.

Okanagan Spring Wine Festival

May 5 to 15
The 26th Annual Spring Okanagan Wine Festival will feature more than 70 events over 10 days throughout the Okanagan Valley. Among them are signature events including the Valley First Spring Wine Tastings on May 7, when guests can taste over 130 wines from 35 wineries, as well as the new Blush & Bubbles, celebrating rosé and sparkling wine at Summerland Waterfront Resort on May 15. thewinefestivals.com

VIWF 2022 will feature 101 produces from 14 countries, including 41 from B.C.

Vancouver International Wine Festival

May 16 to 22
Canada’s premier wine festival was the last big event many of us attended back in 2020 before the world shut down. So its return means more than just another chance to catch up with friends and sample as much as we can on the tasting floor.

The 43rd Vancouver International Wine Festival will have no theme region, but 101 producers from 14 countries will present their wines, including 41 from British Columbia. Plus there will be many of the events we love best, including seminars, dinners, trade days and the Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction to benefit Bard on the Beach. And, of course, the four days of International Festival Tastings will still be the centrepiece of the event, so start practising your spitting technique now. vanwinefest.ca

Vitis Magazine

Vitis is is an indispensable seasonal guide for vintners, sommeliers and weekend imbibers alike that is dedicated to British Columbia’s rapidly evolving wine culture.