April is BC Wine Month. Wines of British Columbia photo

Summer is always a good time to visit wine country and these great events are an even better reason to go. Over the next few months there are concerts, parties, train rides and even a few wine-soaked events beyond the Okanagan Valley. Here’s just a taste of what’s going on.

BC Wine month

Until April 30
For the eighth year in a row, April is BC Wine Month. All month long, Wines of British Columbia is offering a range of experiences that include education through the Ambassador program as well as new vintage releases, special deals and much more. Follow along on social media @WinesofBC and #BCWineMonth, and enjoy the delicious wines this province produces.

Facebook.com/OKWineFests photo

Okanagan Spring Wine Festival

May 2 to 10
This wide-ranging annual fest kicks off May 2 with a brand-new signature event, the Spring Grand Tasting, in downtown Kelowna. Twenty of the region’s finest wineries will showcase their spring releases at Revelry Food + Music Hub, where you can also enjoy small bites, live music and a chance to meet and chat with local winemakers, winery owners and their teams. Also look for the TASTE series of experiences from Lake Country to the District Wine Village in Oliver, and other festival events. thewinefestivals.com

Instagram.com/barnyardevents photo

Barnyard Wine Fair

May 24
This event held at Victoria’s Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre is your best opportunity to sample natural, biodynamic, organic and low-intervention wines and ciders, both locally grown and imported. The inaugural event, held in 2023, welcomed 36 wineries and importers, and featured wines from across Canada, Europe, South America, Africa and Asia. Guests can sample hundreds of wines made with unusual varieties, ancient winemaking techniques and thoughtful farming practices. Expect to discover the unexpected. barnyardevents.ca

Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country photo

Half Corked Marathon Weekend

May 30 to June 1
Get ready to boogie! This year’s theme is disco, so don your shiny halter tops, hot pants and all the spandex you can stand for the traditional 24-kilometre trail through vineyards, with stops for sips along the way. Even if you don’t take part in the run, you can still enjoy the Primavera party to kick off the weekend or the party at the finish line. oliverosoyoos.com/half-corked-marathon

Tofino Wine & Wine photo

Tofino Wine & Dine

June 7 and 8
Is there anything better than enjoying good food and wine on a windswept beach? We think not—and this two-day Toast to the Coast delivers an experience to savour. It’s held at the Best Western Plus Tin Wis, just steps away from Mackenzie Beach, where industry presenters from Michelin-starred and other restaurants, as well as wineries, distilleries, breweries, food producers and everything in between, will showcase their products. tofinowinedine.com

Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive photo

All Aboard the Grand Sommelier Express!

June 20 and June 21
Hop aboard B.C.’s only heritage steam train for a two-hour journey where you can enjoy exceptional wines, ciders, craft beers and spirits from Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive while enjoying breathtaking views of Trout Creek Canyon. The experience also features sommelier-led tastings, gourmet bites, live music and a reception to start and end the day—plus you can also book the VIP Package at the Summerland Waterfront Resort, which includes a lakeview suite, shuttle service and more. bottleneckdrive.com

Blasted Church photo

7 Deadly Sins

June 21
The most wickedly fun event in the valley is back with all the revelry, entertainment and unparalleled indulgence you’ve been craving, all set against the stunning backdrop of Blasted Church’s picturesque vineyards. blastedchurch.com

Photo courtesy of Ex Nihilo Vineyards

An Evening with Tom Cochrane

June 27 and 28
The legendary Canadian musician will be performing live at Ex Nihilo for two nights. Each ticket also includes a welcome glass, multi-course dining experience prepared by the Chaos Bistro culinary team, and an intimate private concert experience with the Order of Canada recipient, Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee and Juno Award winner. A great way to begin your Canada Day celebrations! Exnihilovineyards.com

Photo courtesy of Mission Hill Family Estate

Summer concert series at Mission Hill Family Estate

Various dates, starting July 7
Settle into the natural amphitheatre as the sun sinks over Okanagan Lake and enjoy a rock-star lineup that features Canadian Music Hall of Fame rock band Blue Rodeo on July 7, multiple award-winning singer-songwriter Jann Arden on July 17, multi-award-winning singer-songwriter Andy Grammer on July 31, and Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes on August 21. This is the 18th season for the event, which also features optional culinary experiences and, new this year, a limited VIP Private Balcony Suite Experience for a few lucky fans. missionhillwinery.com

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.