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We may not all be wine connoisseurs, but that doesn’t mean we can’t all enjoy one of the Okanagan’s claims to fame. Attending a local wine festival is a great way to up your wine-tasting game and learn more about liquid history-in-a-glass.
The thought of attending a wine festival may seem intimidating at first, but it’s really not! Many tastings in the Okanagan are a fun and welcoming experience for experts and amateurs alike. Cropped presented by Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union, is a great way to expose yourself to new wines and practice your tasting skills.
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of this wine-tastic event, which takes place on October 5th and 6th at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre.
Brush up on tasting techniques
Are you supposed to swirl and sniff your wine like they do in the movies? Why do they even do that, anyway? What if you don’t know the differences between all of the varietals, or what the heck tannins are?
You really don’t need to know all of this stuff to taste and enjoy wine, but it can help to elevate the experience. Click here for some expert tips on tasting wine like a pro, even if you’re not one!
It’s okay to spit
Cropped presented by Valley First is a token-free event, and those unlimited tastings tend to add up faster than you may think.
As with all events that involve alcohol, it’s important to know your limit and sip within it. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t taste wines to your heart’s content — wine tastings are the only occasion where spitting is classy, so take advantage of it!
If you’re the designated driver, you can still experience different wines by tasting and using the spit bucket.
Stay hydrated
As mentioned above, although you’re just enjoying tastings, they really do add up. It’s important to stay hydrated so that you can enjoy your whole evening, and the next day, too.
Luckily, there is water on every table at Cropped, so it’s easy to keep up with your H2O intake.
Learn something new
One of the best things about Cropped is that the people pouring the tastings are usually either sommeliers or proprietors of the wineries. Chatting with the pourers as you sample their wines is a great way to discover more about that particular winery’s passion.
Listening to unique stories and learning about interesting techniques will certainly deepen your appreciation for the craft of winemaking.
Enjoy more than just the wine
While wine is the spotlight of Cropped, it’s not all that there is to enjoy!
This year, Cropped is resetting the mood a bit by dimming the lights, increasing the food and adding a food demo stage for local chefs. There will also be live music and artisan vendors, including Lavender and Grace Jewelry, Wine Not Shop and Urge Chocolates & Confections.
Make sure you take in the whole experience by sampling food, enjoying live music and checking out local artisans. This also means there’s lots to do for those who aren’t total wine-lovers!
Keep track on the app
With around 80 wineries and 250 amazing wines to try, it can be difficult to remember all of your favourites.
The Okanagan Wine Festivals app, which can be found in the app store, is a great way to keep track of the wines that you liked best!
Take your favourites home with you
Not only can you keep track of your favourite wines on the app, but you can purchase a bottle to take home with you at the onsite wine store provided by Public Liquor.
Cheers to that!
Get home safe
The safety of all attendees is extremely important to those who put on the event, which is why Cropped is a BC Liquor Store Safe Ride Home event. This means you can enjoy your evening without worrying about having to drive home at the end of the night.
If home is a little too far away, you can check out accommodation packages for the event here.
Feeling thirsty yet? You can learn more about Cropped presented by Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union here, and purchase tickets here.
The Okanagan Wine Festivals Society is committed to providing a unique wine experience to Valley locals and visitors alike. They bring together hundreds of wine-themed events which allow their guests to create their perfect wine experience.
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