The BC VQA Wine Information Centre is getting ready to toast its 19th anniversary with a celebration this month.
On Nov. 21, 2015 the BC VQA Wine Information Centre will be hosting its annual Open House.
“This event marks the perfect occasion to start Christmas shopping or discover some fantastic local wines you may not have tried,” said manager Laura Kowalchuk.
From 11:30 a.m. on Saturday right through until 5:30 p.m., the event will include winemakers and winery owners pouring tasting samples of their wines and answering questions about their product and the 2015 harvest. There will also be food samples from “Taste of Okanagan” and terroir cheese and the opportunity to meet author, pilot and photographer Mike Biden who will be on hand to sign his book Jewels of the Okanagan.
Luke Whittall will be providing live music to add to the celebratory atmosphere.
Penticton’s Wine Information Centre was the first VQA Wine Store in British Columbia. Operated by the B.C. Wine Information Society, profits are put back into the local community supporting the wine industry. A recent donation was made to the Okanagan College Centre of Excellence towards constructing the B.C. Wine Info Centre Sensory Lab in Penticton. In addition, two annual scholarships are also given in the amount of $3,000 to viticulture students.
The Wine Centre, open year-round, has staff who are passionate about B.C. wines. Offering wine touring advice, wine maps and an introduction to wine tasting before they head out to visit the 200 wineries in the area.
With an excess of 700 VQA wines in stock customers are able to purchase local wines without having to visit local wineries, which during the winter months, many small wineries are closed.
