Visitors and locals alike flocked to the Delta Sun Peaks Resort Wednesday for the “Taste of Sun Peaks,” a signature event at the annual Winter Festival of Wine. Nine Okanagan wineries and some of Sun Peaks finest dining establishments served up an evening full of flavour and fun.
Nk’Mip Winery has been producing premium wines at their south Okanagan cellars since 2002 and is North America’s first aboriginal winery. This year’s Taste of Sun Peaks was their eighth appearance at the Festival. Head wine-maker Randy Picton wouldn’t miss the event.
“I’ve been coming as long as I can remember! To me, it’s one of the most fun events of the year.”
One of the biggest hits of the night was House of Rose’s “Hot Flash” red wine whose blend was determined by a focus group of 85 middle-aged ladies. “When you listen to ladies, you get great results,” said winery owner Wouter van der Hall, pictured above pouring the elixir.
We paired Hot Flash with a bite of dark chocolate infused with hot chilis from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company. The tanins of the red wine really enhanced the heat of the chocolate treat.
Wine-maker Andy Gebert manned the St. Hubertus Estate Wines display, enthusiastically describing their production process. St. Hubertus Estates is one of the oldest vineyards in the Okanagan.
Chefs from Mantles Restaurant, The Globe Tapas Bar, Black Garlic Bistro, Masa’s and Upper Levels Catering offered taste tempting bites of some of their signature dishes.
Mantles Restaurant and Lounge served up marinated shrimp on an eggplant tapenade atop a toasted crustini, while Masa’s Bar and Grill featured Tuna Tartar on a sweet wonton crisp, topped with an orange reduction sauce that went perfectly with the Pinot Grigio from Ex Nihilo Winery.
The Taste of Sun Peaks was a fantastic event that only served to whet our appetite for the rest of the Festival. Make sure you check out the Festival’s weekend line-up at http://www.sunpeaksresort.com/events-and-festivals/winter-festival-of-wine.
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