My first Sun Peaks Winter Okanagan Wine Festival event, Taste of the Thompson, was a real eye opener to what wine and culinary goodies are available in the Interior of British Columbia.
The atmosphere of the night was set right from the get-go in the Delta Sun Peaks Resort’s ballroom. The two-piece acoustic band, Johnson Sandwich, was accompanied by Kris Ruston, singing casual renditions of songs that meshed well with the overall spirit of the event.
And, beyond the ambience, the evening was filled with a wide variety of red and white wines from producers spanning the Thompson-Okanagan region. These were paired with culinary delights ranging from an array of cheeses supplied by the Dairy Farmers of Canada (classic) to diablo sausage sliders by Masa’s Bar and Grill and lamb chops from Mantles (intriguing).
Also present with a wide spread of delicious foods was Upper Levels Catering, showcasing everything from sushi to meatballs, and local restaurants Oya and Voyageur Bistro which were serving up some tastes from the sea.
The food offered at the Taste of the Thompson was a great part of the night, but only half of the show. I was definitely keen on trying some different wines from around the region.
With wineries represented from Oliver, Kelowna, Penticton and the new Harper’s Trail Winery in Kamloops, my taste buds were enjoying the reds, whites and rosés. I even took a fancy to St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery’s early harvest Summer Symphony dessert wine, despite (truth be told) never being a lover of sweet wines. I’m not sure whether it was the music, food, wine or all of the above, but I now have an inkling to road trip around British Columbia tasting the wines this province has to offer.
That being said, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that my favourite part of the evening was pairing so many delicious wines alongside Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory’s endless goodies!
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