(various single- and multi-day offerings)
While pairing wine with chocolate or cheese is relatively standard fare, it also goes exceedingly well with beautiful weather, picturesque surroundings and unpretentious industry experts. Over the past few decades, the Okanagan Valley has seen a dramatic influx of new talent, particularly in the wine and food sectors. These consummate, yet casual, professionals have achieved great success in their careers, yet their enthusiasm for creating exceptional, down-to-earth wine and culinary experiences extends far beyond the four walls of the barrel room or kitchen.
Fine Vintage: Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Courses
Dates: Several upcoming Penticton dates available
Website: www.finevintageltd.com
Location: BC Wine Information Centre, 553 Railway Street, Penticton
Cost: $149.99-$999.00 for one-, three- and six-day courses
Registration: Register online at www.finevintageltd.com.
Fine Vintage offers several courses from the prestigious Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), which is considered by many to be the gold standard in wine education. From a basic knowledge for beginners to a more in-depth study for trade professionals, these courses are ideal for anyone wanting to learn about wine, for business or pleasure.
Naramata Unfiltered
Dates: 2010 dates yet to be confirmed
Website: www.naramatabench.com
Location: Various Naramata Bench wineries
Cost: $799.00* for two days (includes gourmet meals and deluxe accommodations)
Registration: Visit www.naramatabench.com for registration information.
*Price per person, based on double occupancy.
At the Naramata Unfiltered Wine Education Retreat, the dress code is strict: If you don’t own your own designer gum boots, a pair will be provided. In this hands-on learning environment, participants get a behind-the-scenes look at winery operations and plenty of one-on-one time with the winemakers and grape growers cultivating award-winning wines. The event concludes with a special dinner where participants go plate-to-plate and palate-to-palate against a team of winemakers during a blind tasting.
Okanagan Food and Wine Writers Workshop
Dates: September 17-20, 2009
Website: www.okanaganfoodandwinewritersworkshop.com
Location: Various Penticton and Naramata locations
Cost: $400 for three days
Registration: Visit www.okanaganfoodandwinewritersworkshop.com for registration information.
Join published and aspiring food, wine and travel writers as they sip, swirl, nibble and tour their way around the Okanagan. A distinguished panel of top Canadian food and wine writers and editors will be presenting various workshops and leading excursions to some of the Okanagan's best restaurants and wineries.
Okanagan Wine Academy
Dates: 2010 dates yet to be confirmed
Website: www.harrymcwatters.com
Location: Various South Okanagan locations
Cost: $2,999.00* for five days (includes gourmet meals and deluxe accommodations)
Registration: Register online at www.harrymcwatters.com.
*Price per person, based on double occupancy.
Going back to school has never sounded so appealing. Harry McWatters, founder and former president of Sumac Ridge and See Ya Later Ranch Wineries, established the Okanagan Wine Academy with classes created for experienced wine buyers who are looking for something more in-depth than a simple tasting and winery tour.
Wine Plus+ Wine School: Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Courses
Dates: Several upcoming Penticton dates available
Website: www.wineplus.ca
Location: BC Wine Information Centre, 553 Railway Street, Penticton
Cost: $75.00-$1,350.00 for one-, two- and six-day courses
Registration: Visit www.wineplus.ca for registration information.
In addition to offering the internationally-recognized Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses, the Wine Plus+ Wine School has other special programs designed by the school’s founder Rhys Pender. In the “10 Year Tasting of Okanagan Wines” class, participants will learn about wine aging, food pairing and the different varietals, as they are led through a guided tasting of 12 wines, all at least ten-years old.