Okanagan Valley Fall Wine Festival and Harvest Celebration

Celebrate the harvest during the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival and learn about viticulture practices tailored to site characteristics and planting varieties that result in high quality grapes. Visit four wineries that have consistently produced award winning wines, sample their wines and learn about their unique production techniques. At Hunting Hawk Winery help pick, crush and press grapes. Join in the grape stomp (optional!) and enjoy continuous entertainment. Learn the history of settlement and agriculture at the Kelowna Museum and the history of grape production at the BC Wine Museum. Visit historic O’Keefe Ranch. At the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre learn about the unique challenges of cool climate viticulture in a short-season and arid environment with variable soil types. Are there really ‘rules’ to partner food and wines? Learn and experience here! Enjoy big bold reds in a five course culinary adventure at Sumac Ridge Winery. Lectures by local professionals.

In Kelowna, visit the Laurel Packinghouse and learn of fruit and grape culture principles; interact with a local believer who tells of Ogopogo, the elusive lake monster; visit Summerhill Winery and learn about organic grape culture and taste the results; travel the Kettle Valley Wine Train to experience The Great Train Robbery! Walk with a naturalist and learn of the natural history of these dry lands at the Desert Heritage Centre and at the Summerland Ornamental Research Gardens. In Penticton, learn of sternwheeler travel on the lake at the S.S. Sicamous historic site. In Keremeos watch wheat being ground and taste bread made from Grist Mill flour; handle seasonal fruit in local fruit stands; taste southern award winning wine at Nk'Mip Cellars; and view mountain sheep at Vaseux Lake.

Start Location:	Kelowna.
End Location:	Kelowna.
Accomodations:	Royal Anne Hotel, Kelowna, Days Inn Riverside, Penticton
Required Equipment:	None.
Required Skills:	None.
Required Documents:	Passport AND photo ID and birth certificate (proof of citizenship) required for entry into Canada.
Required Inoculations:	None.
Packing List:	Bring comfortable walking shoes, sleeveless tops for warm days, sun screen, a hat, light jacket for cool nights and incase of wind or rain during trip.
Luggage Limits:	You must be able to handle your own luggage.

Handicapped Rooms :	Not available.
Ground Floor Rooms:	Available upon request.
Elevators:	Yes.
Walking Distances:	You will not be asked to stand for more than 15 minutes. However, walking tours are included in the itinerary (participation is NOT mandatory)
Elevation:	Kelowna is 344 metres (1,129 ft.) above sea level. Penticton is 351 metres (1,152 ft.). The motor coach will travel through mountain passes.

Below is the projected schedule for this program. On each full day of programming, 3 meals and various snacks and beverages are included. Please note that slight changes may occur in the case of unforeseen events.