The Okanagan is loaded with awesome things to do year round, but summer trumps all the other seasons combined for deliciousness. With that in mind, we’ve canvassed  members of the Scout Community to find out what they have planned and put together a seriously tasty list of 17 tasty things to do thereabouts between now and Labour Day…

BBQ Dinner at Covert Farms

Covert Farms is hosting a special Piggy’s BBQ supper on August 2nd. Expect traditional slow cooked brisket, pork, collard greens, and all the tasty fixins’. Tickets are $45 per person via 250-498-9463.

Oliver, BC | 250.498.9463 | www.covertfarms.ca | August 2nd, 5pm start

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Fresh Fruit

Picked-that-day strawberries and peaches can be mind-blowingly good, and sitting in the sunshine digging into a basket of them is one of those quintessential Okanagan experiences that everyone should try to fit in their summer game plans. There are roadside stands dotting the country roads, not to mention many U-Pick farms.

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FARMACIE FARM DINNERS

Air conditioning can offer a reprieve from the heat of the sun but the warm summer evenings are perfect for outdoor dining in these parts. We suggest taking full advantage of the gentle night time temperatures by sharing a meal on a farm with friends. If you haven’t heard of it, Farmacie is long table dining series designed to marry local, expertly prepared food with a cause. The organisers have teamed up with Klippers Organic Acres in the Similkameen Valley to bring a bunch of local chefs and winemakers together for an evening showcasing their particularly beautiful brand of communal table dining. Farmacie sets up their long table in the Okanagan every other week through July, August and September. Have a look at the schedule here.

Klippers Organic Farm (2200 Ferko Rd Cawston, BC)
Wednesday, July 22, 2015 | Glowbal Group + Orofino Winery
Wednesday, August 5, 2015 | The Farmers Apprentice + Robin Ridge Winery
Wednesday, August 19, 2015 | The Acorn + Seven Stones Winery
Wednesday, September 9, 2015 | Burdock & Co. + Corcelettes Estate Winery
Wednesday, September 23, 2015 | Fable + Orofino

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Joie Picnique

Sit out on the lawn at JoieFarm and enjoy a wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza and a glass of award-winning, food-friendly wine. On Thursdays they plate special charcuterie boards and every Friday they serve up freshly shucked Cortes Island Oysters. On most afternoons, Gorgeous Georgia’s Ice Cream wagon is parked at the winery under the pear trees, and bocce balls are available for guests’ amusement. Families, kids and dogs also welcome. The tasting room is open May-October, Wednesday-Monday from 10am-5pm (closed Tuesdays). Wood-fired pizzas are available Thursday – Monday. For groups larger than 8 please call ahead to guarantee accommodation. For Private Tastings or Trade Tours, please contact carter [at] joiefarm.com or 250-496-0092.

2825 Naramata Road, Naramata, BC | 250-496-0092 | www.joiefarm.com | Parking access off of Aiken’s Loop.

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GUIDED TASTINGS AT MEYER FAMILY VINEYARDS

Now through August 28 only, Meyer Family Vineyards will be offering private, guided sit-down VIP tastings of their single-vineyard and Micro-Cuvée wines in their cabana on the lawn. This is an exclusive opportunity to taste some rare wines that are not available for public purchase. Book in advance via email [email protected] or call 250-462-2666. $15 per person, subject to availability.

4287 McLean Creek Rd, Okanagan Falls | 250-497-8553 | www.mfvwines.com | Open 10 AM – 5 PM daily until October

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HARVEST TABLE DINNER AT QUAILS’ GATE

Head to Quails’ Gate on Saturday, July 25th for an al fresco long-table dinner that combines locally sourced cuisine and their world-class wines. Each dish on the menu will be designed to complement selected wine pairings, all enjoyed in an atmosphere that invites conviviality and an appreciation for the summer bounty of the beautiful Okanagan.

Quails’ Gate Harvest Gathering Site | $170 including tax & gratuity | Reservations: 1-800-420-9463 ext. 236

3303 Boucherie Road, West Kelowna | 250.769.4451 | www.quailsgate.com | Open daily 9:30am – 8pm

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LIVE MUSIC AT OKANAGAN CRUSH PAD

Join us this summer for the LIVE @ Crush Pad summer music series, offering an exciting line-up of intimate live music performances. These Thursday evenings on the Crush Pad Patio are the perfect opportunity to unwind in the Okanagan summer sun. $20 tickets include a complimentary glass of wine – the tasting bar will also be open to serve further refreshments, including wine by the glass or bottle and small meat & cheese platters.

16576 Fosbery Road, Summerland | 250-494-4445 | www.okanagancrushpad.com | Open 7 days a week from 10:30am to 5:30pm

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Tasting Room at PAINTED ROCK

If you haven’t checked out the new tasting room at Painted Rock Estate yet, it’s a must. We think it’s definitely among the most beautiful settings in the whole valley, perched as it is – with patio – overlooking Skaha Lake. Portfolio tastings include everything from their chardonnay to their celebrated “Red Icon”. The cost is $10 per person.

400 Smythe Drive, Penticton | 250-493-6809 | www.paintedrock.ca | May 1- Oct 31 Daily 11:00am-5:30pm

JOY ROAD AMAZINGNESS

Sunday long table dinners At Gods’ Mountain Estate | Every Sunday | Reservations

Thursday Alfresco Vineyard Dinners with a Winemaker At Gods’ Mountain Estate | Reservations
Thursday August 13th with Road 13 Vineyards
Thursday September 3rd with Meyer Family Vineyard
Thursday September 10th with Painted Rock Winery

Orofino 1.6 Mile Dinner at Orofino Winery on August 7th | Reservations

Stag’s Hollow Harvest Winemaker’s Dinner at Stag’s Hollow Winery on October 2nd | An intimate harvest dinner for 24 people held in the heart of the Stag’s Hollow vineyard. Dine with winemaker, Dwight Sick, who will proudly share both new and cellar vintage wines and of course many cellar stories! A fun and relaxing evening of fabulous food and wines to be shared with friends, both old and new. Reservations: info [at] stagshollowwinery.com

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SUNSET YOGA & WINE AT CEDARCREEK

Sunset Yoga And Wine Reception | Head to CedarCreek’s gorgeous vineyard pavilion every Tuesday, now through Sept 1, for an hour long Yoga class from a certified instructor from Oranj Fitness. Then relax in the wine garden while sipping on delicious CedarCreek wine paired with a selection of local charcuterie, salads and fruits from Okanagan farmers. Only $30+tax

5445 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna BC | 778-738-1022 | www.cedarcreek.bc.ca | Open Daily 10am to 7pm

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LE VIEUX PIN AT GOD’S MOUNTAIN

Alfresco Dinner At Joy Road Catering | On August 6th Enjoy an inspired menu featuring the freshest, regional cuisine expertly paired with divine wines from Le Vieux Pin Winery. Winemaker Severine Pinte will be in attendance to share more about the wine in an idyllic vineyard setting at God’s Mountain Estate overlooking Skaha Lake. Purchase tickets here.

5496 Black Sage Road, Oliver, BC | 250-498-8388 | [email protected] | www.levieuxpin.ca | 10am – 7pm daily

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SAGE BUTTER POPCORN AT BLUE MOUNTAIN

Head into the tasting room at Blue Mountain daily from 11am – 5pm for tastings and sales. If you go on a Friday you can enjoy their sage browned butter popcorn paired beautifully with their Brut “Gold Label” sparkling wine.

2385 Allendale Road, Okanagan Falls | 250-499-0068 | www.bluemountainwinery.com | Open Daily from 11am-5pm, May through October.

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1.6 Mile Dinner at OROFINO WINERY

1.6 Mile Dinner | Orofino is now accepting reservations for the 8th annual 1.6 Mile Dinner, featuring the culinary dream team of Penticton’s venerable Joy Road Catering and Kelowna’s Mark Filatow of Waterfront Wines back to wow guests again this year. Everything consumed will be from within 1.6 Miles of the winery. Look forward to a memorable 5-course meal paired with some of Orofino’s best wines, including older, sold-out vintages. It’s a truly magical evening in the Similkameen Valley. Shuttles are available from both Penticton and Osoyoos (only 30 minutes away) and there are a limited number of local accommodations for those who want to stay close by. Call the winery at 250-499-0068 to purchase tickets.

Friday, August 7th, 2015 5:30pm – 10pm ($150.00 Per Person For Dinner, $25.00 Per Person For Shuttle to Penticton and Osoyoos with Grape Escapes Tour Company)

2152 Barcelo Road Cawston, BC | 250-499-0068 | www.orofinovineyards.com

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FEAST OF FIELDS

The 8th annual Okanagan Feast of Fields goes down at at Meadow Vista Artisan Farm Winery in Kelowna on Sunday, August 16th. The 4 hour long wandering feast (literally in the fields) is one of our favourite events on the food calendar, and every year it keeps getting better and better. The grown-ups only event costs $95. Tickets can be purchased here.
Sunday, August 16th | 1-4pm | Meadow Vista Artisan Farm Winery, Kelowna | Tickets

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JAZZ AT POPLAR GROVE

Poplar Grove Winery Presents – Taylor Cook – The Cook Book BC Summer CD Release Party. Hosted by Poplar Grove Winery and The Vanilla Pod Restaurant, this sweet and sultry jazz concert will be held under the stars overlooking the lake on Sunday, August 23rd at 7;30 pm. Concert tickets are $30 each or you can enjoy a four course dinner with pairings plus reserved concert seating for $130 per person. For a taste of Taylor Cook and The Cook Book, visit taylorcook.com. For dinner reservations, ticket or event information, visit poplargrove.ca or contact Allie at 250.486.5814.

425 Middle Bench Road North, Penticton | 250-493-9643 | www.poplargrove.ca

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NARAMATA BENCH TAILGATE PARTY 

And finally, on Saturday, September 12th, 24 wineries from the Naramata Bench Wineries Association will circle their trucks for the party of the season with 7 Naramata restaurants (The Bench Market, The Vanilla Pod, The Kitchen, The Pecking Room Grill, Hillside Bistro and Lake Breeze Patio) at Red Rooster Winery in Naramata. Expect a full-on evening of wine, food, music and camaraderie as the sun sets over the lake. Attendees are invited to dress in country, farm, or ranch attire as there will be prizes for the best outfits. Tickets and all the info you might need here.

891 Naramata Rd, Penticton | 250-492-2424 | Naramata Bench Wineries Association

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PENTICTON FARMERS MARKETS

The Saturday morning Farmers Market in Penticton is one of the best that we’ve been to. Anywhere. Wander through the market to check out farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, honey and eggs. Have a Joy Road peach or apple gallette for breakfast (and throw a few bags of their granola in your luggage while you’re at it – best granola ever). Stock up on preserves, pickled bits and then finish off with a terrific bratwurst.

Saturday mornings until October 31 | 8:30am-1pm | 100 Block of Main Street, Penticton | www.pentictonfarmersmarket.org

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If you know of an event that should be on this list, send an email to andrew [at] scoutmagazine.ca.

EXPLORE THE OKANAGAN