Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country hosts BC’s most eclectic food festivals this spring

Come to Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country this spring and experience BC’s most eclectic food festivals. From a vineyard pig roast to an oyster extravaganza and the Half Corked Marathon’s winning combination of wine and running – there are plenty of fun times for foodies in the region.

With 36 wineries in the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association, including five new members opening this spring/summer, there’s a local wine to match every Okanagan occasion.

April 22-25 sees the Osoyoos Oyster Festival come to wine country, with a highlight being the signature Art of the Oyster Pearl Gala on April 25 at Watermark Beach Resort. Taste oyster dishes created by the South Okanagan’s best restaurants and chefs, perfectly paired with wonderful wines from Oliver Osoyoos wineries, and enjoy live music and dancing from 7pm to midnight. Tickets cost $48 and are available via Eventbrite.

May 2 is your chance to Pig Out at the 4th annual party at Covert Farm, from 1-4pm. Join the 36 wineries of the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association at the al fresco tented affair, which showcases new release wines and fan favourites.

Chefs from eight local restaurants, including Miradoro at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Platinum Bench Bakery, Watermark Beach Resort and Covert Farms, will be taking part in the day and the chefs’ pig roasting skills will be put to the test when they are challenged to be creative with the theme ‘if pigs could swim’. Taste the results when top local chefs combine pork with the best food to be found in the water, from seaweed to local salmon.

Pig Out tickets ($49) are available online and include entertainment from local musicians, a souvenir wine glass, and of course, lots of great food and wine. Helicopter rides over the beautiful McIntyre Bluff will also be available for $50 per person. Make a weekend of it and take advantage of Watermark Beach Resort’s special Pig Out rate from $153 per night over the May 1-3 weekend.

May 22-24 marks the fifth annual Half Corked Marathon weekend, during which participants are encouraged to sample wines from the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association, paired with celebrated regional cuisine from local chefs, restaurateurs and café owners, as they run or jog the 18km route.

Celebrations start on Friday, May 22 with a registration party at the Oliver Visitor Centre and on Saturday, May 23, groups of 250-300 runners will set off in four waves; running or jogging the 18km route. After the race, the Finish Line celebration includes a picnic lunch, live music, more wine tasting and an awards ceremony. Those not running the race can join in the fun at the finish with a $25 ticket for three wine tastings, a picnic lunch and souvenir wine glass.

While tickets to the race are sold out, there are tickets available for the Primavera Dinner on May 22, the ultimate pre-race pasta dinner created by the renowned Joy Road Catering. Enjoy rustic pastas, salads, and your favourite wines from Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country as you dine family-style at a long table amongst rows of budding grapevines in Church & State Winery.

For more information on all events please visit the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association website: http://www.oliverosoyoos.com/Events.