2020 Recipient

Recipient of the 2020 Harry McWatters Founder's Award: Rafe Mair

Rafe Mair is the reason that the estate winery licenses were created in 1979. While there were many people who helped promote the idea of smaller estate wineries, it was Rafe Mair in his capacity as Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs who brought the legislation forward to the Bennet government. Other governments before and since have changed laws, policies, and regulations about alcohol production, sales, and consumption that have impacted the wine industry in B.C., but none have had more impact than the one produced by Mair's Ministry. Every estate winery today is feasting on the meal that Mair empowered us to cook. Though Rafe passed on in 2017 his legacy continues, and we are proud to honour him posthumously with this award.

The 2020 Harry McWatters Founder's Award recipient was annouced during the BC Lieutenant Governor's Virtual Wine Awards, which can be viewed HERE.

July 23 2021

Wine Events Return to the Okanagan Valley!

For immediate release. (KELOWNA, BC) July 20, 2021-The Okanagan Wine Festivals Society announces the return to in-person consumer tastings with...

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October 16 2020

British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards Recognizes Record-Breaking Number of Wines, Honours Rafe Mair

For immediate release (KELOWNA, BC) October 16, 2020 -The third annual 2020 British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awardswere...

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August 16 2020

BC’s Largest and Most Prestigious Wine Competition Coming to Kelowna

For Immediate Release Okanagan Wine Festivals Societyto host an A-list of wine judges (KELOWNA, BC)August 12, 2020–On September 23-25,...

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April 15 2020

Virtual Okanagan Wine Dinner Challenge

Immediate Release Virtual Okanagan Wine Dinner Challenge! (April 8, 2020, Kelowna, BC) April is BC Wine month, so let's share the love for...

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BC Lieutenant Governor's Wine Awards

British Columbia's oldest and most prestigious wine judging competition that recognizes excellence in winemaking for all British Columbia wineries.

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Meet our Members

The Okanagan Wine Festival Society is made up of a number of Okanagan wineries and tourism related businesses. Every member is recognized as an outstanding service or product supplier in their related industry.

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BC Best of Varietal Awards

Every year the Best of Varietal Wine Awards recognizes the best wines in B.C., using a panel of esteemed judges. This year we were privileged to have a diverse group of wine experts from across the country join us and participate in the competition.

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