After a spring of virtual tastings and online sales, the Okanagan’s Bottleneck Drive wineries are again welcoming visitors to discover Summerland wines.
Located on the west side of Okanagan Lake, Bottleneck Drive features a collection of 20 celebrated wineries, cideries and distilleries.
“Our tasting rooms are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Summerland. Guests will be some of the first to sample an array of wines, ciders and spirits that have just been released this spring,” says Rick Thrussell, association president.
While ready to officially open for the season mid-April, COVID-19 meant they could operate online only. The sold-out Grand Sommelier Express was also cancelled for this year, but will be re-launched for 2021 with ticket sales announced this fall.
During the spring shutdown, the Bottleneck Drive Association found new ways to engage with the public, including the new #SummerlandSips campaign encouraging fans to share what they were sipping from the region with a picture on social media.
The association also created a YouTube channel to share virtual tastings from member wineries, cideries and distillery with guests at home.
Today, with the health of guests, staff and the community of chief importance, Bottleneck Drive’s wineries, cideries and distilleries are following health and safety protocols to create a safe environment, Thrussell says.
For visitors, that means reservations are recommended but not always mandatory – so you’re encouraged to call ahead to plan your tastings.
Plan your visit today!
Planning your Bottleneck Drive itinerary, is easy with a visit to bottleneckdrive.com where you can download an interactive, mobile-friendly map.
You’ll even find suggested self-guided wine tour, highlighting sparkling wines, ciders and spirits, and cycling routes!
And to save the Summerland wines you taste on your tour, be sure to use the Wines of BC Explorer app.
