We Got Veraison, Dinners, New Nosh Spots, New Tour & More - Summer Newsletter

Hi friends!

So my July newsletter has become my early August one... hahahahaha.  Oops! But I can honestly say it was an amazing July for Farm to Glass and my lack of time being able to reach out and say hello, is only because the wine adventures have been adventuring.  In my second season of operating, I've already done more tours than I did all of last season... and that's thanks to all of you!  It's also been great reconnecting with guests from last season... the fact that you can put your trust in me for a second time around, is the best compliment I could ever ask for.  You know who you are.... wink wink... thank you.  

I have some exciting news:  I've launched a new tour that highlights Garnet Valley in Summerland, BC.  Think ranch land, endless views, beautifully crafted wines, tour in a side-by-side atv and a feeling like you're the only ones around for kilometres/miles.  All of this just a 15 min drive off the highway as we visit Garnet Valley Ranch Winery and Solvero, along with some of my other personal favourite wineries in Summerland.   I'm also offering a very special 15% discount on this wine adventure for the month of August (for any bookings any time this season) with the promo code: GARNETVALLEYROCKS.   To see the tour details, check it out here!

I'm also happy to share that Farm to Glass Wine Tours has been able to donate back to the community $915 so far!  For every guest, $10 goes back into the region you visit.  It can help families in need get fresh organic veggies in Naramata and the Similkameen, or help youth mental health services in Penticton, Summerland and Kelowna with Foundry or, help SOWINS, the South Okanagan Women in Need Society.  Just know, that I donate to all three for very personal reasons... and maybe one day I will share those reasons but for now, all I can say is I really appreciate each and every one of you!  

Lastly, before I get to the what's up section, last week I had the opportunity to record what might be a 2-3 part podcast episodes with the always lovely, Luke Whittall of The Sipsters Podcast.  He's one of the most knowledgeable people about BC wine history that I personally know, and we had fun recording the episode in Lulita the Tesla, while also stopping for a tasting at Rigour & Whimsy's new and beautiful winery and tasting room and lastly, sitting in his living room while sipping on a not yet release of one of my favourite wines from Nagging Doubt Winery in the Kelowna East Slopes.  

1. Want to know if there's a fun pop-up dinner happening during your visit to the area?  Well Scout Magazine has a 2023 Guide to the Deliciousness of Summer in the Okanagan (and Similkameen!)
2. One of my favourite wineries on Vancouver Island, Rathjen Cellars is closing permanently but they're having a sale on their wines and if you love crisp whites, juicy reds and Pinot Noir you should have a look.  
3. Veraison has officially started!  What is that you ask?  It's when the green bunches of grapes start to change colour.  It's an exciting time for winemakers as it starts a timeline to give approximate window of dates of when it would be time to harvest.  
4. Want to visit Spain during your visit in Penticton!?  Chulo Tapas & Bar Restaurante is officially open for the season after a successful soft opening.  Let the fabulous team delight your palate with Spanish tapas with a fantastic wine list and if you're lucky, try the Albariño from Terravista Vineyards.   Find it at 124 Estabrook Ave, Penticton.  
5. My favourite coffee shop in Penticton and also one of my caterers for my gourmet picnics, Wayne & Freda have expanded into the building next door with a beautiful gift shop and grocery items to set you up for success during your visit to the area.  Cuteness level is 12 out of 10 and you must check it out while sipping a delicious cold brew.  
6. Do you love curry?  Did you know my favourite place to grab some delicious Indian food is a gas station in Osoyoos?  Yep!  If you're in the super South Okanagan, pop by Curries & More at the Esso Osoyoos and be prepared for incredibly friendly service and flavours that will make your mouth happy!  
7. Vancouver peeps!  Maenam and Tantalus is having a long table dinner on Aug 18th and I had a peak at the menu and wine line up and it looks epic!  Find tickets here.
8. Have you ever done wine tasting on horseback?  Well now you can and honestly, I think I need to try it.  Steve (who also works at Clos du Soleil) and his partner Kim have started @equinesandwine where you visit 5 Similkameen wineries and includes charcuterie.  I.  LOVE. THIS.  
9. Speaking of the Similkameen... the fabulous Nikki Bayley (you might know her from the tasting room at Anthony Buchanan) has started Boards of Keremeos Artfully Assembled Feasts and I can confirm they are delicious!  Set your stomach up for success as she can deliver to Penticton and the Similkameen.  
10. Are you a BBQ Master while on vacation in the South Okanagan?  Then don't forget to stop by Black Sage Butcher in Oliver, BC.  
11. Have you ever thought of doing regenerative gardening at your home?  There's a beautiful series of videos from To Which We Belong (which is also a great documentary if you haven't seen it yet)
12. Victoria peeps!  Zambri's and Birch Block Vineyard from Kaleden, BC is bringing a fabulous dinner with Italian influenced dishes paired with 3 expressions of that heartbreak grape we love... Pinot Noir.  It's Sunday, Aug 13th at 6pm... go and get it!  
13. Also... I recently stayed at perhaps the cutest, most beautiful AirBnB on the Birch Block Vineyard property and you should check it out here.  
14. Do you listen to audio books? I've been getting into them finally and I am really enjoying The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben and if trees can communicate the way they do, why not grapes?  The book is very digestable and at times pretty quirky and hilarious, which is how I describe myself at time so no wonder I love it.  
15. Hometown Shoutout!  You may or may not know, but I'm from Port Alberni and they've been dealing with a bad forest fire on the island that has cut off the major highway for awhile, affecting tourism among all other things.  If you're ever passing on your way to Tofino or Ucluelet and want to spend a night or two exploring Port Alberni's awesome brewery scene (and we have a distillery now as well!) check out Chims Guest Suites, owned and operated by long time friend, Naomi Nicholson.  
16. Farmhouse Fest at UBC is happening Aug 12th and 13th and there is a good chance you'll see me slinging wines at the Wine Fair with Rawan of Minimalism Wines... if you're going, make sure to pop by and say hi!    

Be Kind, Drink Wine.

xoxo Jess (Owner, Guide & Fun Person)