Sip wine, enjoy some appies, learn about the different wine regions and help two local charities at the Battle of the Benches in Penticton.
These are just a sampling of the things that you can do at one of the hottest summer wine events on July 10, poolside at the Ramada Inn and Suites.
For tourists and locals alike, the Battle of the Benches is a wonderful way to experience the wines of the Okanagan and the Similkameen Valley. If you’ve ever wondered why a Pinot Noir from Kelowna tastes so different than a Pinot Noir from the Similkameen Valley or the Black Sage Bench, this event is for you.
“With nine wine regions represented, over 30 wineries and over 100 wines, you will have an opportunity to taste the wines and understand what makes the wine from each growing region unique. This event lets you really taste the difference the terroir makes,“ said Margie Hibbard, event organizer.
In addition to an incredible selection of fantastic wines, there will be appetizers and live entertainment. Penticton-based entertainer Kristi Hack brings her special stage presence and her great song choices to move along with as you sip some wines.
The Battle of the Benches is a fundraising event for two important charities, Summerland-based One Person Project and the Okanagan Raise-a-Reader campaign. The One Person Project is committed to establishing and enduring connection with two communities in East Africa. The Okanagan Raise-a-Reader campaign is a fundraising initiative designed to increase awareness and raise money to support family literacy programs in the Okanagan. All of the proceeds from the silent auction, featuring highly-sought after prizes, and the live auction, featuring some of the award-winning wines from the event, will be donated to the two charities.
A number of local sponsors helped bring the Battle of the Benches to life.
“We couldn’t put on this event without the tremendous support of our sponsors and all the businesses that donated great auction prizes. It’s wonderful when so many people can work together to help support those in need,” said Hibbard.
Battle of the Benches tickets are $45 and are available at the Ramada or the Penticton & Wine Country Visitor Info Centre. For more info, visit www.facebook.com/battleofbenches or battleofbenches.shawwebspace.ca.