The 34th annual Fall Okanagan Wine Festival kicks things off in fine fashion Oct. 3 – 13 with a deliciously diverse array of more than 120 wine, food, educational and arts-focused events that tip their hat to resident vintners, grape growers and, of course, palate-pleasing Okanagan chefs.

Here’s a taste: October 4 marks the alfresco Joy Road at Road 13 which showcases the great outdoors and Mother Nature’s bounty in equal measures — an easy task when Joy Road Catering serves a long-table menu that is local, seasonal and simply delicious, all matched with Road 13’s artisan wines.

For a different kind of tipple, join Queen Bee (a.k.a. Judie Barta) for a sparkling cocktail reception and walking tour through Meadow Vista Honey Winery’s blackberry and edible flower farm, October 4; a lamb roast, paired with honey wines, follows in the new Modern Mead Hall.

On October 9, watch the next generation of Young Chefs as they get cheesy; during this crowd-pleasing event, participating chefs will be challenged to create a dish that best highlights cheese provided by Alexis de Portneuf from Quebec.

You’ll join the judges at Kelowna’s Okanagan College as you vote for your favourite — a tough choice when each delectable plate is paired with a fine BC wine. Cheers! thewinefestivals.com