Sun Peaks Winter Wine Festival - Jan 16 - 24

What's a ski vacation without a nice glass of wine by the fireplace after a chilly day on the mountain?

Sun Peaks is taking this indulgence just a few steps further with its 12th Annual Winter Wine Festival, January 16 - 24.

This is a fantastic time to visit the resort. Ski conditions are prime, lift lines have shortened after the holidays and accommodation rates are affordable. You'll have powder beneath your skis and tons of wining, dining and special events at your fingertips. Plus, you may have friends or family you want to vacation with that don't ski who'll delight in the festival events.

This year brings back a lot of the standard favourites including Winemasters' Dinners and icewine tastings and welcomes new events like the Bartender Mixology Face-Off, where Sun Peaks bartenders compete to create the best wine-infused cocktail.

Whether you're a seasoned sommelier or just enjoy a nice glass of wine now and again, there's an event for you. Check out the list below:

January 16 - 24

• Sun Peaks Wine and Dine - Various resort restaurants will be offering special festival menus with cuisine paired with Okanagan wines. Advance tickets not required. Menus starting at just $17!

January 16

• Wild Meats & Wines - Enjoy BC wines paired with regional wild game and fish. Features a live band and dancing. $29

January 19

• Varietal Showdown & Dinner - Join a wine educator and executive chef for a unique, multi-course seasonal menu with a variety of BC wines. You'll learn about how the wine was made, it's impact on the environment and the grape characteristics. $125

January 20

• A Taste of Sun Peaks - Take part in a relaxed food and wine tasting evening at the Delta Hotel. Sample creations from local chefs, carefully paired with BC wines. You can even share in the recipes! $60
• Winemasters' Dinner - Enjoy fabulous gourmet dishes and wine flights at a dinner hosted by the winemakers from St. Hubertus and Rollingdale Wineries. $100

January 21

• Winemasters' Dinners - Choose from two dinners, hosted by BC winemakers where you'll be guided through the gourmet courses and flights of exceptional wines. Dine at the Delta Hotel or at the Sunburst Lodge with a torchlight decent down the mountain at the conclusion (Guests must be able to ski). $125 or $90
• All You Need is Cheese - Tantalize your tastebuds with wine and cheese pairings from the Dairy Farmers of Canada. $40
• Icewines & Nothing More - Delight in the BC specialty of icewine with an expert. $45

January 22

• Cadbury Chocolate & Heavenly Wine - Match delicious chocolates with tasty wines. $40
• Taste the Aromas of Coffee and Wine with Starbucks - Coffee and wine pairings? Who knew? Learn how to match the perfect roast and wine for a fantastic dinner conclusion.
• The Sun Peaks Progressive Tasting - This is the main event. Taste wines from over 20 wineries as you stroll through the Village and admire the talents of local artisans. $60
• Medal Winners Tasting - Sample award winning wines and specially crafted tapas in a unique kitchen setting. Mingle with leading wine experts and get access to some rare varieties. $85

January 23

• The Winter Wine Brunch - Indulge in a locally inspired menu and award winning wines. A great way to start the day! $59
• What Your Nose Knows - Be prepared the next time your order a bottle of wine in a restaurant. Learn how to property smell it and search out any defects. This event ends with a fun sniff test. $40
• Sun Peaks Bartender Mixology Face-Off - Local bartenders compete to create the best wine-infused cocktail. Be part of the judging panel by sampling the creations and help choose the winner! $39
• Mixology to Music - Dinner, wine-based cocktail creations and dancing to a live two-piece band! $55 with dinner, $39 without

Sun Peaks Wine Festival Accommodations

As the dates draw nearer, there are still lots of vacation rentals available - and at great rates! Stay 3 nights at a one bedroom condo for $160/night or snag a two bedroom for $189/night. Stay 5 nights at a two bedroom condo for $155/night. Search all Sun Peaks accommodation now to find the right place for you.