Watch out, Penticton: here come the enologists. This coming week the BC Wine Grape Council invites wine enthusiasts and industry professionals alike to the 14th Annual Enology and Viticulture Conference and Tradeshow at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. Penticton, also famous for its winter Fest-Of-Ale, will provide just as warm a summer welcome to more than 300 regional and international delegates over the two days of the convention.
With this year’s focus on Rhône varietals, the conference mixes formal presentations with informal practicums and includes sessions with guest speakers from as far as France. While Monday is officially Enology Day and Tuesday Viticulture Day, workshops on both are offered throughout the conference. Topics of discussion will run the gamuts of both viticulture (vascular functions of vines, viruses affecting grapes) and enology (filtration, use of enzymes in fermentation, DIY pump repair), with additional speakers addressing hot topics like sustainable winemaking, vineyard climate conditions and the market for BC wines.
On Tuesday all industry conference-goers are invited to attend the annual General Meeting for BC grape growers. Two comparative tastings of Rhône varietals from BC, Washington and Oregon – as compared with French offerings – will be available at the show, though both are capped at 40 participants and will be in high demand. An all-speaker Q&A, discussions of Okanagan’s regional terroir, and a hundred-booth tradeshow will round out the two days’ offerings.
Online registration is closed, but participants may register at the door for either one or both days. Tradeshow-only tickets are also available at the door for $10. For more information on classes and times visit the BCWGC website.
Monday, July 15—Tuesday, July 16 || Session times vary. || Penticton Convention Centre, Penticton || Ticket prices for events vary. Tradeshow only: $10/door.
