Summer means new Okanagan finds!

This season we’ve got a lineup of items from all across our valley that are perfect for celebrating these final weeks of summer, especially after wildfires impacted so many in our community. We’re talking sunscreens that go on like a dream, a lineup of crisp beverages, as well as the Summerland Sauce Project that is making sure no crops go to waste this harvest.

With the tourism industry and business sector so heavily impacted by the wildfires, this is the time to show your local love and purchase from valley-based brands and businesses.

Now read on and discover what local brands and businesses caught our eye this end-of-summer season!

Be Cool Mai Tai Sour from Neighbourhood Brewing

Along with their Summer Food Menu, Neighbourhood is bringing the flavours of the season with a beer that’s equal parts beach bar energy without the plane ticket. This one’s loaded with tropical flavours, citrus zest, and just a hint of coconut… Smooth, fruit, and finished with a crisp sour twist, don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to for the final weeks of summer.

Bask Daily Invisible Gel 40 SPF Sunscreen from Frankie’s Beach Provisions

Frankie’s Beach Provisions is new to the block along Naramata’s Robinson Ave, but the stock of sunscreen and other products is well worth the stop. We’re partial to the stash of Bask products, specifically this sunscreen that goes on translucent and sits like a dream on your skin! It feels weightless, disappearing on any skin tone, and can also double as your makeup primer. Win-win, right?!

Wild Goose 2025 Gewürztraminer

Known as an aromatic wine with aromas of rose water, white peach, papaya, cantaloupe, mandarine orange, and lemongrass, this is basically the flavour of summer in one bottle. With a palate that is just off-dry, you can expect a full-bodied and rich texture balanced by fresh acidity.

‘Til Next Summer Tee from Okanagan Lifestyle

As a memento to all those iconic Okanagan lakedays this summer, this t-shirt represents everything positive that happened this season. It’s also already got that soft, worn-in feel (it’s pre-shrunk jersey knit and 100% cotton) that’s ready to cling to summer a little bit longer. And what’s even better? This is made in Canada and designed by local Okanagan artist Natasha Alfred.

Tan Lines from Okanagan Candle Co.

If you’re searching for a smell that’s all sun-kissed skin with noes of coconut cream, vanilla bean, and white musk, then we’ve got the candle for you. Depending on your size this one ahs 15+ or 35+ hours of burn time and was handcrafted in small batches using 100% soy wax along with the highest-quality, non-toxic fragrance oils. All the products are blended, poured, and finished at their local workshop in Kelowna.

Elsie 22” Bandana from Kaleco Sustainable Lifestyle

Vernon’s sustainable lifestyle clothing store, Kaleco, has plenty of summer opinions when it comes to bandanas! They’re the perfect multi-use piece that you can bring with you on hikes, wear it in your hair or as part of your clothes to spice up your ‘fit, or even around your dog’s neck to make them look quite dashing. Made from 100% premium cotton and in navy colours with rust and gold flowers, this is the perfect summertime flowerchild accessory.

Liam Round Recycled Sunglasses from Elizabeth O. Vintage

At Elizabeth O. Vintage, every item is hand picked! With a carefully curated selection of products, each one is either vintage, secondhand, new, or upcycled, leaving you feeling lighter as you bring something special home. For these sunglasses, the frame is made from 100% recycled stainless steel and comes with a pouch that can also wipe those lenses clean when you’ve got them wet with lakewater.

2025 Phulkari Rosé from Kismet Estates Winery

A bronze medalist at the National Wine Award of Canada for a reason, this predominately Merlot-based rosé is vibrant, bursting with notes of watermelon, raspberry, and strawberry. Whether served chilled or just the right room temperature, you’re sure to notice the layers of delicate floral notes and that crisp, refreshing finish.

Summerland Sauce Project from LocalMotive Low-Waste Market

Lastly, this one is for our community. Chef Ned Bell and Farmer Thomas Tumbach of LocalMotive Farmers Network Cooperative came together to help farmers save their crops by whipping up deliciously grown and locally-made sauces available for purchase. They are using the food that would usually be sold at busy markets, served in local restaurants, and taken home by visitors. Each batch will be different depending on the harvest, so you can choose between options ranging from a savoury tomato sauce to seasonal fruit compotes.

Supporting local Okanagan brands is the heart of what we do, especially at a time when wildfires have so heavily impacted our local tourism and business sector. We hope you always choose local, but especially now when so many folks need your support. 

Xx,

Your Okanagan Curators