The July heat has finally arrived and with it, the first taste of an Okanagan summer! Picture sitting back on the deck with a glass of local wine, hitting the water for a morning paddle or an evening swim, eating all the cherries you can, heading out on the trails to capture stunning views of our mountain range, or just enjoying the farmer’s market on the weekend. There is so much to discover!

But with so much to do and explore there’s a lot of stress around finding experiences you don’t want to miss… That’s why we’ve taken the time to sleuth the hottest upcoming events this month! All the way from Armstrong down to the South Okanagan, these are our top picks for what to do this July.

Rosé, Croquet, and a DJ at Bistro Lapin Perdu, Sunday July 13th

Sprawl out on the back lawn of the Naramata Inn for the inaugural Rosé, Croquet, and a DJ event by Bistro Lapin Perdu! Bringing some beautiful summer energy to this area, the evening includes live music by Vancouver’s DJ Hebegebe, French-inspired dumplings and dim sum by Ugly Dumpling Vancouver’s Van Doren, and rosés from both Tantalus and 1Mill Road, poured by the winemakers themselves, David Paterson and Ben Bryant. Adding to the magic is a touch of whimsy with fun games like croquet, badminton, and pétanque!

Attending is free—all you need is a blanket to sit on! Bring family, bring friends, and get ready for a spectacular Sunday evening.

Pinot & Papillon at CC Bloom Flower Farm, Saturday July 12th

Head up to Armstrong for a blooming field full of beautiful flowers, elegance and enchantment, and a stellar selection of Pinot varietals including rosés, whites, and reds for the Pinot & Papillon event at CC Bloom Flower Farm. It’s an intimate gathering that allows you to sip and savour wines not even available in the stores, well while enjoying a chef-prepared lunch from Spencer at Cahoots Kitchen.

As if that wasn’t magical enough, this event also includes live music!

Tom Cochrane Due at District Wine Village, Thursday July 17th

Is there anything more phenomenal than the District Wine Village live music events in summer?! Later this month, Tom Cochrane will be gracing our valley, bringing his many hits centre stage for this spectacular event! The stage is set within the heart of the village, making any seat a great vantage point to enjoy the live music, spectacular views, and fine company.

With a selection of world-class wines, a brewery, distillery, artisan bakehouse, and a bookshop, you can easily arrive ahead of the event and enjoy everything the District Wine Village has to offer!

Whoa, Pony! at Garnet Valley Ranch Winery

Looking for a little Yellowstone action set within the Okanagan Valley? Garnet Valley Ranch Winery offers their “Whoa, Pony!” experience so you can embark on an exhilarating horseback riding adventure along the untamed beauty of their ranch. Guided by experts from Wildhorse Mountain Ranch, this is a safe and exciting way to spend a day whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider!

The best part? It ends in a seated portfolio tasting of six different wines—the perfect way to finish off your adventure!

Toncini Italian Long Table Dinner at Lightning Rock Winery, Saturday July 26

Known for their spectacular summer evenings, Lightning Rock Winery is holding their highly-anticipated annual Italian Long Table Dinner at the end of the month! Settle in with a backdrop of warm July skies while you enjoy a four-course, Italian-inspired feast that brings the banks of the Italian Riviera to the Okanagan. Crafted by Guest Chef Andrew Toncini and paired with exciting new Lightning Rock releases, this is sure to be a delicious evening!

And if you leave with a few extra bottles to savour throughout the season, we wouldn’t judge! We might just do the same…

Whatever you decide to do this July, we hope it includes a glass of wine, some lakeside leisure, and quality moments with those you care about. It’s been a long year (and we’re only halfway), so get outside, soak up the sun, and relax because we are so incredibly lucky to call this region our home.

Cheers to another incredible Okanagan summer!

XX,

Your Okanagan Curators