“Music is the wine that fills the cup of silence.”
~ Robert Fripp
I love this quote. Robert Fripp, for those of you born in the twenty-first century, is a musician, known as the longest-lasting member of the progressive rock band, King Crimson. His work as a session musician and collaborator is legendary as his discography includes over 700 official releases. But enough of Robert, let’s talk about music and wine!
From intimate cocktail lounges to outdoor amphitheatres, there’s plenty of live music to be had this summer. My first outdoor winery concert was many, many summers ago. It was at Mission Hill, where they have a huge outdoor amphitheatre. It was a great night of live music set against the backdrop of Okanagan Lake. I’ve been hooked on live music at wineries ever since. They all provide great entertainment and unique venues.
The great thing about wineries and music is that you can pick and choose from a wide variety of places and musical styles while enjoying your favourite wine. Small to large, cozy to big concert size, there are hundreds of places where you can enjoy wine and music this summer.
This list is by no means comprehensive, but it gives you a good idea of where you can go to hear great music and have some great vino. Google their websites for more in-depth information.
Osoyoos/Oliver:
Phantom Creek, outdoor amphitheatre, Sundays 4 – 7 p.m.
Tinhorn Creek, outdoor amphitheatre, summer concert series
District Wine Village, various artists in the plaza.
There are dozens of wineries with live music in the Oliver/Osoyoos area, too many to list here, as it is the wine capital of Canada. Many of these wineries are also at the District Wine Village. Check out their events. (districtwinevillage.com)
Okanagan Falls:
Blasted Church, July 16, Aug 5-6 and 20th, 2 – 4 p.m.
Penticton/Naramata:
Orolo at Time Winery, live music every Thursday night.
Red Rooster Winery, live music every Friday this summer from 5 – 6 p.m.
Summerland:
Thornhaven Winery, live music on the patio, Saturday and Sundays 1 – 4 p.m.
Peachland:
Hainle Winery, live music throughout the summer
West Kelowna:
Mission Hill, known name musicians/groups and a great venue, reservations
Grizzli Winery has various music events throughout the year
Frind Winery, live music several days of the week
Urban Distillers, Shakers Lounge, live music Wednesday nights
Kelowna:
CedarCreek Family Estate, Sunset Groove every other Thursday, at 6:30 p.m.
Sperling Vineyards, Music in the labyrinth, Thursdays 6 – 8 p.m.
Priest Creek Winery, Rocking the Vines and food truck Fridays 6 – 8 p.m.
Vibrant Vine, concert series through to September
Lake Country:
Peak Cellars, live music Sunday and Wednesday nights
Vernon:
Cambium Cidery (formerly BX), live music Wednesdays and Thursdays, requires tickets
Abbotsford:
Singletree Winery, in the vineyard, Friday from 6 – 9 p.m.
Langley:
Township 7, charcuterie and live music, July 21
Festina Lente, live music every Saturday until September.
Richmond:
Lulu Island Winery, Saturdays, Summer Picnic Series, 5 p.m.
These are a handful of wineries with live music throughout the summer here in B.C. Ask your favourite winery if they have live music too!