One of Creston Valley’s most popular social events is set to return on May 31 at the Creston and District Community Complex. WineArt, celebrating its 10th anniversary, once again promises to feature a great selection of wine, food and local art.
With four Creston Valley producers now attending, the Creston Valley Rotary Club event has more local flavour than ever, a reflection of how the area is changing, committee member Ron Toyota said on Monday.
“We have Skimmerhorn, Baillie-Grohman and Wynnwood wineries, along with Tabletree juice at this year’s event,” he said. “It’s great that we have representation from our local agricultural community. Most of our earlier participants were Okanagan wineries.”
Not that the B.C. Interior won’t still play a big part in the fundraiser. This year, for the first time, Mission Hill Family Estate is expected to be showcasing its products
“We always hear comments about what a great social event WineArt has become,” Toyota said. “There’s nothing like being able to wander around the room and chat with friends, and to be introduced to new ones. It’s a social evening that offers networking possibilities, too.”
He said it’s important for WineArt attendees to realize they can make wine purchases at the event.
“The continued success in attracting wineries is making sure they get sales — it’s sales that justify them coming.”
Of course, for Creston Valley Rotary Club members, the effort they put into making the evening a success also comes with a reward. Recently, the club has been netting about $5,000 for its months of planning and one evening as hosts.
Recent projects using the funds have included a new bird-watching tower at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area and a water playground and outdoor gym at Centennial Park.
Tickets for WineArt are $45 and include wine samples and food by Delectable Delights. They are available at Black Bear Books and Kingfisher Used Books, Ron Toyota or any Rotarian, or at the Creston Valley Advance.