Learning about wine,
and loving it!
ABOUT US AND THE EVENT
Since it’s inception, in 1998, The Kamloops Wine & Beverage Festival has provided the opportunity to many, many people to try some new wines that they may not have had the opportunity to otherwise. So often people are tempted to try a new wine but are afraid to commit to a purchasing a whole bottle. Does this sound familiar? “What if I don’t like it? It could be a waste of money. Nawh, I will just stick to what I know.”
Welcome to the vibrant world of the Kamloops Wine Festival, where the spirit of celebration has been uncorked since 1998! Under the dedicated stewardship of Judy Basso since 2005, this eagerly anticipated event has become synonymous with excitement, change, and a symphony of flavors.
Immerse yourself in the festivities on May 30 and June 1, 2024, as we raise our glasses to a splendid cause. A portion of the funds raised will flow to Rotary International, embodying our commitment to giving back.
Prepare your taste buds for a sensory journey at the Grand Wine Tasting. Last year there were 105 various beverages that were available to explore.
We have added "and Beverage" to our title this year because we are also featuring many other different beverages such as spiritis, beer, cider, and mocktails! There is something for everyone.
Attendees can also anticipate great door prizes, and fun swag bags adding to the excitement of the festivities.
We are always changing things up—never the same each year. We have some exiting new things happening. This year we are thrilled to announce we will be offering online ordering for all alcoholic beverages, provided by our distributor, Twisted Spirits. We are making it easy and fun for you to order!
A crowd favourite event, “Cheese the Day!”—a delightful cheese and wine pairing event- presented by none other than David Beaudoin, the Canadian Cheese Ambassador.
Our festival is not just about wine; it's a convergence of live entertainment, delectable snacks, and an array of non-wine vendors offering diverse beverages and tantalizing food options. With an upbeat atmosphere and an ever-changing lineup, the Kamloops Wine Festival promises an unforgettable experience for all.
Anticipating a jubilant turnout, so get your tickets early.
Join us as we toast to community, charity, and the joy of discovering new flavors. The Kamloops Wine Festival is not just an event; it's a celebration of life, and the endless possibilities found in each sip.
Cheers!
MEET THE PRODUCER
Judy Basso has produced and managed the wine festival since 2006. It has always been a joy and pleasure for Judy to bring this event to Kamloops for novice wine tasters to the seasoned wine aficionados alike to enjoy. She is also amazed at how much she has learned about wine personally over the years. Learning how to pair wine with the perfect foods was one of the most exciting things that she learned from the festival. She said “It was as if it was like hearing angels singing when I tried the perfect wine and food paired for the first time”. She wants to share that joy and excitement and curiosity with the people who attend this wine festival.
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MEET THE SOMMELIER
Deborah Podurgiel
I think if someone had to put something down in writing about me in one sentence, it would be: enjoys gathering life experiences, talking to people, good food and wine within a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Amongst other things, I have been a journalist, editor, prepress designer, an administrator and executive assistant and now a Wine Advisor, Sommelier, wine and food writer.
I started my education in international wines and spirits working for Seagrams in Montreal several lifetime experiences ago. As a novice taste, I was invited to taste and observe product during my lunch hour. The first tasting was 15 whiskies; they were all great, but around product #10, I was having a rough time writing down my observations and by product #15, I couldn’t write. Since then, the spittoon has become my friend. A few years later, I had the opportunity to run the Seagrams wine club and became a lover of wine. That year, I took my first wine appreciation course in Quebec, and then as we followed my husband’s career westward but not until 20 years later, when we moved to Vancouver, I began accredited wine courses (Certified Sommelier, Canadian Wine Studies, WSET I II III, and currently hoping to complete Diploma IV… someday).
I believe in wine education and not just influencing or selling wine. I love to put the wine puzzle together for people and figure out what they really are looking for in a wine—not what their friends have told them they should like or based on a review they read or heard. Drinking wine should be enjoyed in moderation whether celebrating a moment or relaxing by the grill and, expensive or not, suited to that person’s taste.
A point in fact was I treated a friend to a ticket to the Vancouver International Wine Festival and thought they would so appreciate the lovely sparkling and champagne wines from France, that year’s theme country. As it turned out, she had no interest in champagne or any bubbles, but preferred the late harvest and sweeter German wines. Therein lies the lesson that wine is all a matter of taste—your own.
MEET THE SPONSORSHIP LIAISON
Cindy Jackson is our newest team member who is responsible for contacting potential sponsors, keeping them informed and ensuring that they have a great experience with us.
“I am so excited to be joining Judy Basso and her team as the Sponsor Liaison. After being in the corporate world for years, and then retired, I decided to pursue what I really have a passion for!”
If anyone is interested in sponsorship, please contact Cindy at CindyLeeJackson1@gmail.com
ABOUT THE WINE EVENTS
Grand Wine & Beverage Tasting
This is where many, many wineries come together under one roof and you are invited to try different wines. There are lots variety of price points, varietals, vintages and new wineries that make it different every year. There is always lots of great food to nibble on, live music, and a great party atmosphere. All while supporting a great cause! There is a special Group Rate for 5 or more people too!
Drive Safely
We encourage groups to come and enjoy the festivities together. Guests are always encouraged to have a Designated Driver—or use the taxi or driver services that can await you as you exit at the end of the night. Special rate for DD's! Contact us for details.
Have a plan to arrive home safely.