Brighten up your nights with Summerland’s Light Up the Vines
Think twinkly lights, crackling fire, mulled wine, s’mores, hot cider, craft beverages and comfort foods over three enchanting evenings Nov. 30, Dec. 6,7
By Monique Tamminga
November is the month that the days become drastically shorter, darker and colder. But at the end of this dreary month, is one of my favourite events of the year to brighten things up and get us in the mood for the Christmas season.
Think twinkly lights, cozy fire pits, mulled wine, s’mores, hot cider, wines, beers and comfort foods.
Now in its 14th year, Bottleneck Drive Association’s beloved Light Up the Vines invites you to explore Summerland’s wineries, cideries, distilleries, and breweries across three enchanting evenings Saturday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 6 and 7 from 5 to 9 p.m.
Light Up the Vines has become a seasonal tradition and signature event where over 17 of Summerland’s wineries, cideries and distilleries get into the festive mood, lighting up their properties and throwing open their doors at night to bring this one-of-a-kind magical experience.
“I love Light Up and have from the very first one I attend over a decade ago. It is a time when our community and people of all ages come together to kick off the holiday season. We are so fortunate to have a charming, Main Street that can act as the central hub for activities around the town light up,” said Christine Coletta, chair of the Bottleneck Drive Association.
To kick things off, join Bottleneck Drive on Friday, Nov. 29, at Summerland’s Light Up Festival where they will have a Beverage Tent located at the corner of Henry and Wharton in downtown Summerland. This festive tent will be brimming with local wine, cider, spirits, and beer providing the perfect spot to warm up and enjoy a variety of craft beverages.
“Following the town event, our members decorate their vineyards, orchards, and facilities each offering a different program from formal seated tastings to gatherings around the fire pit. It is an opportunity for us to see many of our loyal customers before everyone gets into hibernation mode,” said Coletta.
Last year, visitors came from as far as Vernon, Merritt and Osoyoos, she said.
“Our members have prepared some truly special holiday offerings this year, and we can’t wait to share the magic of the season with everyone.”
Each place is offering cozy fireside gatherings some with mulled wine and s’mores or other comfort foods like chili, charcuterie or grilled cheese. Each tasting facility has been decked out in dazzling lights, creating a magical backdrop.
Coletta, owner of Haywire Winery is getting her property lit up and the tasting room festive for Light Up the Vines.
For $25, Haywire is offering a sit down tasting of their finest wines, chef-prepared appetizers, holiday gifts and some new releases of mulled wine and spiced apple wine both meant to be served warm.
“We are releasing our mulled wine and spiced apple wine which will be part of the offering for Haywire’s light up,” said Colletta.
Summerland Heritage Cidery is inviting the whole family for Light Up where they will be offering hot apple cider, bonfires, homemade grilled cheese sandwiches, s’more station and live music from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7 for $10.
Summerland Waterfront Resort is also getting into Light Up the Vines. If you wanted to do a staycation, their one night stay offer includes Top Cat tour shuttle bus to take you around to the various Light Up the Vines participants.
