Naramata cut loose Saturday night, and we have the proof.
The occasion was the 15th annual Naramata Bench Wineries Association Tailgate Party, and it was, as usual, an affair to remember.
And that's what you get when you have two bands on two separate stages, 500 people, 30 winery tasting stations and ten winery restaurant tapas stations sharing the grounds of one of the swankiest waterfront resorts in the region.
Add in a "roaring 20s" theme that virtually every guest in attendance adhered to, and you have the makings of a serious party.
By the end of the shindig, a fleet of charter shuttles lined the road outside. Each was filled with partygoers, most engaged in somewhat tipsy singalongs and a whole lot of laughter.
"It's our signature fall harvest event," said Naramata Bench Wineries Association marketing director Tina Baird during one of her few breaks in the evening. "We have the public come join us and celebrate the season and celebrate the harvest and have some fun."
"And tonight's theme, the roaring 20s, is based on when our host venue, the Naramata Heritage Inn, was built."
The event was sold right out a couple weeks in advance, and a big part of that appeal was the food. It was, in a word, delicious.
We tried the Cold Poached Prawn Lettuce Wrap from the Hillside Winery Bistro, the Smoked Pulled Pork Taco from Smugglers Smokehouse at Red Rooster, and the Hand Shaved 23 Month Aged Serrano Ham from The Kitchen at Da Silva Vineyards, and were bowled over every time.
Sadly, we abstained from the wine. Past experience has taught us that the more vino one consumes, the harder it is to focus one's camera.
But with nearly double the number of Bench wineries than the annual Verticals and Vintages spring soiree at Apex, the Tailgate Party was certainly well equipped.
As might be expected, the dancing picked up at the evening wore on. With Naramata's Uncorked! at the front of the property and Yanti's Okanagan Blues Project at the back, the joint was jumping.
And now, it's all over but the photos.
No to worry though, there'll be another one next year and we'll keep you posted in advance.
