Canadian Wine Events in August

Say goodbye to summer and get ready for the fall festival season at one of these Canadian wine events — many are raising money for a good cause!

Dancing in the Vineyard at Serendipity Winery

Aug. 13, 2011

Support the Naramata Community Fund Society by dancing the evening away to the sounds of local band "Uncorked." Enjoy samples of Naramata wines and a selection of tapas, and bid on items in the silent auction. Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased at the Naramata General Store.

Summer Blues and Patio Grill Night at Bonitas Winery

Aug. 13, 2011

Enjoy a delicious, three-course meal from the Bonitas Bistro while listening to the sounds of local blues band "OKOSPOKOS." The menu will feature family-style tapas, with grilled-to-order steak, prawns and salmon. Tickets are $65 per person and can be purchased by contacting Bonitas Bistro at 778-516-5596.

Grape Jam at Pillitteri Estates

Aug. 20-21, 2011

Sample cuisine from local vendors while taking in local bands and talent at this all-day, all-weekend party at Pillitteri Estates. Tickets are $25 per person online ($30 at the door) and must be purchased separately for Saturday and Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at pillitteri.com.

Southern BBQ & Blues by the Bonfire at 13th Street Winery

Aug. 20, 2011

Chow down on Buster Rhinos Authentic Southern BBQ while listening to the sounds of Peter Boyd and his blues trio. Festivities start at 7 p.m. and the first set begins at 7:30 p.m. An assortment of 13th Street wines and Mill St. beer will be available for $5 each. Tickets for $49 per person by emailing events@13thstreetwinery.com or by speaking to Ruth at 905-984-8463.

Feast of Fields

Aug. 21, 2011

Taste the very best of BC from chefs, vintners, brewers, farmers, fishers, ranchers and food artisans at this gourmet harvest festival. From 1 to 5 p.m., guests can wander with a wine glass and napkin, sampling a variety of sustainable and local foods at Van Westen Vineyards. The annual fundraiser for FarmFolk CityFolk, tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased at feastoffields.com.

Niagara Passion

Aug. 27, 2011

Taste wines from 26 different Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries, sample foods from renowned local chefs, listen to sultry jazz music, bid on silent and live auction items and attend wine seminars at this celebration of Niagara wine and food. Proceeds from tickets sales will benefit the Walker Family Cancer Centre and The Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased by calling 1-866-805-9188 or visiting notlrotarytickets.com.

Photo: Robert Scales