Penticton to Host 2013 Wine Bloggers Conference

It was recently announced that Penticton, British Columbia will be the first city in Canada to host the 2013 Wine Bloggers Conference from June 6-8, 2013.

The conference, started in 2008 by US-based Zephyr Adventures, gathers wine bloggers, industry bloggers and other wine and social media professionals from throughout the world to meet, learn and share.

Jessie Campbell, CEO of Penticton & Wine Country Tourism, which led the two year bid for the conference said, "It was very confirming to hear us announced as the official host for the Wine Blogger’s Conference in 2013."

"Competition was stiff, and we couldn’t have pulled this off if efforts weren’t fully supported by the tourism and wine industries in BC. These strong partnerships are what we’re looking most forward to showcasing at the event."

Along with Penticton & Wine Country Tourism, sponsors for the 2013 conference include Tourism BC, Constellation Brands, the BC Wine Institute, Downtown Penticton Association, Oliver-Osoyoos Winery Association and the host hotel, the Penticton Lakeside Resort.

Conference organizer Allan Wright visited Penticton & Wine Country in July and was impressed by its beauty and the quality of the wines, but said it was the community's support for the conference that really helped to solidify their decision to come to the Okanagan.

"The wines are excellent, really exceeding my expectations," he said. "The town itself is beautifully situated on two lakes with hills on all sides and vineyards in the background. The people were super nice and, everywhere I went, winery owners would say 'We are excited to have you all coming next year.' "

The conference has sold out every year since it began. Registration for the Wine Bloggers Conference in Penticton & Wine Country is open now. To keep up with the latest details, follow the conference on Twitter @wbcokanagan and @WineBloggersCon and follow #wbc13. On Facebook, like the Wine Bloggers Conference page.