The Bacchanalia Wine Festival in Penticton is so great that wine-lovers drive for hours to get here or they fly.

I flew once, right over the Rockies to the Festival. The second flight of the journey was on the smallest of planes. Red wood – like snoopy’s. I swear I could see the propellers turning while watching the flowering orchards below. It was something out of Shangri–La. Pink and white blossoms moving over the valley.

Arriving by cab this time, I was on a mission to put together a mixed case of white wine. A wedding gift for my little sister. I was allowing myself a taste of one white only- at as many wineries I could handle – all the while eating fabulous food.

There so many wines. 66 wineries!! That is the attraction and strength of a tasting event. Here are just a few of my pics for the wedding gift.

Therapy Vineyards, Naramata Bench. 2016 Freudian Sip. This is a lovely wine of citrus, tropical fruit with an off-dry finish. One sip takes your conscious busy mind into a dreamy unconscious. Tasty value from Freud’s couch, onsite, at the wine shop. $17.99.

Castoro De Oro in Oliver puts out a lush Viognier with notes of peach. Soft in character with hints of violets. It pairs well with fresh or pan fried oysters.

Jackson-Triggs/Inniskillin Chenin Blanc 2016. No flavours sacrificed with great value at $18.99.  Try it with prawn and parmesan risotto.

Maverick Estate Winery, Oliver. 2016 Pinot Gris. Smooth and refreshing. Light-bodied and crisp – this is definitely a take to the beach wine. Perfect for a honeymoon or after work on the deck. My notes tell me to buy 2 bottles at $19 a piece.

Thornhaven Estates Winery, Summerland. 2016 Brooklyn’s Blend. Excellent blend of Sauvignon Blanc/Chardonnay. Sorry, cannot tell you the price. I need to get to the winery before you do.

Forbidden Fruit Winery: Organic|Cawston. 2017 Persuasion – Asian Pear. Aged in French Oak, this is great with Thai food or a Lemon Tart. Around $17.00.

Next year’s Bacchanalia is far away. Let’s drink lots between now and then. And don’t forget to enter the Love Lounge Contest please.