If the combination of Seattle’s infamous rainfall and our country’s current political climate have fueled your need for escapism and wanderlust, Devour! The Film Fest may be just what you need. In 2009, Chef Michael Howell hosted the inaugural event in Nova Scotia to pay tribute to exquisite cuisine, cinema, and viticulture (the science, production, and study of grapes). Its cross-country expansion to Osoyoos (o-soo-ews), British Columbia last year proved wildly successful. For the festival’s second tour of the region’s delectable offerings, this weekend-long excursion will be your best introduction to the Okanagan Valley.

Main events include a film-inspired gala dinner featuring leading British Columbia chefs, tasting tours, cooking demonstrations, a champagne brunch, and a cocktail reception. In addition to artsy attractions, festival-goers are encouraged to soak up the stunning surroundings of the lakeside destination at various properties by taking advantage of special Devour! Osoyoos packages and rates. Each event attraction is separately ticketed, so the choice to pick-and-choose or attend all affairs provides plenty of flexibility.

Tucked away in Canada’s only desert and perched on Osoyoos lake, the city of Osoyoos boasts a wonderfully balmy average high of 73.4°F and average low of 48.4°F in the month of May. Classified as a semi-arid climate, Osoyoos handily lends itself to the 48(!) wineries in the area. While numerous stone-fruit orchards also populate the town, several of these are being converted into vineyards to support the region’s heavy-hitting wine industry. Spring typically arrives much earlier here than in other parts of the Okanagan and is an opportune time for a quiet, romantic getaway in wine country before the peak rush.

At a little over five hours away from the Seattle area and armed with a strong US dollar, this kick-off to the beginning of the warmer months in the Pacific Northwest is sure to lay the groundwork to ease you into a more relaxed state of mind…

Exciting reminder that the current exchange rate essentially makes every third day “free”, or simply discounts everything at 30% off. Score!

Devour! Osoyoos Food Film Fest:

// Friday, May 5 //

Launch Party at Black Hills Estate Winery

6:30 to 9:30 pm

Tickets: $110 (includes shuttle service to and from the event from Watermark Beach Resort).

// Saturday, May 6 //

Ocean Wise Chowder SmackDown at Watermark Beach Resort

12:30 to 2:30 pm

Tickets: $20.

Gala at Watermark Beach Resort

6:00 to 11:00 pm

Tickets: $149 (includes dinner, wine pairings, taxes and gratuities, and shuttle service to and from this event from set locations).

// Sunday, May 7 //

Bubbles Brunch at Watermark Beach Resort

10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Tickets: $45 (includes brunch buffet, non-alcoholic beverages, sparkling wine tastings, and taxes and gratuities).

About Devour! The Food Film Fest

Devour! The Food Film Fest is an international festival celebrating cinema, food and wine culture. The five-day festival takes place in the culinary epicentre of Nova Scotia – the town of Wolfville, Kings County. The festival is an experiential celebration of food on film, the culture of food and the dramatic impact it has on our day-to-day lives. The seventh edition of Devour! The Food Film Fest runs October 25 – 29, 2017. For more information: devourfest.com.