The stars were out in Osoyoos, BC this past June—and not just the celestial variety. Destination Osoyoos, e=mc2 Event Management and Black Hills Estate Winery launched the first Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival, and Hollywood heeded the call.
Celeb attendees included David Cubitt (NBC's “Medium”), Cameron Daddo (Fox’s “24”), Bruce Greenwood (“Star Trek,” “National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets”), Tiffani Thiessen (“Beverly Hills, 90210,” the original one), Terry David Mulligan (“The Tasting Room” radio program), chef Ned Bell (Food Network) and Olympic Gold-medal synchronized swimmer Michelle Cameron.
The glittering guest list may have had something to do with another Beverly Hills 90210 alum. A shareholder in Black Hills Estate Winery, Canadian Jason Priestley co-hosted the Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Auction at Walnut Beach Resort, which raised $45,000 for various children’s charities. But SAG membership was not required. At this and other glam events—including the Black Hills Nota Bene Release Party, Burrowing Owl Winemakers Dinner and Desert Spirit BBQ at Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa—visiting oenophiles and locals alike rubbed famous shoulders while sampling the best from renowned Osoyoos vintners and chefs.
The southernmost community in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley and poised on the northernmost tip of the grape-friendly Sonoran Desert, Osoyoos has long been prized for its oasis-like resorts set amid stunning landscapes. Today one of Canada’s premier wine regions, the hot spot is also home to some of the province’s most sought-after bottles. If you haven’t been, go soon. With “ET Canada” running four days’ coverage of the fest, it won’t be long before Brangelina shows up and the whole world descends, glasses in hand, upon this desert jewel.
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