10 Ways to Beat the Heat

The August Long Weekend is almost here, and if the forecast is right, we're in for plenty of sunshine. While we love those beautiful Okanagan summer days, there's no denying they can get a little hot. Whether you're spending the weekend at the beach, on the lake, exploring wine country, or simply soaking up the sunshine, here are our top 10 ways to stay cool while making the most of your long weekend.
1. Sip Something Chilled
Nothing says summer quite like an ice-cold glass of wine. Crisp whites, refreshing rosés, bubbly sparkling wines, or a chilled sweet red are all perfect choices when temperatures start climbing.
Our favourites?
- Pinot Gris
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Resiling
- Hush Rose
- Clean Sheets Rose (new non alc)
Bonus points if you're enjoying them on a shaded patio.
2. Visit a Winery
What better way to escape the heat than with a leisurely wine tasting? Many wineries, including Dirty Laundry Winery, offer indoor tasting experiences and beautiful patios where you can relax with a glass of wine while taking in the vineyard views. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and let someone else do the pouring.
Come see us and enjoy a tasting inside our (air conditioned) wine shop! Or enjoy our seated Sips and Snack tasting on our patio! Our Sips and Snack tasting do require to be booked in advance.
3. Stay Hydrated
This one sounds obvious, but it's easy to forget. For every glass of wine (or any alcoholic beverage), try to enjoy a glass of water as well. Your body, and tomorrow morning, will thank you.
Pro tip: Bring a reusable water bottle wherever your adventures take you. Ps. We have ice and water, ask anyone at our winery to fill up your water bottles for you!
4. Find Some Shade
Whether it's under a patio umbrella, a tree at the beach, or inside your favourite winery, taking regular breaks from direct sunlight helps keep your body cool. Sometimes the best seat is the one with the shade. That sometimes means even staying home! You can 100% enjoy the sun from the comfort of your own home, plus wine is equally enjoyable indoors!
5. Cool Off in Okanagan Lake
One of the greatest perks of summer in the Okanagan? The lake is never far away. Whether you are in Kelowna or Penticton, the lake is always waiting! Pack your towel, grab your favourite canned wine (where permitted), and spend the afternoon swimming, paddleboarding, or simply floating the day away.
Where to get canned wine? Head to our Instagram and check out our highlights, in there you can find where to locate our canned wine all over BC.
6. Enjoy a Long Lunch
The hottest part of the day is the perfect excuse to slow down. Order lunch, sip something refreshing, and enjoy good food with great company. Summer wasn't meant to be rushed. If you're visiting Dirty Laundry Winery, our Red Iron Grille has plenty of delicious seasonal menu items waiting for you. Plus, we updated our entire menu this season, we know you are dying to find some new faves!
7. Freeze Some Summer Treats
Homemade popsicles, frozen fruit, smoothies, or even frozen grapes make delicious ways to cool down. Frozen grapes paired with a chilled glass of wine? That's a summer win.
Pro Tip: Come to our winery in August, we hand out complimentary grapes from right above your heads! While you soak up the sun on our patio, we are picking grapes for you to enjoy!
8. Explore Early or Later in the Day
Planning a hike, bike ride, or vineyard tour? Try heading out earlier in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are much more comfortable. You'll often beat both the heat and the crowds.
9. Don't Forget the Sunscreen
The Okanagan sun is no joke. Apply sunscreen before heading outside and remember to reapply throughout the day, especially if you're spending time on the water or visiting several wineries. A sunburn isn't the souvenir anyone wants to take home…
10. Slow Down and Enjoy the Moment
Long weekends only come around a few times each year. Put the phones away for a little while, gather your favourite people, enjoy a glass of local wine, and appreciate everything an Okanagan summer has to offer. The best memories are usually the simplest ones, and the ones that are unplanned! Whether you call the Okanagan home, or you are just visiting, we all can enjoy the unplanned moments!
Spend Your Long Weekend with Us
If your August Long Weekend plans include exploring wine country, we'd love to welcome you to Dirty Laundry Winery. Stop in for a tasting, enjoy lunch at the Red Iron Grille, browse our award-winning wines, or simply relax on the patio with a glass in hand. After all... there's no better place to beat the heat than with great wine, great food, and even better company.
We can't wait to see you this long weekend!

