Summerland’s Best Kept Secret & Wine Experience Destination

Summerland has always been a community shaped by the land. Our vineyards, orchards, farms, cideries, wineries, breweries and distilleries are more than places to visit — they represent generations of hard work, local families, passionate producers and the agricultural roots that make Summerland such a special place to live and visit. As the Bald Range Wildfire impacts our region, our thoughts are with everyone affected — particularly the growers, farmers, producers, residents and emergency crews facing uncertainty in the days ahead. At Bottleneck Drive, we believe one of the greatest strengths of Summerland is the way this community shows up for one another. Supporting the People Behind the Products Behind every bottle of Summerland wine, glass of cider, locally grown peach, craft beer and small-batch spirit is a story. There are farmers tending orchards and vineyards, families running tasting rooms, cellar and production teams working behind the scenes, and countless seasonal employees who depend on our region's agricultural and tourism economy. Wildfires can have an impact that extends well beyond the area directly affected. Road closures, changing travel plans and uncertainty can mean fewer visitors at a time when local farms and businesses rely heavily on summer traffic. That's why supporting local matters so much right now. How You Can Help If it is safe to do so and businesses remain open and accessible, consider continuing to support Summerland's local producers. Visit a tasting room. Stop at a fruit stand. Buy a bottle of locally made wine, cider or spirits. Pick up locally grown produce. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Share a producer's post on social media or recommend a favourite Summerland business to a friend. Small actions, multiplied across our community and our visitors, can make a meaningful difference. And if you're unsure whether a particular business is open or accessible, check directly with the business before travelling or resources such as the Bottleneck Drive and BC Wine Growers websites. Conditions can change quickly, and the safety of residents, visitors and emergency personnel must always come first. Summerland Strong Times like these remind us that Bottleneck Drive is about much more than what's in the bottle.  It's about the people who grow, make, create, serve and welcome. It's about neighbours helping neighbours and businesses supporting one another. And it's about protecting and celebrating the agricultural community that has shaped Summerland and the Okanagan Valley for generations. To our farmers, growers, producers, residents and everyone working to protect our community: we are with you. And to everyone asking how they can help, one of the simplest answers is this: Support local. Choose Summerland. Share the love. Together, we are Summerland Strong.

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!