The Small Guys Festival is rockin’ it out with the Garagistes!
We had so much fun the first time we're doing it again - !
You’ve heard of the little gems, the boutique wineries, the cult followings and the maverick winemakers, but they are often hard to find or to get to. Now we showcase the small case lot artisan wines commercially produced–all gathered in one spot. What’s a garagiste (GAR-aH-jeest )? — It’s a label coined in France to indicate those who stepped outside the lines and broke the rules, taking risks and making small case lots or micro cuvees in their ‘garage’. We think you’ll agree that some interesting things are happening at the front edge of winemaking with these passionate winemakers and growers.
2019 brings you the event to sample these hard to find wines
Kelowna August 18th 2-4:40 PM The Small Producers Festival will be in Kelowna.
These events are organized by Garagiste North. It was born out of many conversations with small producers who are faced with the difficult realites of getting their wines to the public, and wine lovers who are always looking for those interesting and unique producers but often have difficulty finding them. It seemed like a perfect solution, and a great way to spend an afternoon or evening.
Hope you'll join the party!
Spring 2017 - It is Coming, Right?
After a very, very, VERY long winter in BC wine country, the Garagistes are happy to see the snow almost completely melted on the vineyards and signs of spring popping up. Though there is little time to rest for those of us in the wine industry, winter does provide a bit of a respite and a chance to plan for the year ahead. So we are now recharged and ready to rock and roll! The Garagiste North Wine Festivals has booked a three-city tour this year to appease our growing fan base and spread the good word about the high quality Garagiste wines being produced in BC. From Vancouver to Parksville to Penticton, each festival will offer a unique lineup of Garagiste wineries and an evolving repertoire of excellent wines to taste.
The festivals are again taking place in Vancouver (new venue!) and in Penticton but this year we are jumping the pond to Parksville on Vancouver Island. The Garagiste Guild is super excited about this addition because we love the Island and the Islanders love small lot wines. This also allows easier access for the Island Garagistes to come and pour at the festival allowing our tasting crowd the opportunity to taste a wide range of terroir through the vast collection of wines being offered.
Spring releases include a variety of beautiful Rosés this year – and we love a great pink.
This year, we are thrilled to again offer an on-site wine store. This amazing amendment to the BC wine laws last year really enhanced our festival experience. We launched the concept last fall at our Penticton festival and it was a huge hit. Festival goers are able to taste the wines and then purchase their favorites before leaving the event.
We have had the opportunity to taste some of the early bottlings and the consensus is spectacular. The 2017 vintage is going to be amazing. We are also launching our Garagiste North Wine Club so do sign up and take advantage of great deals and special offerings to be shipped to your door.
See you soon at the coolest wine festival ever!
Mar 28, 2017 at 9:27 PM
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The Latest from the Garagistes!
The Hottest Year in Over a Century
This has been the craziest year yet in Okanagan/Garagiste wine country. Our garagistes have been kept hopping all summer with record early ripening and harvests beginning in early AUGUST – the first harvest in the Okanagan was at Garagiste Bella Wines. Some say this will be the vintage of the century and others, like Wendy Rose from Bella further comment that “we will definitely be talking about this vintage for a century!”
Garagistes are revving up for the 3rd wine festival happening this Sunday, September 27th in Kelowna at the Laurel Packinghouse. Ticket sales have ramped up since the incredible exposure in the London Financial Times Magazine who named the Garagiste North Festival as one of the Top Five Festivals in the World! This news draws international eyes to our unique concept festival as well as onto our passionate Garagiste winemakers. Here's the article below:
Stay tuned for further news and details on harrowing winemaker heart-stopping moments on this dramatic season: As the Barrel Turns. We will also be announcing the 2016 Garagiste wines that are sure to get palates wagging.
Cheers!
Sep 25, 2015 at 1:39 PM
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Only Six Days to Vancouver's Event!
Our thanks for the wonderful support and enthusism of the Vancouver Media....here's a few postings.
Vancouver Sun: http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Garagiste+North/11103219/story.htm
Garagiste North
VANCOUVER SUN JUNE 5, 2015
Garagiste wines are as eclectic as the artisans.
Photograph by: Handout , Files
B.C.’s smallest wineries are hitting are the road. The first of its kind in Canada, Garagiste North (The Small Guys Wine Festival) celebrates the artisan winemaker creating commercially produced small case-lot wines under 2,000 cases. The wines are as eclectic as the artisans. The new and old, the cult and the boutique, the virtual and custom crush, will all be in one spot Saturday, June 27, at Wise Hall in Vancouver from 2-4 p.m. Your $49 ticket includes wines, food truck schnacks by Roaming Dragon and cool music by Chicken Like Birds. http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/garagiste-north-small-guys-wine-festival-vancouver-tickets-15958590574?aff=es2
Westender:
On June 27, come out to Wise Hall on Main Street for Garagiste North: The Small Guys Wine Festival. Taste the small-batch wines (under 2,000 cases annually) from more than 20 local winemakers at this annual event. Tickets $49. GaragisteNorth.com - See more at: http://www.westender.com/eat-drink/fresh-sheet/hawksworth-young-chef-finalists-announced-garagiste-north-brings-winemakers-to-the-wise-1.1970660#sthash.5vhMkuqZ.dpuf
http://www.westender.com/eat-drink/fresh-sheet/hawksworth-young-chef-finalists-announced-garagiste-north-brings-winemakers-to-the-wise-1.1970660
Jun 21, 2015 at 9:42 AM
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2016 Small Guys Wine Festivals
The Small Guys Festival is rockin’ it out with the Garagistes!
You’ve heard of the little gems, the boutique wineries, the cult followings and the maverick winemakers, but they are often hard to find or to get to. Now we showcase the small case lot artisan wines commercially produced–all gathered in one spot. What’s a garagiste (GAR-aH-jeest )? — It’s a label coined in France to indicate those who stepped outside the lines and broke the rules, taking risks and making small case lots or micro cuvees in their ‘garage’. We think you’ll agree that some interesting things are happening at the front edge of winemaking with these passionate winemakers and growers.
2016 brings you several events to sample these hard to find wines:
Vancouver April 17th : The Small Guys Festival comes to Wise Hall and showcases the artisan winemakers of BC. Tickets are $49 and available here on eventbrite. Delicious small bites from Chicha, fun music with Chicken Like Birds.
Pentiction September 18th: The Small Guys Festival will be at -where else for some garagistes - Canadian Tire outdoor Garden Centre. Gregors Gourment provides food truck service. Tickets are $49 and available here on eventbrite.
These events are organized by Garagiste North. It was born out of many conversations with small producers who are faced with the difficult realites of getting their wines to the public, and wine lovers who are always looking for those interesting and unique producers but often have difficulty finding them. It seemed like a perfect solution, and a great way to spend an afternoon or evening.
Mar 3, 2015 at 10:28 AM
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