Mission Hill Family Estate: Music In The Vineyard

Outdoor amphitheatres were invented to celebrate two things: spectacle and scenery. And although the open-air experience was popularized by the ancient Romans, it has surely been perfected by the Pacific Northwest.

From the Gorge in Oregon to the picturesque pastures of Pemberton, the West Coast flocks to outdoor concerts because they offer everything we love (cool food, music, people and stunning natural beauty) in one place.

In fact, for us, concerts are rarely about crossing some touring musician off our bucket list. It’s about the full experience—taking a road trip with our friends, discovering incredible local cuisine, and yes, catching a show as the sun sets like the world’s most glorious opening act.  

For those who have already done the festival circuit though, or just crave a similar experience with wine in hand, might we suggest a more refined affair?

Mission Hill Family Estate has taken the idea of the outdoor concert and added world-class architecture, award-winning wines and exceptional dining, and situated it all overlooking rolling vineyards and the inscrutable blue of Okanagan Lake. 

Past performers at the locally beloved summer concert series, which takes place in the winery’s unforgettable marble amphitheatre, have included LeAnn Rimes, Tony Bennet, Jakob Dylan, and Martina McBride. But before you can say pass the Pinot Noir, we haven’t even gotten to the best part: This summer’s headliners are none other than Grammy Award-winner Michael Bolton, American rock icon Melissa Etheridge, and France’s sangria-sizzling Gipsy Kings. Bamboleo!

Tickets Still Available—Michael Bolton—Sunday, Aug. 7

Tickets have sold like hot cakes, but the winery has added a second date for the Michael Bolton engagement on Aug. 7, so grab your best maxi dress, make room for the iPhone photos, and head for the Hill! —Vitamin Daily 

1730 Mission Hill Rd., West Kelowna. 1-250-768-7611. www.missionhillwinery.com

Grape Minds is a multi-part summer travel series exploring British Columbia’s incredible array of wineries. Stay tuned for the second instalment on June 30, when we visit Culmina Family Estate Winery in sunny Oliver.