NaramataSlow Dinner
Local wineries set up a tasting experience to showcase the unique terroir of the Naramata Bench.
The Naramata Centre welcomed 184 locals, visitors and media around a single long table for a community potluck dinner on Sunday, October 9th.
With support from RDOS Area E and the Naramata Bench Wineries Association, The NaramataSlow Dinner was convened by the local Cittaslow Committee to raise awareness and create conversations around Naramata’s designation as a Cittaslow Community.
The meal was provided by the guests ‘potluck-style’ where guests were challenged to showcase as much Naramata grown, raised or sourced ingredients in their dish to share.
Bella Homestead Farm owner, Jay Drysdale provided a pig for the evening that had been raised less than 2 kilometers from the site of the dinner. Drysdale has been raising pigs as a means to maintain the diversity on his biodynamic vineyard and home site of Bella Wines. The fire roasted pig arrived in style – on the front forks of a tractor – fitting considering the environment and theme for the event. “It is so gratifying to see one of our animals used to feed our community. There is no higher reward as a farmer to see the thanks given for your efforts,” says Drysdale. “It’s truly inspiring to see how this movement is taking hold in our area. For me to be able to contribute in this way is quite an honour.”
NaramataSlow Committee member, Miranda Halliday, says, “Creating and sharing a meal focused on the immense and delicious bounty our community produces, with friends, neighbours, and visitors alike, feels like a natural tradition in the making, and the right way to foster conversation.”
The beach front property at the Naramata Centre Society was selected as site for this year’s event. A local destination for community and outreach programming for over 65 years, The Centre provided the use of its facilities as the main gathering place on the Thanksgiving Day weekend. Jim Simpson, society member, says “The spirit of togetherness is the foundation of the Centre and we instinctively offered our support because the Cittaslow values are very similar. Today was a perfect example of what can be done when we all work together.”
A group of Naramata wineries set up an ‘Open Air Wine Lab’ tasting experience to showcase the unique terroir of the Naramata Bench. All wines were sourced from vineyards located within the Cittaslow designated area. Guests were given the opportunity to sample varietals such as Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Viognier and Chardonnay and note the distinct character from specific sites. “There is so much that can be learned about our terroir, our winemakers and our local flavors by tasting wines side by side in this format,” says Halliday
