Allison Markin
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Hospitality, travel, business. Strategic communications consultant, content planner, grant and proposal writer.
Specialist in grant stewardship and writing. Marketing and communications pro. ⚠️ No longer on X ⚠️
Articles by Allison Markin
Long-time food, wine and events columnist calls it a day - Okanagan Taste
The kitchen is closed I started writing this column with one purpose in mind, to shine a light on the flavours, people and stories that make the Okanagan Valley a hidden culinary and cultural tourism gem to be discovered. Eight years, around 200 wine reviews and hundreds and hundreds of social media posts later, here we are at the last sip—my last column. And I think we’ve been discovered. Long before Okanagan Taste, there was Eat. Drink.
Eclectic selection of books to keep you reading this fall - Okanagan Taste
Allison Markin - | Story: 567533 Once or twice a year, I put together a reading list for the upcoming season. As the weather seems to have already turned towards fall, here are a few suggestions. As usual the books are eclectic. Enjoy.
Eclectic selection of books to keep you reading this fall - Okanagan Taste
Once or twice a year, I put together a reading list for the upcoming season. As the weather seems to have already turned towards fall, here are a few suggestions. As usual the books are eclectic. Enjoy. Victory Gardens for Bees (revised edition) – Lori Weidenhammer A DIY guide for saving bees, if you’re a gardener, an advocate for pollination or simply like to learn the scientific names for all of the different types of basil so you can impress your friends, this is your guide.
Evolve Sparkling House marks a growing trend toward sparkling wine - Okanagan Taste
There’s somewhat of a shift happening in the Okanagan wine scene—once quiet, but the volume keeps going up—thanks to a steady stream of bubbly. Once reserved for weddings, toasts or life milestones, sparkling wine is increasingly becoming more of a casual choice. The newly opened Evolve Sparkling House has a tasting room, extensive patio and a portfolio to match that outlook with a clear focus—going all in on bubbles.
As the hot Okanagan summer rolls on, you may want to indulge your creative side in the comfort of an air-conditioned gallery or by enjoying an evening breeze on a creative walk-about. Seasoned gallery-goers and casual culture-seekers alike have plenty to choose from in between trips to a local beach or a farm-to-table bistro.
Summer is a perfect time to embrace the Okanagan arts scene - Okanagan Taste
As the hot Okanagan summer rolls on, you may want to indulge your creative side in the comfort of an air-conditioned gallery or by enjoying an evening breeze on a creative walk-about. Seasoned gallery-goers and casual culture-seekers alike have plenty to choose from in between trips to a local beach or a farm-to-table bistro.
Road tripping: Uncork the Sun in Oliver and Osoyoos - Okanagan Taste
At the southern tip of the Okanagan Valley, there is cool and homey vibe in and around Oliver-Osoyoos, known for its family-run fruit stands and eclectic wineries, alongside a handful of iconic events. Your first digital stop for trip planning should be the Oliver-Osoyoos Wine Country so you can save the dates for annual events such as the Pig Out in May, Winter in Wine Country, at various spots during the holiday season and the waiting-list-only, infamous Half Corked Marathon, also in May.
Road tripping to Summerland’s Garnet Valley - Okanagan Taste
Taking a turn west off Highway 97 at Summerland’s Jones Flat Road, then an eventual north on Garnet Valley Road, puts you on a gently twisting road through an undiscovered and picturesque agricultural pocket of the Okanagan Valley. At the end of the paved road is Garnet Valley Ranch Winery. Perched above Summerland and accessed by a gravelly, bouncy corniche, this 320-acre property is a rugged, immersive retreat where wine is only part of the story.
Road tripping to Summerland’s Garnet Valley - Okanagan Taste
Taking a turn west off Highway 97 at Summerland’s Jones Flat Road, then an eventual north on Garnet Valley Road, puts you on a gently twisting road through an undiscovered and picturesque agricultural pocket of the Okanagan Valley. At the end of the paved road is Garnet Valley Ranch Winery. Perched above Summerland and accessed by a gravelly, bouncy corniche, this 320-acre property is a rugged, immersive retreat where wine is only part of the story.
Snack for those supporting the Edmonton Oilers intros year's Stanley Cup final - Okanagan Taste
As I compile these suggestions for Stanely Cup viewing parties, it’s the day of game two of the Stanley Cup final. Therefore, we may all be getting ready for game four as you’re reading this. If you’re gathering together and are decked out in orange and blue, here are a few dishes and snacks to consider, with a nod to local and B.C. cheeses. Why? Because bleu cheese and a deep orange cheddar will pretty much have you covered. So, let’s start there, with a B.C.-based cheese board.
Road trip to the the Naramata Bench - Okanagan Taste
Allison Markin - | Story: 552839 For me, a road trip to Naramata is around 20 minutes if I hit a red light on my way through Penticton. I obey the speed limit on the sinuous Naramata Road, much to the chagrin of anyone behind me. If you’re sticking around the Okanagan this summer, a day trip to Naramata should be blocked into your calendar. Discover Naramata is a good place to start for itinerary ideas, especially as special spring activities are in play during Naramata Blooms until June 20.
AI may think otherwise but the Okanagan is not losing its identity - Okanagan Taste
On occasion, especially when I have a mild case of writer’s block, I’ll pull up an artificial intelligence writing tool and ask it what I should write about. Usually, the suggestions are not super surprising but can give me a slight creative poke in one direction or another. This exercise can also tease my technical interests, as I ponder what algorithms are picking up out there on the vast interwebs. So, when this AI idea came up, I was a bit taken aback.
The growing desire for low-alcohol wines and ciders - Okanagan Taste
Many studies and surveys have been tabulated in recent years that track changing consumer habits when it comes to alcohol consumption. To sum things up in very general terms, most of us are drinking less booze. Some studies indicate millennials and generation Z are leading this sober-curious trend due to several factors—the cost, possible health impacts, various lifestyle choices and an overall desire to understand an individual’s motivation to drink alcohol.
Explore and savour events this long weekend - Okanagan Taste
The unofficial kick-off to the Okanagan’s annual season of signature events and stepping out for a day of savouring local sips is here—the spring (Easter) long weekend. With three or four days to enjoy, there is plenty to do. However, a bit of planning might be helpful. On top of a number of events, advancing polls for the upcoming federal election will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. April 18 to 21 and some familiar facilities in your area may be in use by Elections Canada.
Explore and savour events this long weekend - Okanagan Taste
The unofficial kick-off to the Okanagan’s annual season of signature events and stepping out for a day of savouring local sips is here—the spring (Easter) long weekend. With three or four days to enjoy, there is plenty to do. However, a bit of planning might be helpful. On top of a number of events, advancing polls for the upcoming federal election will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. April 18 to 21 and some familiar facilities in your area may be in use by Elections Canada.
Remembering the heyday of the department store - Okanagan Taste
If you are of a certain age, the following may evoke feelings of nostalgia. If your shopping experiences have mostly ranged from big box to bargain outlets and online, you’ve probably missed out on a few iconic experiences. Full disclosure, I recently grabbed an HBC Stripes scarf online before all of the HBC Stripes merchandise was gone. I picked it up in person in Penticton where the staff was jovial, albeit somewhat downcast at the same time.
Wine Growers British Columbia recognize wine industry leaders - Okanagan Taste
Earlier this month, Wine Growers British Columbia recognized a few individuals and organizations at its annual B.C. Wine Industry Insight Conference, held in Penticton March 12. The B.C. Wine Industry Recognition Awards celebrate industry champions for their leadership, innovation and exceptional hospitality in three categories with the Ultimate B.C. Wine Ambassador Award, the Master Marketer Award and the Leadership Excellence Award.
Wine Growers British Columbia recognize wine industry leaders - Okanagan Taste
Earlier this month, Wine Growers British Columbia recognized a few individuals and organizations at its annual B.C. Wine Industry Insight Conference, held in Penticton March 12. The B.C. Wine Industry Recognition Awards celebrate industry champions for their leadership, innovation and exceptional hospitality in three categories with the Ultimate B.C. Wine Ambassador Award, the Master Marketer Award and the Leadership Excellence Award.
Warming up to winter culinary adventures - Okanagan Taste
If messages from my circle of friends are an indication that visits to the Okanagan may climb this spring and summer due to unexpected changes to this year’s travel plans for a myriad of reasons, the last weeks of winter may be an ideal time for locals to take advantage of a slower pace. The recent snowscapes have been stunning and even if you’re skipping the outdoors and your focus is apres-ski, local hills have plenty of tasty options.
Funs ways to celebrate both Valentine's Day and Family Day - Okanagan Taste
February brings with it two days dedicated to affection—Valentine’s Day, of course, but also Family Day. The latter, in case it’s not yet in your calendar, is Monday, Feb. 17. In theory, then, with Cupid’s arrow arriving on the Friday just before Family Day, it might be possible to combine these two holidays into a four-day weekend celebrating your “galentine” or valentine, BFF or beloved, friends and family. Beyond the traditional gifts, how about sharing some love with these ideas?
A taste of culture during the winter months - Okanagan Taste
Winter in the Okanagan is a good season to learn something new or explore arts and culture (or both), as we take a break from colder weather to stay indoors. Sure, September is when our thoughts usually turn to school, but January and February provide plenty of opportunities for pursuing fresh interests. Here are a few to ponder: The Snakebite Film Festival in Penticton, from Jan. 30 to Feb.
Peanut butter and whiskey: Not as screwy as you might think - Okanagan Taste
January, if memory serves, is usually colder and darker. Usually, I am inspired to put together a short list of warm beverages to stave off the winter doldrums. I wasn’t really keen on that, for a number of reasons, including recovering from over indulgence, many people are choosing to drink less or sip sophisticated non-boozy options and it looks deceptively spring-like outside. But then, a bottle of Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey arrived. And here we are.
Give a taste of the Okanagan this Christmas - Okanagan Taste
As we get ready to flip the switch to a new year, I conducted a very unscientific poll amongst a handful of connections, asking one question: What word do you think will define 2025? Without going into detail, let’s simply say that many of the responses were colourful. Very colourful. But one stood out. Saucy. It can describe a variety of things—the good, the bad, maybe the in-between and as it happens, we have plenty of artisan sauce makers around the province.
Breads and cakes for the holidays - Okanagan Taste
As preparations begin for seasonal feasts, there’s an often-forgotten staple that doesn’t get the same level of discussion as other dishes. But if the plate to the left of your place setting is empty, surely someone will ask, “where’s the bread?”.
Explore, shop, and donate this season - Okanagan Taste
With so many events to explore over the coming weeks, in a year that is decidedly more difficult for organizations fundraising so they can support the individuals and families they serve, combining an experience with a charitable element is ideal. Throw in a holiday shopping list that needs to be checked off, and it’s a win-win. Or win-win-win.
Explore, shop, and donate this season - Okanagan Taste
With so many events to explore over the coming weeks, in a year that is decidedly more difficult for organizations fundraising so they can support the individuals and families they serve, combining an experience with a charitable element is ideal. Throw in a holiday shopping list that needs to be checked off, and it’s a win-win. Or win-win-win.
Remembering the old, small town church bazaar - Okanagan Taste
A friend called me recently to share her experiences at a well-known church bazaar in the Lower Mainland. If you’re too young to remember these community fundraisers or have never attended one, think of them as the pre-cursor to today’s artisan craft shows and makers’ markets. As craft show season throughout the Okanagan Valley begins in earnest, memories of going to bazaars—in church basements, school gyms, and hockey arenas—have been popping up.
Good time of year for an ‘errand hang’ - Okanagan Taste
About a year ago, I shared the idea of the “errand hang” as an option for casual socializing during the holiday season. While most of us are now back to being fully comfortable gathering for parties, dining out or planning to attend seasonal events, not everyone will be equally as comfortable opening their wallets this year. In fact, many may be more cautious with their spending.
Why not sip ciders this season? - Okanagan Taste
If you’re heading out to a beautiful pumpkin patch or farm stand display this month, consider adding a visit to an artisan cidery to your agenda. Those who favour hard cider, and who may be considering a road trip before the winter snow arrives, can find a plenty of places to sip around the Pacific Northwest thanks to the Northwest Cider Association, home of the Northwest Cider Cup or have a look at the Cider Trails curated by the B.C. Farm Crafted Cider Association.
Why not sip ciders this season? - Okanagan Taste
If you’re heading out to a beautiful pumpkin patch or farm stand display this month, consider adding a visit to an artisan cidery to your agenda. Those who favour hard cider, and who may be considering a road trip before the winter snow arrives, can find a plenty of places to sip around the Pacific Northwest thanks to the Northwest Cider Association, home of the Northwest Cider Cup or have a look at the Cider Trails curated by the B.C. Farm Crafted Cider Association.
A tasty reading list for autumn - Okanagan Taste
Around this time of year, I enjoy putting together a suggested book list for fall, and pair each selection with a bite or sip (or both), to enjoy while reading. This season’s choices are an eclectic mix of fiction and non-fiction. For fun, I asked my parents to each select a book to include, but before we get to their picks, let’s begin with one of mine.
Annual Similkameen Sizzle set to turn up the heat Saturday - Okanagan Taste
Sliding into September, and wedged between busy summer events and impending fall harvest gatherings, the Similkameen Sizzle returns to Memorial Park in Keremeos this Saturday, and it’s quickly becoming a signature early autumn celebration for this stunning valley. The Sizzle is a day full of activities and is Canada’s only hot pepper festival.
Passport programs going in popularity for wining and dining experiences - Okanagan Taste
Having a passport in hand isn’t just for crossing a border or getting on a flight. Culinary passports have increasingly become a tool for exploration and exposure to help promote cafés, wineries and culinary hot spots. But, are they worth it? In yet another tough year for tourist traffic in the Okanagan, there can be pros and cons to culinary passports and not every passport is the same. Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive offers a passport program at no cost and had now gone paperless.
Uniquely Okanagan summer sippers - Okanagan Taste
These hot days are a prime time to explore several new summer sippers from sparkling wine in cans, to locally made hard lemonade, to refreshing pink bubbly on the patio. River Stone Estate Winery in Oliver is offering convenient Summer Days Packs including a slushie six pack. But if you’re looking to pop a cork for a special occasion, the winery’s sparkling white Merlot is a great choice. Light and refreshing, it pairs well with almost any grilled dish.
Lots more than just wine and fruit in the Okanagan Valley - Okanagan Taste
The prevailing narrative about the Okanagan Valley this year seems to be the perceived lack of wine, followed by the lack of certain signature fruits. “Perceived” is the key word. Yes, the weather earlier this year was not kind to the region. Both the short- and long-term impacts are a hot topic (no pun intended) as heat waves are now top of mind, and this will surely continue to discussed for a while.
Lots to see and do in the Okanagan this summer - Okanagan Taste
At the height of the pandemic, when all manner of live performances and cultural events could only be streamed online or experienced virtually, I was grateful to “tour” museums and art galleries around the world, and watch pop-rocker Gowan, jazz great Kurt Elling, and even a friend’s nephew, perform live via my laptop. I’m even more grateful now that a number of festivals and cultural happenings made it through to get to 2024, when things may have been rather bleak a couple of summers ago.
Lots to see and do in the Okanagan this summer - Okanagan Taste
At the height of the pandemic, when all manner of live performances and cultural events could only be streamed online or experienced virtually, I was grateful to “tour” museums and art galleries around the world, and watch pop-rocker Gowan, jazz great Kurt Elling, and even a friend’s nephew, perform live via my laptop. I’m even more grateful now that a number of festivals and cultural happenings made it through to get to 2024, when things may have been rather bleak a couple of summers ago.
Lots to do for Fathers Day and beyond - Okanagan Taste
In case your calendar app hasn’t yet alerted you, here’s it will be Father’s Day on Sunday. Planning on celebrating the dad, father figure or treasured mentor in your life? Here are some ideas and events to ponder, including a few happening a little later this summer. And there are a couple of choices even before the big day.
Lots to do for Fathers Day and beyond - Okanagan Taste
In case your calendar app hasn’t yet alerted you, here’s it will be Father’s Day on Sunday. Planning on celebrating the dad, father figure or treasured mentor in your life? Here are some ideas and events to ponder, including a few happening a little later this summer. And there are a couple of choices even before the big day.
The tenuous state of British Columbia wine
PENTICTON, British Columbia — To say that British Columbia’s wine industry is on edge at the start of the 2024 vintage is either a gargantuan understatement, an unwelcome doom-and-gloom sentiment or a distant curiosity for those neither a part of the industry nor adjacent to it. I’ve been a supporter in a variety of ways since I returned to my hometown of Penticton, about an hour north of the border, a little more than 15 years ago.
Acknowledging and accommodating accessibility - Okanagan Taste
We are smack dab in the middle of National Accessibility Week in Canada. This year’s theme is Forward Together: Accessibility and Inclusion for All. I am coming at this topic as a person with a disability (multiple sclerosis), one that is generally hidden until I stand up and take a step or two, becoming more obvious if I am navigating uneven ground, stairs, or the curb of a sidewalk.
Acknowledging and accommodating accessibility - Okanagan Taste
We are smack dab in the middle of National Accessibility Week in Canada. This year’s theme is Forward Together: Accessibility and Inclusion for All. I am coming at this topic as a person with a disability (multiple sclerosis), one that is generally hidden until I stand up and take a step or two, becoming more obvious if I am navigating uneven ground, stairs, or the curb of a sidewalk.
Noble Ridge attains a first for a winery in Canada - Okanagan Taste
Saying the word “biosphere” in conversation probably conjures up thoughts of sci-fi movies or something similar, not a benchmark achievement in the Canadian wine industry. But Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery recently announced that in early April it became the first Canadian winery to achieve certification through the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association’s (TOTA) Biosphere Sustainable Commitment Programhttps://www.totabc.org/biosphere-commitment-program.
Noble Ridge attains a first for a winery in Canada - Okanagan Taste
Saying the word “biosphere” in conversation probably conjures up thoughts of sci-fi movies or something similar, not a benchmark achievement in the Canadian wine industry. But Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery recently announced that in early April it became the first Canadian winery to achieve certification through the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association’s (TOTA) Biosphere Sustainable Commitment Programhttps://www.totabc.org/biosphere-commitment-program.
Plan ahead for Mother's Day in the South Okanagan - Penticton News Original
Celebrating the mom, mother-figure, or another special parental person in your life this weekend? Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 12, and there are plenty of special events, culinary experiences, and more to choose from, but don’t delay – many will sell out before the weekend arrives.
Countdown to the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival - Okanagan Taste
It’s still a month away but spring feels like it’s been whipping by, so why not start planning now for the spring version of the Okanagan Wine Festival? Starting June 2, which will be here before we know it, and running throughout the Okanagan Valley for three weeks, the festival will include many events and experiences to choose from before the busy summer season begins.
Countdown to the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival - Okanagan Taste
It’s still a month away but spring feels like it’s been whipping by, so why not start planning now for the spring version of the Okanagan Wine Festival? Starting June 2, which will be here before we know it, and running throughout the Okanagan Valley for three weeks, the festival will include many events and experiences to choose from before the busy summer season begins.
Challenge issued by Naramata-area wineries - Okanagan Taste
Social media and Okanagan wine enthusiasts, this challenge is for you. A handful of wineries that form Naramata’s Aikins Loop Cooperative—Elephant Island Winery, JoieFarm Winery, Deep Roots Winery and Van Westen Vineyards (the latter recently named B.C. Winery of the Year by Great Northwest Wine Magazine) have launched a hashtag campaign: #OkanagansGotItChallenge.
Challenge issued by Naramata-area wineries - Okanagan Taste
Social media and Okanagan wine enthusiasts, this challenge is for you.
Okanagan Fest of Ale coming up in Penticton - Okanagan Taste
With the popular Fest of Ale preparing to pour craft brews and ciders from around the province in Penticton on April 12 and 13, plus the weather already pointing towards 20 C days, it feels like a good time to ponder ales and more. The Okanagan Fest of Ale was founded in 1996 making it one of the largest and longest-running annual beer festivals in the Pacific Northwest.
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