Val d' Okanagan Picnic Sunday July 27th 2003   Photo courtesy Quails' Gate Estate Winery

Four members of the Victoria Baillage traveled to Kelowna to attend the summer barbecue picnic of the Val d’ Okanagan Baillage on Sunday, July 27th.. Hosted by Bailli Adolf Illichmann and his wife, Theresia at their beautiful hilltop home, forty members and guests feasted on bison, salmon and pig stuffed with brown and wild rice. A varied and excellent selection of wines accompanied the dinner that concluded with mouth-watering desserts prepared by member Willi Franz who is the executive chef at Gray Monk Winery. Members enjoyed games of Bocci Ball, with Victoria members Chris Schrader and Jack Littlepage performing admirably. A silent auction was conducted with hotel packages and specially wines available.

The evening was filled with stories and laughter. Good friendships were formed and it was concluded that more events of this type involving joint baillage functions should be held. Under discussion is the possibility of an all-province event for next year with a wine tasting on Friday evening, winery tours on Saturday and a Chaîne barbecue picnic on Saturday evening.