OROVILLE – Oroville’s four wineries will be having a Spring Barrel Tasting at their wineries on Saturday, May 17.

This is the fifth annual event for Okanogan Estate and Vineyards, Oroville’s oldest winery, and the first for Oroville’s newest Esther Bricques Winery and Vineyard.

For Okanogan Estate and Vineyards, their tasting begins at noon and runs to 5 p.m. and is at their winery located at 1010 Appleway. This is the only day of the year the winery is open to the public and their inviting people to “taste wines by the barrel.”

Esther Bricques Winery and Vineyard is located about 8 miles south of Oroville, nestled at the base of Mt. Hull at 38 Swanson Mill Rd. The winery is the dream of Steve and Linda Colvin, who began experimental plantings of seven different varieties of grapes in 2001. They will have their tasting from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Lake Crest Winery also begins their barrel tasting at noon and the event goes to 4 p.m. “Come celebrate our spring barrel tasting with us. Enjoy a seat at the pond and enjoy our Koi and goldfish while you sample all of our wines,” invite Ken and Boni Mathews, owners of the winery.

The winery is located at 2021 County Highway 7 N. To get there from Oroville turn west on 12th Ave. and cross the Similkameen River Bridge. Continue traveling south on Highway 7 for two and a half miles.

Copper Mountain Vineyards will be having their event between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at their winery at 33384C Highway 97 (the Taber residence) which is two miles south of the Canadian border.

“This is a wonderful event where you will sample wine directly from the barrel, which is a real treat,” said Judy Taber, who owns Copper Mountain Winery with her husband Dave. “This is a great time to taste great wine and to meet our wine makers.”