KELOWNA, B.C. – Opened in 1996, the B.C. Wine Museum in Kelowna is finally expanding to fill its own space.
It had shared a spot with a wine store in the historic Laurel Packing House, an agreement that evolved out of the museum’s necessity to pay for itself in the early days.
Because history continues to be written for B.C. wine, the museum is looking for the public’s input on further changes to displays.
“What sorts of things do they really like, what stories might we be missing, what do they want to know about,” said Curatorial Manager of the Kelowna Museum Society, Amanda Snyder, on the public input they’re seeking that will help shape the next phase of development.
Artifacts include everything from old wine labels to industry machinery like a barrel scale.
“This is part of their identity, the wine region,” said Wayne Wilson, retired Kelowna Museum Society Executive Director. “We went from our orchards and apples and being known for those sorts of products to really being known for our great wines here.”
The B.C. Wine Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is by donation.