Kelowna's Juicy Tips

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Anyone who has been to Mission Hill Family Estate has marveled at that gorgeous sound the bells make when they peal. They are huge bronze bells that were commissioned by Mission Hill’s Proprietor, Anthony von Mandl, and at the winery each of the 4 bells represents a member of the von Mandl family.

Mission Hill's Bell Tower

To commemorate the 10 years that the bells have been at Mission Hill, the winery is throwing a big celebration called “Decade of Bells” that will be family-friendly tomorrow, Saturday, December 11.

These bells are the first ever cast for a winery at the Paccard bell foundry in France, and because they are so special, they also are a kind of connection for the winery to other famous sites, like Paris’s Sacré Coeur church and New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which also feature Paccard bells.

Look up, waaaay up!

The tower itself is 12 storeys high or 85 ft, and is a dominant focal point of the winery’s commanding architecture. If you haven’t been to this winery, tomorrow is the perfect opportunity to see it in its glory.

Celebrations start tomorrow (Saturday) at 11 am and go to 6 pm. Everything is by donation to a charity (Westbank Rotary Club) and the main ceremony starts at 3 pm with proprietor Anthony von Mandl and the Alleluia Handbell Rigers. You’ll want to dress warmly.

Here are some of the activities that people can take part in tomorrow at Mission Hill: special Icewine and architecture tours, Icewine library tastings, cookie decorating with the Chef, live ice sculpture carving, carolers, and fun! 

Cheers!