The annual Vancouver International Wine Festival celebrates 40 years starting Feb. 24
Tickets are selling quickly for one of the oldest and largest wine festivals in the world — with some events already sold out.
The annual Vancouver International Wine Festival is celebrating 40 years with winemakers, proprietors and senior executives representing 173 wineries from 15 countries who will travel to our city to pour and discuss their producers at 51 events held over eight days.
At last glance (Jan. 17), there were still tickets left for many events, including the Bacchanalia Gala Dinner and Auction. The dinner is the centrepiece of the festival while the auction includes unique culinary and wine experiences, excursions and extravaganzas. The gala also features a raffle prize from Delta Air Lines of an international business-class trip for two.
Every year, the festival shines the spotlight on one country or region that has more wineries, wines and events than any other. In 2018, the festival will showcase wines from Spain and Portugal.
The heart of the week is the International Festival Tastings at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where 750 wines will be available for sampling with an additional 160 available at trade events. As well, the theme countries will have a special section of the tasting room to showcase their wineries and wine style. The room also features regional tasting stations, food suppliers and industry exhibitors, including media and suppliers.
Included in the price of each ticket is the opportunity to shop at the onsite B.C. Liquor Store where all wines served at the International Festival Tastings are available for purchase. Nearly 550 additional wines will be served at special events, including the gala dinner and auction, wine seminars, trade events and food and wine pairing affairs at top Vancouver restaurants and hotels.
The festival, produced by the Vancouver International Wine Festival Society, has three mandates: to provide an informative, educational and entertaining wine experience for the public and trade members; be a premier marketing opportunity for the wine industry and festival partners; and raise funds for the Bard on the Beach Theatre Society.
The festival runs from Feb. 24 to March 4 and the line up of public events includes:
A launch party featuring wines, food and music from Spain
Festival tastings on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and Saturday afternoon
Wine seminars and minglers highlighting trends, wineries and wine styles
Winery dinners on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of festival week
Saturday lunches highlighting various wine-producing countries
The always popular Vintners Brunch on the Sunday, which includes a food and wine pairing competition with local chefs
For a complete schedule of events visit vanwinefest.ca.
