From an affordable, informative seminar to high-roller chef dinner, there’s something for every budget at Whistler’s Cornucopia, which runs now through Nov. 17.
“Everyone’s welcome” is the theme behind the 2019 programs on offer at this year’s annual wine and food event, which includes everything from cooking demonstrations to drink seminars, winery dinners to signature tastings and late-night celebrations.
Cornucopia presented by BlueShore Financial, celebrating its 23rd year in Whistler, is a festival celebrating gourmet food, wines, spirits, craft beer and an exciting line up of talent, including mixologists, sommeliers and renowned chefs.
Attracting almost 8,000 food and wine lovers annually — and catering to everyone from amateur enthusiasts to aficionados — the diverse program offers educational seminars, wine tasting, elaborate dinners, late-night events and the health and wellness series Nourish.
Held on the cusp of ski season opening in Whistler, Cornucopia was designed to showcase and support the local food and drink industry before the winter crowds arrive. Cornucopia has become recognized as a preeminent representation of the culinary tourism industry in Canada.
With a range of drink seminars, from wine to cocktails or beer on offer, guests can build a full itinerary for Cornucopia also referred to as the “unofficial, official kick-off to winter.”
Learn a trick or two around the kitchen with local and visiting chefs at the Culinary Stage Series and, for the luxury-seekers, the Chef’s Table Luncheon’s, held in lavish, private Whistler chalets are intimate multi-course meals feature visiting chefs showcasing their cooking talent. Each meal is paired with feature wines from around the world — making these luncheons a splurge-worthy event.
Festival guests can also customize a Cornucopia experience complete with accommodation and choice of Signature Tasting events, such as Poured Grand Tasting, starting from just $95 per person, per night.
And while the festival is at the half-way point, organizers say they’re just warming up and there are plenty of winemaker dinners, educational seminars, culinary demonstrations and hot ticket parties left to devour.
Here’s a list of Cornucopia events you can still enjoy from now to Nov. 17:
- Seminars: Mid-week through the weekend, patrons can choose from Rock n’ Rhone, Bottoms Up! Turning Wine Tasting on its Head, Craft Beers for Wine Lovers,BC Craft Gin & Tonic, Sherry & Tapas and more.
- Cornucopia’s signature tasting events return kicking off with the newest addition this Thursday — Sashay Fillet, Whistler! followed by Poured Grand Tasting — the all-encompassing drink event featuring more than 40 beer, wine, spirit and food vendors.
- Cap Saturday evening off with Abstract: Warhol Factory Party at the Audain Art Museum.
- The Chef’s Table Luncheon with Chef Rich Francis, Culinary Olympic Champ Chef Dave Ryan with the Dalmore (whisky), and the Bearfoot Bistro’s World Oyster Invitational and Bloody Caesar Battle are just a few of the not-to-miss culinary demonstrations, meals and some friendly competition rounding out the festival’s finale weekend.
Whatever your budget may be, there’s still plenty of Cornucopia events to enjoy in beautiful Whistler Village. For detailed schedule information visit whistlercornucopia.com.
@sthomas10
