My VanWineFest 2020 Public Events Selections

Tickets to the Vancouver International Wine Festival events sell very quickly and you can miss out on some great events.  All Festival events are very good but depend on what you are interested in doing, like attending a dinner, a seminar, or a mingler.  I thought I’d give you my suggestions, based on my interests in seminars and dinners primarily, for tickets to purchase for Festival events.  The text about each event below is from the Festival website, followed by a comment by me.  I did not list the Festival Tasting Room as it goes without saying that attending this is a must for all wine lovers.  I hope to see you at VanWineFest 2020!  Tickets go on sale on January 8,  2020 at 9:30 a.m.

My Suggestions for VanWineFest Attendance

Nota Bene Library Tasting
4:30-6 p.m.
The Vancouver Club
Wine Seminar
$125

Nota Bene is the flagship Bordeaux-style blend from Black Hills Estate Winery, located on the Black Sage Road in BC’s Southern Okanagan Valley. Join Winemaker Ross Wise and Chief Wine Evangelist Glenn Fawcett as they guide you through a 12-year library tasting of this highly sought after and revered wine.

Panelists: Glenn Fawcett, Rose Wise

 Sponsored by Black Hills Estate Winery

Featured wines:

Nota Bene 2000
Nota Bene 2003
Nota Bene 2005
Nota Bene 2006
Nota Bene 2007
Nota Bene 2008
Nota Bene 2009
Nota Bene 2011
Nota Bene 2012
Nota Bene 2013
Nota Bene 2014
Nota Bene 2015

Karl: Nota Bene has been a flagship wine for BC since it was first released.  A big Bordeaux style blend.  How fantastic to taste a flight of these wines from 2000 to 2015!

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Born to Rhône
6:30-10 p.m.
Elisa
Winery Dinner
$225

Michel Chapoutier believes wine conveys a sense of sharing with an underlying note or two of conviviality and generosity. It’s in this same spirit of hospitality that Executive Chef Andrew Richardson’s passion for wood-fired cooking embodies Chapoutier’s ideals. Join us for an evening of tradition and modernity.

Featured wines:

M. Chapoutier
Tavel Beaurevoir Rosé 2017
Hermitage Chante-Alouette Blanc 2017
Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine 2015
Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne 2015
La Mordorée Côte-Rotie Rouge 2014
Banyuls Rouge Fortified 2017

Karl: Michel Chapoutier is quite a flamboyant character.  He sometimes may say things that we would not in North America, but it is part of his character.  His wines are also very good.  He is also a supporter of the blind.  All his wine labels have braille on them.

I visited the winery in the Rhone Valley a few years ago and was able to walk the Hermitage hill.  It was quite an experience. Here is my article about my visit to Chapoutier.

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Burgundy and Beyond
6:30-10 p.m.
Coast
Winery Dinner
$175

Join us as we sip and savour a selection of spectacular wines from Maison Louis Latour, paired with some of the freshest west coast cuisine BC has to offer from the culinary team at Coast.

Featured wines:

Maçon-Lugny 2018
Pierres Dorées 2018
Marsannay 2017
Volney 1er Cru En Chevret 2015
Corton Charlemagne 2016
Corton Grancey 2015
Simonnet-Febvre Crémant Rosé NV

Karl: Maison Louis Latour is well known to lovers of French wine.  I was very lucky to attend a Trade event in 2011 to taste Corton Charlemagne and Corton Grancey wines and was very impressed.  I still think of that tasting 9 years ago.  Treat yourself to these excellent wines.  Here is my Latour article from 2011.

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A Taste of Croatia
6:30-10 p.m.
Atlas Steak + Fish
Winery Dinner
$175

Explore Croatian wines from the Istrian peninsula to the Dalmatian coast and Adriatic islands from four renowned winemakers. Enjoy rosés unique to Croatia and exceptional wines made from grapes indigenous to Croatia, paired to perfection by Atlas Steak + Fish’s James Thomson.

Menu:

Canapés
Scallop Ceviche
Goat Cheese Mousse Tartlette, Cured Tomato
Franc Arman Winery Istria Rosé 2018
Krolo Winery Sjora Rosé 2018

First Course
Dungeness Crab and Mascarpone ‘Panna Cotta’ Savory Tuille, Fennel, Cucumber, Preserved Lemon
Korta Katarina Posip 2017
Coronica Wines Gran Malvazija 2016

Second Course
Braised Lamb Cheek, Parsnip, Raisin, Sprouted Grains
Krolo Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2013
Frac Arman Istria Teran Barrique 2015

Third Course
Mesquite Roasted Beef Tenderloin, Beet Jus, Fondant Potato, Crème Fraiche
Korta Katarina Reuben’s Private Reserve 2008
Coronica Gran Teran 2015

Dessert Course
Savory Stilton “cheesecake”, Blackberry
Krolo Crljenak Kastelanski 2016
Korta Katarina Plavac Mali 2009

Karl:  This is one of my wildcard choices for the Festival.  The indigenous grapes to Croatia are not yet very well known here in North America.  Here is a chance to try quality wines from Croatia paired with your dinner. Some of these wines were being poured at the Festival tasting room last year and drew a large crowd.

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Alsace, Synonymous with Hugel
6:30-10 p.m.
L’Abattoir
Winery Dinner
$225

Join Jean Frédéric Hugel, the 13th generation of Famille Hugel, and Chef & Owner Lee Cooper of L’Abattoir for an evening not to miss. L’Abattoir’s French-influenced West Coast fare will pair perfectly with Hugel’s distinctly Alsatian wines with a history dating back to 1639.

Featured wines:

Pinot Blanc 2018
Pinot Gris 2017
Jubilee Riesling 2009
Hugel Pinot Noir 2016
Estate Riesling 2016
Estate Gewürztraminer 2015

Karl:  Maybe you are not a red wine drinker?  These Alsatian white wines are sure to please.  Hugel is a very well-known winery in the Alsace region.  I once visited their tasting room in Alsace and enjoyed all their wines.  L’Abattoir’s west coast fare, showing seafood I would guess, should make a great pairing to Hugel’s wines.

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The Best of BC – Farm to Glass
6:30-10 p.m.
Honey Salt
Winery Dinner
$145

Join us for an unforgettable evening as Chef Neil Taylor (Homeblock at CedarCreek) and Chef Jason Harper (Honey Salt) take us on a journey through the Okanagan Valley, pairing CedarCreek Estate Winery with some of the freshest locally sourced ingredients BC has to offer.

Featured wines:

Platinum Syrah 2017
Block 2 Pinot Noir 2012
Block 2 Pinot Noir 2016
Block 4 Pinot Noir 2012
Block 4 Pinot Noir 2016
Platinum Pinot Gris 2018

Karl:  This dinner is all about Pinot Noir, the heart-break grape.  Pinot Noir is a grape that really responds to its terroir so that you can tell the difference between wines from different regions around the world.  This is an excellent chance to try CedarCreek Estate Wineries Pinot Noir from 2 different blocks and 2 different vintages to see how the wines are different and evolving with age.  

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Duckhorn at The Victor
6:30-10 p.m.
The Victor
Winery Dinner
$175

The Duckhorn Portfolio of brands is teaming up with The Victor Steakhouse at the Parq Casino. Duckhorn will feature a few classics along with some new highlights, rare library collection wines and acclaimed single vineyards gems paired brilliantly by the genius culinary team at The Victor.

Featured wines:

Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Calera Mt Harlan ‘Estate Bottled’ Chardonnay 2017
Migration Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2017
Goldeneye Gowan Creek Vineyard ‘Estate Bottled’ Pinot Noir 2016
Calera Library Collection Selleck Vineyard ‘Estate Bottled’ Pinot Noir 2005
Library Collection Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Duckhorn Vineyards Three Palms Vineyard ‘Estate Bottled’ Merlot 2016
Calera Mt. Harlan Viognier Doux ‘Estate Bottled’ Dessert Wine 2016

Karl:  This dinner is all about big wines and flavourful dishes.  Many California wines are not coy.  These wines should be fuller-bodied and many given oak treatment.  I can imagine trying them with steaks and other grilled dishes from The Victor Steakhouse.

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Jean-Luc Colombo in Provence
6:30-10 p.m.
Provence Marinaside
Winery Dinner
$225

The flavours of the South of France and Canada’s West Coast meet the historical winemaking of Domaine Jean-Luc Colombo, a pioneer in the revitalization of the Cornas region in Northern Rhône. Join us at Provence Marinaside, where Chef Jean-Francis Quaglia’s menu will honour these extraordinary benchmark wines of France’s Rhône Valley.

Featured wines:

Cape Blue Provence Rosé 2019
Condrieu Amour de Dieu 2017
Les Abeilles Rouge 2017
Les Bartavelles Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2017
Terres Brulées Cornas 2017
La Louvée Cornas 2017

Karl:  I don’t think I’ve tried any of Domaine Jean-Luc Colombo’s wines, but they are from the Cornas region which is well-known for Syrah.  Provence Marinaside is one of my favourite restaurants in all of Vancouver, so I don’t think you can go wrong with this dinner!

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L’Instant Taittinger
6:30-10 p.m.
Bacchus Restaurant
Winery Dinner
$225

As a family Champagne House, the philosophy behind Taittinger champagnes is to keep only the best, to remain true to oneself, and to find that unique taste which provides pleasure for just a moment, or for a whole lifetime. Join us at this exquisite dinner to experience Champagne Taittinger at the classically elegant Bacchus Restaurant.

Menu:

Reception wine:
Brut Reserve NV

First Course:
Duo of Diver Scallops
Parsnip Textures, Finger Lime, Chervil
Prelude Grands Crus NV

Second Course:
Foie Terrine with Heirloom Beets & Organic Apples
Macerated Cherries, Macadamia Nut, Blackcurrant Fluid Gel
Prestige Rosé NV

Third Course:
Hot Apple-Wood Smoked Haida Gwaii Sablefish
Sunchoke Pavé, Fennel Emulsion, Parsley Purée
Comtes de Champagne Brut 2007

Main Course:
Coffee & Cacao Crusted New Zealand Saddle of Venison
Tonka Bean & Sweet Potato Purée, Thumbelina Carrots, Dehydrated Kale, Huckleberry Jus
Comtes de Champagne Rosé 2007

Dessert:
Marcona “Queen of Almonds” Two Ways
Buckwheat Sponge, Saffron Pudding, Orange, Caramel
Nocturne Sec City Lights NV

Selection of House Made Petit Fours
Caffé Umbria Artisanal Coffee and Selection of Tealeaves Tea

Karl:  If you have not had a chance to taste through a flight of Taittinger Champagne, now is your chance!  I had a Trade tasting and loved tasting their Champagnes.  They are all so good.  Here is my article on my Taittinger Champagne tasting.

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Toscana in the Kitchen
6:30-10 p.m.
Italian Kitchen
Winery Dinner
$145

An evening of beautifully prepared Italian food and wines, with stories from the heart of Chianti. Enjoy a spectacular selection of wines from Rocca delle Macíe, perfectly paired by Ryan Gauthier’s team at Italian Kitchen.

Canapés
Pane de marrons with foie gras, quince, caramelized fennel
Goats cheesecake lollipops with hazelnut, huckleberries
Galileo Bianco Vino Spumante Brut NV

1st Course
Lobster wrapped Monkfish with saffron and tomato brodo
Rocca Campomaccione Maremma Toscana Rosato DOC 2018

2nd Course
Chianti braised Cuttlefish with fire-roasted tomatoes, nduja, Calabrian chiles
Rocca Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2015

3rd Course
Duck Faggotini with foie torchon, duck consommé
Rocca Riserva di Fizzano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2013

4th Course
Leg of Lamb with gnocchi fritti, marjoram pesto, rocket, grilled lemon
Rocca Tenuta Sant’Alfonso Chianti Classico DOCG 2017

5th Course
Prime Striploin with truffle & reggiano potato crostata, asparagus pana cotta
Rocca Esperienza Numer 8 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2014

Dessert
Salted dark chocolate mousse with white chocolate and almond cantucci
Rocca Vin Santo del Chianti DOC 2011

Karl:  The menu for this winery dinner looks fantastic.  Also, the Chianti Classico wines from Rocca delle Macíe are very good quality. I’ve recommended their wines before.

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California Crush
8:30-11 p.m.
Waterview
Wine Mingler
$75

Not your typical wine event! Roving acrobats, a cool DJ, delicious tapas and incredible California wines make this event a standout at VIWF 2019.  Come enjoy the bounty of the Golden State at this cool, stylish evening party that shines the spotlight on the unbeatable California lifestyle.

 Sponsored by California Wines

Featured wines:

Benziger Family Winery
Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
7 Deadly Zins 2016

Hope Family Wines
Treana Chardonnay 2018
Treana Cabernet 2017

Imagery Estate Winery
Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Stave and Steel is Bourbon Aged Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Josh Cellars
Legacy 2017
Rosé 2018

Kendall-Jackson
Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay 2018
Vintner’s Reserve Rose 2018

La Crema
Monterey Chardonnay 2018
Monterey Pinot Noir 2017

LangeTwins Collection of Family Wines
Ivory & Burt Zinfandel 2017
Estate Chardonnay 2018

Michael David Winery
Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Earthquake Petite Sirah 2017

Oak Ridge Winery
OZV Old Vine Zinfandel 2017
OZV Primitivo Rose 2018

Share a Splash Wine Co.
ELEVEN Chardonnay 2018
Angels & Cowboys Red 2017

Pinot Noir Table
Imagery Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2017
Josh Cellars Pinot Noir 2018
Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Noir 2018
LangeTwins Collection of Family Wines Sand Point Pinot Noir 2017

Karl:  I selected this as a fun event to attend.  These wines should be easy to drink and enjoy with tapas and music.  I also picked it as it has a Pinot Noir table.  Pinot Noir is always interesting to taste.

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The Family Spirit
5:15-6:45 p.m.
VCC West
Wine Seminar
$110

Join five of France’s most esteemed family-owned and operated wineries representing five prestigious wine regions – Champagne, Bordeaux, Rhône, Languedoc and Burgundy.  Learn (and taste) the difference it makes when the family name is on the bottle, and how family history and stories come through in the terroir.

Moderator: Anthony Gismondi
Panelists: Laurent Drouhin, Nicolas Galy, Adrien Laurent, James Sichel, Clovis Taittinger

Sponsored by Maison Joseph Drouhin, Gérard Bertrand, Paul Jaboulet Aîné, Maison Sichel, Champagne Taittinger

Featured wines:

Gérard Bertrand
Cigalus Blanc 2018
Clos d’Ora 2016

Maison Joseph Drouhin
Meursault 2017
Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches Rouge 2017

Paul Jaboulet Aîné
Crozes Hermitage Domaine Mule Blanche 2017
Hermitage La Chapelle 2017

Maison Sichel
Chateau Angludet Margaux 2016
Abeille de Feuzal 2016

Champagne Taittinger
Folies de la Marquetterie NV
Comtes de Champagne Brut 2007

Karl:  Here is your chance to taste top quality family-owned wines from the major quality wine-producing regions in France; Rhone, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, and Languedoc. 

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French Terroir Talk
5:15-6:45 p.m.
VCC West
Wine Seminar
$100

Join Andrew Jefford and twelve expert French wine producers to discover how France’s famous notion of terroir works. Explore a series of “cru” wines (including some Premiers and Grands Crus) from Alsace, Chablis, the Côte d’Or, Beaujolais, the Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Sancerre, Cairanne, Cornas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Moderator: Andrew Jefford
Panelists: Mark Allen, Vanessa Aubert, Jean-Luc Colombo, Camille De Vere Green, Laurent Drouhin, Julien Dugas, Manon Flores, Michel Gassier, Jean Frederic Hugel, Adrien Laurent, Marion Lopez, Olivier Rivain

Sponsored by the participating wineries

Featured wines:

Hugel & Fils Grossi Laue Riesling 2013
Les Vins Georges Duboeuf Julienas Cuvée Prestige 2015
Aubert Vignobles Château d’Anielle Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2015
Crus et Domaines de France Château Lamarque 2015
François Martenot Chartron et Trebuchet Montagny 1er Cru Les Bouchots 2017
Maison Joseph Drouhin Chablis Premier Cru Montmains 2018
Maison Louis Latour Grand Cru Château Corton Grancey 2017
Joseph Mellot Sancerre 2016
Domaine Boutinot La Côte Sauvage Cairanne AOC 2016
Les Halos de Jupiter Châteauneuf-du-Pape Adrastée 2016
Jean-Luc Colombo Terres Brulées Cornas 2016
Paul Jaboulet Aîné Cornas Domaine de Saint Pierre 2017

Karl:  This is an amazing lineup of French wines and you will have Andrew Jefford from Decanter, who lives in France, to lead this discussion.  Learn a lot and taste great wine.

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Grapes Unknown
5:15-6:45 p.m.
VCC West
Wine Seminar
$70

Discover grapes off the beaten path in this seminar designed to expand your palate beyond the classic international varieties. James Nevison, The Province’s Wine Guy will lead a panel of vine stars through an exploration of grapes hard to spell, but easy to enjoy.

Moderators: James Nevison
Panelists: Moreno Coronica, Bernard Duseigneur, Daniela Facciani, Nicolas Haeffelin, Maria Lopez, Paride Nardotto, Miron Radic, Laurent Sauvage, Ermes Scardova, Rob Summers, Cristiana Tiberio, Philibert de Vregille

Sponsored by participating wineries

Featured wines:

Hester Creek Estate Winery Old Vines Trebbiano VQA 2019
Coronica Wines Gran Teran 2013
Arthur Metz Marcel Cabelier Château Chalon 2009
Domaine Duseigneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Catarina 2018
Fortant de France Picpoul de Pinet Grand Terroirs 2018
Louis Jadot Bouzeron 2016
Medici Ermete Lambrusco Grasparossa Quercioli NV
Poderi dal Nespoli Pagadebit di Romagna 2018
Tiberio Pecorino IGT 2018
Tommasi Family Estates Paternoster Rotondo Aglianico del Vulture 2013
Liliac – The Wine of Transylvania Transylvania Feteasca Regala 2018
Bodega Sarmentero Verdejo 2018

Karl:  Are you bored with tasting wines from the same Bordeaux grapes from wineries around the world?  Here you can taste wine from grapes that you may not heard of.  Some are native to a certain country, while others have started to spread around the world, yet are still relatively unknown.  You will get to taste Trebbiano from Italy made by Hester Creek, Clairette from Domaine Duseigneur in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Lambrusco and Pecorino from Italy and much more.  

You can sign up for all of these wine events through the VanWineFest.ca website.  Enjoy!

Click to access VIWF2020_FestivalAtAGlance.pdf