The Vancouver International Wine Festival is almost here. The last time we had the Festival was two years ago and closed during our COVID crisis, but now it is back and runs from May 16-22. One of the big attractions for us all is the International Festival Tasting room where wineries from around the world will have tables set up where you can get a glass of wine from a winery principal in many cases, talk to them about their wines, and learn about the what/why/how of the winery. I really enjoy talking to winery principals when they are around. You learn so much more about the winery and the wines. There are around 100 wineries in the International Festival tasting room. Pre-COVID there was closer to 140, so this year there is a little more elbow room for you. Here is the link to the tickets for the International Festival tasting room which is open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of the Festival.
Besides the International Festival Tasting room, there are Winery Dinners and Educational Seminars. If you would like to learn a little more about a particular winery, wine region, or grape style, you should get a ticket to one of these events. There are still tickets left to some dinners and seminars. Tickets are still available as of May 5 for:
Bodega Garzón Uruguay Dinner (wonderful wines from Uruguay. At Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean Cafe Bar)
2022 Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction, presented by National Bank Private Banking 1859
Sonoma Strong: Rodney Strong (I always say, “You can’t go wrong with Rodney Strong”. Quality wines from Sonoma.)
Icons of South America (Taste powerhouse wines from Chile at the Alouette restaurant. I am attending as I love Chilean wines.)
California Wine Beach Party (Held at Granville Island. Fun times.)
Grapes Unknown (Learn about lesser known grapes, like the Italian grapes Lugana or Teroldego.)
The Shape of Wine (Learn about how the shape of wine glass affects the aromas and flavours you experience when you have a sip of wine. Hosted by Riedel glassware. I will be there. It should be very educational.)
Dine Italia (Enjoy wines of Italy with a superb multi-course lunch prepared by La Terrazza’s renowned chef Gennaro Iorio.)
Icons of California Cabernet (Taste big Cabernet wines from Napa Valley. A rare chance for many of us.)
A Spring Fling Sunday Brunch (A walk-around grazing brunch will close off the 2022 Festival with some bubble and blush.)
See you at a seminar, dinner, or Festival tasting room table. Cin cin!
As a reminder, sales of tickets at the Festival provides funding to Bard on the Beach.
