The Vancouver International Wine Festival (VanWineFest) has been a staple in the city’s wine scene since its inception in 1979. Originally a one-day event at the Hotel Vancouver featuring just a single winery – Robert Mondavi – the festival has since grown into one of North America’s largest and most prestigious wine festivals. Every year, it attracts wineries from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of wines through tastings, seminars, and exclusive dinners.
But beyond celebrating the world of wine, VanWineFest has also been a long-time supporter of the arts, partnering with Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival since 2012 as its charitable beneficiary. Through this collaboration, festival proceeds help fund Bard’s artistic and educational initiatives, ensuring that theatre lovers and students alike continue to have access to high-quality Shakespearean productions and learning opportunities.
For over three decades, Bard on the Beach has brought the timeless works of William Shakespeare to Vancouver audiences with breathtaking performances set against the stunning backdrop of Vanier Park. Founded in 1990, the festival presents classic Shakespearean plays each summer in open-air tents, blending world-class acting with the natural beauty of the west coast. But Bard is much more than just a theatre company; it is a hub for arts education and cultural enrichment. The organization runs extensive outreach programs, including Bard Education, which offers workshops, student matinees, and interactive learning experiences for youth and educators across British Columbia. Their Bard in Your Neighbourhood initiative brings performances and discussions directly into schools and community spaces, making Shakespeare accessible to diverse audiences. With its commitment to both entertainment and education, Bard on the Beach continues to be a cultural gem in Vancouver, offering a unique blend of theatrical artistry and community connection that extends well beyond the summer season.
By supporting Bard on the Beach, the Vancouver International Wine Festival plays a crucial role in sustaining one of Canada’s premier Shakespearean festivals. Wine and theatre share a natural synergy; both evoke emotion, celebrate craftsmanship, and create memorable experiences. Whether you’re raising a glass at VanWineFest or settling in under the Bard tents for a night of poetic drama, you’re participating in a tradition that unites wine lovers and art enthusiasts in a shared appreciation of storytelling, history, and the finer things in life.
