A CanWineFest!
We celebrated Canada’s 150th birthday in style at the 2017 festival, with the largest representation of Canadian wineries ever at an international wine show. It was our 39th year of pairing wine with the performing arts and we thank everyone who took part. Special thanks to everyone involved with the Bacchanalia Gala Dinner +Auction, which raised $280,000 for Vancouver’s iconic Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival.
Scroll down for some videos and images from the 2017, but some of the highlights included:
- 180 wineries from 16 countries poured 1,700 wines at 54 events over 8 days
- 76 wineries from Canada representing British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia poured some 370 wines in a special section of the Tasting Room and were featured in 25 Canadian-themed events
- 42,000 bottles were opened or purchased and 82,000 wines glasses were used
- 96% of all tickets were sold and 45 events sold out
- 25,000+ admissions
- Nearly 50 restaurants, caterers and hotels participated as a venue or supplier
Looking for festival wines? Many wines poured in the Tasting Room and at special events are available locally in the market – the VanWineFest app (App Store, Google Play) has all Tasting Room wines listed, or download the Tasting Room Program pdf for wines and local representatives of your favourite wineries.
Viva Portugal, Viva España in 2018
We’re moving across the Atlantic to the Iberian Peninsula for 2018’s feature countries: Portugal and Spain. We expect 60 wineries from these two neighbouring nations to participate, plus 100 additional wineries from around the world.
The 40th Vancouver International Wine Festival takes place February 24 to March 4, kicking off with the spectacular Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction on Saturday, February 24 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.
Celebrating Excellence in our Community
Big congrats to long-time VanWineFest supporters Sid and Joan Cross who won Vancouver Magazine’s hospitality industry Lifetime Achievement Award at the VanMag Restaurant Awards on Tuesday. Thanks, Sid and Joan, for everything you do for the wine and food industry.
And speaking of achievements, the 2017 VIWF honoured special people and places, including BC wine legend Harry McWatters with the Spirited Industry Professional Award and CinCin’s Shane Taylor as Sommelier of the Year; while 49 restaurants in Vancouver, Whistler, Vancouver Island, the interior and Alberta took home Wine Program Excellence Awards ranging from platinum, gold, silver and bronze to honourable mention. The links on our WPEA webpage will take you directly to the wine lists in many cases. If you’re looking for a great place to eat with an amazing wine experience to match, start clicking here!
Congratulations to all the 2017 Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Award Winners! This year’s awards were presented on Tuesday, April 18 at the Sheraton Wall Centre, with Dynasty Seafood Restaurant taking the marquee award, Restaurant of the Year. Check out all the finalists to see the amazing diversity of our culinary scene – and make plans to dine out all year long!
What’s Happening in Wine & Food in Vancouver
VanWineFest is proud to be a promotional partner for The Great New Zealand Wine Tiki Tour, which features nearly 30 wineries, delicious nibbles, and New Zealand Pinot Noir counter. The Tour stops in Vancouver on Thursday, May 4, 7-9:30 p.m. at the Terminal City Club. Tickets are available online for $65 (plus service charge).
April 22 – Garagiste North, Art Works Gallery
April 24 – California Wine Fair, VCC East, benefiting Arts Club Theatre
April 28 – Wine for Waves, Four Seasons Hotel, benefiting Vancouver Aquarium
May 4 – The Great New Zealand Wine Tiki Tour, Terminal City Club
May 18 – Dish ‘n Dazzle, VCC East, benefiting BC Hospitality Foundation
May 24 – Top Drop Vancouver, Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre
May 25 – Chef Meets BC Grape, VCC East
Scenes of 2017
VanWineFest featured 54 events over 8 days, from tastings to dinners, to lunches and wine parties. Click to see photos and videos from this year’s festival.
Tickets on Sale for #Bard2017
VanWineFest is proud to partner with Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, contributing funds to support their world-class Shakespeare productions and extensive education programs.
Tickets for the 2017 season, which runs June 1 to September 23 at Vanier Park, are now on sale.
