Raising a Glass to our Partners
(and $280,000 for Bard)
The Vancouver International Wine Festival, which ends its 2018 fiscal year on June 30, is delighted to announce a $280,000 contribution to its charitable beneficiary, Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival. The contribution was announced to a full and enthusiastic house at the opening night of As You Like It by Bard’s artistic director Christopher Gaze, who thanked VIWF board chair Mark Hicken. The net proceeds include funds raised through the spectacular Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction. See some of the Gala highlights here!
We are thrilled to support the performing arts in Vancouver through Bard. Bard became VIWF’s charitable partner in 2013 and since then the festival has raised $1.2 million for the Shakespeare festival. The funds help Bard maintain its high level of artistic standards while keeping it an affordable entertainment option for theatregoers locally, across the country and around the world. They also support Bard’s extensive education and community outreach programming. Since 1979, the festival has raised $9.2 million for the performing arts.
To learn more about #Bard2018, visit Bard on the Beach.
Click to view the full e-newsletter!
Viva Iberia!
It was a spectacular showing of wineries from the Iberian Peninsula, as 38 wineries from Spain and 20 wineries from Portugal put their best bottles forward at the 2018 Vancouver International Wine Festival. It was the largest gathering ever of Spanish and Portuguese wineries at VanWineFest, offering patrons opportunities to sample wines from a fantastic range of regions and grapes. The rest of the world was also out in full force, with an additional 14 countries and 115 wineries represented in the Tasting Room. Refresh your festival memories through our Highlights Video.
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The Vancouver International Wine Festival is supported by hundreds of individuals, companies and organizations.
- Thank you to the participating wineries and their agents.
- Thank you to our 400+ volunteers.
- Thank you to our host consulates, high commissions and embassies.
- Thank you to all our sponsors and partners.
- Thank you to our Regional Tasting Stations and Tasting Room exhibitors.
- Thank you to the Board of Directors and committee members.
- Thank you to our partner restaurants and venues.
- Thank you to our event coordinators, speakers, chefs and judges.
- And thank you to our ticket buyers.
Celebrating our Industry Partners
A festival the size and scope of the Vancouver International Wine Festival would not be possible without the support of our partners in the beverage and hospitality industries. We are grateful for their ongoing dedication and commitment to the festival.
British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch, Wholesale Division (BCLDB)
One of our key partners is the BC Liquor Distribution Branch’s Wholesale Operations division. For the festival, the Wholesale Operations team manages product registrations, creates purchase orders and prices the wine for sale. They also ensure the wine is sorted and delivered directly to each venue and the on-site retail store.
BC Liquor Stores (BCLS)
In addition, all the wines poured at the International Festival Tastings were available at an onsite BC Liquor Store, which offered free bottle check and delivery to the closest BCLS store. And the BCLS makes sure patrons Get Home Safe by offering free transit tickets at each Tasting Room session. The summer edition of Taste Magazine is online now and in stores.
Import Vintners and Spirits Association (IVSA)
The Import Vintners and Spirits Association represents the local wine agencies who import wine, beer and spirits for British Columbians. Members of the IVSA represent the majority of wineries participating in the festival, making it possible for our visiting vine stars to share their wines with you.
Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS)
We are thrilled to partner with the BC Chapter of CAPS on the Sommelier of the Year Award, recognizing the Best Sommelier in British Columbia, as determined through a comprehensive hands-on competition. This year’s winner, Sean Nelson of Vij’s, received $2,000 USD in Delta Air Lines vouchers, valid anywhere that Delta flies in the world – and that includes lots of wine countries.
BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF)
The BC Hospitality Foundation provides support for individuals within the hospitality community who are coping with a financial crisis arising from a health or medical condition. It also supports the industry’s next generation by providing scholarships to students enrolled in hospitality, culinary and wine programmes in BC. If you’re in the hospitality industry and require medical or education assistance, you can apply for support here. Congratulations to the winners of the BC Hospitality Foundation 2018 Sommelier Scholarships, announced at VanWineFest’s annual awards lunch.
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