How many wineries are participating this year?
What does my ticket price include?
Can I buy the wines I tasted at the festival?
Can I bring my infant or child to an event?
Is there a Designated Driver ticket?
Is there a dress code for festival events?
Is there a coat check available?
Do you allow dietary requests based on allergies?
When is the 2023 festival?
The 44th Vancouver International Wine Festival will take place April 22-30, 2023 at the Vancouver Convention Centre and other venues around town.
How many wineries are participating this year?
There are 148 wineries from 17 countries participating in the 2023 festival. The theme region is South America and the global spotlight is on sparkling wine.
How do I buy tickets?
Advance tickets for the International Festival Tastings are now on sale. Winery dinners go on sale March 1, remaining public events go on sale March 8 and trade events go on sale March 15.
What does my ticket price include?
Published ticket prices include wine, food samples or meals as applicable, GST, service charges, and gratuities, if applicable. For tastings and wine minglers, however, we recommend eating beforehand.
Can I buy the wines I tasted at the festival?
Wines at the four International Festival Tastings are available at the onsite BC Liquor Stores Wine Shop, which is open during the tastings. You must have a corresponding ticket to the tasting to enter the Wine Shop.
Wines at other special events are not available for sale at the event, and your ticket does not get you entry into the Wine Shop, but many wines can be found at BC Liquor Stores and private wine stores. If you like a wine, ask the principal or local wine agent for information on where it can be purchased – the festival app and event handouts will have contact information for all wineries and their wines.
Can I bring my infant or child to an event?
No. You must be 19+ to attend a festival event. Two pieces of government approved ID are required for confirmation purposes.
Is there a Designated Driver price?
No, we do not offer a Designated Driver ticket. We encourage all patrons to drink responsibly, and the Get Home Safe program provides a complimentary one-zone Compass ticket to patrons of the International Festival Tastings. We also encourage patrons to take advantage of our partnership with StayVancouverHotels.com and book a downtown hotel room to enhance their festival experience safely.
Is there a dress code for festival events?
Business casual is recommended for winery dinners, and the Bacchanalia Gala is a black tie event. Some venues have specific dress codes, such as The Vancouver Club. We recommend comfortable shoes and avoiding white clothing for the International Festival Tastings.
Is there a coat check available?
There is a coat check by the entrance of the International Festival Tastings and Trade Tastings. The cost is $2 with proceeds going directly to Bard on the Beach’s education programs. Some events have complimentary coat check at the venue.
Do you allow dietary requests based on allergies?
We cannot guarantee that participating restaurants will prepare dishes without common allergens, including nuts, dairy, seafood, gluten, etc. Additionally, not all events offer full vegetarian options. It’s important to consult the online menus prior to purchasing a food and wine event, and to advise your server of any allergies at the event. Make sure your entire party is aware of the menu in advance.
Are animals allowed?
No pets are allowed at Festival events, other than properly documented service animals.
