Videos

Find out why Master Sommeliers Gillian Ballance and Evan Goldstein and wine writers Jon Bonné and Craig Pinhey enjoy coming to VanWineFest. Join us for the 45th annual Vancouver International Wine Festival for an eight day food & wine celebration in downtown Vancouver, February 24-March 3.

Congratulations to Tim Pawsey who received the 17th annual Spirited Industry Professional Award. The award was presented at the Celebrating Excellence: 20th Annual Awards Lunch Featuring Italy, presented by ContainerWorld on Friday, March 1, 2024.

Enjoy a spectacular evening of incredible wine, inventive food pairings, and unparalleled opportunities to enhance your wine cellar at the 2024 Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction.

Vancouver International Wine Festival invites you to Discover Italy at the 45th annual festival, which takes place February 24-March 3, 2024. This yearly celebration of the grape will feature 149 wineries from 12 countries, including 71 wineries from theme country Italy. Participating wineries will be pouring ~1,150+ wines at 42 events over eight days, including winery dinners, seminars, lunches, minglers, and the International Festival Tastings, returning to the West building of the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Congrats to Ian Casterton, BC’s Somm of the Year 2024! Ian is the Key Account Manager at Andrew Peller Limited and was selected through a hands-on competition organized by the BC Chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, held on January 30. The Sommelier of the Year Award recognizes working sommeliers who consistently demonstrate an outstanding passion for marrying wine with food and a dedication to exceptional service.

Learn why industry professional participate in the VanWineFest Wine Program Excellence Awards. Featuring Andrew Forsyth (Head Sommelier, L’Abattoir), Sephora Jade Janz (GM / Sommelier, Ancora Ambleside), Kristi Linneboe (Wine Director, Banda Volpi), and Robert Stelmachuk (Wine Director, Mott 32).

Check out all this year’s videos in one place – festival and event highlights, the Celebrating Excellence awards, and shorts from festival vine stars.

#VanWineFest Keynote Speakers Jon Bonne, Andrew Jefford and Evan Goldstein share their insights on spending time in Vancouver. Visit Vancouver to attend VanWineFest and discover more about our vibrant bar and restaurant scene.

Why do Chris Rielly and Jayton Paul enter the Wine Program Excellence Awards?

This year’s winner, Kelcie Jones, co-owner, This is Wine School, was selected through a hands-on competition organized by the BC Chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers.

Presented at #VanWineFest‘s Celebrating Excellence Awards Lunch on Friday, April 28.

The wine world is here with 36 events over 8 days: 22-30 April 2023

One of the most spectacular wine and food events in the city – an evening of incredible wine, inventive food pairings, and unparalleled opportunities to enhance your wine cellar. Presented by National Bank Private Banking 1859.

Terry Threlfall Scholarship is presented by the BC Hospitality Foundation, with partners, Vancouver International Wine Festival, Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers and the Threlfall family. This scholarship is in the name of our beloved friend and colleague, Terry Threlfall, who passed away suddenly in October 2020.

One of the most spectacular wine and food events in the city – an evening of incredible wine, inventive food pairings, and unparalleled opportunities to enhance your wine cellar. Presented by National Bank Private Banking 1859.

Find out why wine industry professionals attend our afternoon Trade Tastings as well as seminars, masterclasses and more.

Anthony Gismondi heads to the Vancouver Convention Centre to get the latest details on the 2022 Vancouver International Wine Fair from Executive Director Harry Hertscheg.

Coverage of this year’s Vancouver International Wine Festival with interviews with the executive director, Harry Hertscheg & Ross Baker, winemaker at La Frenz Estate Winery.

Darpan Your City gives you a taste of what took place at the Vancouver International Wine Festival.

Interviews on site at the 2022 Vancouver International Wine Festival.

Peter Van de Reep, wine director / bar manager at Campagnolo Restaurant, is the 2020 Sommelier of the Year. Matthew was selected through a hands-on competition organized by the BC Chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers.

Congratulations to Dana Lee Harris, the 2020 Spirited Industry Professional. The annual Spirited Industry Professional Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the sales, service or promotion of wine in British Columbia.

Anthony Gismondi, wine writer, Vancouver Sun, Gismondionwine.com: Start at the end of the winery list and work your way towards to the France theme section to avoid crowds.

Jason Yamasaki, JOEY Restaurants group sommelier: Eat before the show…and drink lots of water during the tastings to stay hydrated.

Tim Pawsey, wine writer, hiredBelly.com: Make a plan and stick with it.

Justin Hall, Nk’Mip Cellars winemaker: Wear dark clothing. White shirts and red wine don’t mix.

Harry Hertscheg, VIWF executive director: Visit a table from each country to get a sense of the wine world while navigating the room. Visit tables without line-ups and spend more time discovering new wines.

A veteran wine taster: Wear comfortable shoes. Your feet will thank you.

Lorenzo Gucci, Altesino export manager: Go easy on the fragrance. It will help your sensory enjoyment of the wine.

Richard Carras, Authentic Wine & Spirits president: Talk to the people with blue lanyards. They’re the actual producers and they know everything about their wines.

Brian Lynn, Majella Wines owner: Sip, spit. Easy as that.

Kelly Snider, VIWF gala manager: Visit the onsite BC Liquor Store early to make your purchases. Go to two sessions and buy on your second trip.

A quick preview of the 2020 Vancouver International Wine Festival, by the numbers.

The Vancouver International Wine Festival is a great way to discover new wines, connect with colleagues, and discover Vancouver’s wine and food culture.

Author of New French Wine and VIWF 2019 Keynote Speaker, Jon Bonné talks about his first experience at #VIWF and discovering how involved Vancouver’s food and wine community is in the festival.

Vancouver-based wine writer and educator, Michaela Morris, talks about why #VanWineFest is one of her favourite times of the year.

Sommelier, Lesley Quinn of The Barrington Steakhouse & Oyster Bar in Nova Scotia talks about her first experience at #VanWineFest.

VanWineFest is this “diamond in the rough” that “makes it so worth it for people from all over the world” to come here: Jon Bonné, Senior Contributing Editor, Punch.

Wine educator Paul Wagner gives his top picks on coming to Vancouver to attend VanWineFest.

A quick preview of the 2020 Vancouver International Wine Festival, by the numbers.

The Vancouver International Wine Festival is a great way to discover new wines, connect with colleagues, and discover Vancouver’s wine and food culture.

Author of New French Wine and VIWF 2019 Keynote Speaker, Jon Bonné talks about his first experience at #VIWF and discovering how involved Vancouver’s food and wine community is in the festival.

Vancouver-based wine writer and educator, Michaela Morris, talks about why #VanWineFest is one of her favourite times of the year.

Sommelier, Lesley Quinn of The Barrington Steakhouse & Oyster Bar in Nova Scotia talks about her first experience at #VanWineFest.

VanWineFest is this “diamond in the rough” that “makes it so worth it for people from all over the world” to come here: Jon Bonné, Senior Contributing Editor, Punch.

DJ Kearney offers 10 tips to help you make the most of your tasting room experience.

The Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction took place February 23, 2019 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. This year, the Gala raised $233,500 for Bard on the Beach.

Matthew Landry, general manager/beverage director at The Stable House Bistro, is the 2019 Sommelier of the Year. Matthew was selected through a hands-on competition organized by the BC Chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers.

Congratulations to DJ Kearney, the 2019 Spirited Industry Professional. The annual Spirited Industry Professional Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the sales, service or promotion of wine in British Columbia.

Cruise through Bordeaux on a special VanWineFest-curated river cruise, April 9-16, 2020.

The 2018 Vancouver International Wine Festival took place February 24-March 4, at the Vancouver Convention Centre and other venues around the city. 173 wineries participated in 51 events over eight days, pouring 1460 wines from 16 countries. In 2018, the festival showcased wines from Spain and Portugal.

The 2018 Vancouver International Wine Festival took place February 24-March 4, at the Vancouver Convention Centre and other venues around the city. 173 wineries participated in 51 events over eight days, pouring 1460 wines from 16 countries. In 2018, the festival showcased wines from Spain and Portugal.

The Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction kicked off the 2018 Vancouver International Wine Festival on February 24, 2018 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. The Gala raised $225,000 for charitable beneficiary Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival.

Sean Nelson, sommelier, Vij’s, is the 2018 Sommelier of the Year. Sean was selected through a hands-on competition organized by the BC Chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers.

Congratulations to Barbara Philip MW, the 2018 Spirited Industry Professional. The annual Spirited Industry Professional Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the sales, service or promotion of wine in British Columbia.

DJ Kearney offers 10 tips to help you make the most of your tasting room experience.

A look back at the 2017 Vancouver International Wine Festival, February 11-19 at the Vancouver Convention Centre and other venues around town.

DJ Kearney offers 10 tips to help you make the most of your tasting room experience.

A look back at the 2017 Vancouver International Wine Festival, February 11-19 at the Vancouver Convention Centre and other venues around town.

A recap of the competition to select the 2017 Sommelier of the Year, Shane Taylor.

Harry McWatters, the 2017 Spirited Industry Professional.

A quick peek at the Wines of Canada Party, a wine mingler at The Permanent, featuring wines from BC, Nova Scotia and Ontario.

The Best BC Sommelier competition, presented by the BC Chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, crowned the 2016 VanWineFest Sommelier of the Year, Alistair Veen of Tap Restaurant.

The annual Spirited Industry Professional Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the sales, service or promotion of wine in British Columbia.

A look back at the 2016 Vancouver International Wine Festival, which ran February 20-28.

The 28th annual Vintners Brunch took place Sunday, February 28, 2016 and featured 15 chefs creating their best pairing for a specific wine.

Spumante & Co kicked off the 2016 Vancouver International Wine Festival with a stylish lounge party at Inform Interiors, featuring Italian sparkling, still and rose wines, with finger food from Dirty Apron Catering.

Sixty Italian wineries + a mouth-watering buffet + glorious views across Coal Harbour = an amazing afternoon of Italian wine and food on Saturday, February 27, 2016.

Dr. Norbert Reinisch, an expert on Barbera wines, shares some secrets about the wines of Braida.

Ted Seghesio, Winemaker at Seghesio Family Vineyards in Sonoma County, on wines made from some of the oldest vines in California.

Meet Marilisa Allegrini, CEO/Owner of Allegrini.

Howard Soon, master winemaker at Sandhill, on being part of the Vancouver International Wine Festival.

Sergio Zingarelli of Rocca della Macie on his wines, his winery, and the Vancouver International Wine Festival.

Francesco Zonin talks about his family winery Zonin 1821 and wants to share the story behind his wines with you.

Dr. Ian D’Agata, Scientific Director of VinItaly International, on Canada and BC’s wine industry.

Dr. Ian D’Agata, Scientific Director of VinItaly International, on making friends around the world through the magic of wine.

Meet Brian Lynn, aka Prof, Owner/Director of Australia’s Majella Wines.

Vikram Vij on pairing wine with Indian cuisine and broadening your horizons at the Vancouver International Wine Festival.

Meet Barone Francesco Ricasoli, 32nd Baron of Brolio and President of Barone Ricasoli.

VIWF Executive Director explains the DOC classification of Italian wines.

Harry Hertscheg, executive director of the Vancouver International Wine Festival, explains the five key numbers at the 2016 festival.

VIWF Executive Director Harry Hertscheg offers some tasting tips to help you navigate the Acura Tasting Room.

VIWF Executive Director Harry Hertscheg describes a few of Italy’s diverse wine regions.

As one of North America’s largest wine expos, the nine-day festival has brought 170 wineries from 14 countries with more than 1,750 wines together. Wine experts and lovers could not wait to discover some new taste.

Howard Soon, Master Winemaker at Sandhill, was honoured as the Spirited Industry Professional at the 2015 Vancouver International Wine Festiva.

Mike Bernardo, wine director at the Vij’s Group, was selected as the 2014 Sommelier of the Year.

Wine educator Mark Davidson was voted the 2014 Spirited Industry Professional

Guest: Sandra Oldfield, CEO Winemaker Tinhorn Creek Vineyards (British Columbia)

Guest: Luc Deroches Sales Managing Director Masi (Italy)

Guest: Alexandra LaFontaine International Trade Relations Manager Chateau Ste. Michelle (Washington)

Guest: Federico Lleonart Global Brand Ambassador Graffigna (Argentina)

Guest: Matias Rios Winemaker Cono Sur Vineyards (Chile)

Guest: Federico Lleonart Global Brand Ambassador Campo Viejo (Spain)

Guest: Daniel Castaño Proprietor Bodegas Castaño (Spain)

Vancouver Sun wine writer Anthony Gismondi and winemaker Sandra Oldfield of Tinhorn Creek Vineyards give us tips on how to plan your night or nights at the fest.

Vancouver Sun wine writer Anthony Gismondi and experienced festival-goer Richard Carras of Layer Cake Wines talk about how to keep it simple and take notes for a better experience at the fest.

Vancouver Sun wine writer Anthony Gismondi and Signorello Estate Wines owner Ray Signorello outline the best questions to ask winemakers at the tasting booths.

Vancouver Sun wine writer Anthony Gismondi and experienced festival-goer Jim Robertson from Stoneleigh discuss Tasting Room etiquette.

Vancouver Sun wine writer Anthony Gismondi and winemaker Tom DiBello from Perseus Winery look at getting out of your comfort zone to discover new wines.

Vancouver Sun wine writer Anthony Gismondi and Federico Lleonart from Jacob’s Creek Winery provide pointers for tasting wine.

Jurgen Gothe (1944-2015) saw his food and wine columns run in over 100 publications over the past few decades, and was well-loved for his long tenure as host of CBC’s Disk Drive.

Reducing carbon footprints, being eco-friendly, having organic certification and the marketing of these ideas in the wine industry… how important are they and do consumers really care?