2024

Visit Vancouver for VanWineFest 2024

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.

Tim Pawsey, 2024 Spirited Industry Professional

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.

Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction

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.

Festival Highlights for VanWineFest 2024

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.

2024 Sommelier of the Year Competition

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).

Playlist of all 2024 VIWF videos

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

2023

Wining and Dining in Vancouver

#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.

The Value of the Wine Program Excellence Awards

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

2023 BC Sommelier of the Year

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.

Spirited Industry Professional 2023 Award Recipient: John Bishop

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

VanWineFest 2023

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

2023 Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction

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.

2022

Terry Threlfall Scholarship

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.

2022 Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction

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.

Attending Trade Days at #VIWF

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

Gismondi on Wine – VanWineFest 2022 Teaser

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.

The Closing Act – VanWineFest 2022

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 Magazine – Vancouver International Wine Festival

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

Our City Tonight – VanWineFest

Interviews on site at the 2022 Vancouver International Wine Festival.

2020

Andrew Jefford at #VIWF 2020

Andrew Jefford, renowned wine writer, was the Keynote Speaker at #VIWF in 2020. Find out what Andrew thought about this first trip to Vancouver and the wine festival.

2020 Sommelier of the Year

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.

2020 Spirited Industry Professional

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.

Tasting Room Tip #1

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.

Tasting Room Tip #2

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

Tasting Room Tip #3

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

Tasting Room Tip #4

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

Tasting Room Tip #5

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.

Tasting Room Tip #6

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

Tasting Room Tip #7

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

Tasting Room Tip #8

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.

Tasting Room Tip #9

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

Tasting Room Tip #10

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.

Visit VanWineFest in 2020

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

Join Us at VanWineFest 2020

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

Jon Bonné on #VanWineFest

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.

Michaela Morris on #VanWineFest

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

Lesley Quinn on #VanWineFest

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

2019 Keynote Speaker Jon Bonné on Vancouver and 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.

Paul Wagner on #VanWineFest

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

2019

VanWineFest By the Numbers

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

Join Us at VanWineFest 2020

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

Jon Bonné on #VanWineFest

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.

Michaela Morris on #VanWineFest

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

Lesley Quinn on #VanWineFest

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

2019 Keynote Speaker Jon Bonné on Vancouver and 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.

Top Ten Tasting Room Tips

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

Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction

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.

2019 Sommelier of the Year

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.

2019 Spirited Industry Professional

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.

Bordeaux Wine Cruise 2020

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

Festival Highlights 2018

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.

2018

Festival Highlights 2018

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.

Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction

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.

Sommelier of the Year 2018

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.

Spirited Industry Professional 2018

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.

Top Ten Tasting Room Tips

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

Relive VanWineFest 2017

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

2017

Top Ten Tasting Room Tips

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

Relive VanWineFest 2017

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

Sommelier of the Year

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

Spirited Industry Professional

Harry McWatters, the 2017 Spirited Industry Professional.

Wines of Canada Party

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

2016

2016 Sommelier of the Year: Alistair Veen

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.

2016 Spirited Industry Professional: Norman Gladstone

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.

2016 VanWineFest in Review

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

Vintners Brunch 2016

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.

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.

Taste ITALIA!

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 at VanWineFest 2016

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

Ted Seghesio at VanWineFest 2016

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

Marilisa Allegrini at VanWineFest 2016

Meet Marilisa Allegrini, CEO/Owner of Allegrini.

Howard Soon at VanWineFest 2016

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

Sergio Zingarelli at VanWineFest 2016

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

Francesco Zonin at VanWineFest 2016

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

Ian D’Agata on BC Wine

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

Ian D’Agata on the Magic of Wine

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

Brian Lynn at VanWineFest 2016

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

Vikram Vij at VanWineFest 2016

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

Barone Francesco Ricasoli at VanWineFest 2016

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

Italian DOCs

VIWF Executive Director explains the DOC classification of Italian wines.

VanWineFest by the Numbers

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

Tasting Tips with Harry Hertscheg

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

Italy’s Wine Regions

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

2015

Vancouver wine festival takes you to the wine world

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.

Spirited Industry Professional 2015 – Howard Soon

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

2014

2014 Sommelier of the Year

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

2014 Spirited Industry Professional

Wine educator Mark Davidson was voted the 2014 Spirited Industry Professional

Aspect

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

Lake Effect

Guest: Luc Deroches Sales Managing Director Masi (Italy)

Daylight

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

Altitude

Guest: Federico Lleonart Global Brand Ambassador Graffigna (Argentina)

Length of Season

Guest: Matias Rios Winemaker Cono Sur Vineyards (Chile)

Combining different terroirs

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

Soil

Guest: Daniel Castaño Proprietor Bodegas Castaño (Spain)

2013

How to plan your night of tasting

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.

What not to wear, what to bring

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.

Questions to ask winemakers

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

Tasting Etiquette

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

How to discover new wines

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.

Basic tips for tasting wine

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

2012

Harry Hertscheg on Global TV w/Lynn Colliar – Dec 11 2012

2011

2011 Spirited Industry Professional

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.

2009

2009 Symposium on Green Wine: Eco-Friendly: Over-Hyped, Over-priced?

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?

2009 Symposium Reception