April 2023
Southern Exposure
South America contributes some 10% of the world’s wine, yet for many it remains a relative mystery. This magical part of the southern hemisphere boasts a range of grapes, wine styles, interpretations, and breadth. Led by Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein, this seminar explores both the rich history and the modern innovation and renaissance of criolla classics shaping the contemporary identity of this diverse and seminal eno-titan. Moderators Evan Goldstein MS Panelists: Rafael Boscaini, Marcos Carrau, Marina Castillo, Salome Hopkins, Martin…
Find out more »Principals Welcome Lunch, presented by Hillebrand Gori
Join the 147 participating winery principals at this kick-off to the first tasting room session. Get a first taste of select wines from the room while catching up with colleagues from around the world. Then take a seat at the long tables to enjoy a delectable buffet-style menu created by VCC’s Executive Chef Nandakishore Rangan. Wines will be grouped alphabetically by wine agency. Presented by Hillebrand Gori Trade events are available only to those in the wine, restaurant and hospitality…
Find out more »Thursday Trade Tasting, presented by ContainerWorld
The Trade Tasting, presented by ContainerWorld, is the best opportunity to explore the Tasting Room with your industry peers. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet wine producers from around the world, to taste rare wines, and perhaps to discover the next big thing in the industry. Looking for the full Trade Days experience? Purchase the Trade Days Pass, which includes two Trade Tastings, two seminars and two lunches. Trade Buyers Entry (1:30-2:30 p.m) The first hour in the room…
Find out more »A Tale of Two Terroirs
Argentine and Chilean viticulture have been defined by the influence of two great forces of nature: the Andean breezes and the heights of the Andes in Argentina; and the winds from the cold Pacific Ocean in Chile. In this seminar, we will taste how these forces of nature influence the flavours and character of some of the most important wines from this corner of the world. Moderator: Christina Hartigan Panelists: Pablo Aranda, Cecilia Carrasco, Laura Catena, Germán Di Césare, Marie-Hélene…
Find out more »California Wines: An Era in the Making
California’s unique geology, soil, and climate combine to create complex and expressive wines. Leading educator Elaine Chukan Brown unearths the secrets behind the region’s complex and distinctive wines, sharing how California’s wine industry is committed to creating a sustainable future. Discover the science behind the soil, explore California’s rich geology and exceptional climate, and taste what makes California wine so unique. Moderator: Elaine Chukan Brown Sponsored by California Wines Featured wines: RAEN Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2019 WALT Pinot Noir,…
Find out more »Celebrating Excellence: 19th Annual Awards Lunch Featuring South America, presented by ContainerWorld
This year’s annual awards lunch will feature exciting wines from South America intended to capture the attention of sommeliers and trade wine buyers. This is an opportunity to intrigue and inspire the on-premise trade with wines that would shine on a well-respected wine list. Attended by owners, wine directors, sommeliers and representatives from many of British Columbia and Alberta’s top restaurants, this awards ceremony includes the presentation of the Wine Program Excellence Awards, Sommelier of the Year, Terry Threlfall Scholarship,…
Find out more »February 2024
Rethinking Food & Wine Pairing
A lot has changed in pairing wine and food. We find ourselves living with globally evolving foods and more variety in wine than ever before. Join Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein, author of the acclaimed books Perfect Pairings and Daring Pairings, as he unpacks this new thinking over the span of a working lunch. Following Rethinking Food & Wine Pairing, Filippo Bartolotta will provide his keynote address: 3,000 vs 30. That is, 3,000 years of Italian winemaking vs. 30 years of…
Find out more »Italy Reimagined
Italy contributes some 20% of the world’s wine, yet for many it remains a relative mystery. The magical boot of Europe boasts hundreds of varieties, wine styles, interpretations, and breadth. Led by wine journalist and educator Filippo Bartolotta, this seminar will explore the rich history, the modern innovation, and renaissance of Italian classics shaping the contemporary identity of this historical wine region. Moderator: Filippo Bartolotta Principals: Valentina Abbona, Mirco Biliorsi, Raffaele Boscaini, Giovanni Mazzei, Simone Nalesso, Ermes Scardova, Giacomo Sisti, Sergio…
Find out more »Principals Welcome Lunch, presented by Hillebrand Gori
Join the 149 participating winery principals at this kick-off to the first tasting room session. Get a first taste of select wines from the room while catching up with colleagues from around the world. Then take a seat at the long tables to enjoy a delectable buffet-style menu created by VCC’s Executive Chef Nandakishore Rangan. Wines will be grouped alphabetically by wine agency. Presented by Hillebrand Gori Menu: Pre-set salad family style: Roasted squash salad, baby kale, pecorino, cranberry, sunflower…
Find out more »Thursday Trade Tasting, Presented by ContainerWorld
NB: Ticket prices will increase to $55 on February 29, 9:30 a.m. The Trade Tasting, presented by ContainerWorld, is the best opportunity to explore the Tasting Room with your industry peers. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet wine producers from around the world, to taste rare wines, and perhaps to discover the next big thing in the industry. Looking for the full Trade Days experience? Purchase the Trade Days Pass, which includes two Trade Tastings, two seminars and two…
Find out more »March 2024
Napa Valley: Cabernet Takes Root
Napa Valley stands for wines of the highest quality, cultivated with excellence. Unlock the secrets of Napa Valley's world-renowned Cabernet Sauvignon and dive deep into the terroir, techniques, and traditions that elevate Napa wines to global acclaim. Discover and taste for yourself what makes Napa Valley the ideal place for Cabernet Sauvignon. Principals: Noel Basso, Kurtis Ogasawara, Raymond Signorello, Mark Williams Sponsored by California Wines Featured wines: Dominus Estate Napanook 2019 Freemark Abbey Bosché Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Louis M. Martini…
Find out more »Sustainable Future of BC Wine
Join an esteemed panel of winemakers and industry experts to taste your way across British Columbia – exploring five of BC’s nine growing regions. Panelists will discuss the complexities of each region and share the sustainable practices BC’s winemakers and grapegrowers are employing in their region to ensure the continued health and vitality of their land and the future of the BC wine industry. Moderators: Kelcie Jones, Ross Wise MW Principals: Michael Alexander, Patrick Blandin, Jean-Marc Enixon, Felix Egerer, Michael…
Find out more »Italy’s Lightness of Being
While Italy is a maestro at delivering robust, hearty reds, many of the country’s greatest wines offer an innate sense of buoyancy – without sacrificing flavour or depth. Along with some remarkably agile reds, this seminar will take you through appetite-inducing bubbles, textured whites, and a seriously cheerful pink, as we unlock the secrets to Italy’s extraordinary lightness of being. Moderators: Filippo Bartolotta, Michaela Morris Principals: Fabio Bosio, Tommaso Chiarli, Daniel Grace, Stefano Inama, Nicola Mazzella, Ciro Urciuolo, Urs Vetter…
Find out more »Celebrating Excellence: 20th Annual Awards Lunch Featuring Italy
This year’s annual awards lunch will feature exciting wines from Italy intended to capture the attention of sommeliers and trade wine buyers. The awards ceremony includes the presentation of the Wine Program Excellence Awards, Sommelier of the Year, Terry Threlfall Scholarship, and Spirited Industry Professional. Presented by ContainerWorld Sponsored by the participating wineries Featured wines: Gruppo Martellozzo Pura Terra Prosecco DOC NV Cantine Leonardo Losito Falanghina 2022 Azienda Agricola Bocale di Valentini Trebbiano Spoletino DOC 2021 Villa Sandi Borgo Conventi…
Find out more »Friday Trade Tasting, Presented by ContainerWorld
NB: Ticket prices will increase to $55 on February 29, 9:30 a.m. The Trade Tasting, presented by ContainerWorld, is the best opportunity to explore the Tasting Room with your industry peers. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet wine producers from around the world, to taste rare wines, and perhaps to discover the next big thing in the industry. Looking for the full Trade Days experience? Purchase the Trade Days Pass, which includes two Trade Tastings, two seminars and two…
Find out more »