The Vancouver International Wine Festival is moving forward as planned, with 121 wineries from 15 countries participating, including 20 wineries from British Columbia. The festival is Canada’s premier wine show (now in its 46th year) and widely considered to be one of the best wine trade shows in the world.
Recent issues related to trade and tariffs will not affect any festival events or wines at the onsite BCLIQUOR store. We look forward to welcoming 50 participating wineries and their principals from our west coast neighbours, California, Oregon, and Washington, who are here in person to engage with our wine community and contribute to our economy.
Wineries south of the border acted as good neighbours by providing grapes to BC wineries, ensuring they could produce a wine from the 2024 vintage following last year’s devastating harvest. This act of good faith exemplifies the spirit of cooperation in North America’s west coast wine community.
The festival is a home-grown, not-for-profit annual event that generates a significant positive impact on our local economy. During the festival, the participating wineries and their principals who have travelled here from around the world, along with the thousands of visiting event attendees, and the dozens of agent importers, exhibitors and industry partners spend considerably on local restaurants, hotels, and businesses during their stay. We welcome everyone who comes here to support the festival and our community.
In the past 46 years, the festival has raised $10.2 million for the performing arts, including $2.2 million for our local charitable partner, Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival. Funds raised help subsidize thousands of play tickets for young people and the less fortunate in our community, as well as supporting year-round education programs.
In times of uncertainty, it’s important to remember that wine unites and brings us together, so let’s focus on our shared values: a love and passion for wine, a commitment to a sustainable wine industry, and a supportive environment for our local wine community (including agent importers).
Thank you for your continued support.
Vancouver International Wine Festival
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