North America’s biggest consumer tasting is here! Grape gurus from every corner of the globe are also here. That part is key. Vancouver International Wine Festival requires that principals be in the room to pour. In great part it’s this proviso that’s made the festival so successful. The chance for consumers and trade to meet [...]
A sure sign this year’s Vancouver International Wine Festival is right around the corner is the media preview. Last week's tasting of wines to be featured at various events was the perfect warm-up for the Feb 23 to March 3 festival. The 37 globe trotting offerings, poured in Blue Water Cafe’s beautifully appointed cellar room, [...]
Tasting Room Trauma? Don't worry about it! Here's how to make the most of the International Tasting Room. The centrepiece of the Vancouver International Wine Festival, it’s where everything—and everybody—comes together. It’s where the who’s who of the wine world gets to connect. And the buzz is palpable. In fact it’s so palpable that it [...]
Iberia calls! There’s both a happy and sad reality to the Vancouver International Wine Festival (Feb 24th to March 4th). It really is a case of "too many wines, too little time." Not only does it enjoy the reputation of being among the best of its kind, anywhere, this year’s festival has the added distinction of [...]
Tidal Bay wines have a special place in the heart of one Nova Scotian winemaker. Pete Luckett is the driving force behind Luckett Vineyards. He and his wife, Sue, established their Gaspereau Valley winery in 2010. I met him last week, during the Vancouver International Wine Festival. There was definitely a buzz around Nova Scotia [...]
The Vancouver International Wine Festival is hailed as one of the best of its kind anywhere. But walking into the Acura International Tasting can be daunting. It doesn't have to be. Here’s how to make the most of it.
A memento of Coonawarra There’s something about this shot of the old Coonawarra train station that pushes so many buttons for me. Yes, I’m a bit of a sentimentalist. I love trains—and have probably taken more than my share of them over the years. I’m also a big fan of Australia—and this photo [...]
Vancouver Trade & Convention Centre, home to Vancouver International Wine Festival It’s never too early to be thinking about this coming spring’s wine festival—especially if you’re a wallet watcher. Some serious deals are afoot for early birds, right through December 31. This year’s theme country is Australia. And the global focus is Syrah—which [...]
Joe Fortes scallop ceviche, with Nautilus Twin Islands Sauvignon Blanc Vintners Brunch, to the lucky crowd who book it soon enough, is one fun party. And why not? After all, it’s the major closing event of the Vancouver International Wine Festival; and a laid-back wrap-up for many of the wine industry people who [...]
In recent years, the array of food and wine events have become a big draw for VIWF (David Niddrie photo) The Vancouver International Wine Festival is already on the horizon (Feb 24th to March 2nd). Hard to believe! This is by way of a heads-up that tickets are going fast! As of now, a [...]
