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 dozen events are sold out and about another dozen are already headed that way.
It should be a good one, highlighted by France’s time to shine in the spotlight.
One aspect that really sets Vancouver’s wine festival apart (it’s regarded as one of the best anywhere) is the requirement that winery principals (or senior execs) are required to make the trip to pour behind the table. Many have, over the years, and several French luminaries are coming back.
Wine Festival – a chance to try the odd glass here and there! Tim Pawsey photo
This year you can meet: Michel Chapoutier, (winemaker, M. Chapoutier), Etienne Hugel (owner Hugel et Fils), Thomas Perrin (owner, Famille Perrin), Christian Seely (AXA, Compagnie Médocaine), Clovis Taittinger (Champagne Taittinger), and Philippe Zinck (winemaker/proprietor, Domaine Zinck Vins d’Alsace).
Not only will the strong French presence serve to boost interest in dominant regions such as Burgundy, Rhone, Bordeaux and Champagne but consumers will discover lots to like from Alsace, Languedoc Roussillon and Loire …
The other major draw is Champagne, and plenty of other bubbles, as the Global Focus. Need I say more?
From elsewhere, you can connect with the likes of Italy’s Joe Giusti (Giusti Prosecco), Barone Francesco Ricasoli, (president, Barone Ricasoli) and BC’s JAK Meyer (Meyer Family Vineyards), to mention just a few.
There’s more, of course, with just about every major world wine producing country in attendance. Well, almost. Hello, Greece, are you still out there?
Festival executive director Harry Hertscheg says things are “on fire.” For sure, some of that interest is due to France and Champagne, but also because Wine Festival has settled comfortably into its new (earlier) time slot.
Says Hertscheg, “It’s kind of like a rhythm: Dine Out, PUSH, Valentine’s Day … Wine Festival!”
We’re thinking when you’re doing your Dine-Out bookings, you might just want to take care of this at the same time.
He also says the addition of this year’s interactive events page is a Big Deal.
We agree! Check it.
Full disclosure: The Hired Belly serves on the festival Selection Committee, and also co-hosts “Bubbly & Bites” … going fast!
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