While this years edition of the Vancouver International Wine Festival doesnt start until February 24, Im sharing my recommendations of cant-miss events sooner than later since, at press time, more than half of the tastings, seminars and dinners have sold out. Im sure a big chunk of this years popularity is due to France being the theme country and sparkling wine holding court as the general wine-style focus.
In saying this, youll definitely want to hit the International Festival Tasting Room at least once during the Thursday, Friday or Saturday editions, and enjoy the opportunity to sip 780 wines from 178 wineries and 14 countries. All the informations over at VanWineFest.ca, including tickets for these three events Im heartily advising you nab sooner than later.
I love casual, nighttime stand-up events theres just something so cosmopolitan about them. Besides the fun DJ and lounge atmosphere, theres a raw bar for snacking and a host of sparkling wines and Champagnes from the likes of Pierre Sparr, Lanson and H. Blin. Who said being civilized couldnt be fun?
SIP THIS: Zinck Crémant dAlsace Brut ($23.99, BC Liquor Stores) is a tremendous value that you can keep top-of-mind all year long. Fresh, crunchy apples with lemon and sea-spray for under 25 bucks makes it a bargain.
What a great opportunity to feast on Chef Pedro Gonzalezs local fare while tucking into many a bottle of Burgundy from world-famous vineyards. Find out why most wine geeks go to the storied region when theyre asked for their all-time favourite wines.
SIP THIS: Latour Corton 2010 Charlemagne Grand Cru ($200-250, various vintages, BC Liquor/Private Stores) comes from stony, limestone soil and is the poster child for pitch-perfect elegant oak treatment in a stunning vintage.
With a backdrop of the North Shore Mountains and plenty of snacking to be had during this grazing lunch, its no wonder it increases in popularity each year. A completely different atmosphere from the sometimes-frenetic International Tasting Room, theres a much more leisurely pace at this event where youll have the chance to chat with winery principals from some of the biggest names in the south of France, like Paul Mas, Gerard Bertrand, Chapoutier and more.
SIP THIS: Theres fresh and lively Southern French expression to be found in a bottle of Chapoutier Bila-Haut Cotes-du-Roussillon ($15.99, BC Liquor Stores), which blends Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault while keeping things full of purple fruit and herbs at a chipper 13 per cent alcohol.
As always, if youre having trouble finding something or just want to say hi, find me via KurtisKolt.com or on Twitter @KurtisKolt.
