Well, it looks like summers over. Rather than lament its passing, Im always keen to plunge into the rainy season head-first, embracing all that comes with it.
One of the big kick-offs to this side of the calendar is the Cornucopia Food and Wine Festival in Whistler, and this year it promises to be bigger and better than ever. Thats not an empty promise, as theyve expanded the Festival this year to encompass two weekends and the stretch in-between for an all-out jamboree of food, wine and cocktail culture running November 7-17.
Make your plans now, as itll come quicker than you think. You can bet Ill be bouncing around the village making the most of it, presenting seminars, attending tastings, spreading cheer and nursing hangovers.
All of these cant-miss events take place at the Whistler Conference Centre unless otherwise noted.
BCs Past, Present & Future
Saturday, November 9, $40
This is a pretty rare opportunity, so Im glad Ive nabbed myself a seat by being one of the presenters! The other presenter is winemaker David Enns of Narmatas famed Laughing Stock Vineyards, who will be bringing a few back vintages of some wines (including their legendary Portfolio Bordeaux blend), taste folks through the current releases of them, and then share tank and barrel samples of the yet-to-be-released vintages. A good overview of the evolution and ageability of BC wine.
Craft Beer for Wine Lovers
Saturday, November 9, $40
This is another one of mine, this time tag-teaming with one of my favourite people ever; legendary Vancouver wine educator, writer and competition judge, DJ Kearney. If youre on your game with wines but are mystified by the brave new world of craft beer, well guide you through the perfect pints to look for, whether youre into Riesling, Pinots or big, juicy Cabernets. From pilsners to porters, well hoist many a glass!
France 101
Sunday, November 10, $29
Michelle and Michaela, commonly known as the House Wine Girls, are first on my list any time I have an obscure French wine query, so theyre definitely your best bet to demystify the classic wines of France. Tour through varieties and regions from Bordeaux to Burgundy and learn to decipher those labels, all while swirling and sipping away!
Crush Gala Tasting
Saturday, November 8 & 9, $89
The flagship grand tasting event of the Festival occurs two nights in a row with hundreds of wines from all around the world, canapés a-plenty and a blizzard of cheer. Look for the Top 25 signs around the room, as Chief Judge DJ Kearney will have recently run the Top 25 Wines of Cornucopia competition (with yours truly as one of the judges), highlighting the best drops of the Festival.
Nourish Yoga
November 717, $15
Yup, theres yoga on offer every morning at the Fairmont. Tackle that hangover, recharge and refresh so you can do it all over again each day.
Head over to WhistlerCornucopia.com for info on these and other tastings, dinners and events. See you on the mountain!
