I love how theres suddenly snow on the mountains, and yet our summer just ended, what, two weeks ago?
In the local wine world, fresh mountaintop powder is a sure sign that its time again for Cornucopia, Whistlers Celebration of Wine and Food. Many of us who work with wine for a living have a funny relationship with Cornucopia. Its not as serious and epic, nor the global phenomenon that is the Vancouver International Wine Festival (coming late-February,) but more about immersing oneself into a (dare I say it?) cornucopia of vinous pleasures against Whistlers playful, snowy backdrop, soaking up knowledge through osmosis (and celebration) more than anything else. Learning doesnt get much more fun than this. Whether attendees are stepping out in their fanciest suits and dresses or tromping around in snow boots and sweaters, and youll certainly see both, its all about soaking up the atmosphere while swirling and sipping an array of pleasures.
Book a room, and head up the Sea-To-Sky, the fun runs Nov. 7 to 11. Here are the events you shouldnt miss:
Bubble-icious | Sunday, Nov. 11 | Noon 1:30pm | $40
Daenna Van Mulligen (WineDiva.ca) returns with this annual favourite, sharing various styles of sparkling wine appropriate for everything from breakfast to bar mitzvahs! (OK, I made up that last part but why not?) Whether sweeter Proseccos, crisp cavas, local brut or classic Champagne, shell ensure you taste the whole sparkling scope, and if you bug her enough, she may just saber a couple of bottles as well!
What did Chardonnay ever do to you? | Saturday, Nov. 10 | 11am 12:30pm | $40
Paul Watkin and Keith Nicholson (WineMonkey.ca) are two Vancouver wine-trade veterans who are fed up with people slagging Chardonnay for being boring or dumbed down. Sit in as they spread the gospel of the vast array of delicious flair and character the grape can offer, from cool-climate freshness to the complexity of Burgundy not to mention some jaw-dropping Champagne. Their enthusiasm for the grape is (rightly) contagious.
Ravishing Rosso | Sunday, Nov. 11 | 4 5pm | $29
The House Wine girls (HouseWine.ca) want you to know your Barolo from your Barbera, so join them on this one-hour whirlwind tour of the premium reds of Italy, staining your teeth with good Chianti and Amarone along the way!
The Barley Sandwich | Sunday, Nov. 11 | 5 6:30pm | $30
Any wine lover will tell you that theres nothing better after a long day of wine tasting than a cool, refreshing beer! BC bon vivant DJ Kearney will refresh you with a series of craft lagers, ales, lambics and wheat beers, illustrating their potential as stand-alone libations and food-pairing opportunities. No spitting required!
These are a small sample of seminars and sessions up for grabs, not to mention the Crush Gala Grand Tasting, winemakers dinners and much more. Ill be serving up wine and cheese at Tips, Tricks and Perfect Pairings, plus running around, making the most of the weekend, having a blast all the way!
Do come up and join the party! The infos at WhistlerCornucopia.com, I look forward to seeing you on the mountain!
Keep up date by visiting me at KurtisKolt.com or by following me on Twitter @KurtisKolt.
