The annual Vancouver International Wine Festival is back Feb. 20-28 for another week of wine tastings, seminars, galas, dinners and perhaps even a few routs. The focus this year is on Italian varietals and wines, meaning there’s never been a better time to immerse yourself in the food and wine traditions of la dolce vita.
Note I mentioned food first. Italian wines are remarkably food-friendly, thanks to the fact that practically the entire culture is based on the happy balance between both elements. And, while certain dinners almost guaranteed to be legendary – like the Ruffino dinner at Cin Cin – are already sold out, there are still plenty of delicious opportunities to indulge in some seriously indulgent wine and food. Even better, you can gain some education, at no additional charge, on what is it precisely that makes both chefs and sommeliers so infatuated with la bella Italia. Here are a few events that should increase your understanding—and waist size.
Wines of Veneto and Sicily
Tuesday, Feb. 23
Fairmont Pacific Rim: Giovane Café
Noted young wine experts and friendly rivals Stefano Maggini of Feudo Maccari and Edoardo Montresor of Cantine Giacomo Montresor, will explore the richness of these two noted wine regions in an evening of story, wine, food and perhaps even song. Fairmont Pacific Rim executive chef Nathan Brown has created a special menu to pair with the six wines from Montresor and Feudo Maccari to be served that evening. $175 per person.
From Bubbles to Passito
Tuesday, Feb. 23
Vij’s Restaurant
What? Indian food with Italian wine? But, of course! Join Giusti Wine and Vikram Vij for a special multi-course dinner served with the wide-ranging wines of Veneto. From Prosecco and Pinot Grigio to Merlot and more, it’s a pairing journey you won’t forget. $200 per person.
Carpineto: Vintage Tuscany
Tuesday, Feb. 23
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Join winery owner Antonio Zaccheo of Carpineto winery in Tuscany as he presents nine of his award-winning wines, paired with Boulevard exectuvie chef Alex Chen’s seafood-focused menu. The dinner includes smoked albacore tuna crudo, shaved veal tongue, Humboldt squid putannesca, red wine-braised beef shank cannelloni, slow-cooked venison, and pistachio-blood orange tiramisu. $200 per person.
Signature Pairings
Saturday, Feb. 27
Vancouver Convention Centre West
Think a dinner is the only place to learn about food and wine pairing? Think again. Join famed wine educator DJ Kearney as she takes you on a food and wine journey that travels around the world, with stops in Canada, Italy and France, among others. Wines from Seghesio Family Vineyards, Culmina, Gruet and Inland Trading Co. will be paired with dishes from top Vancouver chefs. Each chef and winery principal will discuss what makes their pairing unique and ideal. $65 per person.
Taste Italia!
Saturday, Feb. 27
Vancouver Convention Centre West
Taste wines from all 60 participating Italian wineries at this year’s wine festival, along with a massive Italian-inspired buffet from Vancouver Convention Centre chef Blair Rasmussen. From prosciutto and crostini to fritto misto, short rib brasato and wild mushroom risotto, this is a perfect opportunity to explore the amazing diversity and food-forward taste of Italian wines. $115 per person.
Spumante & Co.
Tuesday, Feb. 23
Inform Interiors
Sometimes it’s nice just to mingle, drink and graze in a beautiful setting. Enjoy wines from Farnesi, Ruffino, Bottega, Mionetto, Zonin and more while feasting on bites from The Dirty Apron. $69 per person.
International Festival Tasting Room
Feb. 25-27
Don’t forget the Acura Tasting Room, where you can indulge in hundreds of different wines from dozens of wineries from Italy and other wine regions around the world. There is no better educational—and gustatory—experience. $75-$95 per person.
For full details on all events during the wine festival, visit VanWineFest.ca.
• Anya Levykh is a freelance food, drink and travel writer who covers all things ingestible. In addition to obsessively collecting cookbooks, she is a judge for the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. Find her on Twitter and Instagram @foodgirlfriday.
