Champagne is the theme of the 36th annual Vancouver International Wine Festival, so it makes sense the spotlight will be on France this year.
And while some events are already sold out, with 178 wineries from14 countries, attracting 23,000 participants to 54 events over eight days, there are still many to consider.
As of Jan. 16, there were still tickets left for events such as the Essence of Chianti, the France Bubbly Party, the Meyer Family Dinner, the Gold Pass Tasting Lounge and the International Festival Tasting.
The festival begins with the big ticket Bacchanalia Gala Dinner and Auction Feb. 22 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver where single tickets are $395 and a table will run you $3,160. But the more frugal wine lover can still pick up tickets for as little as $45 for events such as We say Bourgogne or Excitement in a Glass,
Canada’s premier wine festival runs from February 24 to March 2 at the Vancouver Convention Centre and 55-plus participating restaurants and hotels across the city. For the full program and schedule of events visit VanWineFest.ca and check out Festival at a Glance or download the brochure.
Looking to the future and slightly further a field, tickets are also on sale now for Taste Washington, the largest single-region wine and food festival that brings together more than 200 Washington State wineries and 65 restaurants.
This 17th annual Taste Washington festival takes place March 29 to 30 in and around Seattle. Between vineyard owners and winemakers, Washington’s 13 American Viticulture Areas will be well represented by way of educational seminars and tasting events. Winemakers will pair 800 wines with thousands of savory, sweet and spicy bites at some of the state’s top restaurants.
Many hotels in the Seattle area are offering weekend packages in an effort to entice Canadians over the border for an ultimate wine and food-lovers getaway. For more information and a schedule visit tastewashington.org.
