Photo Credit: Christine McAvoy
Now in its 42nd year, the Vancouver International Wine Festival (February 22 to March 1, 2020) returns at the end of next month with an abundance of events, participating wineries, and wines that are sure to please any budding or seasoned oenophile.
Here are 5 reasons that are sure to convince you to attend this year’s eight-day festival.
1. Impressive Numbers
Photo Credit: Christine McAvoy
As one of the longest running and largest wine festivals across the globe, the Vancouver International Wine Festival has built up stats that would be a big draw for anyone looking to celebrate and learn more about wine in a big way. The year’s Festival boasts 163 wineries from 16 countries, 57 events, 30 venues, and an anticipated 25,000 attendees. The International Festival Tastings will feature approximately 725 wines, with 150 more at trade tastings and 575 additional wines at various other special events, such as a Bacchanalia Gala Dinner and wine dinners at various top establishments around town (1,450 wines for the grand total). There will be roughly 42,000 bottles poured and/or purchased, and 82,000 glasses used. How’s that for ambition!
2. Sipping through France!
Every year, the Festival has a featured region and/or theme. For 2020, it’s France, represented by 42 wineries, as well as a global spotlight on rosé (both bound to be incredibly popular). At the International Festival Tastings, France will have a special section where you can get to know its wines and wineries. There are also events that are France-focused, such as Ça, c’est cool (February 25, 2020 from 8-10pm), a casual wine party at The Loft at Earl’s Yaletown, featuring bites, music, and French wineries and their wines (e.g. Joseph Mellot: Reuilly Blanc Rosé 2018, Sancerre La Chatellenie 2016). Rosé will be featured in other events, like Rah, Rah Rosé (February 29, 2020 from 5:15pm to 6:45pm) at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, Level 3. Expect bites, music, and tastings of a variety of rosés, such as Krolo Winery’s Šjora Rosé 2018.
3. Vine Stars Everywhere
Andrew Jefford: Keynote Speaker
One of the pleasures of the Festival is the chance to meet vine stars, basically the key players and celebrities of the wine world. Each winery sends a principal (e.g. owner, winemaker, senior exec) so that you get a chance to chat with them about the wines you’re sipping. This year’s keynote speaker will be Andrew Jefford, a wine writer, who will speak at and moderate a number of events, such as French Terroir Talk on February 28, 2020 from 5:15pm to 6:45pm at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, Meeting Room 109. Other vine stars include Gérard Bertrand, Owner of Gérard Bertrand, and Bernard Duseigneur, Owner/Winemaker of Domaine Duseigneur.
4. A Free Ticket If You Book with a Participating Hotel
Photo Credit: Christine McAvoy
If you book with one of 39 participating downtown hotels (see StayVancouverHotels.com), you could get a free International Festival Tasting ticket. The offer is only available until February 13, 2020, and quantities are limited.
5. Onsite BC Liquor Store for Shipping Wine Home
Make sure to visit the onsite BC Liquor Store where you can purchase any of the wines served at the International Festival Tastings. Better yet, they can be delivered free of charge to any BC Liquor Store in the province so you don’t have to lug around all those bottles.
There’s plenty to see, do, and sip at the 2020 Vancouver International Wine Festival. Further info and tickets are available on-line.
