All my wine experiences started in Vancouver, where I lived most of my life before moving to the U.S. So, we really want to attend the Vancouver International Wine Festival, April 22-30, in my favorite city in the world.
Vancouver International WIne Festival 2023
Its slogan is “The Wine World is Here.” As a result, this is described as the “largest wine festival in the Americas” with more than 25,000 admissions. It is also one of the oldest, now in its 44th year. New York’s BizBash recognizes it as the “#1 Food, Wine & Hospitality Event in Canada.” This year, 36 events at 20 venues will entice people to participate.
This year’s focus is a global spotlight on sparkling wine, and the theme region, South America. Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay will share their wines and their stories throughout the week.
However, 152 wineries from around the world will pour 1,150 wines and represent 13 more countries. Specifically, Australia, Canada, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, and the United States will also showcase their wines.
The International Festival Tasting Room
The heart of the festival is the International Tasting Room at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where about 825 wines will be available for sampling. The room also features food suppliers and industry exhibitors.
In addition to the individual winery tables, a sparkling wine area, and regional tasting stations hosted by South America, California, New Zealand and Rioja, will allow participants to explore the unique wines of a specific region.
As well, if you taste wine that you love, you can purchase it at the onsite BC Liquor Store. This bonus is not available at many grand tastings we attend, so it’s an exceptional opportunity.
We are also excited about tasting recent releases from wineries that we’ve written about in the past, such as Graffigna, Bodega Norton, Trapiche, Montes, Viña San Pedro, Viña Ventisquero, Nk’Mip Cellars, Poplar Grove, Hammeken Cellars, Duckhorn Portfolio, and Wente Vineyards.
More Information on Vancouver International WIne Festival 2023
About 325 other wines will be served at special events, such as a gala dinner and auction, wine seminars, and food-and-wine pairings at top Vancouver restaurants and hotels.
Since 1979, the festival has raised $9.9 million for the performing arts in Vancouver. For example, it raised nearly $1.9 million for Bard on the Beach Theatre Society.
Summary
Vancouver friends and family, we hope to see you at the festival — some tickets are on sale now, while others will be available soon. Friends in Washington, Oregon, California and across the U.S. and Canada, there are hotel packages available, so you don’t “wine and drive.”
For instance, if you book with Stay Vancouver Hotel’, receive a free tasting ticket. But act quickly! This offer is only available until April 13 or while allocations last.
Meanwhile, find us here at Write for Wine and on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Cheers!
Margot and Dave