Seriously, 37 years!

Vancouver holds bragging rights to one of the North America's largest and most important wine festivals.
Whether you are trade (I know, you wish this was a trade focused festival like Germany's Prowein) or a wine loving consumer (you wish there were less snobby somms-in-training pontificating over the bottles), this festival has something for you.
From a media perspective (mine) February 20th to March 1, 2015 is a win-win.

(photo: courtesy of VIWF)

The Quick and Dirty Details

There will be at least 1750 wines being poured by 170 wineries from 14 countries across 8 days and 53 events.
Australia is the theme region, their last go was 2007. The global focus is Shiraz/Syrah (suitable I'd say) and the Acura International Festival Tasting Room is the most popular event, which spans three days.
February 26th, 27th, 28th 7-10pm $89/Saturday, February 28th 3-5pm $68.
Before you attend, make sure to read my 10 Tasting Room Tips

My Picks: Dinners

If I could, I'd clone myself for to attend these upcoming dinners.

Monday, February 23

Under Valpolicella Sky
A tour of Soave and Valpolicella with Tenuta Sant'Antonio at Cin Cin.
6:30pm $175 (sorry, sold out)

Passione e Terretorio
Discover the passion with Tuscany's Rocca della Macie at Cioppino's Enoteca Wine Rooms.
6:30pm $225 (sorry, sold out)

But if you're in the mood for tapas...

From Tapas to Tempranillo
A succulent tour of the great wines of Spain paired with the always delicious small plates at Espana.
6:30pm $120 (sorry, sold out)

Tuesday, February 24

The Age of Semillon
Yes, I'm a Semillon geek. Tyrrell's Wines at Coast Restaurant = a perfect partnership.
6:30pm $120

Australia: East Meets West
From Margaret River with Evans & Tate to Hunter Valley's McWilliam's Mount Pleasant at West Restaurant.
6:30pm $190 (Sorry, Sold Out)

Diversity of the Barossa
Blue Water Cafe hosts the timeless wines of Barossa's pride, Peter Lehmann.
6:30pm $185 (Sorry, sold out)

Wednesday, February 25

The Penfolds Collection
A name and iconic house (that needs no introduction) serving up their classic wines at the award-winning Hawksworth Restaurant.
6:30pm $225 (Sorry, sold out)

Wizards of Oz
A stunning lineup of producers. Henschke, Yalumba and Vasse Felix at Chambar. A perfect, wonderful storm...need I say more?
6:30pm $150 (Sorry, Sold Out)

Sunday, March 1

Edification by Wolf Blass
Long time Wolf Blass winemaker (and all around nice guy), Chris Hatcher, will be hosting this fantastic dinner at the sexy new Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar.
6:30pm $120

View the 2015 VIWF Brochure

My Picks: Seminars & Tastings

Tuesday, February 24

A Decade of Portfolio
Naramata Bench's Laughing Stock Vineyards celebrates a decade of their iconic red blend.
4pm $100
 

Thursday, February 26

Wynns: Benchmark Terroir
Wynns charming and extremely talented winemaker Sue Hodder talks Coonawarra terroir at VCC West.
5:15pm $65 (sorry, sold out)

Friday, February 27

Barossa's Old Vine Heritage
A Down Under region home to the world's largest collection of pre-phylloxera old vines. VCC West.
5:15pm $75

Saturday, February 28

Your tour of Oz continues with...

Mod Oz
"Expect the Unexpected". The trends and evolution of Australian winemaking. VCC West.
5:15pm $45

McLaren Vale Scarce Earth
The diversity of soils, geology and viticultural practices in this South Australian region. VCC West.
5:15pm $55

View the 2015 VIWF Brochure

My Picks: Wine Minglers

Tuesday, February 24

Savour Australia - Theme Country Lounge Party
The coolest new tasting room in town, 130 West 4th will be rocking with awesome Aussie wines and small bites from Crosstown's Dirty Apron Cooking School. Meanwhile the DJ will keep you grooving.
8:30pm $65

Wednesday February 25th

California Cruisin'
An ongoing event during VIWF, this year, hosted at Brix Restaurant & Bar. California-style tapas, wines from the golden state in a funky environment.
8:30pm $65

My Picks: Saturday Grazing Lunches

New Zealand: Passionate Pairings
Always a favourite. Enjoy Kiwi wines paired with delectable bites while taking in the stunning view from Kitsilano Point.
The Boat House at Kits Beach
12-2pm $69 (sorry, sold out)

Celebrate Argentina
Earls Yaletown's clever upstairs lounge' V' is the setting for Malbec and more paired with South American-style dishes.
12-2pm $69 (sorry, sold out)

Restaurant Australia
A "unique culinary adventure", which includes "meandering through market stalls", lounging, nibbling and sipping. Count me in!
12-2pm $99

 

Final Farewell: Vintner's Brunch

A perennial favourite that always sells out!
16 of Vancouver's top restaurants and caterers battle it out with their perfect wine & food pairings.
Who will take home the glory with the Judges Choice Award for 2015?
11:30am Sunday March 1 at VCC West. $150/$1450 table of 10 (sorry, sold out)

View the 2015 VIWF Brochure

Visit the Vancouver International Wine Festival Website

See you in the tasting room.

If you're trade, I hope to see you at "The Sherry Revolution", which I'll be co-hosting with Gonzalez Byass' Vicky Gonzalez-Gordon - 5th generation family member.

~Daenna Van Mulligen