VANCOUVER, BC (December 20, 2017) — The 40th Vancouver International Wine Festival returns for an eight-day celebration of wine and food February 24 to March 4 at the Vancouver Convention Centre and other venues around Metro Vancouver. The 2018 festival features 173 wineries participating in 51 events. This year, the spotlight shines on wines from Iberian Peninsula neighbours Spain and Portugal, with 38 wineries from Spain and 20 from Portugal in attendance. Two very distinct nations with their own rich histories and cultures, the festival provides a fascinating opportunity to see how their winemaking and viniculture have developed in divergent and convergent paths over the centuries.
- Tickets for all public events go on sale Wednesday, January 10 at 9:30 a.m.
- Tickets for Trade Days Conference go on sale Wednesday, January 17 at 9:30 a.m.
Tickets are currently on sale for the four International Festival Tastings, Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction, the Delta Air Lines Tasting Lounge, as well as the Gold Pass and Trade Days Pass.
From educational wine seminars, tastings and parties to lunches, winery dinners and the spectacular Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction, VanWineFest offers something to please every palate. Browse public events online, click through the interactive Festival at a Glance PDF, or download the promotional brochure for full festival details. For those in the wine trade, see Trade Days events here.
FREE TICKET WITH HOTEL BOOKING
Starting in January, festivalgoers can get a free International Festival Tasting ticket (a $79 to $99 value) by booking a downtown hotel stay via StayVancouverHotels.com. Quantities are limited. The free ticket offer is available until February 15, or while supplies last. Saturday evening sold out well in advance in 2017, so book early. The StayVancouverHotels initiative is courtesy of Vancouver Hotel Destination Association and is an important cornerstone of the festival’s Don’t Wine and Drive program.
HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS
Online: VanWineFest.ca
Phone: 604-873-3311, toll free 1-877-321-3121 (Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.)
In person: 202-162 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver (Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Stay in Touch
For more information, go to VanWineFest.ca
Facebook: /VanWineFest
Instagram: @VanWineFest
Twitter: follow @VanWineFest for news on tickets and sold-out events. Join the conversation at #VIWF.
ABOUT VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL
Canada’s premier wine show marks its 40th edition of pairing wine, food and the performing arts from February 24 to March 4, 2018. The festival features Wines from Spain and Portugal and showcases 173 wineries from 15 countries (including 38 wineries from Spain and 20 from Portugal) pouring 1,450+ wines at 51 events to a projected 25,000 admissions. The Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction opens the festival on Saturday, February 24 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. The Trade Days Conference goes Wednesday, February 28 to Friday, March 2. The festival has been named the #1 Food, Wine & Hospitality Event in Canada by New York’s BizBash for five years running.
The festival is produced by the Vancouver International Wine Festival Society, which has three mandates: provide an informative, educational and entertaining wine experience for public and trade; be a premier marketing opportunity for the wine industry and festival partners; and raise funds for the Bard on the Beach Theatre Society. Since inception in 1979, the festival has raised $9 million for the performing arts. Major sponsors are Delta Air Lines and the Vancouver Sun; major industry partners are the BC Liquor Distribution Branch, BC Liquor Stores, and the Import Vintners & Spirits Association. The festival is made possible through the gracious support of our participating countries’ consulates and embassies.