The Vancouver International Wine Festival is May 16th – 27th
By Wade Kinley
What is wine without food? What is food without wine? Thankfully you can leave these impossibly existential questions at home and just revel in the way food and wine combine to create magic at this month’s Vancouver International Wine Festival. Here’s how the city’s top chefs are teaming up with the world’s best winemakers for once-in-a-lifetime culinary experiences.
Bodega Garzón Uruguay Dinner at Hydra Estiatoria
Join Enologist Mele Sosa and dive deep into what some are calling “the Southern Hemisphere’s best kept secret,” the wines of Bodega Garzón, where 2500 million-year-old soil called Ballast combines with the winds of the Atlantic Ocean 18 km away to produce beautifully distinct wines. Taste them alongside plates of traditional Mediterranean flavours from Hydra, including Scallop and Watermelon Ceviche, Braised Short Rib Dolmades and more.
Sonoma Strong: Rodney Strong at The Victor
Take a trip through Sonoma County with Rodney Strong wines at The Victor in the Parq Hotel. Rodney Strong Vineyards have been pioneers in winemaking in this world-famous California region since 1959. Winemaker Greg Morthole will lead a journey over land and sea pairing some of his most delectable creations with the coastal flavours of dishes like Grilled BC Spot Prawn and Acquerello Risotto.
Icons of South America at Alouette Bistro
A true world tour is happening at Alouette Bistro where classic French cuisine with a West Coast twist will highlight powerhouse wines from Chile. Wines from Viñedo Chadwick, Seña and Arboleda will showcase the purest expression of grapes from the Aconcagua and Maipo Valleys where the first vines were planted nearly 500 years ago. They’ll be served alongside a memorable dinner that includes dishes such as Tuna Tartare and a Wild Mushroom Tartlet.
Dine Italia at La Terrazza
No need to wait until the sun goes down to get decadent at La Terrazza where chef Gennero Iorio will once again be whipping up a multi-course lunch of Italian classics in one of the city’s most enchanting rooms. A VIWF annual staple, some of Italy’s top winemakers will be represented, the likes of Casa Gancia, Broccardo and Zeni 1870.
2022 Bacchanalia Gala Dinner at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
For those to whom the term “big wine” goes well beyond a flavor profile, the crown jewel event of the Festival is the Bacchanalia Gala Dinner helmed by the Fairmont’s Executive Chef David Baarschers. A must for any serious wine lover this incredible evening features nine outstanding wines, including a healthy selection of BC vineyards, paired inventively with dishes such as Lemon Goat Chèvre Croquette and Seared West Coast Scallop with Pickled Pear Relish. An auction of rare wines, epicurean getaways and experiences with top West Coast sommeliers round out the evening.
For more info on these and all the events slated for May 16th to 22nd at the Vancouver International Wine Festival visit vanwinefest.ca.
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