On September 9, 2011, Rocky Creek welcomed the José’s Tempranillo to their line up. Their Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Ortega have always been sustainable and estate grown, and when an opportunity presented itself to purchase a nearby vineyard’s crop of Tempranillo,  winemaker Mark Holford realized his dream to create another red.  José Rodrigo, the first who had the vision to plant the traditional Spanish variety in the region sadly passed away before the commercial harvest, but Holford kept his dream alive with the release of Jose’s Tempranillo.

Because of Jose Rogrigo’s battle with cancer, Rocky Creek Winery has donated a portion of sales to the cause.  The wine is sold out and a cheque was presented to the Regional Director of the Canadian Cancer Society, Kathy Ilott, in the amount of $1400.

Rocky Creek is estate-grown and has been sustainable from the very beginning.  Mark Holford, winemaker, is pleased to have had the opportunity to release something special.

There are a few bottles still available for those interested.   The wine is $50 for a 500 mL bottle and can be reserved through the winery with partial proceeds continuing to be donated for the life of the wine.  For further information about the winery, please call 250-748-5622 or see www.rockycreekwinery.ca

Explore The World of Wine

Come and learn about the fascinating world of wine.  Taste some outstanding wines with our expert instructors and enjoy these world renown courses.

Register now at www.finevintageltd.com for the upcoming WSET courses being held in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Victoria and the Okanagan.

WSET Course Schedule:

1 Day  FOUNDATION 
• VANCOUVER   1 Sat, June 2, 2012    9:30am-5:30pm
• KELOWNA   1 Mon, Apr 23, 2012    9:30am-5:30pm
• VICTORIA   1 Sat, May 12, 2012    9:30am-5:30pm
• CALGARY  1 Sat, May 5 2012  9:30am-5:30pm
• MONTREAL  1 Sat, July 28, 2012    9:30am-5:30pm
• TORONTO   1 Sun, July 29, 2012    9:30am-5:30pm

4 Week  FOUNDATION  
• VANCOUVER   4 Tues, Sept 25-Oct 16, 2012   6:00-9:00pm
• CALGARY   4 Tues, Sept 25-Oct 16, 2012 6:00-9:00pm

3 Day INTERMEDIATE     
• VANCOUVER   Sat/Sun/Sun, July 14, 15 & 22, 2012 9:30am-5:30pm
• CALGARY   Sat/Sun/Sun, May 26, 27 & Jun 3, 2012  9:30am-5:30pm
• TORONTO   Sat/Sun/Mon, Apr 28 – 30, 2012  9:30am-5:30pm
• VICTORIA   Sat/Sun/Mon, Apr 21 – 23, 2012  9:30am-5:30pm
• MONTREAL Sat/Sun/Mon, Sept 15-17, 2012 9:30am-5:30pm

9 Week INTERMEDIATE 
• CALGARY   9 Tuesdays, Oct 23-Dec 18, 2012 6:00-9:00pm
• VANCOUVER  9 Mon, Oct 15 – Dec 10, 2012 6:00pm-9:00pm

6 Day  ADVANCED  
• VANCOUVER   2X Sat/Sun/Mon, May 26-28 & Jun 9-11, 2012 9:30am-5:00pm
• TORONTO Sat/Sun X2, Oct 27-28, Nov 3-4, 10-11, 2012 9:30am-5:00pm

15 Week  ADVANCED 
• VANCOUVER   15 Wed, Sept 5 – Dec 12, 2012: 6:00pm-8:30pm
• CALGARY   15 Wed, Sept 12 – Dec 19, 2012:6:00pm-8:30pm

 Sasvari’s new Craft Cocktail Course joins PICA’s already well recognized three-tiered Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Certifications and Western Living’s newly minted ‘Top 40 Foodies Under 40’ as well as, Certified Cicerone Chester Carey’s Serious Beer Series completing PICA’s culinary centre’s educational journey to plate and glass.

Well acknowledged among Vancouver’s growing, passionate and committed cocktail scene, Sasvari brings a Craft Cocktail Course that will cover both theory and practical skills.  In addition, to the structured spirits tastings and hands-on preparations they are expertly paired with culinary tidbits both traditional and adventurous.

The course will also include influential Vancouver cocktail scene guest lecturers such as also, newly listed in Western Living’s ‘Top 40 Foodies Under 40’, Tyler Schramm, Master Distiller of ‘Pemberton Distillery’ as well as, craft mixologist Lauren Mote of ‘Kale & Nori Catering’ and the ‘Bittered Sling Bistro’.

Enter the world of a ‘behind the wood’ mixologist and levy quality ingredients, the science of distillation and the physiology of taste with hands-on preparations of classic and creative cocktails.  Course starts Monday, April 16th and is offered at an unbeatable $599.00 + HST (includes glassware, essential bar tools and manual). For more information or to enroll visit http://www.picachef.com/craft_cocktails.html.

Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts is one of Canada’s first highly accredited private culinary institutes providing Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts Diploma programs. Core culinary curriculums include a mandatory Wine & Spirit Education Trust Foundation (WSET) Level Certification and because PICA is as a designated WSET provider students and the general public can carry on to attain WSET Intermediate and Advanced Wine Certifications.

Also, built into the curriculum is a Food & Beverage Operations Management Program where graduates are able to hone their skill sets in an extensively renovated and industry relevant student-run Bistro 101 and Bakery 101.  A top-notch Catering Department and alongside being Vancouver’s premiere hands-on cooking class provider affords PICA the prestige of being one of Canada’s premiere culinary centres dedicated to culinary excellence.

To contact us please call (604) 734-4488 or visit http://www.picachef.com/

“The Wine Festival has flourished in its relationship with the Playhouse Theatre Company and we are saddened by today’s news,” says Wine Festival Board Chair Randy Kaardal. “However, the Wine Festival is a separate society and will continue in staging one of the city’s premier Festivals with our industry partners. We look forward to hosting a successful and vibrant Festival for our patrons in 2013.”

The Playhouse Wine Festival is produced by the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival Society and operates the Festival independently from the Playhouse Theatre Company with its own staff, operations and offices. In 2013 the Festival’s Theme Region will be California and its Global Focus will be Chardonnay.

ABOUT THE PLAYHOUSE WINE FESTIVAL
Canada’s premier wine show will run from February 25^th to March 3^rd, 2013. The Festival features a week of special events including the Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction, wine seminars, wine minglers, winery dinners, and lunches and brunches at fine restaurants and hotels. The Playhouse Wine Festival is produced by the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival Society.

The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival announced this year’s trade competition winners at the 9th Annual Awards Lunch on Friday, March 2nd, 2012. The Celebrating Excellence Awards Lunch gives the Festival a chance to honour and celebrate those professionals who have contributed to our region’s exceptional wine and food culture. In honour of the awards, guests enjoyed lunch prepared by culinary talent Blair Rasmussen, Executive Chef to the VCC, and toasted winners with wines from Chile, this year’s Festival theme region.

SPIRITED INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL (SIP) AWARD
The Spirited Industry Professional Award annually honours an individual who has made a significant contribution to the sales, service or promotion of wine in British Columbia. The seventh annual SIP Award goes to Richard Carras, Vice President Western Canada of Authentic Wine & Spirits Merchants. For over 25 years, Carras has been a leader in the wine industry. In the early 1980’s he set up and ran western Canada’s first Wine Bar in Kitsilano and in 1997, he became the first Canadian employee for Robert Mondavi, where he worked his way up to become the Export Sales Director for Asia & the Americas. In 2006 he helped to establish the Western division of Authentic Wine & Spirits Merchants, which now has employees and offices throughout Western Canada. Inducted into the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association Hall of Fame in 2011, Carras is also a past president of the International Society of Wine Educators, and is a “Certified Wine Educator”, a certification held by only around 250 people worldwide.

SOMMELIER OF THE YEAR AWARD
The 12th annual Sommelier of the Year Award recognizes outstanding wine knowledge and wine service. This year’s award goes to Terry Threlfall. Threlfall is the renowned Sommelier and Wine Director at Vancouver’s Hawksworth Restaurant. His expertise stems from over a decade spent working as Head Sommelier and Wine Buyer at London’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Chez Bruce. Furthermore, Threlfall is certified by the International Sommelier Guild and was the first Canadian Sommelier to become a regular panelist for Decanter magazine. The Sommelier of the Year is awarded based on votes by key members in the industry and is also included in the May Restaurant Awards issue of Vancouver Magazine.

WINE LIST AWARDS
Celebrating the best food and wine pairings in the business, restaurants throughout British Columbia and Alberta have been recognized for creating wine lists that complement their establishment’s unique menu and concept. Candidates submitted their wine and menu lists, and were then visited by judges who reviewed their programs. The top restaurants were awarded Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze, or commended with an Honourable Mention. The Wine List Awards are sponsored by Vancouver Magazine.

METRO VANCOUVER

Platinum:
Blue Water Café & Raw Bar
Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca
Hawksworth Restaurant
West

Gold:
Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar
CinCin Ristorante & Bar
Fraiche
L’Abattoir
MARKET by Jean-Georges
Nicli Antica Pizzeria
Salt Tasting Room
Wine Room at Joey Bentall One

Silver:
C Restaurant
Chambar
Cork & Fin
Edible Canada at the Market
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
Lift Bar Grill View
Maenam
Tableau Bar Bistro
The Observatory
YEW restaurant + bar
Zest Japanese Cuisine

Bronze:
Raincity Grill
The Salmon House

Honourable Mention:
Al Porto Ristorante
Gramercy Grill
The Beach House Restaurant
WHET kitchen bar patio

WHISTLER

Gold:
Araxi Restaurant & Bar
Rimrock Café

Honourable Mention:
Ric’s Grill Whistler
The Grill Room at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler

VANCOUVER ISLAND AND GULF ISLANDS

Silver:
Galiano Inn (Galiano Island)
Nautical Nellies (Victoria)
The Pacific Restaurant (Victoria)
Vis à Vis Wine & Charcuterie Bar (Victoria)

Honourable Mention:
Ric’s Grill Victoria
The Landing West Coast Grill (Victoria)
Mix by Ric’s (Sooke)
Zambri’s (Victoria)

OTHER BC

Silver:
The Restaurant at Painted Boat (Madeira Park)

Bronze:
La Bussola Restaurant (Kelowna)
Local Lounge + Grille (Summerland)

Honourable Mention:
Whitetooth Mountain Bistro (Golden)

ALBERTA

Platinum:
Divino Wine & Cheese Bistro (Calgary)
Vin Room (Calgary)

Gold:
Catch Restaurant and Oyster Bar (Calgary)
Cilantro (Calgary)
Emerald Lake Lodge (Calgary)
RUSH (Calgary)
The Ranche Restaurant (Calgary)

Honourable Mention:
Ric’s Grill Downtown Calgary
Ric’s Grill Grande Prairie

THE ART INSTITUTE OF VANCOUVER WINE PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE
Sommeliers and wine professionals vied for the chance to win The Art Institute of Vancouver Wine Professional Challenge, now in its seventh year. Competitors were required to rotate around 5 judging stations and speak for 3 minutes on a specified wine-related topic. This year, the challenge winner presented with the coveted Puddifoot Award by Mr. John Puddifoot was Adrien Boisvert from Black + Blue.

BLIND TASTING CHALLENGE
On Wednesday February 29th, 2012 wine trade and service professionals, culinarians, and non-professional connoisseurs alike competed in the Blind Tasting Challenge. They blind tasted seven wines and identified them using the Wine and Spirit Education Trust’s Systematic Approach to Tasting. This year the Blind Tasting Challenge winners were Brian Glaum (consumer) Leah Gamache of Chambar (culinary) and Lesley Anne Saito of Legacy Liquor Store (trade).

ABOUT THE PLAYHOUSE WINE FESTIVAL
The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival, Canada’s premier wine show, runs from February 27th to March 4th, 2012. The Playhouse Wine Festival is one of the biggest and oldest wine festival events in the world. In 2012, the theme region is Chile, while the global focus is Cabernet(s). The Festival features a week of special events including the Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction, wine seminars, wine minglers, winery dinners, and lunches and brunches at fine restaurants and hotels. The Playhouse Wine Festival is produced by the Vancouver Playhouse 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 Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company. Since its inception in 1979, the Festival has raised over $7.2 million to enable Western Canada’s leading theatre company to mount 223 productions and develop extensive community outreach and educational programs.

Each week during the course, students will learn about the history, discover the terroir and taste the wines of France’s eight major winegrowing regions. The course curriculum is endorsed by the French National Wine Office.

Regions studied are:

Champagne
Burgundy
Bordeaux
Rhône Valley
Alsace
Loire Valley
Southern & South-West France
Beaujolais

In this program, students will have the opportunity to sample an extensive selection of high quality French wines from rare and exciting appellations such as Condrieu and Savennières through the great classic regions of Burgundy and Bordeaux to some of France’s more eclectic grapes and wines.

The course culminates in week nine with a 100 question multiple choice exam. Students who pass will earn the title ‘French Wine Scholar’ and be permitted to use the post-nominal FWS. (There will also be an optional French themed wine-paired dinner post-exam)

Total Program Price is $975

Price includes

• 250-page, full color, French Wine Scholar study manual
• Complimentary access to the French Wine Scholar Online Study program ($285 value)

Next courses start:

Vancouver on Monday April 2nd

• Runs for 9 weeks (no class on April 9th & May 21st)
• Once a week for 3 hrs from 6 – 9 pm

Edmonton on Tuesday April 3rd

• Runs for 9 weeks
• Once a week for 3 hrs from 6 – 9 pm

Victoria on Wednesday April 4th

• Runs for 9 weeks
• Once a week for 3 hrs from 6 – 9 pm

For further information, please contact:
Mark Shipway
E: mshipway@aii.edu
P:778.373.9022

Three nights, three unique experiences, one incredible room of wine

The heart of the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival, the International Festival Tasting Room (or IFT) offers three nights of unparalleled tasting opportunities from March 1st to 3rd. With tickets priced at just $95 (inclusive of all taxes and fees) the IFT is a unique chance to taste rare bottles and discover new treasures as you visit with renowned winery principals from around the globe. For the first time the International Festival Tasting will face out onto the majestic North Shore Mountains, the perfect backdrop for North America’s largest consumer wine event. This year’s IFT will also be the largest to date with a whopping 54,782 sqft of space – 39% larger than any other IFT in Festival history.

Playing out over three consecutive evenings, each night of the IFT is unique. On Thursday capacity is guaranteed to be 25% lower, offering an excellent opportunity for wine aficionados to interact with some of the world’s top winery principals. Friday evening’s session is perfect for groups and the after-work crowd looking kick off the weekend in style, while Saturday night is ideal for couples and friends eager to enjoy a night on the town. Looking for a VIP experience? Amplify your evening in the Tasting  Room with premium wines and light bites at the Gold Pass Tasting Lounge on Friday and Saturday evenings. Make a full night of it by enjoying an evening with one of the Festival’s hotel partners. Tickets to Gold Pass Tasting Lounge and IFT are still available by visiting www.playhousewinefest.com

This year, Chile takes centre stage as the Theme Region at the 2012 Playhouse Wine Festival. While in the Tasting Room make sure to check out the Wines of Chile Focus Stations, where three different varietals from Chile – Sauvignon Blanc, Carmenere, and Cabernet Sauvignon – will be presented by sommeliers who can answer your questions at three different tasting bars. If you’re interested in how Chile is leading the charge in sustainability in winemaking you can learn more about Wines of Chile’s Certified Sustainability program, then stick around for an informative and energetic video that brings more of Chile right into the room.

A true viticultural Eden, Chile’s appellation system is made up of four major D.O. regions from north to south: Coquimbo, Aconcagua, Central Valley and the Southern Region. Each of these has several sub-regions, each with distinct climatic features and terroir. The IFT will see 35 participating Chilean wineries. Taste them all!

While in the IFT, don’t miss the “Life is a Cabernet” Tasting Station. As this year’s Global Focus there are more than 185 different Cabernet(s) in the Tasting Room. Experts from the International Sommelier Guild will be your guides through a tasting-tour of this impressive and diverse varietal.

Along with the “Life is a Cabernet” Tasting Station, the IFT will also feature five Regional Tasting Stations. Grab your glass and embark on a wine tour of Australia, British Columbia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the South of France as you sample the specialties of each region.

Find something you love? Look for it in the BC Liquor Stores Festival Wine Shop, located onsite in the International Festival Tasting. For three nights only, the shop will carry all tasting room wines, some of which are not regularly available in the market. The shop is accessible with a corresponding Tasting Room ticket stub. And don’t worry if you don’t feel like carrying your wine haul home. For your convenience, the BC Liquor Stores Festival Wine Shop offers a free bottle check service. Buy early in the evening to avoid disappointment and have your purchases set aside for you to pick up when you leave. For added convenience, purchases can be shipped free of charge to your local BC Liquor Store. After the tasting, visit the BC Liquor Stores Get Home Safe booth, located outside the Festival Wine Shop, and pick up a complimentary single zone transit ticket. The ride’s on us!

Have an iPhone? Navigate the Festival this year with the new winefest app, where you can locate events, learn about speakers, and the wines you’ve tasted and make notes on what you want to buy. Now available for free download from the iTunes store: http://bit.ly/wNt3nM

ABOUT THE PLAYHOUSE WINE FESTIVAL

The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival, Canada’s premier wine show, will run from February 27th to March 4th, 2012. The Playhouse Wine Festival is one of the biggest and oldest wine festival events in the world. In 2012, the Theme Region will be Chile and the Global Focus, Cabernet(s). The Festival features a week of special events including the Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction, wine seminars, wine minglers, winery dinners, and lunches and brunches at fine restaurants and hotels. The Playhouse Wine Festival is produced by the Vancouver Playhouse 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 Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company. Since its inception in 1979, the Festival has raised over $7.5 million to enable Western Canada’s leading theatre company to mount 229 productions and develop extensive community outreach and educational programs. For more information visit www.playhousewinefest.com.

Vancouver Has A Taste For The BC Children’s Hospital Foundation

For its 18th year, Liberty Merchant Company hosted over 500 guests at the Four Seasons Hotel to indulge in drinks and fare from BC’s best wineries, breweries, distilleries, cideries and food purveyors.

Taste BC 2012 raised in excess of $15,000 for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Oak Tree Clinic.

Liberty Merchant Company would like to thank everyone who donated time, effort and product to our cause.

Taste BC 2012 was proudly sponsored by 100.5 the Peak, CTV, Edible Vancouver, Metro News, Yelp.ca, Precision Graphics & Fluff Designs.

A special thank you to our generous donors: Banana Tans, Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar, Butchart Gardens, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Coquitlam Centre, Craigdarroch Castle, Dezire Chic Corsets, Edible BC, Grouse Mountain, Hagensborg Chocolates, Lesley Stowe Fine Foods, Museum of Anthropology, Okanagan Opals, Opus Hotel, Pacific Surf School, Prince of Whales, Skoah, Suite Living, Sun Peaks, Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver Maritime Museum, Vancouver Playhouse Wine Festival, Ted Loo Fitness and The Wickaninnish Inn.

People’s Choice Awards

Favourite Winery: Domain de Chaberton Estate Winery & Cedar Creek Estate Winery
Favourite Brewery: R&B Brewing
Favourite Food: Savoury Chef – Pumpkin Tarts

Official Judging Results

Judges: Kurtis Kolt, Jake Skakun, Robert Stelmachuk, Jason Yamasaki & Tyler Dawson

Best of Show Wine: Hester Creek 2009 Cabernet Franc Reserve

Best of Show Beer: Lighthouse Brewing Uncharted Belgian IPA

Wine

Gold Medal Wines: Averill Creek 2010 Pinot Grigio, Blue Mountain 2010 Gamay Noir, Blue Mountain NV Gold Label Brut, Elephant Island 2010 Framboise Dessert Wine, Fairview Cellars 2008 Mad Cap, Foxtrot 2008 Pinot Noir, Foxtrot 2010 Chardonnay, Lake Breeze 2010 Pinot Blanc, Painted Rock 2009 Red Icon, Quails’ Gate 2010 Dry Riesling, Wild Goose 2010 Autumn Gold.

Silver Medal Wines: Blue Mountain 2010 Chardonnay, Calliope 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Cedar Creek 2007 Platinum Merlot, Ex Nihilo 2009 Pinot Noir, Ex Nihilo 2010 Riesling, Forbidden Fruit 2009 Pomme Desiree, Hester Creek 2010 Character Red Blend, Lake Breeze 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Seven Poplars, Lake Breeze 2010 Semillon, Mt. Boucherie 2010 Gewürztraminer, Painted Rock 2009 Merlot, Painted Rock 2010 Chardonnay, Quails Gate 2010 Chardonnay, St. Hubertus 2009 Dry Riesling, Stoneboat 2010 Chorus, Summerhill Pyramid NV Cipes Brute, Thornhaven 2009 Pinot Noir, Thornhaven 2010 Pinot Gris, Tinhorn Creek 2009 Merlot, Wild Goose 2010 Blanc de Noirs, Wild Goose 2010 Riesling Stony Slope.

Bronze Medal Wines: Averill Creek 2008 pinot Noir, Blasted Church 2010 Hatfield’s Fuse, Calliope 2010 Rosé, Cedar Creek 2008 Chardonnay, Domaine de Chaberton 2010 Bacchus VQA, Elephant Island 2009 Pink Elephant, Fairview Cellars 2009 two Hoots, Fort Berens 2010 Chardonnay, Hester Creek 2010 Character White Blend, Lake Breeze 2010 Chardonnay Seven Poplars, Moon Curser 2009 Dead of Night, Quails Gate 2008 Stewart family reserve Pinot Noir, Stag’s Hollow 2010 Con-Fusion, Thornhaven 2008 Evolution.

Honorable Mention Wines: Averill Creek 2010 Cowichan Black, Blue Mountain 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Calliope 2010 Figure 8, Elephant Island 2010 “I Told You So”, Mt. Boucherie 2010 Gamay Noir, Mt. Boucherie 2010 Pinot Gris, Mt. Boucherie 2010 Pinot Noir, Oak Bay 2010 Gewürztraminer, Rustic Roots 2010 Plum, Sonoran Estates 2007 Forbidden Love Icewine, Sonoran Estates 2007 Oraniensteiner Icewine, St. Hubertus 2010 Chasselas.

Beer

Gold Medal Beer: R&B Brewing Eastside Bitter.

Silver Medal Beers: Lighthouse Brewing Belgian Black, R&B Brewing Hoppelganger IPA.

Bronze Medal Beers: Lighthouse Deckhand Belgian Saison, R&B Brewing Raven Cream Ale, R&B Brewing Red Devil Pale Ale, R&B Brewing Sun God Wheat Ale, Tree Brewing Hop Head IPA, Tree Brewing Vertical Winter Ale.

Honorable Mention Beers & Ciders: Lighthouse Overboard Imperial Pilsner, Trees Brewing Dukes Cider, Tugwell Creek 2009 Harvest Melomel.

About Liberty Merchant Co.

Established in 1986, Liberty Merchant Co. is the parent company of Liberty Wine Merchants, the largest chain of private wine stores in Western Canada. Liberty imports more than 400 exclusive and affordable wines and spirits, all hand-selected from over 120 of the world’s top wine producers. Liberty Wine Merchants carries 5,000 wines through five locations in Metro Vancouver,  along with its original location in Point Roberts, WA.

For additional information on Liberty Merchant Company, please visit http://www.libertymerchantcompany.com.

A fundraiser for the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company and arguably one of the most important wine events in North America, this year’s event will bring 180 participating wineries from 15 countries. Expected to entertain some 25,000 oeno-enthusiasts at 64 events, the Festival will offer seven days of tastings, seminars, and wine focused minglers hosted at the Vancouver Convention Centre West and top Vancouver restaurants, hotels and venues.

Beginning at 9:30AM on January 10th, 2012, tickets to the Playhouse Wine Festival can be purchased online at PlayhouseWinefest.com or by phoning the Playhouse Box Office at 604-873-3311 or toll free at 1-877-321-3121.

The full Festival brochure can be viewed online at http://playhousewinefest.com/page376.htm.

Follow Playhouse Wine Fest on Twitter for up to the minute information on remaining tickets and sold out events: http://twitter.com/PlayhouseWine.

THEME REGION: WINES OF CHILE

Wines of Chile take centre stage as the Theme Region at the 2012 Playhouse Wine Festival.  Surrounded by sea and mountains, Chile offers an incredible diversity of terroir and a broad range of grape varieties. From crisp Sauvignon Blanc to lush Chardonnay, zippy Riesling or fragrant Viognier, juicy Merlot or classic Cabernet, festival goers will have the opportunity to sample these and many more from the 14 valleys that are home to Chile’s incredibly diverse wineries.

A TASTE OF THIS YEAR’S CHILEAN WINE EVENTS

Taste Chile – Tuesday, February 28th

Kick off the festival with a casual, fun wine and food grazing at the iconic Waldorf Hotel. Let the venue take you back to 1947 while the wines bring you up to speed on what this exciting region has to offer. Chilean styled canapés created by Executive Chef Cesar de la Parra will pair wonderfully with the exceptional Chilean wines, while the beats of resident DJ El Garzita help set the mood.

West Coast Montes – Wednesday, February 29th

Chile’s iconic Montes Winery and Vancouver’s acclaimed West Restaurant unite to present this exclusive evening offering the best that each region has to offer. Esteemed Chairman and Winemaker Aurelio Montes will offer insight and commentary about their premium Chilean wines paired with the impeccable cuisine of West Executive Chef Quang Dang.

The Next Star Grape: Syrah – Friday, March 2nd

What will be the next big thing in wine? With its diversity of climates, Chile is able to produce some fantastic examples of Syrah from big, lusty, juicy delights from warmer climates to cooler climates where the wines turn sublimely spicy and complex. Rhys Pender MW and DJ Kearney will lead participants on a journey through some stunning examples of Chilean Syrah – will it be Chile’s next star?

K.I.S.S. – Sunday, March 4th

Three courses. Three wineries. Nine wines. For one price you get two tickets to this wine and food pairing cooking class hosted by Caliterra, Emiliana and San Pedro. Chef Instructor David Robertson of the Dirty Apron Cooking School, along with Chambar’s resident wine expert Robert Stelmachuk, will guide you through the basics of creating a simple meal while giving the low down on wine and food pairing.

GLOBAL FOCUS: CABERNET(S)

Cabernet Sauvignon is often called the King of Wine. When someone refers to “Cabernet,” they are almost certainly talking about the big daddy of this year’s Global Focus. Cabernet’s distinct character and class is unique in the wine world. At the highest level of quality, Cabernet Sauvignon is the primary varietal in the world’s most sought-after wines, demanding some of the world’s highest prices. Cabernet Franc, or Cab-Franc, is principally grown for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in Bordeaux-style wines, but can also be vinified alone. As a single varietal, it usually benefits from small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and can be as intense and full-bodied as either of those wines.

Think of it as Cabernet’s hip cousin.

A TASTE OF THIS YEAR’S CABERNET(S) EVENTS

Caymus Vertical Tasting –Wednesday, February 29th

This is a unique opportunity to experience a rare vertical tasting of wines from the Napa Valley’s Caymus Vineyards. Chuck Wagner, Owner and Winemaker, will conduct this tasting, which will cover seven vintages of the winery’s iconic Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon. Special Selection is the only wine to have twice been named Wine Spectator’s “Wine of the Year.”

Kings of Cabernet Sauvignon – Thursday, March 1st

While Cabernet Sauvignon’s identifiable characteristics are found in all its wines, each region adds its own signature to the intrinsic black currant aromas and rich tannins of the variety. Join Master of Wine Barbara Philip and a panel of leading experts for a comparative tasting of top notch Cabernets from around the world.

Speaking Frankly About Franc – Saturday, March 3rd

Rarely seen on its own, Cabernet Franc tends to be more at ease partnered with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Join house wine co-owners Michelle Bouffard and Michaela Morris as they reveal the true character of our unsung hero. You’ll meet Cab Franc in its unadulterated expression from the Loire Valley, Washington, Argentina, California and BC, and discover why it is so important in blends in Bordeaux, Chile, Italy and beyond.

ABOUT THE PLAYHOUSE WINE FESTIVAL

The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival, Canada’s premier wine show, will run from February 27th to March 4th, 2012. The Playhouse Wine Festival is one of the biggest and oldest wine festival events in the world. In 2012, the Theme Region will be Chile and the Global Focus, Cabernet(s). The Festival features a week of special events including the Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction, wine seminars, wine minglers, winery dinners, and lunches and brunches at fine restaurants and hotels. The Playhouse Wine Festival is produced by the Vancouver Playhouse 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 Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company. Since its inception in 1979, the Festival has raised over $7.5 million to enable Western Canada’s leading theatre company to mount 229 productions and develop extensive community outreach and educational programs.

• ·  These credentials are a valuable and widely respected mark of a wine professional’s commitment to personal career development and ultimately to the wine industry as a whole.
• ·  Individuals that receive professional certification raise the standard of proficiency in the wine arena and assist the industry by elevating the knowledge base of everyone with whom they come in contact.
• ·  Professional certification encourages an industry to build upon itself by fostering an environment where individuals can pursue excellence and achieve subject mastery.

Schedule:

Each Tuesday : Jan. 31, Feb. 7/14/21/28, March 6  from 6:30pm to 9:30pm

Exam: Monday, 12th March : 6pm to 7pm

 Price :

$915 +HST (For industry member special rate, contact us). 

BC Wine School is now part of Vinoscenti.

For more information www.vinoscenti.ca

BC Wine School Team
101-1220 West 6th Avenue – Vancouver BC V6H 1A5
info@bcwineschool.com or 604.684.6000