Whistler’s Cornucopia

Cornucopia, Whistler’s premier wine and food extravaganza is returning on the weekend of
November 11th – 14th, 2010 with another spectacular line up of succulent culinary offerings and glamorous grape galas. Tickets are now on sale for our most popular events so get make sure to check out the Cornucopia website for the latest information on this year’s stunning tastings and seminars.

whistlercornucopia.com

CRUSH
THE party to be part of and Cornucopia’s flagship event – The Grand Gala Tasting. So popular the event is held on two nights – take your pick! Spoil your senses and indulge at CRUSH on Friday November 12th or Saturday November 13th featuring the wine delights of over 75 wineries and heralded as the most anticipated wine event of the Fall.

House Party – Best of BC
Wildly successful in 2009, we are bringing back the ultimate House Party again in 2010. Wine and dine the very best that BC has to offer in gourmet BBQ, microbrewed beer, locally produced award winning wine and even home grown vodka! Cornucopia is putting the “house” back in house party and welcoming festival attendees to come on over and enjoy delights offered by our “city”, our “backyard”, our “house”. Don’t be late!!

Regional Walkabout
Take a trip around the world – Sniff, Sip and Swirl some of the best wines the world has to offer over two afternoons at this regionally focused event! Join some of the most acclaimed wine regions of the world as they host a casual walkabout tasting showcasing new vintages and award winning wines. This is a rare opportunity to meet vintners and explore the wines from these fascinating winemaking mecca’s from across the globe. Hosted in the elegant surroundings of the world class Fairmont Chateau Whistler, the afternoon wine tastings will be accompanied by a sampling of canap?s inspired by these acclaimed regions. The best ticket in town at only $35!

Cornucopia’s Parties

Cornucopia in the true sense of the word is all about an over flowing supply of abundance and this festival definitely lives up to its name. Over both Crush evenings as the Gala Grand Tasting winds down, the night stays alive with glamour, epicurean sensation, music, dancing and an element of surprise. With renowned Champagne Houses of the world; Sterling Silver Girls, lingerie filled catwalks and mixologists working their magic it is obvious why the Cornucopia nightlife is heralded as a highlight on the annual Sea-to-Sky social calendar.?

Cornucopia’s parties will sell out so get your tickets now to avoid disappointment! whistlercornucopia.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH

House Party – Best of BC Tickets: $35 Thursday November 12th, 2009 5pm-8pm Whistler Conference Centre

In 2009 we’re kicking off the festival in true BC style and flair at the ultimate “House Party”. Wine and dine the best that BC has to offer in gourmet BBQ, microbrewery beer, locally produced wine and even home grown vodka! Cornucopia is putting the “house” back in house party and welcoming festival attendees come on over and enjoy delights offered by our “city”, our “backyard”, our “house”. Don’t be late!

Fork & Vine @ Players Chophouse
Tickets: $45
Thursday November 12th, 2009
7pm-11pm

Breaking the biodynamic barrier, one wine at a time.
Join us @ Player’s Chophouse for a canap? and wine tasting soiree focused on celebrating the Organic and biodynamic practices being adopted at vineyards around the world. Along with recognizing Canada as reputable winemaking region, with its own organic wineries to boast of, this event promotes ecologically sound wines from the world over. Sample 5 different wines, from 5 major winemaking regions, all with biodynamic or organic certification. The wines will be paired with culinary offerings produced by Executive Chef, Jon Campbell.

ARTrageous
Tickets: $30
Thursday, November 12th, 2009
Dusty’s in Creekside
8pm ‘til late

ARTrageous is Whistler’s original arts party, and a one-night stand for artists, art lovers and art class renegades. This sold-out event is an eclectic fusion of locally-made creations, costume, interactive art stations, photo studio experiments, funk music, dance and wine. As part of Cornucopia, ARTrageous will satisfy you creative appetite. Tickets are $30; WAC Member price is $15.
For more information visit whistlerartscouncil.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH

Cocktails @ Lakeside Lounge at Nita Lake Lodge
Tickets: $33
Friday November 13th, 2009
6:30pm-8:30pm
“Nita Lake Lodge” Lakeside Lounge & Terrace in collaboration with Victoria Sprits Brings you a “high spirited cocktail hour” Including cocktail created at this year Vic Gin Shake Down competition in Vancouver. The Cocktails will be paired with gin inspired canap?s to make it Cocktail hour fit for Whistler Royalty.

CRUSH Gala Grand Tasting
Friday, November 13th, 2009 – 8:30pm – 11:15pm
The party to be part of and Cornucopia’s flagship event – The Grand Gala Tasting. ?So popular the event is now held on two nights – take your pick! Spoil your senses and indulge at CRUSH on Friday Nov. 13th or Saturday November 14th featuring the wine delights of over 75 wineries and heralded as the most anticipated wine event of the Fall.

Burlesque III
Tickets: ?$45
Friday, November 13th, 2009
Pre Party @ Mountain Club: 8pm – 10pm
Burlesque III @ Garfinkels Night Club: 10pm – 2am
Burlesque Pre Party:
The Pre-Party is where you warm up for the sexy and exciting night to come – Mingling with the lovely Burlesque Beauties and soaking up the Lounge Beats by international DJ Andreas Morel. Tickets include appetizers and 3 beverages, to be enjoyed here or at BURLESQUE!
Burlesque III:
Featuring two very special performances from, ‘Sweet Sin’ by the Burlesque Beauties and live entertainment beginning at 10:30pm. This year’s event boasts more live entertainment than ever before! Live Sax from Buddha Sax, and a set by Bobby James, of Drummatic, plus live vocals by Christine Sing. Burlesque III has something for all senses.

TOP 25 – Celebratory Reception
Tickets: $25
Friday Nov. 13th, 2009
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Lower Level Retail Concourse
5pm-7pm
The Top 25 is an exclusive celebratory reception showcasing the “25 Best Wines of the Festival” as determined by an esteemed 12 person panel of industry experts. This exclusive casual walk around event is sure to get your weekend off to a great start with the best of the best being poured in this intimate setting, coupled with a selection of canap?s prepared by the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

And the winners are…
Jackson–Triggs Okanagan Estate Proprietors’ Reserve Shiraz
Cristalino Cava Brut
Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir
Sumac Ridge Estate Winery Sparkling Non Vintage Tribute
Arrowleaf Cellars Special Select Late Harvest Vidal 2008
Hester Creek Estate Winery Cabernet Merlot 2007
Rodney Strong Vineyards Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Beringer Founders’ Estate Merlot 2006
Inniskillin Okanagan Estate Discovery Series Malbec 2007
Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz 2006
Road 13 Vineyards Fifth Element 2006
Cat Amongst the Pigeons “Nine Lives” Shiraz 2007
Rodney Strong Vineyards Russian River Pinot Noir 2007
Gemtree Uncut Shiraz 2007
Garnacha de Fuego Grenache 2008
Bodegas Ostatu Rioja Crianza 2006
Penfolds Barossa Valley Bin 138 GMS 2007
Altesino Rosso Di Toscana 2007
Hester Creek Estate Winery Reserve Cabernet Franc 2006
See Ya Later Ranch Ping 2007
Road 13 Vineyards Jackpot Chardonnay 2007
Pikes Winery Pikes Traditionale Riesling 2008
Stoneleigh Chardonnay 2007
Bastianich Sauvignon “B” 2008
NK’Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Chardonnay 2007

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH

CRUSH Gala Grand Tasting
Saturday, November 14th, 2009 – 8:00pm – 11:30pm
The party to be part of and Cornucopia’s flagship event – The Grand Gala Tasting. ?So popular the event is now held on two nights – take your pick! Spoil your senses and indulge at CRUSH on Friday Nov. 13th or Saturday November 14th featuring the wine delights of over 75 wineries and heralded as the most anticipated wine event of the Fall.

BUBBLES + OCEANS AFTERPARTY @ Araxi
Tickets: $150, all inclusive
Saturday, November 14th, 2009
10:30 pm
After Crush complete your evening at Araxi’s BUBBLES + OCEANS, a chance to let your hair down in the heart of Whistler Village. A DJ will set the stage for an unforgettable night of sensational music, seductive seafood and luxe bubbles, from 20 of the world’s top Champagne and sparkling wine houses. Executive Chef James Walt will showcase an impressive selection of finely-crafted canap?s and his fabled seafood platters including the finest fresh shucked oysters, sushi and Tofino Dungeness crab. This not-to-be-missed party at Whistler’s premier restaurant is one of the festival’s hottest tickets!

Chopstix,Turntables n’ Lace
Tickets: $50
Saturday, November 14th, 2009
Doors at 9pm – Fashion Show at 10pm
Longhorn Saloon
Asian infused canap?s and cocktails perfectly paired with a show stopping Lingerie inspired fashion show. The show will feature designs from Clothes Minded Apparel and Shea Couturiere whilst showcasing the local talents of Lara and Angela Cooney and Vancouver’s own Shea O’Connor. Sake mixology, domestic and import wines with a selection of imported Asian Beers to taste. Guest DJ to be announced.

For more information and events, please visit: whistlercornucopia.com!

Tickets and packages
Great accommodation AND Crush ticket packages!

3 Peak accommodation: from $170
4 Peak accommodation: from $201
5 Peak accommodation: from $214

Now available at www.whistlercornucopia.com alongside details of the four day event program. Make sure you get your tickets early, especially for Cornucopia’s annual sell-out events!

Cornucopia’s Viking Stage Series

Cornucopia-Whistler’s Celebration of Wine and Food Presents:

THE VIKING STAGE SERIES

Our good friends at Viking are returning again in 2009 to offer up a series of deliciously educational tasting demonstrations aptly named the Viking Stage Series. You won’t want to miss these new and improved seminars that will tempt the senses. The Viking Stage will host outstanding guest chefs touching on topics sustainable seafood to decadent chocolate truffles. This full working kitchen will set up shop in the Grand Foyer of the Whistler Conference Centre.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH

Whistler Chef Challenge
Tickets: FREE
Friday, November 13th, 2009
10am-4pm

Launched at the 2009 TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival to rave reviews and great crowds the Whistler Chef Challenge brings local knife-masters out of the kitchens of the resort, and onto the stainless steel backdrop of Cornucopia’s Viking Stage. At the Whistler Chef Challenge a series of heats will see two local Chefs at a time go head to head in the ultimate foodie throwdown. With live commentary providing heckling and insight, it’s game on as competitors make the most of their 30 minutes to produce delicious fare utilizing a themed ingredient. Come out to see who will be crowned king of the cooks at the 2nd annual competition. ?
FREE ADMISSION

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH

Viking Stage Series: BC Mixer: Rogers’ Chocolates and THERAPY Vineyards wine pairing
Tickets: $20
Saturday November 14th, 2009
10am-11am
Viking Stage, Whistler Conference Centre

Join THERAPY Vineyard and Rogers’ Chocolates as they take you through an exploration of your palate and introduce you to winning combinations of chocolate and wine that you will have to share with all your friends at your next dinner party. Explore all your whites and reds with the finest chocolate in Canada.

Viking Stage Series: Eric Pateman of Edible BC & 8th Generation Winery
Tickets: $25
Saturday November 14th, 2009
12pm to 1:30pm
Viking Stage, Whistler Conference Centre

Come and join Edible BC’s President, Eric Pateman for an informative session discussing sustainable seafood. Chef Pateman will prepare Qualicum Bay scallops with shiso, lemon oil, and smoked sea salt, followed by a succulent birch syrup glazed sablefish with wild BC mushrooms and miso broth. ?Both dishes will be paired with wines from one of BC’s most exciting new wineries – 8th Generation. ?Come and join us for this interactive cooking demo, learn about the Ocean Wise program and take away new recipes for sustainable seafood dishes.

• Scallops paired with 8th Generation Vineyard 2008 Riesling Classic
• Sablefish paired with 8th Generation Vineyard 2008 Chardonnay

A new generation of Winemakers
Our family’s heritage in winemaking dates back to 1783. We are now the eight consecutive generation to produce fine wines, and the first generation in the New World.
8th Generation is an ultra contemporary winery, deeply rooted in tradition.
We welcome you to experience our wonderful, Estate wines.
Bernd H. Schales, 8th generation Winemaker
Stefanie Schales, 10th Generation Winegrower

Viking Stage Series: Entertaining with Canadian Cheeses & Summerhill Pyramid Winery
Tickets: $25
Saturday November 14th, 2009
4pm to 5:30pm
Viking Stage, Whistler Conference Centre

Dairy Farmers of Canada will partner with Summerhill Winery to create a magical pairing of Canadian cheeses and wines.
Wolfgang Stampe will share ideas on how to prepare cheese plates and platters along with “sensing” the cheeses used in the presentations. Bring your taste buds and see if you can find a new favorite Canadian cheese to share with your guests to savour.

Summerhill Pyramid Winey is Canada’s first and largest certified organic winery, making Gold Medal winning organic wines to bring pride to all of Canada. Summerhill also specialises in traditional French method sparkling wines, taking full advantage of the unique central Okanagan terroir. Proprietor Stephen Cipes has created one of the most popular and enduring wine tourism attractions in Canada, with an organic bistro overlooking magnificent views, an informal and entertaining winery tour and tasting room, and the mystique of Summerhill’s famous four story Pyramid wine cellar. Being built with no metals or electricity, being aligned to true north, and with absolute precision in the geometry, the Pyramid is the final phase of Summerhill’s wine making process, where the wine is imbued with cosmic energy and loving intentions.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH

Viking Series: Making Truffles with Rogers’ Chocolates
Tickets: $15
Sunday November 15th, 2009
10am to 11am
Viking Stage, Whistler Conference Centre
Rogers’ Chocolates have been making chocolates for over 120 years in Victoria, BC and will be bringing you their secrets on how to make fresh decadent chocolate truffles at home. Join Cornell and Rogers’ Chocolates to learn all the ins and outs of truffle making and what to do, to help make the recipe your own.

Viking Stage Series: Sushi Village, Select Wines and Gekkeikan Sake
Tickets: $25
Sunday November 15th, 2009
12:30pm to 2pm
Viking Stage, Whistler Conference Centre

Learn the ins and outs of preparing sushi. Chef Nester will lead you through the art of making sushi rice, the safe way to handle and serve raw fish. Starting with a Tai wakame (seaweed) salad with a light vinegar dressing. Followed by a delightfully seared Hawaiian tuna with a succulent garlic sauce. Finishing with a classic California roll made with fresh Dungeness crab wrapped with tobiko. Comes paired with both the traditional sake and wine.

Viking Stage Series: A Walk to Remember with Executive Chef Neal Harkins and
Quails’ Gate Winery
Tickets: $25
Sunday, November 15th, 2009
4:00pm – 5:30pm
Viking Stage, Whistler Conference Centre

Take a stroll through any of our province’s woodlands and you will discover not only mesmerizing sounds of nature and breath taking scenery, but the wonderful tastes B.C. has to offer. ?Join Executive Chef Neal Harkins as he partners up with Quails’ Gate Winery to deliver a tantalizing all B.C. menu to tickle your senses and pamper your taste buds.

Let the Viking Stage Series fill your days and enrich your minds while you gear up for evening activities.Book your spot now as space is limited.

Tickets and packages
Great accommodation AND Crush ticket packages!

3 Peak accommodation: from $170

4 Peak accommodation: from $201

5 Peak accommodation: from $214

Now available at www.whistlercornucopia.com alongside details of the four day event program. Make sure you get your tickets early, especially for Cornucopia’s annual sell-out events!

Package price based on a 2 night stay for 2 people with 2 Crush only tickets for Friday, November 13th or Saturday, November 14th, 2009.

Olympic Wine Pairing Highlighted at 2009 Cornucopia

Cornucopia 2009, Whistler’s Food & Wine Celebration, will showcase BC VQA Wines like never before in preparation for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

In 2010, it is not just Vancouver and Whistler that have the opportunity to showcase themselves to the world, but all of British Columbia. Not only can we showcase our natural beauty and cultural diversity, but also our local food, and our local wine. Amongst the 97 participants to be showcased at Cornucopia, are 23 participating BC Wineries.

To highlight the Wines of BC, the BC Wine Institute (BCWI) has planned an important event for restaurant trade in the Whistler area. The Olympic Bootcamp for BC VQA Wines will be held Friday, November 13th – 10:00 am to 11:30 am at the Whistler Conference Centre.  The BCWI will be sponsoring this educational seminar to reach out to frontline staff from restaurants, hotels and pubs in Whistler to help them prepare for tourists wishing to eat and drink local. Hosted by renowned wine authority David Scholefield, this seminar will focus on the versatility of BC VQA wines for wine lists and food pairings. Tickets ($25) for this trade-only event can be purchased by calling a whistler.com agent at 1-800-WHISTLER.

Cornucopia 2009

Wine Seminars – Swirl, sniff, sip, and savour a selection of vintages at various tasting events.
Details HERE.

Viking Stage Series – Our good friends at Viking are returning again in 2009 to offer up a series of deliciously educational tasting demonstrations aptly named the Viking Stage Series. You won’t want to miss these new and improved seminars that will tempt the senses. The Viking Stage will host outstanding guest chefs touching on topics of inspired bites to organic delights. This full working kitchen will set up shop in the Grand Foyer of the Whistler Conference Centre.
Details HERE.

Winemaker Dinners – Internationally acclaimed Chef’s will inspire any foodie with expertly crafted menus paired to absolute perfection with a spectrum of wines. Enjoy a multi-course meal guaranteed to be remembered at one of Cornucopia’s exquisite Winemaker Dinners. Join select Whistler restaurateurs and their winery partners and treat yourself to a sensory overload. Indulge at these one-off events that will leave you in awe of how food and wine can be fused to enhance a dining experience.
Details HERE.

Tier Dinners - It is no secret Whistler has an unbelievable array of culinary offerings. Cornucopia invites you to enjoy a specially crafted Cornucopia Dining Menu at one of the event’s participating restaurants prior to heading to Crush – the Gala Grand Wine Tasting. With a number of different price points to suit everyone’s budget and 10 menus to chose from, your evening will be off to the perfect start.
Details HERE.

Parties – Cornucopia in the true sense of the word is all about an over flowing supply of abundance and this festival definitely lives up to its name. Over both Crush evenings as the Gala Grand Tasting winds down, the night stays alive with glamour, epicurean sensation, music, dancing and an element of surprise. With renowned Champagne Houses of the world; Sterling Silver Girls, lingerie filled catwalks and mixologists working their magic it is obvious why the Cornucopia nightlife is heralded as a highlight on the annual Sea-to-Sky social calendar.
Details HERE.

CRUSH Gala Grand Tasting
Friday, November 13th, 2009 – 8:30pm – 11:15pm
Saturday, November 14th, 2009 – 8:00pm – 11:15pm
The party to be part of and Cornucopia’s flagship event – The Grand Gala Tasting.  So popular the event is now held on two nights – take your pick! Spoil your senses and indulge at CRUSH on Friday Nov. 13th or Saturday November 14th featuring the wine delights of over 75 wineries and heralded as the most anticipated wine event of the Fall.



House Party – Best of BC
Thursday, November 12th, 2009 5pm – 8pm
In 2009 we’re kicking off the festival in true BC style and flair at the ultimate “House Party”. Wine and dine the best that BC has to offer in gourmet BBQ, microbrewery beer, locally produced wine and even home grown vodka! Cornucopia is putting the “house” back in house party and welcoming festival attendees come on over and enjoy delights offered by our “city”, our “backyard”, our “house”. Don’t be late!

Fork & Vine @ Players Chophouse
Thursday November 12th, 2009
7pm-11pm
Breaking the biodynamic barrier, one wine at a time.
Join us @ Players Chophouse for a canapé and wine tasting soiree focused on celebrating the organic and biodynamic practices being adopted at vineyards around the world. Along with recognizing Canada as reputable winemaking region, with its own organic wineries to boast of, this event promotes ecologically sound wines from the world over.

Sample 5 different wines, from 5 major winemaking regions, all with biodynamic or organic certification. The wines will be paired with culinary offerings produced by Executive Chef, Jon Campbell.

Casino Royale
Friday, November 13th
9pm – 2am Ric’s Grill
Ric’s Grill will be hosting the second annual Casino Royal Party on Friday November 13th. Dust off your tuxedo Mr. Bond and join the Ric’s Grill Sterling Silver Showgirls at the tables. This year we will be pulling out all the stops with the party of the season. Everyone will be there.

Regional Walkabout
Saturday November 14th & Sunday November 15th 2pm – 4pm
Take a trip around the world – Sniff, Sip and Swirl some of the best wines the world has to offer over two afternoons at this regionally focused event! Join South Africa, California and more as they host a casual walkabout tasting showcasing new vintages and award winning wines. This is a rare opportunity to meet vintners and explore the wines from these fascinating winemaking mecca’s from across the globe. Hosted in the elegant surrounds of the world class Fairmont Chateau Whistler, the afternoon wine tastings will be accompanied by a sampling of appetizers inspired by these acclaimed regions. The best ticket in town at only $35!

Slow Food Artisan Market @The Westin Resort & Spa
FREE, Saturday, November 14, 2009
11am to 3pm
This has become a Cornucopia favourite.  Presented by Slow Food Sea-to-Sky and The Westin Resort & Spa, admission to this market is free and located at the Westin.  The market showcases the splendid bounty from the ranches, farms, waters and studios of the region.  Wander through two levels of displays and booths, chat with the artisans about their products and sample their wonderful fare.  But a ‘must’ is to bring a tote bag as you will be able buy a variety of organics from cheeses and vegetables to fabulous baked goods and one-of-a-kind art.  There are also featured regional wineries and breweries.  Westin’s Executive Chef, Jeffery Young, will be preparing food stations throughout the market created with the ingredients from the artisans.  Sample tickets are $1 each with each food and wine station priced from 1 – 7 tickets.  You also get a chance to talk with representatives from Slow Food Sea-to-Sky and buy a membership to the organization as well as bid on silent auction items that the artisans have created for this annual Cornucopia favourite with proceeds going to Slow Food Sea-to-Sky.
Bubbles + Oceans @ Araxi
s Saturday, November 14th
10:30PM
At this party, spitting isn’t an option.
Get pretty to play your backspin at Araxi’s Bubbles + Oceans post-Crush Party – the hottest ticket in town – right in the heart of Whistler Village.

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