Friday, September 20th, 2013
LANGLEY, BC: It’s not new news – residents of the Fraser Valley are spending more on wine, than beer, for the first time in three years. The craft beer industry may caution us in reading too much into the Liquor Distribution Branch’s statistics, as craft beer producers have grown in B.C. from only 35 breweries in 2007, to a projected 60 by the end of 2013. Either way, guests to the Fraser Valley Cork and Keg Festival on September 20th will be able to enjoy their fill of both, along with local food pairings, which is just how the Cork and Keg Festival organizers have planned it.
As the only wine, beer, and spirits trade and consumer event outside of Vancouver, the Fraser Valley Cork and Keg provides a platform for international and local wineries, breweries, and distilleries to introduce their products to Fraser Valley-based industry and consumers. “We enjoy the Vancouver-based wine events, but felt the need to connect with our growing audience in the valley,” notes event creator and managing partner, Lynette Faye of KIS Consulting. “We’ve introduced new seminars for our trade guests, which will add another layer of interest to this popular event.”
New for 2013, the seminars are made up of a series of 30-minute sessions hosted by some well-known industry professionals. Self-proclaimed wine nerd, David Stansfield, an internationally accredited sommelier and French Wine Scholar, will take seminar guests through Cool Climate is Hot, exploring emerging regions, including the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island; with Ralf Joneikies, comparing popular styles from the B.C. craft beer front, additional sessions include Flavour vs. Taste with Well Seasoned owner, Angie Quaale. Guests are encouraged to register for the seminars ahead of the event date.
In its third year, the Cork and Keg is anticipating another sellout crowd to their two-part event. “Our consumer event, which runs in the evening, has really taken off,” says Faye. “We know Fraser Valley consumers are increasingly aware of what is available to them, and this event provides each of our guests with an opportunity to find new favourite pairings.” This year’s vendor lineup has seen an increase in breweries, with Fernie Brewing Co., SteamWorks, and Bone Beer joining the event for the first time.
The event will provide guests over 300 different tastings including samplings from award winning Fraser Valley restaurateurs, an oyster bar hosted by Langley fish market, 1 Fish 2 Fish, and live music.
Tickets for the consumer event are $49.95 and include all tastings, and are available through corkandkeg.ca
The only trade and consumer event outside of Vancouver, the Fraser Valley Cork and Keg provides a platform to showcase international and local wine, craft and premium beer and spirits. What will your favourite pairing be?
To purchase tickets visit corkandkeg.ca
