Canada turns 150 next year and the Vancouver International Wine Festival (VIWF) has invited the wine world to the party. And the wine world has responded: the 2017 festival will feature more than 100 international wineries and about 75 Canadian wineries at Canada's premier wine show. The Canadian lineup includes wineries from British Columbia, Ontario and, for the first time, Nova Scotia. The 39th annual VIWF takes place February 11 to 19 and features a projected 1,600 wines from 16 countries; the theme is The Wine World Celebrates Canada.
"We're looking forward to showcasing the largest selection of Canadian wineries ever assembled at an international wine festival," said executive director Harry Hertscheg. "With over 175 attending wine stars and winery principals, along with national and international media and buyers, VIWF 2017 will be an unprecedented opportunity for Canada to understand its place in the wine world, both as a long-time importer and an emerging exporter of premium wines."
In addition to the tasting room that features all participating wineries pouring well over 800 wines to consumers and trade, VIWF offers some 50 special events including a gala auction, winery dinners, grazing lunches, wine parties, tutored tastings and trade-specific events, including an industry symposium. Event themes include cool-climate wines, sparkling wine, iconic wines from iconic places, and a focus on Riesling and Pinot Noir varietals..
A key part of VIWF is the 10-event Trade Days Conference on February 15, 16 and 17 for wine and fine dining professionals. The festival is a major fundraiser for Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival. Since inception, VIWF has raised $8.7 million for the performing arts, including $235,000 for Bard in 2016.
