Heralding its 16th year, this renowned wine and food festival has grown in notoriety around the world drawing in locals and tourists alike. DARPAN Magazine was invited to attend the spectacular Cornucopia festival and attend some of the best events during this epicurean extravaganza celebrating all things wine, spirits and cuisine.
Running from November 7–11, foodies and wine enthusiasts indulged their palates in gourmet canapés prepared by culinary geniuses and award-winning British Columbia and international wines. In addition, visitors to Cornucopia had the opportunity to attend seminars, competitions and VIKING Stage Series featuring local/regional restaurants, chefs, producers, breweries, distilleries and wineries.
Arriving on Thursday, November 8, the DARPAN team was excited to dive into Cornucopia, which is presented by the NorthShore Credit Union. Walking around Creekside and Whistler Village, we were not only treated to the beauty of this world-class resort-town and picturesque snow on the mountain tops, but there was an amazing atmosphere brewing, you could literally feel the excitement in the air.
House Party – Best of BC
Our first stop was at Whistler’s Conference Centre’s Grand Foyer for ‘House Party – Best of BC.’ We were greeted to the sounds of live music, and walking around we encountered local gourmet cuisine, including amazing chocolates from Burnaby’s Hagensborg Chocolates and savoury dairy-free treats from Daiya. House partiers had the chance to sample domestic wines, micro-brewed beers and home-grown vodka. Our personal favourites included Whistler Brewing Co.’s classic, crisp Powder Mountain Lager and their new winter creation – Chestnut Ale, a delicious dark brown, smooth concoction that will delight the senses this Christmas season. We also gravitated towards Stoneboat Vineyards 2011 Pinot Gris with its apricot, grapefruit and orange blossom aromas.
‘Best of the Vinos’ – presented by Wines of BC
On to the next, we entered the Conference Centre’s Sea to Sky Ballroom for the ‘Best of the Vinos’ – a unique event, known as the ‘world’s first wine-based film festival’ that showcases a series of short films to ‘rejoice life through wine.’ A highlight of Cornucopia since 2010, attendees of this year’s VINOS were exposed to 20 short films created throughout the province. The audience was asked to vote by ‘clap-o-meter’ for their favourite film. And the People’s Choice Award went to ‘The Real Housewines of British Columbia’ produced by Larklyn Statten. As you can imagine, the short film was a parody of the reality TV series but its stars represented different BC wineries.
CRUSH Gala Grand Tasting
Taking place on Friday, Nov. 8 and Saturday, Nov. 9, the CRUSH Galas’ are the flagship tasting events of Cornucopia. Attendees mix, mingle and of course, sample their way through dozens of wineries offering the best whites, reds and champagne, plus there is an opportunity to sample spirits. Walking through the Sea to Sky Ballroom, there were so many options to choose from, but it was great being able to refer to the CRUSH guide that highlights all the participants.
Cornucopia’s Top 25 winners, selected through blind tasting by wine industry experts, included Top RED Wine: Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2006; Top WHITE Wine: Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars Chardonnay 2011; and Top SPARKLING Wine: Cristalino Cava Brut.
Eau du Vie – A Spirited Affair: 5280 Bar at the Four Seasons
Participating in Cornucopia for the first time, Four Seasons dazzled the festival attendees with a posh, sultry experience – Eau du Vie – featuring luxury spirit brands Patron Tequila and Remy Martin Cognac. The 5280 Bar was divided into sections offering diverse cocktails with international flair from French to Mexican-inspired concoctions. Walking through the sexy spaces with a mix of low and multi-coloured lighting, the mood was fun, festive and fashionistas swayed to the eclectic DJ beats. Waiters waltzed around with appetizers including a scrumptious duck canapé. Definitely one of my favourite Cornucopia events, and the one-of-a-kind margaritas were to die for!
Quattro – White Alba Truffle Mushroom Lunch
Hundreds of locals and tourists alike flocked to this divine lunch, in which Quattro at Whistler flew in $7,000 worth of White Alba Truffle Mushrooms. Serving a Piedmont 3 course luncheon, attendees had the rare chance of indulging in one of the world’s most acclaimed culinary delicacies known as the “diamond of the kitchen.” Prepared by Executive Chef Jeremie Trottier, the dishes arrived at the tables, than was followed by servers freshly shaving this incredible ingredient onto the cuisine. Paired with wines from Beni Di Batasiolo, the highlight was the main course – Batasiolo Barolo Braised Beef with Wild Mushroom Risotto with of course, freshly shaved white truffle.
Araxi Bubbles + Oceans
Known as the hottest party in Whistler, the lineup around the restaurant and down the block proved Araxi was the place to be on Saturday, Nov. 10. Featuring spectacular champagnes and sparkling wines from around the world, this event celebrated all things bubbles. And we can’t forget, the fresh, melt-in-your-mouth seafood from sushi and jumbo shrimp to freshly shucked oysters.
As a ‘Sex in the City’ fan, I sampled the prestigious Perrier Jouët featured in the movie – simply divine, rich flavoured champagne. On to another French favourite – Veuve Clicquot, what a smooth, refreshing champagne. Truly one of my favourite events, this was a champagne lover’s paradise and the Araxi partygoers were a fun, vibrant crowd to mingle with.
Cornucopia Night Market – A Taste of Asia
Another first for Cornucopia, the Night Market was a treat for the senses! Creating an Asian-style night noodle market in the Sea to Sky Ballroom, this event offered Chinese and Japanese cuisine, sake and beer, in addition to wines and spirits from BC and around the world. The food was absolutely delicious, and favourites included Vancouver’s Shuraku Sake Bar and Bistro – their sparkling sake was spectacular, and after drinking this, it will be hard to go back to hot or cold sake.
Travelling further south, attendees had the chance to sample Panama Red – an award winning premium rum crafted by legendary Ronero “Pancho” Fernandez, who imports directly from his cellars in Panama. This rum became a favourite for attendees in the room, who savoured its smooth, full bodied taste with flavours of caramel, oak, vanilla, brown sugar, cocoa and orange zest.
Conclusion
To sum it up, Whistler’s celebration of wine and food – Cornucopia – is truly a spectacular festival offering an array of diverse events, seminars and galas to please every discerning palate, wine aficionado, beer enthusiast and foodie. Set in one of the most breathtaking and picturesque places in the world, Whistler once again proves why it’s a world-class resort-town in all the seasons. Cornucopia left such an amazing impression on me, that I’m already anticipating its arrival next year.
Image Courtesy of Mike Crane/Tourism Whistler
