Vancouver, BC – written Monday, February 24, 2025 – The Vancouver International Wine Festival is back, and it’s time to uncork the magic of its 46th edition! This year, wine enthusiasts and industry professionals alike are in for a treat, as the festival gathers an impressive lineup of 120 wineries from 15 countries, including a strong presence from the West Coast of North America.
As one of the most prestigious wine trade events globally, the festival offers a unique opportunity to explore an array of exquisite wines from British Columbia wineries and beyond. Excitingly, the festival also presents a chance to savor delightful selections from German, Swiss, and Austrian wine brands, adding a European flair to the festivities. So, are you ready to embark on a journey of flavors and aromas that celebrate the vibrant tapestry of the global wine community? Let’s dive into the details of what’s in store at this year’s spectacular wine tasting adventure!
Discover the Festival
The Vancouver International Wine Festival is a celebration of wine culture, bringing together enthusiasts and professionals from around the world. Participating countries include USA, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chili, Croatia, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain and Sake. Let’s explore the highlights of this year’s event.
Wine Tasting Extravaganza
The heart of the Vancouver International Wine Festival lies in its expansive tasting events. This year, attendees can sample over 1,000 wines from 120 wineries across 15 countries.
The International Festival Tastings are the centerpiece, offering a grand tour of global wines. Here, you can explore diverse varietals, from crisp whites to bold reds, all under one roof.
For those seeking a more intimate experience, the festival also hosts smaller, focused tastings. These events allow for deeper exploration of specific regions or styles, perfect for both novices and connoisseurs.
Don’t miss the opportunity to taste rare and premium wines. Many wineries bring their top-tier selections, giving you a chance to sample bottles that might otherwise be out of reach.
Spotlight on Northwest Wine Events
The festival shines a special light on the thriving wine scene of the Pacific Northwest. With 70 wineries from the West Coast of North America, it’s a showcase of regional excellence.
There will also be 20 participating British Columbia wineries, providing a unique opportunity for trade professionals and wine lovers to compare and contrast wines from all along the West Coast’s vast array of regions, appellations, and grape varieties. This is your chance to discover the unique terroir and innovative winemaking techniques that make BC wines stand out.
California, Oregon, and Washington wineries also make a strong showing. It’s a rare opportunity to compare and contrast wines from all along the West Coast, exploring the vast array of regions, appellations, and grape varieties.
The spirit of collaboration is evident, with U.S. wineries supporting their BC counterparts. This unity highlights the strong bonds within the North American wine community.
Despite recent challenges related to trade and tariffs, all 1,000-plus wines being sampled at events and those for sale at the onsite BCLIQUOR Store remain unaffected. All 43 events will continue as scheduled, offering an opportunity to engage with and discover some of the world’s finest wines. The festival is looking forward to welcoming 50 wineries and their principals from our West Coast neighbours – California, Oregon, and Washington – who are travelling north to engage with the local wine community and contribute to the region’s economy.
European Delights
While the Northwest shines, the festival doesn’t forget its European roots. This section celebrates the Old World’s rich wine traditions. While the festival celebrates the European roots, it also embraces the transatlantic influences that shape the wine landscape today, exemplified by Canadian winery endeavors led by European owners. The Duncan Project emerged on the Zanatta Farm in the Cowichan Valley, where the BC Land Commission once funded wine grape testing on Vancouver Island. Notably, the Blue Grouse Vineyard, located on what became a renowned vineyard, was nurtured by John Harper, with experimental vines planted by Dr. Hans Kiltz and his wife Evangeline. This venture brought European viticultural expertise to British Columbia.
The transformation of Blue Grouse Estate Winery illustrates the enduring impact of European pioneers on Canadian soil. The Kiltz family expanded the vineyard using imported vines from France and Germany, foreshadowing a rich future for wine in the region. Fueled by a love for Cowichan Valley, the Brunner family revitalized the Blue Grouse brand, showcasing the estate’s potential in the modern wine industry. This blend of European tradition and innovation echoes the festival’s celebration of wines and resonates with transatlantic stories of viticulture.
Engage with the Community
The Vancouver International Wine Festival is more than just tastings; it’s about building connections within the wine community.
“Wine unites us in these uncertain times, and we are proud to see the festival continue to serve as a celebration of shared values: a passion for wine, commitment to sustainability, and strong engagement with our local wine community,” says Harry Hertscheg, VIWF Executive Director. “This event is not just about showcasing exceptional wines, but also about bringing people together in support of a vibrant, sustainable future for the wine industry.”
Meet the Wine Experts
The festival brings together a stellar lineup of wine experts, offering attendees the chance to learn from the best in the business.
Seminars and masterclasses cover a wide range of topics, from wine regions and grape varieties to food pairings and industry trends. These sessions are led by renowned experts. A complete list of featured speakers at the festival include: Mark Barden, Dr. Monique Bell, Elaine Chukan Brown, Christine Campbell, Honore Comfort, Evan Goldstein MS, Alysha Harker, DJ Kearney, Erin Korpisto, Neal McLennan, Christian Miller, James Nevison, Keith Nicholson, Dr. Danielle Robinson, Paul Wagner, Dr. Damien Wilson, plus dozens of senior winery representatives on panels.
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet winery principals and winemakers. They’ll be pouring their wines and sharing stories about their craft, offering a personal connection to the wines you’re tasting.
For those interested in the business side of wine, the festival includes trade-focused events. These provide valuable insights into market trends, marketing strategies, and the future of the wine industry.
Economic Impact and Local Support
As a home-grown, not-for-profit event, the Vancouver International Wine Festival generates a positive economic impact for the local community. Participating wineries and their principals, along with thousands of event attendees, agent importers, exhibitors, and industry partners, all contribute to Vancouver’s hospitality and tourism sectors. Local restaurants, hotels, and businesses will benefit significantly from the influx of visitors, further solidifying the festival’s importance to the region’s wine culture.
If you attend only one of the festival’s 43 events, make it an International Festival Tasting. It’s the heart of the festival, where all 121 participating wineries gather to pour ~700 select wines. The room will also include tasting stations and wine bars featuring wines from California, Washington, Oregon, New Zealand, West Coast Chardonnays, sustainable wines, and sparkling wines from around the world. You can also find wine-friendly food and beverage exhibitors offering tasting samples, including ARC Iberico Imports, Caffè Umbria, D’Oro Gelato e Caffè, FIJI Water, Rishi Tea & Botanicals, Soft Crush, Sysco, and Terra International Foods.
The Vancouver International Wine Festival is on now and will run until March 2, 2025 at the Vancouver Convention Centre and other venues. Tickets are available for purchase now at vanwinefest.ca.
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