is coming and while its still over a month away, events are already selling out. As we get within spitting distance of the event (see what I did there?), Ill do a column on the best strategies for tackling the massive International Tasting Room. This week however, some long-term planning for you to ensure you find yourself in the right place at the right time with tickets in hand.
The regional focus this year is Chile, meaning there will be increased focus and presence from the country spanning seminars, dinners, and the participation of 35 Chilean wineries out of the Festivals 180. Its always a good bet to take advantage of each years regional theme, a rare opportunity to try such a broad range of wines and explore a countrys regionality, particularly key in a country that stretches over 40 latitude and is flanked by the Andes and the Pacific ocean. Meeting the people behind the labels and tasting as many wines as you can is always the best way to learn about wine.
Heres where youll have the best opportunity to pick up something new, having a blast while youre at it:
Dive right into Wine Fest at this super casual, stand-up grazing event featuring over 20 Chilean wineries, DJ El Garzita and the cuisine of Cesar de la Parra, executive chef of Vancouvers much-loved Nuba Cafés and East Vans favourite cultural compound, . As the guy who runs the East Van Wine Academy out of the same venue, let me be the first to tell you that no place in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»can throw down for a wine event like The Waldorf!
While Chile is the regional focus this year, the mighty Cabernet grape is the varietal focus. Theres gonna be a slew of them, so bring your toothbrush wherever you go! From Bordeaux to Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon is an integral part of many of the worlds best wines, a good handful of them being poured at this event. To top it all off, theres no better person to guide you through Cab country than the charismatic and charming Barbara Philip, our local Master of Wine who is also the European Wine Buyer for the BCLDB. A definite hot ticket.
A not-so-subtle recommendation of an event that Im co-presenting! All for a good cause though, because Sherry is the perennially-misunderstood style of wine. Let me guide you through dry Finos and Manzanillas, all the way through nutty Olorosos and, yes, the sweeter styles of Sherry as well. Paired with charcuterie, cheeses and nuts, Sherry offers a bang-for-your-buck, food-friendly appeal and I guarantee youll leave this one singing the gospel.
Follow up on all of this years events at PlayhouseWineFest.com and do so sooner than later events are selling out daily!
To get you in the mood, why not a little Chilean number this weekend?
Three cheers for value, balance and deliciousness! The Cabernet offers currants and eucalyptus, the Carmenère brings cherries and cocoa, and the Colchagua Valley lends distinct minerality and a Mediterranean climate, keeping the acidity and ripeness in check. Serving slow-braised meats along with it would do many a Chilean proud!
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