Monday, March 11, 2013

Vancouver International Wine Festival

I returned for round two of volunteering on the pouring team for the Vancouver International Wine Festival (formerly the Vancouver Playhouse Wine Festival, but have switched sponsorship to the Bard on the Beach since the Playhouse closed). 

In previous years I've anticipated attending an annual dinner as they're always well put on - fine dining establishments I otherwise wouldn't splurge to visit save for special occasions, professional service and presentation, and introductions/explanations from both wine maker and head chef about why they did what they did to compose our well crafted several-course meal.  Definitely an experience I'd recommend to anyone looking for ritzy evening date during the course of the week-long festival.  Past outings included the Hart House, C Restaurant, Bridges, and Fraiche.

This year a rise in ticket prices coupled with an opportunity to be more involved lead me to skip the dinners and focus on the seminars, and just as last year I had a fantastic time.  A mere four hours of volunteer time grants us entry to the tasting room - a seeming expo of wines to sample, this year offered 763 wines - but beyond the perks to imbibe is more importantly the fun experience; the chance to network and learn some details of the trade from the winemakers and distributors, listen in on the seminars if there's unused seats, easy tasks that contribute to the overall smooth function of the events and the pride of a job well done, a well-managed team with a positive vibe, and an excuse to wear a short black skirt.  We are the elite hand-picked crew commonly mistaken for professionals.  This is a great gig to get into if you can, I look forward to participating again next year.