Extensive International Wines Available at Vancouver, BC Festival

It’s that time again. The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival is set to begin on February 27. According to Communications Manager Betty Verkuil, the festival is “considered by many in the wine world to be the top consumer wine show in North America.”

This week-long festival is a personal favorite of mine for two reasons. First, you won’t find a series of wine-related events of this size and quality closer to Bellingham. Second, the variety and number of wines available for tasting is staggering.

The International Festival Tasting Room, which will be open from 7:00 to 10:00 pm at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre on March 2, 3 and 4, will feature 750 wines from 15 countries. Particular emphasis will be on the wine regions of France, with a special section in the tasting room featuring 60 wineries and 240 wines from Alsace, Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Champagne, Loire, Rhone and Southern France. Cost for an evenings worth of tastings is $65 Canadian.

An additional 570 wines will be offered through a variety of special events including lunches, dinners, brunches, trade events and educational seminars. Several area hotels are offering special packages and room rates, which all adds up to a great getaway for Whatcom County residents.

For additional information on hotels, wineries, wine events and ticket purchases go to www.playhousewinefest.com.