The Vancouver International Wine Festival runs Feb. 11–19 and spotlights 76 Canadian wineries from British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia. In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, this edition represents the largest gathering of Canadian wineries ever assembled at an international festival.
Alongside the Canadian contingent, the festival will showcase wines from 16 other countries, including Uruguay and Italy, and will feature Turkey’s first-ever appearance. The program blends tastings, educational seminars and social events designed for both wine professionals and enthusiasts.
Highlights in the festival schedule include the Bacchanalia Gala Dinner & Auction (Feb. 11), a signature fundraising evening that pairs notable wines with a multi-course menu. On Valentine’s Day, the Red Seduction Dinner at ARC Restaurant & Lounge (Feb. 14) offers a romantic tasting experience curated by chefs and winemakers.
On Feb. 15 the festival presents Chef at the Opera with Pino Posteraro, owner of Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill, and Robin Shay, export director for the Allegrini winery in Verona. That same day, the Soil & Sea event features CedarCreek Estate Wineries vintner Taylor Whelan alongside Executive Chef Weimar Gomez of YEW Seafood + Bar, showcasing coastal ingredients paired with local and international wines.
Other events include the Delta Air Lines Tasting Lounge (Feb. 17), an informal setting for discovery and networking; the Vintners Brunch with a city tour (Feb. 19), which combines culinary delights with behind-the-scenes insights; and Wine & Dine Great Terroirs on Feb. 19 with Chef-Owner Faizal Kassam of Terroir Kitchen, focusing on terroir-driven pairings and regional culinary influences.
Throughout the festival, visitors can expect a diverse lineup of winemakers, tastings that highlight both established and emerging regions, and seminars that deepen knowledge about viticulture, winemaking techniques and food pairings. The event provides opportunities for attendees to meet winemakers, discover new producers and taste a broad range of styles—from approachable everyday wines to rare and age-worthy bottles.
Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or a curious newcomer, the Vancouver International Wine Festival offers a week of curated experiences that celebrate Canada’s wineries as well as international producers, emphasizing quality, provenance and the stories behind each bottle.