The Vancouver International Wine Festival cancels 2021 event

The final edition of Wine Wednesdays with Bard on the Beach happens October 7.

Photo by Vancouver International Wine Festival

RIGHT ABOUT NOW is usually when the Vancouver International Wine Festival announces the theme and participating wineries for next year.

With the COVID-19 pandemic showing no end in sight, the VIWF board of directors has announced that a large-scale festival won’t be taking place in 2021.

It’s looking at other options for the new year, such as small-scale seminars, dinners, virtual events, or an auction.

“Our foremost concern is to ensure the safety and comfort of participants; any activity will adhere strictly to public health orders and guidelines,” VIWF said in a statement. “We have already been working with venues to put together COVID-19 protocols that will allow us to share wines in small groups.”

The fest’s final installment of Wine Wednesdays, a series of virtual tastings in partnership with Bard on the Beach, takes place on October 7.

The Bard’s artistic director, Christopher Gaze, and VIWF executive director Harry Hertscheg will join Jim Wyse, founder of Burrowing Owl Estate Winery and Calliope Wines for this last event.

Calliope – Figure 8 White and Calliope – Cabernet Merlot Figure 8 2018 will be tasted; tickets are $10 per household ($5 for Bard Members).

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Gail Johnson

Gail Johnson is cofounder and associate editor of Stir. She is a Vancouver-based journalist who has earned local and national nominations and awards for her work. She is a certified Gladue Report writer via Indigenous Perspectives Society in partnership with Royal Roads University and is a member of a judging panel for top Vancouver restaurants.

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