A Beginner's Guide to the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival

Vancouver’s Playhouse International Wine and Food Festival is the big leagues. It’s “The Show,” the wine festival that everyone wants to attend. There are innumerable bottles of wine, dozens of events, and industry types of all stripes — from importers and media, to winery principals and even the odd film star.

Despite its big league calibre, Playhouse is a great event to attend if you’re new to wine. There is a wine to try and an event to attend for every kind of consumer.

There are approximately 60 events every year, and of course, it is nearly impossible to attend them all. (Even the festival’s executive director Harry Hertscheg barely made it happen for the first time in 2010.) You would need a liver of steel, the constitution of a rhinoceros, a thick wallet, and a personal driver to get you to all of the events — since you would be in no shape to get yourself there.

With this in mind, we’re offering etiquette and event tips for those who are fairly new to the wine festival world.

Playhouse Festival Etiquette

This is a quality event. Leave the cut-off denim shorts at home, but you don’t need to break out the black tie attire. Dress respectfully.

Most of the events involve some standing, and it would be a smart idea to wear comfortable shoes.

Cologne and perfume are not your friend. Nothing says “I’m here to get drunk” more than wearing excessive cologne or perfume. You will irritate everyone around you. If you must wear a fragrance, apply it several hours before you head out to your event.

Some wine tastings will see a lot of foot traffic. You should try not to monopolize a particular table or wine principal. Once you have your pour, please step aside to let other people try the wines. Tasting at the booth is not the time for photos with friends.

Playhouse Wine Events

The International Festival Tasting

Thursday, Mar. 1 to Sunday, Mar. 4, 7-10 p.m., tickets are $95 per person

This event is where most people will experience Playhouse. It’s a standing-room tasting for consumers to sample new vintages and new wines to the market. If you’re very new to wine, the International Festival Tasting is an excellent opportunity to explore many wine styles and producers to figure out what you like. Have a question about the wine? There’s a good chance the owner or winemaker is behind the booth waiting to answer questions. Don't forget to plan for a ride home.

Wine Seminars at Playhouse

Wine seminars are smaller, more intimate events that allow consumers to engage with a particular producer or wine range in depth. You’ll learn about the wine from one of the winery’s principals or agents.

Chadwick’s Iconic Quest

Thursday, Mar. 1, 5-6:45 p.m., Vancouver Community College West, tickets are $85 per person

It’s always rewarding to be around Eduardo Chadwick, president of Errazuriz and one of Chile’s foremost industry authorities, when he is talking about wine. This seminar should be a perfect place to taste some of the best wines coming from Chile, the featured region at this year’s festival.

Caymus Vertical Tasting

Wednesday, Feb. 29, 3-5 p.m., Vancouver Community College West, tickets are $150 per person

This year’s featured grape is cabernet sauvignon. A vertical tasting of newer and older vintages of Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon will make you the envy of your friends.

Diva(s) at the Met

Wednesday, Feb. 29, 6-8 p.m., Metropolitan Hotal Vancouver, tickets are $75 per person

A staple wine event for women lead by the talented Daenna Van Mulligen, a.k.a. Wine Diva. Although I’ve never attended, I’ve been told that this event is a ton of fun.

The Next Star Grape: Syrah

Friday, Mar. 2, 5-6:45 p.m., Vancouver Community College West, tickets are $50 per person

Who doesn’t love hearing about the next big thing in wine? Especially if they might be right? Join Rhys Pender, Canada’s newest Master of Wine, and DJ Kearney, a well-known wine educator, for a tasting that is sure to inspire plenty of discussion.

Wine and Food Events at Playhouse

Wine and food, together. Need we say more?

Aussie Barbie

Saturday, Mar. 3, 12-2 p.m., Vancouver Rowing Club, tickets are $69 per person

Ah, the grazing lunch, one of my favourite wine events. They’re the perfect excuse to over-eat, get a little tipsy, and follow it up with an afternoon nap. Taste wines from a number of Australian producers and mingle with principals from 17 wineries.

Truchard at Ensemble

Sunday, Mar. 4, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Ensemble restaurant, tickets are $125 per person

This dinner will feature wines from Truchard Vineyards, a founding winery in the Carneros district of Napa. Sommelier Kevin Van Hullebush will match the wines to food prepared by Dale MacKay, Top Chef Canada’s first winner.

All photos by Dave Niddrie, courtesy of the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival