Sit on a bench in Stanley Park long enough and you’ll hear a symphony of languages spoken. Stroll down the streets of Gastown and be ready to encounter a fusion of cuisines from dozens of cultures. Take a closer look at British Columbia’s biggest city and there also lies a vineyard of international connection. No event encapsulates this global unity through the art of winemaking quite like the Vancouver International Wine Festival. From the rolling hills of Sonoma and Napa Valley to the coastlines of New Zealand, the world of wine is as diverse as the cultures and climatic zones that nurture its vines. This unrivaled celebration of oenophilia is a testament to the worldwide beauty found in each and every glass.
The eight-day festival, sponsored by Delta Airlines, celebrated its 45th year in late February/early March and featured 43 events including a Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction, Wine/Spirits/Food Seminars, and a truly global wine tasting experience.
This is my third time attending the Vancouver International Wine Festival and it is always like stepping into a veritable United Nations of wine. Strolling through the Vancouver Convention Centre, I made my way over to the full-size festival map to make my usual attack plan. There were over 1,200 different wines being poured by 149 wineries from the 12 participating countries this year. Since I was attending the International Festival Tasting on Friday and Saturday here was my plan:
Night 1: Italian Wines
Night 2: All other countries - Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Croatia, France, Greece, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, and the USA.
Does the math seem off? Allow me to explain. Each year the festival selects a “featured region” and this year patrons were able to Discover Italy. This meant 71 out of the 149 wineries in the tasting room were from Italy. Given these facts it seemed appropriate to give Italy its own day with my palate.
Many of the known and critically-acclaimed producers from Italy were on display. From Bottega starting off the night for wine lovers with their Prosecco Sparkling Wines to Pio Cesare reminding me why I love Barbaresco and Barolo. However the highlight of my Italian night was Ruffino thanks to their Senior Global Brand Ambassador, Beppe d’Andrea. When I met him, he asked me if I had tried his wines, to which I replied, “No.” He smiled, grabbed three bottles, pointed to seats near his booth, and said, “Let’s change that, sir.” He was kind enough to pour the following:
Modus 2020
The Modus 2020 has soft tannins with a complex bouquet of blackberries and established flowers that evolve into cinnamon and clove notes.
Riserva Ducale Oro 2019
This 2019 Chianti boasts an impressive structure with elegant tannins, supported
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In the heart of South Africa’s Cape Winelands, Jordan Wine Estate epitomizes the region's abundance of riches. Not only is the winery (or wine farm as they are called in South Africa) among the most acclaimed in Stellenbosch, but it’s also home to a world-class restaurant. And for those seeking the ultimate winelands getaway, Jordan Wine Estate offers some of the most sought-after accommodation in the area. This iconic destination seamlessly combines the art of winemaking, culinary excellence and unparalleled hospitality, creating an immersive experience that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Discover for yourself why Jordan Wine Estate is the place to visit in Stellenbosch.
The International Spirits Challenge is one of the longest running competitions in the liquor industry. Since 2007, the organization has been handing out medals across all major categories of adult beverage, with the top liquids receiving what it dubs “Key Tasting Awards.” At the end of last year, the prestigious panel of judges doled out this distinction in the bourbon space to W.L. Weller 12 Year.
We could all use a little glamour on our weekends. While Vancouver may be known more for its striking natural setting and myriad outdoor adventures than for its opulent eating, the city can surprise you with its celebratory weekend brunches.
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Marriott raised its forecast for 2024 profitability on Wednesday after predicting continued travel demand worldwide. But analysts spent the earnings call focused on travel booking behavior in the U.S., where post-pandemic domestic demand may be cooling.
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The Philippines has already received over two million international visitors this month, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported. The country’s tourism receipts from January 1 to March 31, 2024, have also accounted for around PHP157.62 billion, which translates to an estimated 120.70 percent recovery rate from the PHP130.59 billion revenue gained from the same period in 2019 or the milestone year for Philippine tourism before the global lockdowns and industry standstill.
You’ve played some of the best golf courses in the United States. Now, you’re looking to pack your clubs, rally some friends, and hit the links on an international golf trip. But which parts of the world boast the best collection of golf courses?
It’s about to get easier for frequent travelers to ball out on a cruise or a high-end casino vacation thanks to a new partnership between Hard Rock International and both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.
On International Dance Day, 29 April, world-leading dance organisation Sadler’s Wells in London has unveiled the shortlist of the inaugural Rose International Dance Prize, a biennial prize for new dance creations in any style, showcasing some of the most inventive and daring choreographers around the world at work today. The Rose International Dance Prize consists of the Rose category, for established choreographers presenting a full-length performance of 50 minutes or longer, and the Bloom category, for emerging choreographers with a maximum of ten years’ experience. A prize of £40,000 will be awarded to the Rose category winner and a prize for £15,000 will be awarded to the Bloom category winner.
American Airlines said Friday it would reduce some of its international routes during the second half of the year and early into 2025 because of ongoing Boeing 787 Dreamliner delays.