Wine (and money) flowed at this year’s Bacchanalia Gala Dinner and Auction. Kicking off the 42nd Vancouver International Wine Festival, the dinner and auction raises funds for the festival’s charitable partner.

This year, Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival was the recipient of nearly $256,000 from generous party goers. The festival has raised nearly $1.5 million for Bard over the past seven years. Additionally, the festival has raised $9.5 million for the performing arts in Vancouver since its inception.

The evening consisted of some pretty impressive wines – a hint of what’s in store for this year’s, week-long wine fête. In addition to the wine, attendees had the chance to bid on some once-in-a-lifetime items. Notably, a chance for a walk-on role in Love’s Labour’s Lost at Bard on the Beach this summer.

Global reach

Indeed, the fest is known as one of the biggest and oldest wine events in the world. Wines can be had from 163 wineries representing 15 countries. Spread out over eight days, wine lovers have 57 events to sip through. Many tasting events fill up fast, so if you plan on attending makes sure to check out which ones have already sold out.

If you can’t make it to one of the events – there are still plenty of wines to be savored. The International Festival Tasting is a must for anyone who wants to sample wines from around the globe. Taking place at the Vancouver Convention Centre, the grand tasting features a staggering 725-plus wines to choose from. 

Each year, the international festival shines the spotlight on one country or region, which has more wineries, wines and events than any other. In 2020 it is France, with a global focus on Rosé.

The International Tasting Festival opens its doors, and bottles, this Thursday, February 27 through Saturday, February 29. The tasting sessions run from 7 – 10pm each night with an added Saturday matinee from 2:30 – 5pm.

Get tickets to the International Tasting and other festival events here.

Now, a peek at those wines served at the Bacchanalia Gala Dinner

Champagne Taittinger Prélude Grands Crus NV, Champagne, France.
Maison Joseph Drouhin Côte de Beaune Blanc 2017, Bourgogne, France.
Gérard Bertrand Château la Sauvageonne Grand Vin Blanc 2018, Languedoc, France.
Château des Jacques La Roche Moulin-à-Vent 2015, Beaujolais, France.
Château Pesquié Silica Ventoux Rouge 2017, Southern Rhône, France.
Paul Jaboulet Aîné Domaine de Thalabert Crozes-Hermitage 2017, Northern Rhône, France.
Il Molino di Grace Il Margone Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2013, Tuscany, Italy.
Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2015, Veneto, Italy.
Schloss Johannisberg Grünlack Spätlese Riesling 2018, Rheingau, Germany.
Maison Sichel Château d’Orignac Pineau des Charentes NV, Cognac, France.

The 42nd annual Vancouver International Wine Festival takes place February 22-March 1, 2020