The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival began as a fund-raising event with 1,000 attendees, featuring one vintner, Robert Mondavi. Since then, it has grown to feature 791 wines, 181 wineries in 15 countries, and the International Festival Tasting Room is the highlight of the week-long event.

The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival benefits the Playhouse Theatre Company. The week-long event has raised $7.5 million for the Playhouse since its debut in 1979. The celebration takes place Feb 27 - Mar 4, 2012. Tickets for events during the Vancouver wine festival range from $29 to $450 (Canadian prices).

The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival celebrates its status as one of the largest international wine events attracting thousands of event attendees. In 2012, the festival will observe its 34th year by featuring Chilean wines.  Canada’s premier wine show offers something for everyone, from wine drinker to collector to trade professional, hosting winemakers from selected wineries and countries.

The majority of trade events and public wine seminars are held at the Vancouver Convention Centre, including the crème de la event for the public, the International Festival Tasting Room. The Festival Tasting room offers the connoisseurs tasting of featured wines. Many attendees opt for VIP treatment by purchasing the Festival Gold Pass, which includes three evenings of priority access to the International Festival Tasting Room, two afternoon Trade Tasting sessions, admission to the Curtain Raiser VIP reception, and weekend entry to the exclusive Gold Pass Tasting Lounge.

The festival includes wine tastings served at special events including a gala auction, wine seminars, and trade events.  In addition throughout the city, top Vancouver restaurants and hotels feature expertly paired wine during winery dinners, lunches and brunches.

What: Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre and various hotels & restaurants
When: Feb 27 – March 4 2012
URL: http://playhousewinefest.com/

Recommended Hotel: Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver