Mount Washington, BC’s Alpine Wine Festival returns Friday, August 9th, followed by a Wine Pairing Dinner on Saturday, August 10th. This year’s Festival features one of the most diverse selections of wine in recent memory.

“We have an unbelievable range of wines to sample from this year,” says mountain spokesperson Brent Curtain. “There will be wines from our local region, nationally and even some international varietals.”

Wineries and distributors attending this year’s event include Peacock and Martin Imports, Averill Creek Vineyards, Coastal Black, Beaumont Family Estate Winery, Merridale Ciderworks, Saturna Family Estate Winery, The Kirkwood Group, Jackson Triggs, Sumac Ridge, Bodacious, Saint and Sinner, South End Farm and Vineyard, Andrew Peller and Blue Moon Winery.

“Friday’s Alpine Wine Festival will deliver some of the more traditional flavours you would expect in the world of wine, but there will definitely be some unique,  new surprises for your palate,” Curtain adds.

The event will provide guests with an opportunity to sample new varietals, ciders, meads and fruit wines, all in a spectacular setting at the Raven Lodge overlooking the peaks of Strathcona Provincial Park.

Entry to the festival is only $30 per person and includes ten samples and a festival glass. Additional tasting tokens can be purchased for $1 each. All of the sampling will take place from 6 to 9pm. Proceeds from the Alpine Wine Festival will benefit the Vancouver Island Mountain Sports Society (VIMSS). VIMSS will  also be hosting a silent auction throughout the evening.

In addition to the wine sampling, light appetizers will be available at the event. Saputo Cheeses, Hot Chocolates, Cakebread and Thrifty Foods will all be serving up some delectable gourmet treats that pair perfectly with wine. For those looking for a full meal, a gourmet salmon and steak BBQ will be held in the Raven Lodge courtyard at an additional charge.

On Saturday night, the Wine Pairing Dinner tradition continues. The dinner, hosted by sommelier Jason Hyde of Peacock and Martin, features an unbelievable six-course meal prepared by guest chef Daniele Mereu.

To start, the first course features Qualicum Scallops and Vancouver Island Spot Prawns paired with a 2010 Averill Creek Pinot Gris. In one word, delicious! And it just gets better from there. The Pairing Dinner takes place at the Whiskey Jack Banquet Room in the Alpine Lodge on Saturday, August 10 at 6pm. Tickets are $89 per person.

To purchase tickets for the Alpine Wine Festival, Wine Pairing Dinner, or to book the weekend Wine Festival package, visit mountwashington.ca.

 

Photo courtesy of Mount Washington

SnowOnline Editor: Lori Knowles