Vancouver International Wine Festival is filling glasses for its 47th year starting next week, and there’s so much for connoisseurs to discover.
There are over 100 wineries from 14 countries featured at this year’s VIWF, with winery dinners, seminars, minglers, and more from March 7 to 14.
The highlight of each year is the International Festival Tastings at the Vancouver Convention Centre, happening from Thursday, March 12 to Saturday, March 14.
Vancouver International Wine Festival
This year’s theme country is France, with 27 French wineries from nine regions coming to Vancouver.
The Grand Tasting Room will spotlight all 27 wineries in a featured section, complete with a themed Vive la France wine bar and regional tasting stations of wines from Beaujolais and Bordeaux.
Take your VIWF experience to the next level by signing up for A Tour de France in Your Glass. The public seminar invites guests to explore seven classic French wine regions, each with a unique history and characteristics.
“There’s always something new to taste and experience at VanWineFest,” said Harry Hertscheg, VIWF executive director, in a release. “Every journey through the Tasting Room is a unique and personal experience.
“Each year, anywhere from 25 to 30 per cent of wineries are new to the festival, and three-quarters of the wines poured in the Tasting Room are only available at select restaurants and private wine shops, if at all. This year, we’re partnering with EZfocus to help festivalgoers find and purchase those wines post-festival.”
Vancouver International Wine Festival
Over 30 B.C. wineries will be in the Tasting Room for a showcase of the province’s local wine regions. And makers from across Canada, Italy, Australia, and more will also be in attendance.
The Grand Tasting Room is curated to be fun and accessible for all levels of wine knowledge. Guests can learn about new vintages, taste rare wines and speak to the makers behind the labels.
Tasting stations dedicated to several world-class regions — including Beaujolais, Bordeaux, California and New Zealand and wine bars Bubble ‘n’ Blush and Vive la France — will be on site.
Vancouver International Wine Festival
Exhibitors will share samples of international gourmet sweet and savoury snacks with hot, cold drinks, as well as zero-proof beverages.
And the best part is that tasting is unlimited in the Grand Tasting Room, as there are no tokens to worry about.
Members of the food and beverage and hospitality industries can also register for several trade seminars during the festival.
“Whether you’re in the trade or a curious novice, you will walk away smarter, more confident, and more excited about wine,” added Christine Campbell, VIWF speaker and outreach liaison. “It’s learning disguised as pure pleasure.”
When: March 7 to 14, 2026. International Festival Tastings from March 12 to 14, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Venues around Vancouver. International Festival Tastings at Vancouver Convention Centre East – 999 Canada Pl., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, purchase online
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