Mount Washington’s popular Alpine Wine Festival returns this Friday and is quickly followed by a sumptuous Wine Pairing Dinner on Saturday.
“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.
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.
Tickets are $30 and includes 10 samples and a festival glass. Additional tasting tokens can be purchased for $1 each.
All of the sampling will take place from 6-9 p.m. Proceeds from the Alpine Wine Festival will benefit the Vancouver Island Mountain Sports Society.
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 at Raven Lodge for 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.
And it just gets better from there. The Pairing Dinner takes place at the Whiskey Jack Banquet Room in the Alpine Lodge starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $89.
To purchase tickets for the Alpine Wine Festival, Wine Pairing Dinner, or to book the weekend Wine Festival package, visit mountwashington.ca. You can also call the mountain locally at 250-338-1386 or toll-free at 1-888-231-1499.
Two complimentary buses will be running from the valley up to the festival on Friday. Seating priority is given to those who sign up and purchase their tickets online.