Where: Vancouver Convention Centre East and other venues
When: ~Mid-March
Years running: 47 Years
Admission: Varied
Sip and explore stories of wine from around the world
The Vancouver International Wine Festival is one of the largest and oldest wine events in the world, and offers something for every level of wine drinker and collector. Held at the Vancouver Convention Centre with additional events hosted at venues across the city, the VIWF includes tastings, pairings, a gala, and trade events.
Guests have the chance to sample wines from around the world, learn from experts, and enjoy food and wine pairings. This food and drink event is a necessary stop among Vancouver's yearly happenings.
Tips for your wine festival experience
- Book ahead: Purchase tickets online or via phone. Tickets for all festival events go on sale in stages with advanced tickets to the tasting room and winery dinners available before public events and trade tickets. Be sure to book ahead.
- Dress code: Business casual is recommended for winery dinners, and the Gala is a black tie event. Some venues have specific dress codes. Comfortable shoes are recommended along with avoiding white clothing for tastings.
- Getting there: The Vancouver Convention Centre is centrally located at 1055 Canada Place, right on the waterfront. From most downtown spots, it’s a pleasant stroll towards the water and Canada Place and is also accessible via the Canada Line SkyTrain at the Waterfront Station.
- Adult event: You must be 19+ to attend a festival event. Two pieces of government-approved ID are required.
Where is the Vancouver International Wine Festival?
The Vancouver International Wine Festival takes place at the Vancouver Convention Centre and other venues in Vancouver. The Bacchanalia Gala Dinner is typically held at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.
The festival includes International Festival Tastings and winery dinners, with an IFT Pass and trade tickets available for purchase. Experience winery and restaurant pairings that combine visiting winemakers with local chefs, offering a guided way to explore how food and wine work together.
SkyTrain
Vancouver Convention Centre is located at Canada Place, accessible via the Canada Line SkyTrain at the Waterfront station. This offers a quick connection across Metro Vancouver.
Bus routes
Several buses stop within a few blocks of the Vancouver Convention Centre, including:
- #19 Kingsway / Stanley Park
- #22 Knight / Downtown
- #44 UBC / Downtown
- #R5 RapidBus Hastings / Downtown
- #14 and #16 UBC routes nearby, plus frequent service along West Cordova, West Georgia, and Granville Street.
Parking
Paid parking is available at:
- Vancouver Convention Centre W - Lot (1055 Canada Pl, just a block west) — large parkade serving the convention centre and events, including the VIWF
- Parking Indigo Vancouver Lot 034 (999 Canada Pl, right beside Canada Place) — an underground garage at the cruise terminal and waterfront area.
Lots fill quickly on event nights, so plan to arrive early or consider transit.
Walking
If you’re staying downtown, Canada Place is an easy walk from many hotels around Coal Harbour, the Waterfront, Robson Street, and the central business district. It’s also walkable from Gastown and Yaletown.
Cycling
Bike lanes along Dunsmuir, Hornby, Burrard and Cambie make cycling convenient. Bike racks are available along the waterfront pathway near Canada Place and the Vancouver Convention Centre, and throughout the Waterfront district.
What to expect
Bacchanalia Gala Dinner and Auction
Photos by Christine McAvoy and Marjo Wright
The black tie, 19+ Bacchanalia Gala Dinner and Auction typically takes place at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver with both single tickets and tables available for purchase.
International Festival Tastings
Photos by Christine McAvoy and Marjo Wright
The highlight of the VIWF is the Tasting Room at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where guests can sample a wide range of wines across multiple International Festival Tastings. Beyond the tasting room, the festival also features special events, including seminars, vintage tastings, winery dinners, lunches, brunches, wine minglers, and trade events.
VIWF Raffle
vanwinefest.ca
The VIWF raffle offers festival-goers the chance to win travel and experience prizes connected to wine, culture, and the arts. Proceeds from the raffle support festival programming, and prizes have previously included international travel, flight credits, and premium passes to events.
Wineries
Photos by Christine McAvoy and Marjo Wright
The Vancouver International Wine Festival brings together wineries from around the world, offering guests the opportunity to sample a broad range of wine regions, grape varietals, and styles. Beyond tastings, local restaurants and chefs collaborate with international wineries to showcase both food and wine through thoughtfully matched pairings.
Trade Days
Photos by Christine McAvoy and Marjo Wright.
VIWF Trade Days includes events available only to those in the wine, restaurant, and hospitality industries to buy, sell, serve, or market wine in their business. Registration is required. Events include coveted industry awards, which are presented at the Annual Awards Lunch.
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