The Vancouver International Wine Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious wine and food events in Canada. Held each spring at various venues across Vancouver — including the Vancouver Convention Centre — the festival features over 1,000 wines from around the world. The event also attracts more than 25,000 attendees.
Each year, the festival shines a spotlight on a specific wine-producing country or region, offering guests a unique opportunity to explore themed tastings, dinners and seminars.
In 2026 the Vancouver International Wine Festival runs from March 7th to 14th. For the latest program details and ticket information, visit the official Vancouver International Wine Festival website.
Vancouver International Wine Festival
Founded in 1979, the Vancouver International Wine Festival has grown into one of the oldest and most respected wine events in the world.
The Vancouver International Wine Festival is built around three primary goals. First, it aims to educate and entertain wine enthusiasts through tastings, seminars and engaging events. Second, it seeks to promote the wine industry by showcasing a wide range of international wineries and fostering connections between producers and consumers. Lastly, the festival proudly supports Bard on the Beach, Vancouver’s renowned Shakespeare festival, with proceeds from select events helping to fund the theatre company’s programming and community initiatives.
Each year the wine festival includes over 50 events, including tastings, seminars, winery dinners, wine parties and more. About 40 of these events are open to the public, while the remainder are part of the Trade Days Conference, designed for professionals in hospitality and wine.
Wines, Wineries & Global Participation
In a typical year, the festival hosts around 120 or so wineries from up to 15 different countries. Past recent festivals have featured the following:
- 50 wineries from the USA
- 20 Canadian wineries (mostly from BC)
- Additional participants from Italy, France, Australia, Greece, Spain, Japan, Argentina, Portugal, Hungary and other countries
Key Events at the Wine Festival
Below are some of the main events that take place each year during the Vancouver International Wine Festival.
The Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction
This elegant, black-tie affair is the festival’s signature fundraiser. The night includes a five-course wine-paired dinner, live entertainment, and silent and live auctions. In previous years, this event has raised more than $160,000 for Bard on the Beach.
International Festival Tastings
Held in the Tasting Room at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, these are the festival’s main public tasting events, featuring hundreds of wines from dozens of wineries. (TIP: Of the four tasting sessions, Thursday night is often the least busy and a favourite among many of the more experienced attendees.)
Trade Days Conference
This three-day portion of the festival is for industry professionals and includes educational seminars, networking events, and access to exclusive wines. Over 7,000 hospitality and wine professionals attend each year.
Additional Festival Highlights
- Delta Air Lines Tasting Lounge
- Over a dozen winery dinners (separate from the gala)
- Expert-led wine seminars and themed tastings
- Opportunities to purchase wine directly from the on-site Wine Shop
From introductory sessions to in-depth discussions on wine regions and varietals, the programming suits everyone, from casual wine lovers to serious collectors and professionals.
Tips for Attending
Below are some suggestions to help you make the most out of your festival and wine-tasting experiences.
- TIP #1: Book early! Many events sell out weeks in advance.
- TIP #2: Take a notebook or use your phone to keep track of wines you enjoy so you’ll remember them later.
- TIP #3: Attend Thursday’s tasting if you prefer smaller crowds. You might get to interact with winemakers more then too.
- TIP #4: Buy your new favourites on-site at the Wine Shop, and plan ahead for transporting them.
- TIP #5: Make it a getaway – Booking a hotel through StayVancouverHotels.com may earn you a free tasting ticket (with the offer subject to availability and timing).
Plan Your Visit
The Vancouver International Wine Festival is a celebration of wine culture and culinary excellence. It attracts wine lovers from across North America. Whether you’re passionate about wine or just curious to learn more, this event delivers a rich and engaging experience that brings together people, culture, and the global wine community.
Visit the official VIWF Website for the latest information about participating wineries, featured regions, event schedules and ticket options.