Wine Festival keeps the focus on affordable sips
David Bain doesn’t pretend to be an expert on wine.
He started the Victoria International Wine Festival precisely because he’s just a regular guy who likes wine.
“I’m what I call a wine intermediate,” he said. “I’m not an advanced wine expert. I’m just a wine lover.
“And what I saw consistently was that when I walked into a liquor store, I was overwhelmed with selection and choice.”
Figuring that other people felt the same way, Bain consulted friends who are sommeliers and together they conceived a festival that focuses on international wines accessible to the average consumer.
“Yes, we’ll still have the $70plus wines, but we try and make sure that 80 per cent of our wines are under $25,” he said. “So folks can actually come to the festival and feel a lot more OK with it.
“I think that’s what’s happened over the last few years, is that more and more people feel like it’s something that they can attend and really learn and value.”
The festival has steadily grown in popularity, to the point where this year’s event, which begins today and runs to Saturday at the Parkside Hotel and Spa, is expected to draw about 1,200 people. Most sessions are already sold out.
There will be more than 300 wines from 11 different countries at the three-day event.
Germany, as the featured region, will showcase 10 unique wines made from a number of grape varieties, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Riesling.
In addition, four seminars will focus on the latest trends in wines, such as rosés or the wines of Argentina.
There’s also a panel session in which sommeliers will select and discuss wines with interesting back stories. “They walk you through the story of that wine while you get to sample it,” Bain said.
The festival will serve “small bites” of food, but organizers stress that it’s a wine, not a food, festival and encourage people to eat before they arrive.
They also remind people to bring two pieces of governmentissued ID, as you must be at least 19 years of age to attend.
Bain said the last thing festival organizers want is for people to feel intimidated, so organizers focus on creating a comfortable atmosphere.
“We’re here to welcome you,” he said. “We make sure that everyone has a good understanding of wine when they leave.”
Although most of the sessions are sold out, tickets to some of the seminars or tastings might still be available by visiting the festival’s website at vicwf.com.