Food and wine aficionados near Whistler between November 7th and 11th shouldn’t miss one of North America’s wildest wine weekends – Cornucopia. Many events have already sold out, but there are still some seats at a few of the stellar dinners and the late select night parties may be able squeeze you in. Book quickly, as we are now less than a week away.
Stay outside the village because things can get loud later at night and you need your beauty sleep. We like to waking up at The Fairmont Hotel Whistler that’s offering rooms for the weekend starting at just $159.
Hotel events include one of the fest’s newest parties – Friday night’s High Rollers. $150 gets you red carpet action, food, wine and casino action from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. The next day there’s a tea party that guys might actually want to attend. It’s all about tea-infused martinis. Held from 3 to 5 p.m. for $45, this event promises a proper English afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones and entertainment… and booze.
You can also choose the enlightened path and attend one of the many seminars offered. Wine diva Deanna Van Mulligen talks about whether wine scores matter, and there is everything from sessions on Pinot Noir to Chardonnay. If you’re up early enough you can also catch the chef’s competitions on the Viking stage on Wednesday and Thursday.
In the evenings there is the main event, Crush, a wine tasting from 8 to 11 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday, as well as unforgettable wine dinners. Check out Bearfoot Bistro, Araxi, the Aubergine Grill, Aura, La Bocca and Hy’s for the best in food and wine, then head to one of the after-parties. The Four Seasons Hotel is hosting Eau de Vivre on Friday, an event that promises tequila, cognac and cocktails, and Araxi holds court Saturday with their always amazing Bubbles and Oceans with seafood and plenty of Champagne.
There are a few Sunday brunches, as events such as The Sausage Party, a beer and burger event at Alta Bistro, but only the strong will pull through the whole weekend in style, so do pace yourself and keep that water bottle handy.
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Image courtesy of Megan Mallen.
