Today was the last day of the 28th annual Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival. This fundraising event is held every spring and this year featured 1,320 wines from 186 different wineries in 15 countries. We went to three events this year: an evening of French wine and French food at Pastis last Tuesday, a tasting of twelve Pinot Noirs from around the world last Thursday, and finally the traditional Flavors of the Festival brunch earlier today.

The event at Pastis was amazing; as usual the food was outstanding and also perfectly paired with wines from six different wine-making regions. Each wine was introduced by a member from the winery, and it was a fun-filled evening. We went home absolutely stuffed and slept very well that night. Best wine was a 2000 Chateau Kirwan Margaux, closely followed by a 2001 Pfaffenheim Gewurztraminer.

Thursday night was a traditional tasting event dedicated to Pinot Noir. We had twelve different wines from here in British Columbia, France, California, Oregon, and New Zealand. A person from each winery (usually the wine-maker) gave a ten minute overview of the wine, their terroir, their process, etc. We learned that irrigation and planting density are hotly contested topics among these cordial competitors. Best wine was from Domaine de la Vougeraie although every wine and every wine-maker was delightful.

Today’s event was a brunch where twelve restaurants from around Vancouver (a couple were actually from out of town) make a small dish representing their cuisine, paired with a wine featured by the festival. Discovered a new Zinfandel from Ironstone Vineyards that was absolutely delightful. Definitely will pick up a few bottles to have around the house, as it really was a treat. It was paired with lamb and risotto from Papi’s Ristorante in Richmond that was very tasty. We don’t get down to Richmond much but visiting Papi’s might be just the incentive needed.

Oh the sacrifices we make for charity. If only every week could be so decadent!