Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

Directly from the CRU Wine Selections Press Release:

Vancouver’s Leading Chefs Celebrate Angelo Gaja, one of the World’s Greatest Winemakers at Exclusive Dinner to Benefit the Canadian Cancer Society

Vancouver, BC (May 16, 2012) – CRU Wine Selections is proud to present the food and wine event of the year: Vancouver’s top chefs will be pairing courses to the iconic wines of Mr. Angelo Gaja June 5th, at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Star Sapphire Ballroom. The dinner is to showcase Vancouver’s culinary talents while celebrating the exceptional wines of Angelo Gaja, with proceeds benefiting the Canadian Cancer Society.

Internationally acknowledged as one of the world’s greatest winemakers, there is no more important name or greater ambassador in Italian wine then Angelo Gaja. Credited with revolutionizing the wine business in Piedmont and changing the image of Italian wines, Angelo Gaja balances tradition and innovation to carefully produce exceptional wines that continue to represent a legacy of quality and supremacy that has evolved over 300 years. Gaja will visit only New York and Vancouver for his last North American tour, and the city’s oenophiles and gourmands are honoured to welcome him. A true icon in Italian wine, Angelo Gaja is one of the world’s most respected producers and best known wine personalities.

The once-in-a-lifetime event is to begin with a champagne reception, where guests will be greeted by leading Vancouver wine judge Sid Cross, followed by an exclusive address by Mr. Gaja. The sumptuous meal will consist of seven courses and dessert, each prepared by one of Vancouver’s top chefs. Each course will be paired with two wines, which Mr. Gaja will speak about in turn, as the sommeliers and managers of participating top restaurants serve them.

The incredible line up of participating chefs includes:

Darren Brown, Oru, Fairmont Pacific Rim
Thomas Haas, Thomas Haas Chocolates
David Hawksworth, Hawksworth Restaurant
Frank Pabst, Blue Water Café
Adam Pegg and Lucais Syme, La Quercia
Pino Posteraro, Cioppino’s
Hidekazu Tojo, Tojo’s
Vikram Vij, Vij’s

The exclusive black tie event takes place in the Star Sapphire Ballroom at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Tuesday June 5th, 2012 from 5:00pm to 11:00pm. Sponsored by the Dilawri Group, space is limited to 100 guests. Tickets are $1000 per person (plus tax) with tables of 14 people available, and proceeds will go to the Canadian Cancer Society. Tickets include: Reception, GAJA presentation, 7 course meal with 14 wine pairings, and Mr. Gaja will join each table for one course. To purchase tickets, please contact Jeanette Horwood T: 778-882-7654 E: jeanettehorwood@shaw.ca

CRU Wine Selections

CRU Wine Selections was established in 2005 by two long time professional friends and colleagues, James Johnson and Nick Kosick. The founding vision at CRU was to work with some of the world’s most exclusive wineries, bringing Western Canada a dedicated selection of wines from over 40 elite producers, with special focus on the wines of Italy. CRU is incredibly proud to partner with the Dilawri Group, the Fairmont Pacific Rim and Vancouver’s greatest Chefs to bring you this historic night in Vancouver dining with a living legend, Mr. Angelo Gaja.

www.cruwineselections.com

Canadian Cancer Society

The Canadian Cancer Society is committed to eradicating cancer and improving the lives of people with and beyond cancer. It has more impact against more cancers in more communities than any other cancer charity. The impact comes from leading cancer prevention initiatives, funding outstanding cancer research and delivering trusted information and compassionate support.

www.cancer.ca

Directly from The Kitchen Party Press Release:

The Best Kitchen Party in Vancouver Returns

OLIVER, BC… Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country brings The Kitchen Party back to Vancouver this June 7th.  Trail Appliances, Vancouver’s premier kitchen showroom, is host to this year’s event, which features 12 of Vancouver’s top restaurants paired with the 24 wineries of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country. Tickets for this grazing style party are just $75.00 and can be purchased on-line at http://kitchenparty.eventbrite.ca.

The Kitchen Party began in Vancouver in 2008 and has sold out each year – after all – we all know the best parties end up the kitchen. This year, Trail Appliances, located at 2876 Rupert Street (at Grandview Highway) features 11 incredible showroom kitchen, each with a well known Vancouver chef and 2 Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country members. (Please see attached list) This is an opportunity to taste new releases from Canada’s most sought after wines, sample canapés from celebrity chefs and bid on an outstanding wine cellar; 48 wines lovingly housed in a top of the line Viking Wine Cellar featuring 2 temperature zones, a value of over $5000. Don’t miss out on this and vacation packages to Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country

About Trail Appliances: As a family owned and operated business since 1974, Trail Appliances is one of the leading independent appliance retailers in Western Canada with 13 stores in BritishColumbia and Alberta. Trail offers Canada’s largest appliance selection creating a complete shopping experience for every need – single family homes, apartments, condos, and town homes.

About Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country: Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country is bordered by McIntyre Bluff to the north and the USA border to the south. Its major growing areas lie on three benches: the Golden Mile,  the Black Sage and the Osoyoos Lake benches. Still a very rural area, this part of the valley is dedicated to agriculture of all kinds; however the diversity of soils amd microclimates here create premier land for many grape varieties. The unifying character that makes this possible is our desert climate, which is common to all wineries. Oliver is home to The Wine Capital of Canada while Osoyoos boasts Canada’s “Warmest Welcome”.

The Kitchen Party Takes place Thursday, June 7th at Trail Appliances located at 2876 Rupert Street (at Grandview Highway). Tickets can be purchased on-line, http://kitchenparty.eventbrite.ca . The Kitchen Party is sponsored by Trail Appliances and Viking.

Directly from the Watermark Beach Resort Press Release:

Watermark Beach Resort Welcomes New Executive Chef Jonas Stadtländer

May 15, 2012 (Vancouver, BC) – The Watermark Beach Resort is pleased to announce that Jonas Stadtländer has accepted the role of Executive Chef for the Resort.  Chef Stadtländer will be at the helm of the Wine Bar & Patio, as well as and the Resort’s conference and banquet space, which hosts both conferences and weddings.  Jonas brings a combination of passion and experience to his new role leading the culinary team at the world-class Osoyoos resort.

In recent years, Jonas has acquired a wealth of experience working a variety of roles at top restaurants in Japan, Germany, Australia, and Canada.  His time at Germany’s Wielandshöhe restaurant and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Tokyo gave him an appreciation for varied culinary and cultural traditions.

He got his start here at home in Canada:  he was born and raised in Toronto, and grew up with an insider’s view of the restaurant business.  His father is well-known chef Michael Stadtländer, and his family operates a mixed farm in rural Ontario that embodies the field-to-table approach to cuisine.

Jonas is excited about his new position at the Watermark, saying that “cooking in the South Okanagan is a dream for a chef” because of the region’s amazing abundance of premium ingredients, including outstanding fruit and vegetables, quality meats, artisan cheeses, and world-class wines.

To make your reservations at the Watermark Wine Bar & Patio, call 250-495-5500 or 1-888-755-3480   www.WatermarkBeachResort.com.

Directly from the Hamilton Street Grill Press Release:

Spring Tasting: Monday, May 28th and/or Tuesday, May 29th

One of British Columbia’s best new wines 8th GENERATION along with one of Hamilton Street Grill’s favourite wine presenters, Quinn Diepold 5:30pm - 7pm - $25 per person

In keeping with our popular and fun format, try a sampling of three new wines and have three savoury, wine-inspired food tasters while learning from a wine expert as they take you through a sit down yet casual style tasting. Guests are seated at both individual tables and at shared tables

This month we are pouring three selections of 8th Generation wines alongside Hamilton Street Grill’s Executive Chef Neil Wyles wine inspired appetizers. Neil makes excellent choices when pairing his appetizers with the wines and the tasting format is casual, informative and fun!

Monday, May 28th and/or Tuesday  May 29th
Start time 5:30 pm
Hamilton Street Grill
1009 Hamilton Street, Yaletown, Vancouver
Tickets $25 per person

Seating always sells out quickly Reserve by credit card at: 604-331-1511 or hamiltonstreetgrill@telus.net

Our favourite annual celebration - Steak Month!

June is steak month at the Hamilton Street grill as we celebrate our 16th year in style

This years anniversary month special is the California Cut Striploin served with garlic mashed potatoes and market and vegetables. A thick juicy Striploin for only $16, all month long

Reservations 604-331-1511 (Hey, what a great way to celebrate Father’s Day!) Not valid with other promotions

Directly from the Dockside Restaurant Press Release:

The Coal Harbour Liquor Store is pleased to announce the date for the extremely popular

Pelican Bay Spring Wine Tasting Event

This event is offered exclusively to members of the Coal Harbour Liquor Store VIP CLUB.

Taste over 30 different wine labels while enjoying a selection of appetizers and taps compliments of the culinary team at the Dockside Restaurant.

This spectacular location provides a beautiful backdrop to the event.

This is an extremely popular event and there are limited tickets available so dont delay…

Tuesday May 29th

5:00pm - 8:00pm

Dockside Restaurant in the Granville Island Hotel

Directly from the Arts Club Press Release:

Cooking Classes Like No Other With The Arts Club’s Celebrity Chefs Series

Vancouver, B.C.  Learn how to create haute cuisine at home! The Arts Club Theatre Company announces its spring 2012 lineup of Celebrity Chef Cooking Classes, running from May 28 to July 18. These intimate four-course dinners held at private residences throughout Vancouver give guests the opportunity to discover the latest trends in food and wine, and ways to incorporate in-vogue ingredients into the home cook’s arsenal. Not only are these popular events fun and engaging, but they also raise funds for the not-for-profit theatre company.

The highly sociable evenings begin with a glass of wine and an amuse bouche to whet the appetite. Then the chef gets down to the task in hand: a three-hour interactive master class demonstrating professional techniques from the simple to the ingenious. Guests have one-on-one access to some of the most skilled and innovative chefs in Vancouver, who will present dishes that highlight the best bounty of the season. Each class will showcase the finest vintages from a B.C. winery with wines from the Mark Anthony Group portfolio, including Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery, and Rigamarole Wines. This series features a special spotlight on Mission Hill Family Estate—named Winery of the Year in 2011 by InterVin International Wine Competition.

The spring lineup of classes welcomes new chef instructors: David Robertson, owner of The Dirty Apron Cooking School; TV personality Anthony Sedlak, who recently opened The American Cheesesteak Co. in Yaletown; Tim Evans at Siena Restaurant; and Tom Lee, chef de cuisine at Edible Canada at the Market. Ned Bell, Quang Dang, and Jefferson Alvarez return to present classes to celebrate good food, inspire, and educate.

All classes start at 6 PM. Full schedule of Celebrity Chef Cooking Classes:

Wednesday, May 23  David Robertson, The Dirty Apron Cooking School  wine pairings from Rigamarole Wines

Monday, May 28         Ned Bell, YEW restaurant + bar wine pairings from Mission Hill Family Estate

Monday, June 4         Tim Evans, Siena Restaurant wine pairings from Mission Hill Family Estate

Monday, June 11        Quang Dang, West Restaurant wine pairings from Mission Hill Family Estate

Tuesday, June 19       Jefferson Alvarez, Fraîche Restaurant wine pairings from Mission Hill Family Estate

Tuesday, June 26       Anthony Sedlak, The American Cheesesteak Co wine pairings from Mission Hill Family Estate

Wednesday, July 18     Tom Lee, Edible Canada at the Market wine pairings from Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery

ABOUT THE ARTS CLUB

The Arts Club Theatre Company, now in its 48th season, is the largest not-for-profit organization of its kind in Western Canada. It offers professional theatre at three venues—the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, Granville Island Stage, and Revue Stage—as well as on tour throughout the province.  Website: artsclub.com

Directly from the Dish n’ Dazzle Press Release:

2012 Dish n’ Dazzle Participants Include Top Names in Food & Drink

April 26, 2012 (Vancouver, BC) – The British Columbia Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce the names of the restaurants, wineries, liquor sponsors, and bartenders who will participate in its annual fundraising event.  On Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel will host the Dish n’ Dazzle gala, which is always one of the most talked-about nights of the year, as industry insiders gather to socialize, be entertained, and enjoy outstanding food and drink as they support this great cause.

Dish n’ Dazzle is truly a collaborative effort which could not happen without the support and participation of tremendous organizations and incredible individuals

Celebrated Vancouver restaurants will wow your taste buds with their culinary creations:

Bistro 101 at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts
Cafe Pacifica - The Pan Pacific Hotel
Fleuri  at the Sutton Place Hotel
Heron’s West Coast Kitchen + Bar
House of Empanadas
Hy’s Encore Steakhouse
Kits daily Kitchen
MARKET by Jean-Georges
Oru at the Fairmont Pacific Rim
PIER 7 restaurant + bar
Rockford Wok|Bar|Grill
Sanafir of the THE GLOWBAL COLLECTION
The Granville Room
Chef Anne Kirsebom

Refreshments will be provided by the following wineries, all members of event sponsor Wines of Argentina:

Amalaya
Casa Bianchi
Casa Montes
Catena Zapata
Clos de los Siete
Dante Robino
Escorihuela 1884
Familia Schroeder
Familia Zuccardi
Finca Decero
Finca Flichman
Flechas de los Andes- Compagnie Vinicole Baron Edmund de Rothschild
Las Perdices
Michel Torino
Norton
Pascual Toso
Santa Ana
Santa Julia
Tapiz
Terrazas de los Andes
Trivento
Vistalba

Liquor sponsors will provide liquid inspiration for the “Shakedown” cocktail competition:

Belvedere Vodka

Cointreau
Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Hennessey Cognac
Hornitos Tequila
Mount Gay Rum

And local Bartenders put their Cocktail creativity to the test for your delight:

Grant Sceney – Fairmont Pacific Rim
Justin Taylor – YEW, Four Seasons Hotel
Katie Sita – CinCin
Trixie Blumel – Shangri-La Hotel
Joey Donnelly – The Granville Room
Katie McDonald – Veneto Lounge, Hotel Rialto (Victoria)

A raffle prize put together by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts includes

2 nights on Fairmont Gold at the Fairmont Waterfront
A trip for 2 on the Sea to Climb on Rocky Mountaineer
2 nights on Fairmont Gold at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler
A trip for two via Harbour Air from Whistler to Victoria
2 nights on Fairmont Gold at the Fairmont Empress
A flight for two from Victoria to Vancouver on a Helijet Helicopter

The silent auction is MASSIVE and filled with everything hospitality….hotel stays, restaurant gift certificates, foodie gift baskets including:

Large format wine bottles from Okanagan wineries
Chef’s Table dinners at Q4 Centro, PIER 7 restaurant + bar
Luxury bedding from Northern Feather
Top of the line Natural Gas BBQ
Jewelry from Sugar Lime and Jeweliette
Luxury hotel stays

Legacy Liquor Store will be supplying a lounge atmosphere where patrons can relax in a sexy space, sip enticing cocktails and wine while listening to a fabulous DJ.  Reidel glassware will be showcased and will be available for ordering at a special show price.

All proceeds from the evening, which also includes live music and a silent auction, will go to the BCHF, which provides financial support for hospitality industry members who are facing extraordinary medical expenses and awards scholarships to future industry leaders .

The event is a perennial favourite, so avoid disappointment and reserve your tickets now by visiting www.dishndazzle.com.

Dish N’ Dazzle
Wednesday, May 16 2012
6:30 – 9:30PM
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
900 Canada Place Way, Vancouver
Tickets $75 per person

Directly from the Top Table Press Release:

Top Table shines at 23rd annual Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards

Araxi, Blue Water Cafe, CinCin, West and Thierry honoured.
Vancouver, B.C. (April 24, 2012) – If cherry blossoms herald spring across the province, in British Columbia’s culinary industry, the change of seasons is marked by the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards.

Now in their 23rd year, and unique in Canada, the awards were convened on a fitting spring day – Monday, April 23rd – at the Sheraton Wall Centre. A panel of 18 judges acknowledged industry excellence as Araxi, Blue Water Cafe, CinCin, West and Thierry were honoured before an audience of leading restaurateurs, chefs, and service professionals.

Araxi Restaurant + Bar

• Best Whistler – Gold Award
• Gold Wine List Award - Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival
• Premier Crew Service Award – Neil Henderson

For an unprecedented 12th year, Araxi took to the podium to receive the Gold Award for Best Whistler restaurant, a testament to the distinctive regional cuisine of Executive Chef James Walt and the true hospitality of Restaurant Director Neil Henderson. Araxi was also awarded the Gold Award for its deep and value conscious wine list, an acknowledgement of the harmony required for memorable meals.

As Vancouver magazine said, “James Walt’s relationship with local farmers and producers accounts for the fine ingredients on your plate at Araxi; his artistry in the kitchen is what makes them sing.” And, one judge pointed out, “[Wine Director] Samantha Rahn does an excellent job of matching his work with bottles from her well-stocked wine room.”

Neil Henderson’s two decade-long career with Top Table was highlighted, as he joined an elite group of five service personnel awarded with the Premier Crew designation for outstanding service. In his acceptance speech, Henderson said, “This room represents some of the hardest working people in the country, and I am honoured to be recognized amongst them.”

Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Cafe

• Pastry Chef of the Year

Chef Thierry Busset, whom Gordon Ramsey has called ‘one of the best pastry chefs in the world,’ was recognized as Pastry Chef of the Year, his first nod as Maître Pâtissier of his eponymous chocolaterie patisserie cafe, Thierry. He previously won the ‘Best Last Course’ category in 2008 and 2010 as Pastry Chef at sister property CinCin.

Open since last August, Thierry has established itself as Vancouver’s top destination for exclusive hand-crafted chocolates, pastries and confections. The popular Alberni street patisserie, which is fully licensed and open early until late, has quickly become a popular rendezvous.

As the editors of Vancouver magazine said: “This sleek bustling café from former West and CinCin Maître Pâtissier Thierry Busset—is an apt manifestation of the man himself.”

Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar

• Best Seafood Restaurant – Gold Award
• Best Upscale Restaurant – Silver Award
• Platinum Wine List Award – Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival

According to Vancouver magazine, Chef Frank Pabst, the 2010 Chef of the Year, “continues to lay it down, demonstrating technical assurance alongside commitment to sustainable seafood. And his Unsung Heroes menu puts him over the top, every year.”

With the Best Seafood Award, Vancouver magazine judges saluted Pabst’s European discipline and technique with New World flourishes, especially as the popularity of its new private dining spaces increase. Wine Director Andrea Vescovi’s elegant and comprehensive wine list was also signaled for its depth and variety, winning the elusive Platinum Award.

CinCin Ristorante + Bar

• Best Upscale Italian – Silver Award
• Gold Wine List Award – Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival

CinCin is celebrating its 20th Anniversary, a testament to its enduring quality and sense of warm hospitality. CinCin’s storied wood-fired oven suffuses the dining rooms with warmth, while classically inspired Italian dishes are heightened with modern nuances.

Moving to the forefront of contemporary Italian cooking, CinCin captured the attention of the restaurant awards judges, who said “CinCin earned kudos for its dependably high standards.”

CinCin also won the Gold Wine List Award for its famously broad and international wine list, featuring a unique, value-driven Italian selection.

West Restaurant + Bar

• Platinum Wine List Award – Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival

The talented Quang Dang, following senior positions in some of Vancouver’s finest kitchens, recently rejoined West as Executive Chef. Critical and popular praise has quickly followed – and this year, Restaurant + Wine Director Owen Knowlton’s remarkable wine list attracted the Platinum Award, one of only six restaurants in the province to do so.

Directly from the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival Press Release:

GOING WHOLE HOG FOR SPRING WINE FESTIVAL

Oliver, BC…. “5 incredible chefs, 24 world class wineries, farm-raised pork… and a whole lot of fire” This describes the newest event for the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival; the PIG OUT at Covert Farms in Oliver, BC. Saturday, May 5th from 1 – 4pm, stroll through the fields at Covert Farms and sample house-made Sausage from Terrafina Restaurant at Hester Creek, Roasted Pork Belly from The Patio at Nk’nip Cellars, hay covered, in-ground roasted Pork Shoulder from Miradoro at Tinhorn Creek, house-made Terrine from The Sonora Room at Borrowing Owl and BBQ Ribs from Mica Restaurant at Spirit Ridge Resort. Oh – and a suckling pig on rotisserie over an open fire. YUM. Not to mention samples of wine from all 24 of the Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country members. Can you imagine a better Saturday afternoon? Only $65 per person, along with a souvenir glass, entertainment from the South Okanagan Big Band and an outdoor afternoon. Tickets are available at the Oliver Visitor Centre at 6431 Station Street, Oliver or on-line at www.baneepigout.eventbrite.com

The Pig Out is sponsored in part by Gelderman Farms. Pigs produced on Gelderman farms are fed a diet of grains, vitamins and minerals. Gelderman Farms purchases quality ingredients for all the feed which is manufactured right on the farm, and does not include any medications, growth hormones or meat by-products in the feed. The grower/finisher pigs are bedded on sawdust in spacious pens with natural lighting and ventilation and have a constant supply of fresh liquid and feed. This provides the pigs with ample room to run, root and behave in a natural way. To find out more about their pork products please visit their pork page. www.geldermanfarms.ca

Why not make a weekend of touring wineries in Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country. Visit uncork the sun at www.oliverosoyoos.com to find great hotel and resort rates starting from $89 per night.

Directly from the Gruman and Nicholl Press Release:

Spinasse to host noted Italian winemakers for five-course dinner on Wednesday, May 9th, 2012. Wine Aficionados will revel in opportunity to meet leaders in Italian Vinology.

What: A five-course dinner featuring renowned Italian winemakers. This fete will include a menu of classic Northern Italian fare along the lines of Carne Cruda, Tajarin and a Savory Flan, which pair perfectly with the varietals of the region including Gavi, Dolcetto and Barolo.

When:   May 9, 2012, 6:30 p.m. $125 plus tax and gratuity. Call for reservations.

Where: Spinasse: 1531 14th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122, 206-251-7673, www.spinasse.com.

Who: Gian Piero Broglia, owner of the oldest property in the entire Gavi region and arguably the most prestigious appellation in all of Italy for its dry white wine:Villa Broglia.

Orlando Pecchenino, who along with his brother, Attilio, tend vines in the Piedmont region of Italy. Attilio and Orlando Pecchenino are the heirs of a farm with a long history, starting in the eighteenth century. Their coveted wines are made from nebbiolo, dolcetto and barbera.

Paolo Damilano with winemaker Beppe Caviola. Damilano is one of the best “new-generation” wine makers in Piedmont, where Barbera is made. Being in Piemonte, their focus is on Barolo, but they also produce a couple thousand cases of excellent Barbera.

Beppe Caviola, AKA “The Dolcetto King,” is best known as a consultant to some of the most legendary estates across Italy and at his own winery, Ca’Viola. Beppe produces Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo-based wines that beautifully showcase the terroir and fruit expression of the Langhe.

Gian Costa-Marenco makes sparkling Moscato and Brachetto D’Acqui, made primarily in the Asti, Roero and especially Alessandria areas in the Piemonte region. A sweet, aromatic red, Brachetto is a light colored wine with distinctive aromas of rose and strawberry, moderate alcohol and a refreshing sparkle.

Directly from the Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Press Release:

Wine Tasting with a Social Twist

Vancouver, BC (April 19, 2012) – Tinhorn Creek Vineyards has always been a leader in the BC wine industry, and embracing the age of social media has proven no different. The Tinhorn Creek team are avid tweeters, Facebook followers and are very LinkedIn. So, to meet and engage their fellow social media types, Winemaker and CEO Sandra Oldfield and Tinhorn staff will host Wine Tasting with a Social Twist on Wednesday May 16 at the Vancouver Urban Winery where guests will enjoy an evening of wine, food and plenty of Twitter activity.

The event is structured as brown bag tasting meets speed dating, with a fast paced tasting of nine different Tinhorn Creek wines, followed by light canapés and a guided unveiling of wines by Sandra Oldfield. The event celebrates the age of social media, and reflects the fast paced times we live in while making wine tasting fun. Once guests move through each table of brown bag tastings, Winemaker Sandra Oldfield will guide tasters through the nuances of each varietal, with the chance to win many great prizes. Chef Jeff Van Geest from Miradoro Restaurant at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards is partnering with Vancouver’s longest-standing French restaurant Le Gavroche to create some delicious canapés to pair with the wines.

Between delectable bites and sips of incredible wines, guests will have the chance to meet the people behind the Tinhorn Twitter handles: @SandraOldfield, Winemaker & CEO; @Andrew_Tinhorn, Vineyard Manager Andrew Moon; @KorolKuklo Assistant Winemaker; @linzyw, Marketing Coordinator Lindsey White; @mbuschleague, Sales Manager Mark Butschler; and @winegirljules, Sales & Marketing Manager Julie Copland-Stene.

Wine Tasting with a Social Twist takes place Wednesday, May 16 from 6-9pm at Vancouver Urban Winery, located at 55 Dunlevy Avenue in downtown Vancouver. Tickets are $30, and available online at http://store.tinhorn.com.