Whether your palate prefers a full-bodied pinot noir or a light and floral chardonnay, with more than 100 varieties to sample from, the third annual wine tasting festival is sure to have something for everyone on Saturday (March 6).
Organized by Sea to Sky Hotel general manager Mohsen Mohajer, the festival is geared towards educating people about wine, beer and spirits as well as raising funds for a local charity, the Squamish Food Bank.
"Three years ago we decided to get together with some of our wine suppliers as well as a few local business to prepare wonderful educational evening together," he said.
"At the same time we thought that would be wonderful if we do something good and raise a few dollars for the Squamish Food Bank."
Last year the wine tasting grew to include more than 140 guests, more than a dozen local sponsors and raised more than $2,700 for charity, and Mohajer said he's hoping for 200 people this year.
But there's more than just wine to be had. Testers will also have a chance to nibble on a variety of Canadian cheese thanks to donations from more than a dozen local sponsors.
Participants will also have an opportunity to win gift certificates, door prizes and bid on silent auction items on donations from The Chief, 小蓝视频 Museum of Mining, Boston Pizza, Century Signs, M&M Meat Shops, Mountain FM, My Squamish.com, Nesters Market, Panago Pizza, Save On Foods, Sea to Sky Hotel, Snap Sea to Sky, Squamish Events Guide, The Garibaldi Times, Tongue and Cheek and White Spot Restaurant.
Attendees will have a chance to sample wines from far and wide - Argentina to Australia and everywhere in between - including several from British Columbia like Mission Hill Winery.
"So there's going to be a variety of different wines," Mohajer said.
According to Mohajer, one of the best reasons to participate in the evening event is samplers will have an opportunity to speak with some of the winemakers themselves.
"That is an opportunity to try a small sample size and then ask questions about the wine, the history of the wine and the winemaker and [find out] what that wine is all about.
"They have a chance to have the special experience, one-to-one with winemakers and wineries."
Mohajer said by sampling different wines, an individual can explore a wide variety without paying for bottles only to realize within a few sips, they don't suite your palate.
Admission to the wine tasting soiree costs $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Early bird tickets will be available until 24 hours before the wine festival.
Tickets can be purchased at Gelato Carina, Howe Sound Brew Pub, Sea to Sky Hotel and the Sea to Sky Beer and Wine Store.
The festival will be held at the Sea to Sky Hotel on Saturday (March 6) from 6 to 9 p.m.
