Taste: Victoria’s Festival of Food and Wine July 25-28

left to right: Kathy McAree, chefs Ian Goard and Rick Choy of the Hotel Grand Pacific
photos by Colin Hynes

June 17, 2013, Victoria, BC – The fifth annual Taste: Victoria’s Festival of Food and Wine is set to take place July 25 – 28, 2013 in Victoria, B.C.

The Taste weekend kicks off on Thursday, July 25, 2013 with “Taste the Difference”, an evening brimming with more than 100 B.C. wines and great Vancouver Island eats.  What’s the difference?  Taste only works with those who really walk-the-talk when it comes to local, seasonal and sustainable.  Not every restaurant is accepted and B.C. wineries are asked to only pour wines made from B.C. grapes.  Guests have the opportunity to mingle with chefs and winemakers who care about sustainability plus local culture and economy.

“Taste the Difference” on opening night showcases over 100 B.C. wines, the largest selection available to wine lovers in Victoria, plus a wide array of local cuisine from many island chefs and restaurants.  “I like to say that Taste is a festival with a conscience,” says Kathy McAree, founder and producer of Taste.  “Guests experience some of the best island food and many award-winning B.C. wines all while rubbing shoulders with fabulous chefs, vintners, cheesemakers, and more.”

A four-day festival, Taste concentrates on more than simple tastings.  McAree says, “Food and wine festivals are all about celebration, indulgence, and fun, and with Taste, we make sure that the fun component comes with even more.  We make sure we offer unique experiences that are often once a year opportunities available only during Taste.”

How often do you smell the amazing aroma of a whole pig roasting as you walk along the inner harbour?  “Swine and the Vine”, held on the patio at Hotel Grand Pacific, is always a hit with an elaborate array of pork in many creative and delicious forms thanks to the hotel’s amazing culinary team.  Lively libations accompany the cornucopia of tastes from local winemakers and a local cidery.  Guests enjoy the elegant yet farm-feel to the beat of live blue grass tunes.

Sommelier Pamela Sanderson leads a fun wine seminar Saturday July 27^th entitled “Weird and Wonderful Grape Varieties of Cool Climate Regions” with a tour of unique B.C. varietals such as Ortega, Auxxerois, Bacchus, Marechal Foch, and Siegerrbe.  Two other exclusive seminars are offered Friday July 26^th; a look behind the scenes with “Sustainable Seafood” at Finest at Sea, and “Tea and Terroir with Tea Master Daniela Cubelic” at Silk Road.

Friday evening, a unique workshop is the brainchild of Okanagan winemaker Michael Bartier who is scheming in the kitchen with chef Dan Hayes at The London Chef.  Oenophiles will enhance their senses as they manipulate flavours for the best cuisine matches to the Bartier Bros. wines.  Sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and savoury will be explored for a palate sensation.

Taste concludes Sunday July 28^th with “Band, Bubbles and Bennys” at Vista 18 Restaurant Martini & Wine Bar on the top floor of Chateau Victoria.  The incredible three-course brunch is enhanced with live jazz and many sips of B.C. sparkling wine.

For food and beverage professionals, a special Trade Tasting of B.C. wines is offered the afternoon of Thursday July 25^th.  For details: www.VictoriaTaste.com/trade

For further information and on-line ticket sales: www.VictoriaTaste.com