Aristotle famously once wrote, “The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know” . The adage could certainly be applied to the world of wine and Whistler Cornucopia is an amazing source of information for everyone from connoisseurs to wine newbies.
Workshops and tastings abound, opening the door to new discoveries, flavours and experiences for wine lovers of all levels.
“There’s so much about wine; it’s geology, geography, art, and history, and it grows in the most beautiful places in the world,” says Samantha Rahn, Cornucopia ambassador and festival sommelier. “I love talking to the farmers; it’s a great agricultural product and it’s also a luxury product. The people involved in the wine industry are fantastic. What’s beautiful is we can create real moments with wine.”
Meet Cornucopia’s Sommelier in Residence
Originally from Saskatchewan, Rahn launched her wine career in Banff, where she wrote her first award-winning wine list in 2001 for the Maple Leaf Grille. In 2007, she moved to Whistler and took on the role of wine director at Araxi, one of Whistler’s top fine-dining restaurants, going on to be awarded BC Sommelier of the Year from Vancouver International Wine Festival and Vancouver Magazine in 2013.
More recently, she spent nearly six years as a “wine fairy” working as a Private Client Service Manager and Fine Wine Ambassador for Select Wines and sister agency Icon Vins Fins. She is also the owner of Samantha’s Garden, which offers food, beverage, and hospitality services and consulting. As an active participant in Cornucopia since her arrival in Whistler, she knows a thing or two about going to a festival that celebrates food and drink.
Here are some of Rahn’s top event picks for wine lovers during Whistler Cornucopia.
1. Signature Event: Cellar Door
Friday, November 8
Cellar Door is where the finest wines will be cracked open, sampled and savoured. The intimate event features elevated tastings of wines from more than 25 local and international wineries valued at $35 and above. Californian wines are a featured region for this year’s festival and you can look out for wineries like Booker Vineyard, located in the Paso Robles region, one of California’s oldest wine-producing areas known for its winemaking tradition that stretches back to the 1790s, along with Black Stallion Estate Winery, Rodney Strong, Baileyana and My Favourite Neighbour, to mention a few.
“Unsworth Vineyards are bringing their new, limited production Saison Vineyard Pinot Noir,” says Rhan. “It’s a treasure, and we’re excited to bring the amazing wines of Vancouver Island to Cornucopia.”
Light bites from local culinary artists are also included. The gathering has a personal, elevated vibe. It’s small-scale in terms of the number of attendees and it’s easier to connect with winery principals. Most wineries not only pour premium wines but most also feature those that are more exclusive and limited in production. Get your tickets as soon as possible, as this offering is so popular it always sells out.
2. Signature Event: CRUSH Grand Tasting
Saturday, November 9
Cornucopia’s flagship tasting, CRUSH, showcases a wide range of wines from more than 50 wineries from BC and around the globe, with a special focus this year on wines from California. The beauty of this event is you not only get a chance to try so many fantastic wines, but you also have the opportunity to meet the makers and other individuals involved in getting the wine from the vineyard to the glass. Bring your curiosity along with your taste buds!
The tasting encompasses the entire Conference Centre ballroom and grand foyer, with attendees having the opportunity to taste hundreds of wines, mix and mingle. Though it is not food-focused, and it’s recommended to grab dinner at one of the fabulous Whistler restaurants ahead of the event, there are a few food stations with small bites to keep participants fuelled and palates refreshed.
“Look out for Fort Beren’s White Gold Chardonnay Reserve, Lillooet,” says Rhan. “Always a favourite of mine, they’ve been winning all kinds of accolades and it will go fast. Try it and then buy it from our on-site store, or order a case directly from the winery.”
There’s also an early entry ticket available, limited to 350 guests (out of a maximum of 1,550), which includes a glass of bubbles on arrival, the chance to taste the wines you’re most excited about in a less crowded environment, and the ability to interact with the pros pouring before the masses arrive.
3. Drink Seminar: All Roads Lead to Bordeaux, Almost
Sunday, November 10
Cornucopia’s Drink Seminars are done classroom-style, with the presenter(s) at the front. But instead of a pencil case in front of you, you have an array of wine glasses.
“The Drink Seminars are a fun and informative way to learn about wine and other beverages, offering a great opportunity to try wines you may not otherwise get to taste,” says Rhan. “Our presenters are top industry professionals, including leading educators, award-winning sommeliers, ambassadors, and winery owners. Have an open mind and choose at least one seminar on a topic that you are less familiar with, and discover something totally new this fall.”
Reigning BC Sommelier of the Year, Ian Casterton, and his fellow Master of Wine candidate, Chris Turyk, lead this seminar exploring red and white varietals. Having travelled to Bordeaux together for studies, the two are sure to present an intimate session that will be both informative and entertaining. Tickets are $56.
4. Drink Seminar: Wines of Café Culture III
Sunday, November 17
When you explore a new place, one of the suggestions a traveller usually asks for is where to get a good cup of coffee. Sure, they’re looking for some good beans but it’s also because cafés are typically social hubs, a place for ideas, discussion and historically, revolution!
The Wines of Café Culture III seminar features wines you can find in some of the great café cities of the world and at the end of the tasting, there will be café-style snacks and each attendant will leave with a previously read book, true café style.
There are many other wine-focused seminars to consider including Tantalizing Tuscany, Winter Whites, Burgundy, Syrahs of the World, and Chenin Showcase, along with sessions on spirits and beers.
5. Restaurant & Bar Events – Now Live!
Whistler has an award-winning dining scene, which likes to push the proverbial boat out for Cornucopia. Although it was hard to narrow down her suggestions, Rhan mentioned that she’s excited about the collaboration of fine-dining, Thai restaurant, Mekong with Tantalus on Thursday, November 14.
“Tantalus has some of the country’s oldest vines,” explains Rhan. “They have a reputation for producing great reisling, chardonnay and pinot noir.”
The menu of the four-course dinner is yet to be set but will start with sparkling wine and feature three whites, two reds and a dessert wine to finish.
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Rhan then mentioned that the Similkameen is a lesser-known part of the Okanagan, but it’s where the small, artisan winery of Clos du Soleil is located. Combining old-world techniques with new-world flavours you can join them at the Bearfoot Bistro on Friday, November 15 with winemaker Mike Clark and Chef Dominic Fortin.
“Table Nineteen is Nicklaus North Golf Courses’ restaurant and a stunning location for a winemakers dinner with its location on the edge of Green Lake,” says Rhan. “Gray Monk is one of the oldest wineries in the North Okanagan and this is a great opportunity to rediscover some incredible BC wine.”
The Table Nineteen: Winemakers Dinner Collaboration with Gray Monk Estate Winery takes place on Sunday, November 10. With restaurants like Araxi, Wild Blue, Il Caminetto and Rimrock all with different offerings it’s not the easiest decision to make, but these winemaker dinners sell out fast, so if there’s one (or two) that catch your eye, don’t procrastinate too long!
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Bonus Tip
The Culinary Stages are a bit of an unsung gem during Cornucopia. Although the menus aren’t all out yet, Rhan says there will be some with interesting wine pairings so keep an eye on those!
Exclusive Cornucopia Packages Available Now
Cornucopia Packages combine discounted event tickets with exclusive rates on accommodation. Book now for unbeatable prices on these signature events, only available while quantities last!
Plus, extend your stay to 3+ nights and receive a free $100 CAD Dining Voucher, valid for use at a range of Whistler restaurants. Use promo code FALLDINING to redeem this offer.
These are just some of the wine-focused highlights for 2024. With so much on offer for wine lovers of all stripes, Whistler Cornucopia is a can’t-miss event. Chances are the more you learn, the more you realize there is to learn.
