Canada’s premier wine show will mark its 37th edition of pairing wine, food and the performing arts from February 20 to March 1, 2015. The festival features Australia as the theme country and Syrah as the global focus. The festival will showcase 170 wineries from 14 countries (including 55 wineries from Australia) pouring 1750+ wines at 53 events to a projected 25,000 admissions. The Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction opens the festival on Friday, February 20 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. The festival is produced by the Vancouver International Wine Festival Society, which has three mandates: provide an informative, educational and entertaining wine experience for public and trade; be a premier marketing opportunity for the wine industry and festival partners; and raise funds for the Bard on the Beach Theatre Society. Since inception in 1979, the festival has raised $8.3 million for the performing arts. Major partners are the BC Liquor Distribution Branch and the Import Vintners & Spirits Association.

For more information about the Vancouver International Wine Festival go to VanWineFest.ca.