THE GOODS FROM WHISTLER CORNUCOPIA

Cornucopia, Whistler’s annual celebration of food and drink, is set to return to the mountain and will run from November 6th to the 16th. The festival attracts countless chefs, restaurateurs, vintners, distillers, and brewers from across BC to the village for a seemingly endless battery of winemaker dinners, special lunches, seminars, soirees, tastings, and all manner of delicious events besides. That it lasts for a full 11 days is not only a testament to the breadth and depth of the festival’s excellent programming, but also evidence that Whistler itself can not be “done” in a day. There’s just too much going on, especially during Cornucopia. You can access the full program here, but you can find our picks for what shouldn’t be missed below…

Thursday, Nov. 6 | HOUSE PARTY | “Now established as one of the hottest events of the year, House Party combines live music with local foods and domestic wines. Featuring the best of ‘local’ talent in music, food and wine, we invite you to Our House; a party of epic proportions. Indulge in a BBQ from SIDECUT, home-grown vodka, micro-brewed beer and much more from our land of plenty.” This always proves to be great way to kick off Cornucopia. | DETAILS

Friday, Nov. 7 | CELLAR DOOR | “Cellar Door is a smaller, more intimate tasting featuring more than 25 wineries and showcasing more than 100 wines priced at $35 and up per bottle.” Held in the Grand Foyer of the Whistler Conference Centre, we imagine this event as a concentrated collection of the best and most exclusive wines that can be had during the festival. | DETAILS

Saturday, Nov. 8 | CRUSH GALA GRAND TASTING | “Mingle with friends and discover your new favourite wine among the many red, white and sparkling glasses at this flagship tasting event, held in the Ballroom of the Whistler Conference Centre.” Crush is always a glamorous blast, and with 70 vendors this year, it’s so many tasty birds with just one stone. | DETAILS

Sunday, Nov. 9 | WITH A TWIST | “Wander With a Twist, enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere and decide what works best for you. Create your own mixed drink from the large variety of options provided, listen to tips from our mixologists or taste something they have prepared, or try something about which you have always been curious. Alternatively, have the fine products featured on the rocks or neat – your choice.” It sounds like a Choose Your Own Adventure story, written with booze. Count us in! | DETAILS

Monday, Nov. 10 | BEARFOOT BISTRO LATE-NIGHT WINE MIXER | This includes “a sampling of different wines and a variety of culinary treats by Chef Melissa Craig and her team while the room beats to the vibe of Whistler’s DJs.” Where else but Bearfoot? | DETAILS

Wednesday, Nov. 12 | DINNER AT ARAXI WITH PAINTED ROCK | “Get to know the glorious wines of the Skaha Lake bench from one of BC’s most spectacular vineyards as we welcome proprietor John Skinner of Painted Rock. If you’ve tried these wines before, you know what all the fuss is about; if you haven’t don’t miss this opportunity to get up close and personal with a BC Icon.” If you can go to just one winemaker supper over Cornucopia, let this be it! | DETAILS

Friday, Nov. 14 | NIGHT MARKET: TASTE THE WORLD | “Demonstrating the wonderful adaptability of wines, beers and liquors, attendees enjoy this fun-filled evening in a casual yet refined environment emulating a food market. Sample different beverages with cuisine to experience the magic in matching with exotic and creative fare. A truly gastronomic experience for the fun and adventurous.” Street food in a refined environment may sound a little odd, but the combo certainly makes for a more memorable evening. Expect variety! | DETAILS

Saturday, Nov. 15 | POURED | This event “encompasses an intimate tasting experience of wine, spirits, cider, beer and food. Ticket prices include your own glass to take home and five tokens that can be used for food or wine sampling.” Sounds like a fun mingler with plenty of food and wine, which is exactly what Cornucopia is all about. | DETAILS

To further wet your whistle, we’ve compiled a gallery from past Cornucopia events below…

EVERYTHING CORNUCOPIA