I was lucky to have been invited to a trade tasting reception on Friday afternoon, ahead of Cornucopia’s two day CRUSH Gala.
The early afternoon time slot allowed trade and media to sample several wines and spirits, with ample time to ask questions and network around the large Whistler Conference Centre upstairs ballroom.
[2010 Chardonnay Late Harvest Icewine, $18.99]
A $10 donation to attend the event went to Whistler Animal Shelter (WAG), a local organization helping to rescue, care for, and find new homes for unwanted, lost, and homeless animals. They’ve helped to both heal and place these lovable creatures into new homes. WAG operates in the Whistler to Lillooet region of BC.
Admittedly, I’ve been to numerous wine tastings and festivals over the years, but Cornucopia is so well organized. There’s bottled water readily available at most of the events I attended here (not the best for the environment, but the organizers count on the fact that people don’t carry water with them during these events).
As well, apples are boxed and ready to take home or eat on the spot. Both mornings, I enjoyed these fresh, delicious Summer Breeze apples before heading out for breakfast and more wine and food events spread out over my two days in Whistler.
[Delicious local brie with pepper]
[Rogers sea salt caramels with dark chocolate]
[Wine writer Natalie MacLean signing her new book, Unquenchable]
[Love the suggestive little icons on this label!]
[Another well designed wine label]
[Cured meats from Nita Lake Lodge]
If you’d like to see more photos from the trade tasting, click here.