Specifically for wine-focused restaurant and retail trade, Wines of British Columbia are putting their best foot forward on September 23rd, offering two walk-around tastings and a quartet of dynamic seminars for qualified trade.
First, up - definitely book your spot for the morning or afternoon walkaround tasting session. There *are* seminars we’ll get to in a moment, so ensure when nabbing a seminar spot, it doesn’t conflict with the walkaround tasting.
And WHAT a tasting! Over 55 wineries, including the likes of 1 Mill Road, Black Hills, Garnet Valley Ranch, Mission Hill (WineAlign’s 2025 Winery of the Year), Painted Rock, Spearhead (WineAlign’s 2024 Winery of the Year), Tantalus, Unsworth, and so many more.
Do I have a vested interest in these events? You bet I do! Along with various contracts I have with Wine Growers BC to produce and promote events waving the BC wine flag, I’m stoked to be presenting one of the four seminars at Swirl, as well!
OK, seats are already flyin’ for these seminars, so you’ll want to grab one while you can. Here’s what’s on tap:
Soil to Shelf Innovation in BC Wine
Moderated by Rhys Pender, MW
With a changing climate and market, BC wineries have no choice but to innovate against these challenges. Join Rhys Pender MW and a cutting edge panel of BC wine minds to see what innovation is happening across farming, winemaking, marketing, and business operations.
Business of BC Wine in the Global Context
Moderated by Barb Philip, MW
Join Barbara Philip MW and a panel of business experts to examine the short and long term trends in the global wine industry and to discuss the potential role of British Columbia wines in the domestic and international arenas.
An Alternative Approach for BC Wine?
Moderated by Rhys Pender, MW
Is it time for a change? Join Rhys Pender MW and a panel of leading wine producers for a discussion of what alternative varieties, wine styles and techniques may or may not be worth exploring for BC wineries in the future.
Moderated by Kurtis Kolt (That’s me!)
Tasting and talking the current state and future opportunities of the BC industry with Gen Z & Millennial wine pros. We’ll discuss all aspects of BC wine and its current and potential audience from the perspectives of sommeliers, educators, marketers and proprietors.
The Swirl Around BC Wine Expo is the deepest dive into BC wine we’re going to see in Vancouver this year for wine and hospitality pros; don’t miss this opportunity!