Reflections on the Vancouver International Wine Festival 2025

The Vancouver International Wine Festival (VIWF) is one of the largest and oldest wine events in the world, bringing together wine lovers, industry professionals, and world-class vintners for an unparalleled tasting experience. Now in its 46th year, the festival attracts nearly 18,000 attendees and features 122 wineries from 15 countries. With its slogan “The Wine World is Here,” VIWF offers a dynamic exploration of global wine culture, centered around the International Tasting Room, where attendees can sample nearly 800 wines from around the world.

For two afternoons, my fellow wine lover Stacey and I immersed ourselves in the energy of the Tasting Room at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The space was alive with the hum of excited wine lovers, clinking glasses, and conversations with passionate vintners. With 121 wineries pouring nearly 600 wines, it was another adventure for your senses.

A World of Wine in One Room

As annual attendees of VIWF, it was wonderful to reconnect with many friends and acquaintances from B.C.’s wine and beverages community and trade tips on which wines to sip. The 2025 theme region spotlighted the Pacific West Coast, featuring wines from California, Oregon, Washington State, and British Columbia. The festival deftly navigated some of the complicated cross-border tensions by highlighting the collaborative influence between these regions, celebrating their shared impact on winemaking styles and industry growth both north and south of the 49th parallel.

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Standout Wines and Regions

The festival’s regional tasting stations transported attendees across continents, offering a deep dive into some of the world’s most exciting wine regions.

The New California Awaits

At the California wine region booths, we embarked on a veritable road trip through Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, and beyond, tasting wines that showcased the state’s innovative spirit. Notable wineries such as DAOU Vineyards, Ridge Vineyards, Stags’ Leap Winery, and The Prisoner Wine Company demonstrated California’s range of bold reds, elegant Chardonnays, and complex blends.

Oregon’s Willamette Valley – A True Standout

One of the highlights of the festival was the Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Wineries like Adelsheim Vineyard and Lingua Franca impressed with their refined acidity and layered fruit flavors, reaffirming Oregon’s reputation for cool-climate viticulture.

Washington’s Hidden Gems

Washington State’s Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Aquilini Wines showcased wines with bold structure and deep concentration, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from the Columbia Valley and Walla Walla AVAs.

European Elegance – A Taste of France, Italy, and Spain

Beyond the Pacific Coast, the European selections were equally captivating. The Bordeaux wines at Caves de Rauzan reflected the region’s timeless craftsmanship, while Champagne Duval-Leroy delighted with elegant bubbles.

From Italy, wineries like Feudi di San Gregorio, Tommasi Family Estates, and Rocca delle Macìe poured Amarones, Chiantis, and expressive whites. Over at the Spanish booths, producers like Marqués de Riscal and Freixenet showcased Rioja Tempranillo and traditional Cava, proving Spain’s continued excellence in winemaking.

Exploring Beyond the West Coast

We also discovered wines from wine regions as diverse as Brazil, Greece, Croatia, and Vancouver Island. The Miolo wines from Brazil surprised with their vibrant reds and sparkling selections. Greek producers Domaine Skouras and Alpha Estate introduced us to Assyrtiko and Xinomavro, while Croatia’s Fakin Winery and Stina Winery offered a taste of the Adriatic’s unique terroir.

There was an incredible buzz about wineries from B.C.’s Pacific Coast – including the Gulf Islands and Fraser Valley. Sage Hayward Vineyards, the latest incarnation of the winery established on Saturna Island was praised for a standout Rosé wine, made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

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Beyond the Classics – Special Wine Bars

In addition to regional tastings, the specialty wine bars highlighted emerging trends and innovative winemaking techniques:

  • Put Some Sparkle in Your Life: A selection of global sparkling wines for those who love a little fizz.
  • Wines for a Better Planet: Organic, biodynamic, and sustainable wines shaping the future of the industry.
  • West Coast Chard Bar: A showcase of Chardonnay from B.CC, California, Oregon, and Washington, proving its versatility and complexity.

The 2025 Vancouver International Wine Festival once again proved why this event remains one of North America’s premier wine events. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just beginning your wine journey, this festival is an unmatched opportunity to expand your palate, meet the people behind the bottles, and discover new favorites.

A big shout out to the sponsors, supporters and the organizers led by E.D. Harry Hertscheg for another great year at VIWF!

Did you attend this year’s International Tasting Room? What were your standout wines? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Cheers! 🍷