The Vancouver International Wine Festival, presented by The Vancouver Sun, popped the cork on the 2014 festival celebrations with the Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction fundraiser at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on Saturday, February 22. Net proceeds benefit charitable partner Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival. “This year’s Gala was another smashing success, thanks to the generosity of our donors and our distinguished Gala guests, who continue to surprise and delight us with their support of the arts,” said Gala chair Brenda McAllister.
Celebratory bubbly was poured during a sparkling Champagne reception at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, kicking off the lavish Gala, which is sponsored by Vancouver Wine Vault and Deloitte. Following the reception, the 400 guests sipped on nine wines paired with five extraordinary courses created by the Fairmont’s executive chef, Cameron Ballendine.
Guests placed their bids on coveted silent auction items including culinary excursions, one-of-a-kind experiences and collectible treasures, while the co-emcees—Global BC personality Sophie Lui and Bard on the Beach Artistic Director Christopher Gaze—kept the evening flowing. Gala raffle tickets were sold throughout the evening, boasting an attractive prize of a 7-night all-inclusive stay at Club Med les Boucaniers in Martinique. Bard on the Beach played a central role at the Gala, with exquisitely embellished costumes from Bard on the Beach productions dressing the ballroom.
During the cheese course, Howard Blank of Great Canadian Casinos led the live auction, which brought in more than an estimated $60,000 for Bard on the Beach. Highlights included: an unforgettable culinary experience at Bearfoot Bistro—which ebullient owner André Saint-Jacques promised would increase in both taste and quality in accordance with the amount raised—topped out at an impressive $6000; a theatrical dinner for eight hosted by Christopher Gaze—featuring a meal by Araxi, wines from Sandhill, and set onstage at Bard on the Beach—sold for a cool $8000. In a spontaneous twist, Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal, owner of Château Angelus, added a last-minute auction item: dinner and stay at the winery’s chateau, which sold for close to $10,000.
“We were delighted by the turnout at the Gala and overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and generosity of the bidders,” said Christopher Gaze, Artistic Director of Bard on the Beach. “The Wine Festival is fundamental to sustaining Bard throughout the year, and we’re extremely grateful to those who put their firm support behind Vancouver’s arts community.”
ABOUT VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL, PRESENTED BY THE VANCOUVER SUN
Canada’s premier wine show marks its 36th anniversary of pairing wine, food and the performing arts from February 24 to March 2, 2014. It features 177 wineries from 14 countries pouring 1,750+ wines at 54 events to a projected 23,000 attendees. The Acura International Festival Tasting Room is the heart of the festival, with 780+ wines on offer to the public and 168 more wines for trade only. More than 800 additional wines are served at special events, including the Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction on Saturday, February 22, plus wine seminars, minglers, dinners, lunches and wine & food pairings at fine restaurants and hotels. This year the festival shines the spotlight on France, and the global focus is on Bubbly. Festival partner beVancouver.com offers a free International Festival Tasting ticket to festivalgoers who book a night in a downtown hotel (while supplies last). Don’t Wine and Drive! The Vancouver International Wine 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 $8.1 million for the performing arts. The presenting sponsor is The Vancouver Sun.
For more information about the Vancouver International Wine Festival go to VanWineFest.ca
