You’d be amazed how well Cornucopia, the West Coast’s
most anticipated wine event, lives up to its name. Events producer Lilli Clark shares the details behind the
quality and quantity that sets Whistler abuzz in November.
Lifestyle Magazine: How would you sum up Cornucopia?
Lilli Clark: Cornucopia is Whistler’s premier wine and food extravaganza. The annual event
is a unique opportunity to mingle, mix and learn from acclaimed chefs, sommeliers, vintners, restaurateurs
visiting Whistler and Whistler locals. Featuring a sumptuous variety of hands-on seminars, fascinating
winemaker dinners, gala tasting events and sizzling after-parties, Cornucopia offers something for both the
experienced gourmet and those seeking to better appreciate the epicurean delights of wine and food.
LM:Can you describe the sights and sounds of some particularly special scenes at the
event?
LC:The sound of hundreds of people sniffing, swirling and sipping with their wine glasses at
our CRUSH Gala Grand Tasting is indescribable. At night, the village is lit up with people dressed to the
nines walking from one winemaker dinner or wine-tasting event to another stylish and fun-filled after-party.
There is a palpable feeling of excitement in the air — I think it’s the thrill of getting dressed up for a
real evening out to taste the very best that the world has to offer in wines.
In the daytime, the VIKING Stage Series and Whistler Chef’s Challenge fill the Whistler Conference Centre
with curious and delicious scents from Indian delights to organic bites, and the popping of corks and
clinking of glasses is sublime!
LM:What pleasantly surprises first-time visitors?
LC:The overall feeling of this wine festival when compared to others is what surprises
people. We host some of the most acclaimed wine experts and chefs from Canada and around the world and yet
there is no stuck-up attitude or ego. Presenters, attendees, exhibitors, et al., are just up to have a
fantastic weekend jam-packed with the best that wine and food has to offer. It’s at once a relaxing and
playful weekend that can be tailored exactly to what each guest is looking for. Whether it’s the high life
and nightlife or education and substance that you’re looking for, there is something for everyone.
LM:What are a few things that absolutely should not be missed?
LC:So many to choose from, but I’d say the CRUSH Gala Grand Tasting, which is our flagship
tasting event. With over 75 wineries participating and sampling over 450 wines it’s a party and tasting not
to be missed.
For those who are looking for a more laid-back vibe, the Regional Walkabout is a gem! Three of the world’s
most-celebrated wine regions converge at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler for a casual walkabout tasting of
their top 20 wines, paired with canapés inspired by each region.
The Casino Royale party sells out every year so it’s a must for those festival-goers who are looking to
splurge on a late-night affair to remember.
And for visitors who are looking for a little taste of the local, the House Party, which kicks off the
Festival each year, is a no-brainer! It’s a fun and casual event that showcases the best that B.C. has to
offer in BBQ, cheese, wine, vodka and microbrewed beer!
LM:What is your favourite memory from a past event?
LC: Probably
when sushi master Chef Nester from Whistler’s famous Sushi Village restaurant hosted a Sushi & Sake
seminar and tasting on our fully-equipped VIKING Stage. Being Japanese, he had a hard time describing each
step of the sushi crafting process and so forth to the audience, so instead he put that much more effort on
really demonstrating to the audience why his sushi was so sought after and how to create it themselves. The
audience was glued to the flat screens that were recording his every movement of the knife and roll of the
seaweed sheet. It was the most silent VIKING Stage Series Seminar I had ever attended because he hardly said
a word but it didn’t matter as the audience was entranced and loving every moment of it.
LM: What keeps guests coming back?
LC: I think
it’s the diversity of the events on offer, and the Cornucopia party feel that compels visitors to come back
year after year. Cornucopia has a multitude of events and wine tastings for every budget and every level of
wine connoisseur. We offer food tastings and seminars for both experienced wine lovers and those who are just
getting their feet wet. The same goes for all of our delicious food and tasting events. From our famous and
fabulous CRUSH Gala Grand Tasting to our more laid-back Regional Walkabout to our delicious and informative
Viking Stage Series Seminars, there is something for everyone and any age. Add to that the famous Whistler
party attitude, and it’s the recipe for a perfect weekend getaway.
Cornucopia: Whistler’s Celebration of Wine & Food marks its 14th year from Nov. 11
to 14. Don’t miss out!
