2016 Vancouver International Wine Festival: Theme Country Italy
We are pleased to confirm that Italy has been selected as the theme country for the 38th Vancouver
International Wine Festival (VIWF), which will take place from February 20-28, 2016. This year’s festival
will also focus on current trends and issues that are relevant to both Italy and the entire wine world:
Signature/Indigenous/Native Grapes; Italian Varietals (throughout the world); Biodynamic and Organic
Wines; Cool Climate Varietals; and Warm Region Blends.
The VIWF is by far the most important annual wine trade show in Canada and is also acknowledged as
one of the most respected wine festivals in the world. Last year the festival hosted 25,000 attendees and
participants, including 7,500 in trade events.
Our goal is to attract 50 to 70 wineries from throughout Italy. Space limitations within the dedicated
Italian section in the Tasting Room and the response from agents representing Italian wineries will
ultimately determine the total number of wineries accepted by the VIWF Winery Selection Committee.
This is an excellent opportunity to feature both products already in the market as well as new-to-market
and unique wines.
Please note that the VIWF Winery Selection Committee will make the final winery selections for the
festival.
There is a general winery table fee that will be invoiced by the VIWF to the agents of all participating
wineries agents upon selection. This is:
 $1,100 + 5% GST without auction item
 $800 + 5% GST with auction item >$600 catalogue value
 $0 with a Gala dinner wine and an auction item >$600 catalogue value
In addition, Italian wineries selected for the 2016 Wine Festival will be required to pay the $1,800 + 5%
GST basic theme country fee which includes participation in the Saturday “Celebration Italy” lunch, a
wine and food extravaganza featuring all the participating Italian wineries; overall costs associated with
the Italy-themed section in the Tasting Room, including design, décor and entertainment; and
promotional expenses and other Italy-specific marketing support. This fee will be invoiced to agents in
July, upon selection, and there will be no additional fees for winery tables in the theme country section
of the Tasting Room and Saturday lunch participation. Italian wineries will also have many
opportunities to participate in multi-winery seminars (trade and consumer), dinners, lunches, brunches,
minglers and wine-and-food grazing events however, there will be additional fees for these events to
cover those expenses. Please see below or refer to the Festival Event Guide.
We look forward to developing exciting, innovative special events and theme ideas that will inform,
educate and entertain consumers and trade professionals about the wines of Italy.
Winery Applications for the VIWF may be submitted by any registered and active BC wine agent on
behalf of suppliers they represent in the BC market.
Applications for the 2016 VIWF open online May 15 and close June 15, 2015.
Vancouver International Wine Festival
305 – 456 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC V5Y 1R7
Cost Summary
VIWF (winery table fees):
$1,100 + 5% GST without auction item,
$800 + 5% GST with auction item >$600 catalogue value,
$0 with a Gala dinner wine and an auction item
Theme Country Fee:
$1,800 + 5% GST
Event Fees
Event Name
Spumante & Co.
Legendary Wines of Italy
Wine & Food Celebration:
Italy
Innovation & Tradition
from North to South
Emerging Grapes, Regions
& Styles
Annual Awards Lunch
Featuring Italian DOCG
Wines
Description
# of wines
Cost
Theme Country consumer wine
mingler: Tuesday evening
Theme Country consumer
seminar: Friday evening
Theme Country consumer lunch:
Saturday afternoon
Theme Country trade plenary:
Thursday morning
Theme Country trade seminar:
Friday morning
2 wines, 12 x 750 ml
of each
$300 + 5% GST
1 wine, 12 x 750 ml
$300 + 5% GST
2 wines, 6 x 750 ml of
each
All wineries,
no charge
1 wine, 12 x 750 ml
$300 + 5% GST
1 wine, 6 x 750 ml
$300 + 5% GST
Theme Country trade lunch:
Friday morning
2 wines, 6 x 750 ml of
each
$300 + 5% GST
We sincerely hope you will consider this outstanding opportunity to promote your wines in the BC
market.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.
Harry Hertscheg
Executive Director
Vancouver International Wine Festival
Tel: (604) 637-3100
Email: [email protected]
Vancouver International Wine Festival
305 – 456 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC V5Y 1R7