Dining & Wine

France, Rosé & A Bit Of B.C.: Where to Spend Your Time At The Wine Festival

January 18, 2026

Dining & Wine

The Vancouver International Wine Festival consistently delivers a wealth of standout experiences, but this year’s theme—France and rosé—feels especially well suited to Vancouver. Crisp whites, elegant pinks, and terroir-driven reds shine alongside our coastal cuisine, while a handful of events smartly weave in standout British Columbia wineries. If you’re looking to book with intention, these are the festival moments worth circling.

The Spirit of Languedoc-Roussillon

Tuesday, March 10 | Provence Marinaside | $255

Southern France takes centre stage at Provence Marinaside, where the sun-soaked wines of Languedoc-Roussillon meet a menu that understands Mediterranean balance. Expect generous, expressive wines paired with dishes that echo the region’s warmth and spice—an ideal introduction to one of France’s most dynamic wine areas.

La Table Chapoutier at L’Abattoir

Tuesday, March 10 | L’Abattoir | $255

Few pairings feel as natural as Rhône wines and refined French cooking. Hosted at L’Abattoir, this dinner highlights the precision and depth of Chapoutier’s wines alongside a menu that values restraint and structure. A confident, quietly luxurious evening for serious wine lovers.

Fraser Valley’s Farm-to-Table Winery Dinner

Wednesday, March 11 | Otter Trail Winery | $200

This dinner is a reminder that world-class wine experiences don’t have to travel far. Hosted at Langley Township’s Otter Trail Winery, it celebrates Fraser Valley agriculture, grounded in local terroir. A standout for those who appreciate BC wine with a sense of place.

Sage Hayward: Rooted in the Sea

Wednesday, March 11 | Fable Kitchen | $175

The island-grown wines of Sage Hayward Vineyards meet one of Kitsilano’s most consistently beloved dining rooms, Fable Kitchen. The menu leans into freshness and balance, paired with mineral-driven whites and elegant rosés that nod to French tradition while feeling unmistakably West Coast.

A Taste of Chablis

Wednesday, March 11 | The Vancouver Club | $255

Chablis proves its timeless appeal at this elegant dinner inside The Vancouver Club. Expect a deep dive into one of France’s most misunderstood regions, where chalky soils and cool-climate precision produce wines that reward nuance and food pairing.

A Tour de France in Your Glass

Thursday, March 12 | VCC East | $95

Short on time but eager to learn? This seminar offers a brisk, informative journey through France’s key wine regions. It’s a palate-expanding primer that adds context to everything you’ll taste over the week.

Beaujolais: Dig Into Diversity (Trade)

Friday, March 13 | VCC East | $45

For those in the industry, this seminar digs into Beaujolais beyond the clichés—highlighting crus, winemaking styles, and why the region continues to earn global respect for its food-friendly versatility.

Weekend Highlights: Rosé & French Flair

9th Annual PICA Kitchen Party
Saturday, March 14 | $139 | Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts
A lively, grazing-style lunch where wine and food come together in the most joyful way—casual, educational, and delicious, all while wandering through the cooking school’s many kitchens.

Taste of France at LaSalle
Saturday, March 14 | $109 | LaSalle College Vancouver
A relaxed midday celebration of classic French flavours with a modern touch.

Think Pink! A Rosé Lunch
Saturday, March 14 | $119 | The Farmhouse
Rosé takes the spotlight in a lunch that proves the category’s depth and versatility—fresh, food-friendly, and perfectly timed for festival season.

This year’s Vancouver International Wine Festival excels at connecting French wine traditions with BC’s coastal sensibility. Whether you’re committing to a destination dinner, sharpening your palate at a seminar, or lingering over rosé at lunch, these events capture the festival at its most engaging—curated, educational, and deeply pleasurable.

The 2026 festival will take place March 7-14 at the Vancouver Convention Centre East and other venues in Vancouver.

International Festival Tastings, IFT Pass, Trade Pass and winery dinners (limited tickets available) are available now. All remaining public events will go on sale Wednesday, January 21, 20 and trade events will go on sale Wednesday, January 28, 2026. —Cassandra Anderton, Good Life Vancouver

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