Each November, Whistler transforms into a mountainside playground for culinary exploration. From wine-pairing dinners to hands-on cooking sessions, Cornucopia celebrates BC’s best chefs, vintners, and artisan producers. Here are ten standout experiences for this year’s festival (November 6-16, 2025)—besides the obvious choice, the grand tasting, CRUSH. —Cassandra Anderton, Good Life Vancouver
Dim Sum and Then Some: Bubbles + Dumplings
Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 11:15 AM – 12:45 PM | $66
Sparkling wines meet the ultimate comfort food — dumplings. Hosted by Sommelier Keith Nicholson and Chef & Somm Van Doren Chan, this seminar pairs effervescent wines like Prosecco and Lambrusco with handmade dumplings. Discover how bubbles enhance every crispy, chewy, juicy bite while exploring global flavour pairings.
Small Plates for Entertaining
Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM | $55
Join Chef Alana Maas for expert tips on planning, prepping, and plating impressive canapés and small plates without the stress. Sample refined yet accessible dishes such as Butter Sake Poached Prawn Salad, Chocolate Hazelnut Tart, and bite-sized canapés like Burrata Bruschetta, Chicken Salad Phyllo Cups, and Tiramisu Cupcakes.
Araxi + Poplar Grove Wine Dinner
Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | $229.12
Indulge in an exceptional five-course dining experience at Araxi Restaurant, crafted by Culinary Director James Walt and Executive Chef Ying Gao. Each course is paired with premium wines from the Okanagan’s Poplar Grove Winery, with insights and stories shared by the always entertaining winery owner Tony Holler. A refined evening of culinary artistry and world-class BC wine.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler: Tasteful Table with Vanessa Vineyard
Friday, November 7, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | $249
Experience an unforgettable evening at The Grill Room with an interactive, three-course, family-style dinner showcasing the bold flavours of the Pacific Northwest. Guests are greeted with a welcome cocktail before watching chefs craft each course tableside, paired perfectly with Vanessa Vineyard wines. A sensory celebration of food, wine, and connection.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler: Radiante
Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM | $99
Get ready for a lively Mexican-themed fiesta at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler! Enjoy margarita fountains, cervezas, and endless tacos, ceviche, and guacamole in a night bursting with bold flavours, festive music, and vibrant energy. The ultimate celebration of food, fun, and fiesta vibes — celebra hoy, siesta mañana!
Obscure, But Make It Sexy
Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 4:15 PM – 5:45 PM | $56
Step off the beaten wine path with Sommelier Sean Nelson as he spotlights lesser-known grape varieties like Mencía, Furmint, and Nerello Mascalese. This playful, palate-expanding seminar invites curious wine lovers to explore expressive, underappreciated wines that prove obscure can be undeniably sexy.
Night Market: Taste of Canada
Friday, November 14, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM | $79
Embark on a cross-country culinary journey at this lively, market-style celebration showcasing flavours from coast to coast. Renowned chefs—including Dale MacKay, Jenni Lessard, Chris Irving, and Paul Natrall—present regional dishes that tell the story of their homeland, paired with Canadian wines, craft brews, and artisanal spirits.
Cellar Door
Friday, November 7, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM | $120
Step into Cellar Door, where the vault opens to reveal premium wines valued at $35+ from more than 25 acclaimed wineries. This exclusive tasting offers a rare opportunity to sample exceptional bottles alongside artisanal sweet and savoury bites from local culinary talent.
Shaken Not Stirred
Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM | $139
Step into Cornucopia’s most glamorous soirée, a James Bond–inspired night of elegance, espionage, and indulgence. The evening begins with a 75-minute tasting of premium spirits, cocktails, wines, craft brews, and elevated zero-proof creations, followed by an after-party with live music, a charity casino, and dancing.
Stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Stay at the heart of the festival’s culinary excitement. As the host venue for many of Cornucopia’s marquee events—like Radiante and Tasteful Table with Vanessa Vineyard—you’ll enjoy effortless access to world-class food, wine, and entertainment just steps from your room. With luxurious accommodations, mountain views, and exceptional service, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is the ultimate home base for indulgence.
Pro Tip: Book seminars and dinners early—these marquee experiences sell out fast.
For the full schedule and tickets, visit whistlercornucopia.com.
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