8 must-attend Vancouver food and wine events in February 2020 – Canada.com

Though furry forecasters have declared spring is on the way, the sun still isn’t shining in Vancouver. That said, there are still plenty of places to hide out from the wet, grey weather and warm up with delicious food, drink, and wine events throughout February. We’ve rounded up some of the most appetizing events to tuck into. Thankfully, there’s lots more pouring than rain in Vancouver this month, so pop some corks, get a sugar rush and indulge in these culinary events throughout the city.

The Science of Cocktails

Science World isn’t just for kids—especially not on nights like the sixth annual Science of Cocktails event where the city’s top bartenders and chefs come together to explore the chemistry and physics behind modern cocktails, showcasing the connection between ingredients, technique, and science. Tickets include access to more than 30 cocktail stations, hands-on demos, hors d’oeuvres, Science World exhibits and entertainment. This year, they are aiming to raise $1 million towards Science World’s class field trip bursary.

When: Thursday, February 6, 2020
Time: 8 pm – Midnight
Where:Science World (1455 Quebec Street)
How much: $165 regular or $289 VIP (purchase ticket here)

Dinner With A View 

While teleportation still isn’t a thing, having dinner inside an igloo-like geodesic dome, each of which has a distinct terrain and ecosystem (tundra, tropical, grasslands, arid and boreal forest), is about as close to it as you can get. Set on West Vancouver’s stunning Ambleside Beach, guests are assigned domes at random each reflecting a different part of the world. Inside your dome (which might feel like being inside a snow globe or terrarium depending on what part of the world you’re assigned) you’ll enjoy a three-course meal prepared by celebrity chef Paul Moran, while cozied up with luxurious pillows, blankets, and décor—a unique dining experience indeed.

When: Now through February 16. 2020
Time: Various
Where: Ambleside Beach (1200 Argyle Avenue)
How much: $99.00-$199.99 per dome, plus $109.99 per person for dinner (purchase ticket here)

Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival

There’s nothing like a good cup of hot chocolate to warm up on a gloomy day. Vancouver created the first-ever city-wide hot chocolate festival in 2011. Now in its 10th year, the city’s 44 best chocolatiers, pastry shops, bakeries, cafes, gelato and ice cream makers have come together to serve up the best of the best. Check out this walking map and make your way around each participant’s take on the sweet chocolate concoction. Unless otherwise stated, drinks are available every day from January 18 – February 14, 2020.

When: January 18-February 29, 2020
Where: Various locations

Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown

Thirteen of B.C.’s chefs will go head-to-head at Vancouver’s annual Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown, which is back for its 12th year. The chefs—including chef Chris Andraza of Fanny Bay Oysters and chef Stacy Johnston of Ocean Wise—will present their very best chowder creation paired with local craft beer. There can only be one chowder champion and, as a guest, you’re responsible for tasting them all and then voting on a winner, alongside a panel of judges. The event’s purpose is to help promote awareness for sustainable seafood and raise critical funds to further the Ocean Wise Sustainable Seafood Program’s mission. Ticket includes as much chowder as you can eat, as well as complimentary beer, wine and spirits samplings.

When: Thursday, February 20, 2020
Time: 7-11 p.m.
Where:Vancouver Aquarium (845 Avison Way)
How Much: $79 +tax (purchase your ticket here)

2020 Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction

Prepare for one of the most incredible food and wine events in the city—kicking off the 2020 Vancouver International Wine Festival, this event is an absolute must for any serious wine collector or drinker. You’ll be greeted with a sparkling wine reception at 6 pm, and the evening will follow with nine wine pairings accompanied by a five-course menu. After dinner, keep your dancing shoes on for the live music and a silent auction with plenty of opportunities to expand your wine collection and win a culinary getaway.

When: February 22, 2020
Where:Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (900 West Georgia Street)
How much: $525 / $4,200 table of 8 (purchase ticket here)
Note: This event is black tie and 19+ only. No minors allowed.

Vancouver International Wine Festival

Time to get your sniff and sip on—North America’s best wine event is here for its 42nd year. One of the world’s oldest and biggest wine events welcomes the greatest wine producers and drinkers to celebrate with food and wine during the eight-day event. This year’s gathering will showcase wine from 163 wineries, 15 countries, including 42 wineries from France, this year’s featured country. While it’s headquartered at the Vancouver Convention Centre, more than 25 restaurants around the city will host winery dinners, lunches, seminars and wine minglers. If you only attend one event, don’t miss one of the International Festival Tastings in the tasting room where you can sample from all participating wineries. All ticket prices include wine, food (if it is a food event), gratuities, service charges and taxes.

When: Saturday, February 22-March 1, 2020
Where:Vancouver Convention Centre West (1055 Canada Place)
How much: Various events, dinners, and tastings (purchase tickets here)
Note: This event is 19+ only. No minors allowed.

Backcountry Brewmaster’s Dinner 

Join in on CRAFT Beer Market’s first monthly Brewmaster’s Dinner of 2020. This will be a night of great beer paired with local food from Squamish’s Backcountry Brewing—known for its delicious pizzas and fresh salads. The evening will include a welcome beer at 6 p.m., an appetizer, followed by four chef-crafted courses, each designed to complement one of Backcountry’s delicious brews.

When: February 25, 2020
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: CRAFT Beer Market Restaurant and Bar (Salt Building – 85 West 1st Avenue)
How much: $60 +tax (purchase ticket here)

Hopwired Festival

Here’s one day that you won’t have to choose between two of Vancouver’s favourite drinks. Buzzing with unique brews of coffee and beer, this event is where the best minds in the industry collaborate to offer a unique day full of specialty tastings. Featuring some of the most revered breweries and roasters from across the country, highlights include an espresso bar serving a rotating schedule of coffee from some of the best machines in the world and a tasting panel with industry leaders discussing everything from fruity coffee in beer to sustainable coffee and wood-aged beer. DownLow Chicken Shack will be serving coffee-rubbed ribs in collaboration with Prototype Coffee to ensure your belly is full. Your ticket includes a welcome beer, all-inclusive tasting of exclusive beer and coffee, and an official Hopwired Festival glass.

When: Saturday, February 29, 2020
Time: 1:00 pm
Where: Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial Drive)
How Much: Tickets from $45 +tax (purchase ticket here)
Note: This event is 19+ only. No minors allowed.