Frequency Asked Questions

Victoria Conference Centre – 720 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8W 3M7

Festival Dates = September 24th – 30th of 2023

Tasting Sessions (by date):

Friday, September 29th, 2023

  • Trade Tasting 12:00pm – 4:00pm
  • Evening Tasting 7:00pm – 9:30pm

Saturday,  September 30th, 2023

  • Afternoon Tasting 3:00pm – 5:30pm
  • Grand Evening Tasting 7:00pm -9:30pm

Two hours is more than enough time to leisurely walk through the Festival and visit our vendors. We will start pre-processing attendees 15 minutes prior to the doors opening. This does not mean the doors will open 15 minutes early, it just means we will make sure you are ready to walk right in! The tasting room will open as per its designated time. Don’t worry if you get there after the tasting session starts; you’ll still have plenty of time to sample all of the Festival offerings.

Super Passes are a great way to experience the Festival. Each Super Pass gains you access to the Festival’s Grand tastings. This means you get access to the Friday evening tasting session, Saturday afternoon session, and Saturday evening session. You also gain access to a maximum of two seminars IF you register with the Festival one week before the event. To register email info@vicwf.com

  • This is a 19+ event so we require you to bring two pieces of government-issued I.D.
  • Please bring your printed ticket (we will scan it upon arrival). We can scan your tickets from your phone but ask you to please have your screen at maximum brightness and your phone ready to be scanned.
  • Please prepare yourself to have free hands. You will have a brochure and a wine glass to keep your hands busy. There will be a coat check near the entrance.

Please dress business casual and do not wear any perfumes or colognes. We define it as dressed to impress but comfortable (i.e. slacks, dresses, casual suits, pants, blouses, etc.)

We recommend that you do. We will be able to accept credit cards on-site but it takes a bit more time. Cash = fast transaction! 

Yes, we will have a coat check on site. Please bring cash for the coat check for fast transactions. Coat check will cost $4.00.

DO NOT LINE UP – We understand the urge – it is human nature to line up. Festival etiquette dictates that you do not. You will have access and PLENTY of time to visit all the vendors – come back to the table later if more than eight people are waiting. If a vendor has a line-up, it is likely because their product needs time to serve. Mingle! Wander! Explore! This is a sample Festival. Vendors are exhibiting their products in sample sizes, not full glasses. Make sure you come ready take your time to taste everything.

Yes, we will have small bites of food but they are not a meal. We are NOT a food and wine festival. Our focus is wine. Please make sure to eat before you arrive. The food showcased at the Festival is meant to be paired with your wine samples, not used as a meal replacement. Let’s focus on the wine!

Yes! Many of the tastings are sold out or close to. Please take your time between vendors. Two and half hours is plenty of time to taste all the wines you desire.

Keep in mind all vendors are providing a sample of their product. Wine samples range between 1-2 ounces.

Any attendees of the seminars prior to any of the tastings will not need to leave the venue. We will have a staging area that you will be able to stay in. Please note you may need to wait 15-20 minutes in this area but you will not need to line again up to re-enter the building.

Festival ticket holders will also have access to an exclusive on-site store. You will be able to purchase wines. Taste something you love at the Festival and bring it home with you that evening

Still, have a question?