Alberta Destinations

Rocky Mountain Food and Wine Festival debuts in Banff

Photo from Wikipedia Common

(Special)—The Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival bursts into Banff May 30 and 31, pairing this signature food and wine event with the powerful landscape and pure alpine air of the surrounding peaks.

"After 11 years in Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer, it's thrilling to finally launch in the Canadian Rockies," says festival director Cathy Miller. "People can make a weekend out of it, sample the best gourmet food, wine and spirits in the epicurean world, and truly relax in the mountains."

The Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival's $15 early-bird ticket will get people into the Grand Tasting Hall at The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. On Saturday the afternoon tasting goes from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and the three-hour evening event starts at 7 p.m. Beginners, intermediates, and connoisseurs will have the rare opportunity to learn more about their favourites from industry experts, in a casual and social atmosphere.

Purchase sampling coupons to sip unique wines, rare ports, fine scotch, imported beer and other premium spirits. Nibble on gourmet cuisine inspired from around the globe and created by award-winning chefs in Banff and Lake Louise.

"We're seeing a lot of excitement from local restaurants and bars for the festival," says Julie Canning, president and CEO of Banff Lake Louise Tourism. "People in the community are really rallying around the opportunity to showcase their best wine, food and fun, and many are planning to host individual events that weekend."

Participants might walk off the calories with a laid-back spring stroll on a nearby trail in Banff National Park and look for wildlife. Or visitors might unwind with a massage and a soak at a spa, or check out the live music and nightlife. For accommodation packages at an eclectic range of hotels, B & Bs or self-catering chalets,see http://www.banfflakelouise.com

Early-bird tickets go on sale in March at http://www.rockymountainwine.com where there will be updates on the weekend's events and scheduling, as well as festival packages that include accommodations, entry and other perks. Tickets will be available at the door for $25, but availability might be limited.