House Wine’s Michaela Morris Talks Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival
From April 19-25, the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival will take place at the Vancouver Convention Center.
The festival attracts some of the biggest industry names from around the world and is known as the continent’s premier wine event. It features wine tastings and pairings, gourmet dinners and luncheons, educational seminars and culinary competitions.
Michaela Morris and Michelle Bouffard | Photo: House WinePresenting at the festival are super wine enthusiasts Michaela Morris and Michelle Bouffard. Michaela and Michelle are co-owners of House Wine, a wine consulting company based in Vancouver.
This afternoon I chatted with Michaela and asked her a few questions surrounding the festival:
When did you get started in the wine industry?
“I’ve actually been a part of the wine-world for over 10 years now. My interest sparked through working in fine dining and my travels overseas. As my passion grew, my education turned towards wine and so did my career.”
What are your expectations for this year’s Playhouse International Wine Festival?
This year’s festival is sure to be spectacular! This will be a huge event showcasing hundreds of wines from all over the world. It’s a great opportunity for those in the industry and those who just want to soak in the experience.
Can a wine-beginner enjoy this event or is it more geared towards experts and industry insiders?
Whether you’ve been an expert in the industry for 20 years or you’re just a beginner trying to distinguish the different bottles at the liquor store, there is something for you. Lots of people come to learn, taste, network and just enjoy – so really, it’s all up to you!
What advice would you give a beginner attending the event?
I would recommend doing a little homework if possible. The wine room will have countless different wines to sample and it can often be overwhelming, even for those who are knowledgeable. I would advise people to try and come early and take a look through the festival booklet. Here you can focus your tasting to a specific region or perhaps a certain grape variety. It’s not a necessity, but it will probably make your experience that much better!
Which events will you and Michelle be hosting at the Festival?
We will be conducting 2 seminars: The Tiki Tour of New Zealand (which is sold out) and Get the Dirt on New Zealand Terroir.
At our Get the Dirt seminar you will learn about the terroir and we will discuss all that’s going on in eight of New Zealanand’s key wine regions. We will really try and uncover the essence of New Zealand wine, which much like British Columbia is a very new and emerging wine industry.
As well, we will address many of the stereotypes and myths behind the region’s wine which may come as a surprise. And even though the seminar is trade oriented, we will discuss many of our experiences and findings from travelling the region.
House Wine is an industry leader and offers a variety of wine related services, from private and corporate tastings and team building seminars to restaurant wine list consultations and staff training.
For a great night on the town be sure to check out their very popular monthly wine tastings which are updated regularly.
Check back next week for my full recap on all the action from the Playhouse International Wine Festival!
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