Signature events set the gourmet tone at Cornucopia: Whistler’s celebration of wine and food

Whistler, B.C. – With Whistler’s trademark horn of plenty set to overflow this November 7-11, tickets for Cornucopia’s signature events are disappearing as quickly as the wine and food on offer throughout the expanded five day schedule.

The hallmark events -- which include House Party, Top 25 reception, Crush Gala Grand Tasting and many more -- feature wineries, craft brewers and a local award-winning boutique spirits distillery showcasing the regional and international flavour and diversity available throughout the resort.

Thursday night’s House Party is the official launch to a weekend of parties and there’s no better way to kick it off than by showcasing the “best from our backyard”.  House Party’s Best of B.C. theme offers BBQ from Four Seasons’ Resort Whistler’s Sidecut restaurant, home-grown vodka from Pemberton Distillery and local micro-brewed beer accompanied by live music.

“This year, we are delighted to again present festival favourites and sell out events, like House Party, Crush and those famous after parties,” says Jess Smith, Communications Manager with event producer, Watermark Communications. “We’re also featuring an expanded schedule of seminars and winery dinners. These events are the backbone of the festival and enable partygoers to make the most of the weekend’s epicurean delights.”

Crush Early Entry offers a limited number of patrons the occasion to gain early admittance to the Crush tasting room.  With 45 minutes to rub elbows with the experts before the doors open to the crowd, it’s the premium opportunity to have questions answered while leisurely sampling the favourites. Crush Gala Grand Tasting is the flagship event of the weekend providing the opportunity to try new, re-visit an old favourite or just appreciate all the wine world offers.

Saturday morning starts with Chef’s Trip to the Farm – this event follows the progression of food from farm to fork. With limited tickets available, this event sells out early.

Sip and sample throughout Saturday with 18 seminars and events sure to keep the palate busy. Stroll into Saturday evening with the Top 25 Celebratory Reception -- an opportunity to witness (and of course sample) the Top 25 wines of the festival.  Afterwards, it’s Crush Gala Grand Tasting featuring the winning wineries among the exhibitors. Cap off the evening with the always anticipated Bubbles + Oceans, Araxi restaurant + bar’s annual afterparty.  Attendees are sure to be spoiled; this event is well-known for the selection of premium bubbles poured to complement the seafood, canapés and sweet treats prepared by Araxi’s executive chef James Walt, pastry chef Aaron Heath and their talented team. 

Serious foodies can start Sunday, the last day of the festival, with Bubbles & Brunch at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler - three seating times are available but this brunch fills quickly. Wind up the weekend with another full day of seminars before heading home happily sated for another year.  

Faces of Cornucopia

Chef de Cuisine Edison Mays, Sidecut

Ask Edison Mays if he always wanted to be a chef and he’ll admit the profession was not initially in the cards.  Originally, schooling began with studies to become a physician’s assistant, inspired by Eastern medicine philosophies however Mays abandoned his plans for a career in medicine to enroll in culinary school – intent upon finding the cure for common food.  A graduate of Art Institute of California in LA, he has worked as a
[Back to Press Releases Main]